Parish News
Does Jesus ask too much of us?
Let's face it. Life in First Century Palestine was not easy. It was an outpost of the Roman Empire. It was governed by a Prefect who had the awesome power of choosing the High Priest for the year. He had a garrison stationed within the Temple precinct to control Jerusalem. Four rural provinces were ruled by local kings/chiefs, not always of the Jewish race, who swore allegiance to the Emperor.
The Jewish elite in Jerusalem was dominated by the Pharisees, who were religious pedants and their allies the Scribes, who interpreted the Law for the common folk. The Sadducees were conservatives accepting no tradition beyond the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures. They curried favour with the Romans in order to make sure their man became the High Priest each year. They had many rich landowners in their ranks. Two other groups (l use the term loosely) were the Essenes, who isolated themselves from the elites in Jerusalem and led ascetic lives in the desert waiting for the Messiah. And the Zealots, in today's parlance religious freedom fighters, who were prepared to use violence to prevent the People of God being subject to a foreign power.
Then there was the occupying force, Rome, whose religion was polytheistic. Even their Emperor was a god. The Romans despised the Jews with their belief in a One True God who was no match for Mars, the Roman god of war. Decades of simmering discontent led to the Jewish Revolt in 66AD and the subsequent destruction of the Temple in 70AD.
This was the volatile mix of Politics and Religion in which the early Christians had to survive and at the same time try to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. For about 250 years the Church was a proscribed organisation. Christians were forced to meet in secret for worship, instruction and the sacraments. They were very dependent on the sacred writings which became the New Testament, to learn about Jesus and his teachings.
Try to imagine a group of Christians in the catacombs listening to today's Gospel (Luke 7: 27- 38) being read by a deacon. He would instruct his congregation in the same way a Rabbi reads the Hebrew Scriptures in the synagogue. He would read a sentence, pause, then give a commentary. Then at the end he would take questions. Here's an example: Text: Jesus said to his disciples; “I say this to you who are listening.” Deacon: Brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus is talking to you. He is the Word of God. You are listening to him through the power of the spirit. Etc...
Text: Love your enemies. Deacon: Sad to say, we Christians have many enemies. Jesus had many enemies. From the moment he was born he had an enemy - King Herod of Judea, who wanted to kill him. Herod saw in this baby a potential rival to his position. He was paranoid. He knew he held power only at the pleasure of the Romans. He saw threats everywhere. He was more to be pitied than despised. Etc...
If we continue reading through this extract we see how generous Jesus wants us to be towards everyone. No exceptions.
And what's in it for us? Jesus says there will be gifts for us like when precious seed is poured into a peasant's basket, a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over into his lap. God will not be outdone in generosity. Joe Quigley
NOTICE OF PASSING OF FR HENRY BYRNE
It is with great sadness we inform you that Fr Henry Byrne passed away yesterday, Tuesday 15th February 2022. Many of you would remember Fr Byrne fondly, as he was Parish Priest here for 20 years and was instrumental in building up the parish.
For your information here are some details of Fr Byrne’s ministry of 69 years in the Archdiocese.
Born 7 April, , Bega
Educated: St Patrick’s School Bega and later, St Patrick’s College Goulburn
Seminary: St Columba’s College Springwood 1945 – 1947, St Patrick’s College Manly 1948 – 1953
Ordained: Deacon in 1953 at St Patrick’s College Manly; Priest 23 July 1954 in Bega by Bishop Young
Assistant Priest: Yass, Weethalie, Candelo, Grenfell, Bombala, Braidwood, North Goulburn, Cooma, Queanbeyan and Tumut
Parish Priest: Jindabyne (1973); North Goulburn (1978); and Batemans Bay for 20 years (1983 – 2003). Retired 2003
Fr Byrne served as a Dean and the Archdiocesan Archivist and undertook short periods of study in Ireland, Jerusalem and Chicago. In 2004 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal.
O Lord, we pray for the salvation of the soul of Henry, your servant and Priest, who devoted himself to your ministry, may he rejoice in the company of the Saints. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
THE FUNERAL NOTICE WILL BE SENT OUT ONCE WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN DETAILS
