Newsletter - 1 October 2023
PARISH NEWS
A new look at creation
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen 1:1). The first words of the Bible are also among the best known. The Biblical idea of creation rests on the belief God created all things in love. It is a beautiful idea but often we think of creation as simply a past event (how the world began) and not as present reality that has much to teach us about how we are to live here and now.
During the month of September (Season of Creation), we are asked to pray and reflect on God’s work of creation. It is a good time to take a fresh look at the creation story. Pope Francis’ letter Laudato Si’: On care of our common home devotes a full chapter to “the Gospel of Creation” in the Scriptures.
In the coming week, I invite you to take some time to read and reflect on the opening of Genesis – the six days of creation and the seventh day of rest (Gen 1-2:3). Here are some suggestions to help guide you through this spiritual exercise:
Give yourself time (at least 30 minutes) in a quiet place (away from phone and other distractions). Quiet yourself and ask the Spirit to be your guide.
Read the text through from beginning to end and ask for a grace (what you want from God), e.g. to be able to see creation as God sees it, with eyes of love and care.
Slowly reread the text stopping and reflecting on what speaks to you or catches your attention. Here are some places where you might want to stop and listen:
Days 1-5 - Take note sequence of creation and of words and patterns that are repeated.
Day 6 - Hear the special gift and responsibility given to the human creature.
Day 7 - God’s work of creation is completed with a day of rest. Why is that significant?
Speak to God about what you have heard and your own responses - thoughts & feelings.
Conclude by giving thanks to God for his Word and his Spirit that brought all things into being.
Make a brief note about what you received – new insights, questions, challenges, hopes, etc.
This exercise can be repeated, especially if you sense there is still more to receive and learn from this rich Biblical text.
For those who wish, I would be happy to meet with you, over tea or coffee, to share what we discovered in this prayer exercise - next Sunday 8 October, after either the 9 or 11 am Mass.
Ted Wood ccn
Focus of the Week
Alpha
Stay curious, Try Alpha…
For the explorers, open-minded, still thinking and curious. This gathering will take place on Thursday evenings from 7.30pm on 28 September to 7 December 2023.
Everyone is welcome, no pre-registration required…
Bible Study
Have you ever set out to read the Bible cover to cover and didn’t get through Genesis?
This Bible study is designed to help you find your way through Genesis and learn some basic skills which can help with the other 72 books of the Bible. Meetings will be on Zoom. Mondays, 7:30-8:30pm, 25 September to 4 December. Sessions will also be available in person in the parish library at 7:30pm.
Led by Deacon Ted Wood. To register call the parish office and leave your email address.