Sixteenth Sunday of the Year

The only thing worth globalising is dissent. - Arundhati Roy

‘During these times of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act’ - George Orwell.

Fifteenth Sunday of the Year

Pope Francis says that he wants a poor Church for the poor. This wish is based on today’s gospel. The disciples are called to make their home amongst strangers. Last week, Jesus came home and was made to feel a stranger and was expelled from the synagogue. Amos, too, was expelled from the sanctuary after he made a powerful call for social justice where those who tried to please God by ‘worship’ whilst their lives were based on dishonesty, corruption, and oppression of the poor.  It was a harsh truth to an educated and sophisticated regime disinclined to take any notice of him or his message. It was a place of prosperity and wealth but rife with social inequity, injustice and immorality and where religion was closely linked to state power. As with Jesus, Amos was not silenced by the rejection and nor should we.

The theme for NAIDOC Week 2024 is "Keep The Fire Burning". The fire represents the enduring strength and wisdom of the First Nations people of Australia and Torres Strait Island. Through our collective efforts, we can forge a future where the stories, traditions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are cherished and celebrated, enriching the fabric of the nation with the oldest living culture in the world.