Redfern Reflection

A reflection given at Redfern Church - 23rd July
The following is taken from JUSTICE TRENDS - June 2006:

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) is holding its National Assembly, "Dreaming from the Heart", in Alice Springs from October 2-7 this year.

"The event will bring together Aboriginal groups from all corners of Australia to relive, recap and revive the spirit of the late Pope John Paul II and his hope for an accepting universal Church" said Craig Arthur, NATSICC's national administrator.

Following the successful Message Stick relay that (is) touch(ing) every state and territory, the Assembly will focus on new visions and future directions while acknowledging past achievements of Aboriginal people in the Catholic Church in Australia.

Musical performances, singing, dancing and speeches from Aboriginal and Church leaders will then take place on the main stage. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite or meet for the first time people celebrating together in the glow of one of the greatest leaders the church has seen in contemporary times.

MESSAGE STICK CELEBRATION MASS AT ST VINCENT’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, REDFERN - 30^th JULY

Fr Frank Brennan was the main celebrant at St Vincent’s on Sunday, 30th July.

The Message Stick which arrived at St Vincent’s Catholic Church, Redfern on Sunday was one of a number that are on their way to Alice Springs for the National Assembly in October of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC). Many members of the Redfern community attended the Mass along with PROMINENT MEMBERS of the ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY. The celebration was in memory of Pope John Paul II’s visit to Alice Springs in 1986, where the POPE made a landmark speech to the Aboriginal people of Australia

Welcome to our liturgy this morning. Let’s acknowledge the traditional peoples of the land on which we stand, pay our respects to them and thank them for their care of this land.

These past weeks we have been struggling with the enormous suffering in our world, particularly in the Middle East. We feel helpless in face of it. Our first reading is from Jeremiah when he berates the leaders for not taking care of the people and for leaving them scattered and frightened; it is still happening today! Leaders at all levels perform often out of self-interest rather than base their activities and priorities on the needs of their people. We have people in positions of power rather than genuine leaders. Jeremiah offers hope to the people promising a future leader who would be wise and do what is just and upright in the country.

The words from Ephesians are poignant at this time, making Christ the focus for bringing peoples together; and they certainly came together in yesterday’s gathering in the city. Literally thousands of people from many backgrounds were calling for the same thing – peace and justice. They were anguished by the senseless killings and destruction taking place in Lebanon. This was a crowd on whom Jesus would have had enormous compassion. Security was evident – police in big numbers with both horses and dogs; helicopters flew overhead, but no sign of violence. One can only believe that the Spirit of God was acting in this gathering.

In the gospel too we find the people scattered and leaderless, and Jesus comes into their lives bringing the food of God’s Word for nourishment, and later bread.

1) The invitation to play our part in society and church, to wash the feet of others and allow others to wash our feet.

2) The invitation to work towards breaking down barriers; am I willing to cross to the other side as Jesus did?; To get out of the boat to meet the crowds?
Ephesians says that we all have the same access to God regardless of who we are or where we are from – there is now a new creation.

3) The invitation to come away to some lonely place and rest for a while; not rest from activity and busyness but rest that allows one to reflect with others on one’s involvement, a kind of accountability and appraisal; by going apart a new perspective can be gained and new learnings can happen; also the rest that allows one to touch into that deep place within where God is. Come to me all who are burdened and I will give you rest - learn from me.