GOSPEL: John 14:23-29

Jesus replied: Anyone who loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make a home in him. Anyone who does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not my own: it is the word of the Father who sent me. I have said these things to you while still with you; but the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you. Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace which the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me say: I am going away and shall return. If you loved me you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you this now, before it happens, so that when it does happen you may believe.

REFLECTION
In this week's Gospel, Jesus says to his disciple, Jude: “Whoever loves me will keep my word and my Father will love him and we will come and make our dwelling with him/her.” Then Jesus begins preparing his disciples for his departure. He tells them that his Father will send them the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. The Advocate will teach them everything!

Then we hear the familiar and loving words of Jesus: “My peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” I invite you to silently absorb his words for 2-3 minutes. Then slowly and mindfully repeat Jesus’ words 4 or 5 times. Then just be still for 2 or 3 minutes.

Did you sense or experience the peace and presence of Jesus? When we are upset, troubled or fearful Jesus may feel very far away. At these times, if we consciously breathe in his peace and his presence, we may begin to experience his presence with us. However, we need to stop and breathe in the love, the peace and the presence of Jesus for a few minutes. Jesus is always with us! However, we are not always consciously in his presence. We may need to once again deliberately place ourselves in Jesus’ presence. He will not fail us! (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)

RECONCILIATION WEEK

This week we are celebrating National Reconciliation Week (NRW). This is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Mt Carmel is celebrating National Reconciliation Week through a variety of activities this week. Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Let us keep all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our hearts and minds this week.

MINI VINNIES SOCIAL JUSTICE DAY

Yesterday our Stage 3 students participated in a Mini Vinnies Social Justice Day hosted by Wes and his team from St Vincent de Paul. The students participated in four workshops including; Youth Activities, Poverty, Homelessness and Yass Conference and Services. A wonderful day was had by all engaging in activities and developing a greater understanding of how we can help those who are less fortunate in our own community.

God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
Religious Education Coordinator