The Edmund Rice Centre, in partnership with the Iraqi Australian University Graduates Forum, is organising the Iraq Now Panel Discussion to reflect on the current human rights situation in Iraq. The discussion will focus on Iraq’s current security situation, human rights challenges, minority issues, political instability, refugee rights and returnee difficulties.

Second Sunday of the Year

Thomas Merton said, "If you want to identify me, ask me not where I live, or what I like to eat, or how I comb my hair, but ask me what I am living for." This intimate question can be terrifying. It forces each of us to articulate our deepest values. Today we are invited by the gospel to join with Merton and ask ourselves what and for whom we live? What do we long for?

The Feast of the Baptism of Jesus – God’s manifestation in Jesus and ourselves

A South African TV advertisement, some years ago, began with a quiet voice saying: ‘If you want to catch someone’s attention, whisper!’ Jesus’ baptism was a rather quiet affair – not something dramatic. According to Matthew, only Jesus saw the dove and heard the voice, and immediately was led into seclusion and isolation in the wilderness. The other readings also point to the power of quiet proclamation in word and action. Those of us who follow Jesus and seek to influence others in the area of justice and love might remember this where we proclaim the Good News by lives of gently lived justice as well as challenging words.