GOSPEL:  Matthew 14:22-33
And at once he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he sent the crowds away. After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, while the boat, by now some furlongs from land, was hard pressed by rough waves, for there was a head-wind. In the fourth watch of the night he came towards them, walking on the sea, and when the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. 'It is a ghost,' they said, and cried out in fear. But at once Jesus called out to them, saying, 'Courage! It's me! Don't be afraid.' It was Peter who answered. 'Lord,' he said, 'if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.' Jesus said, 'Come.' Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but then noticing the wind, he took fright and began to sink. 'Lord,' he cried, 'save me!' Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. 'You have so little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?' And as they got into the boat the wind dropped. The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, 'Truly, you are the Son of God.'


REFLECTION
This week’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew is the story of the apostles being tossed about by a violent storm at sea. The wind was so fierce that the apostles were terrified that their boat would sink and they might even die! When Jesus walked on the water toward them, it seems that they would have been reassured. Instead they became even more afraid.

Even when Jesus spoke to them and reassured them that it truly was him, they still did not believe! Peter replies, “If it really is you, Jesus, let me come to you.” Peter needed proof that this “apparition” truly was Jesus. Jesus heeded Peter’s request by simply replying, “Come.” 

We all have some doubts inside us like Peter did. We often ask for “proof” of Jesus’ presence, Jesus’ call. In turbulent or painful times is Jesus also asking us to trust? Are we willing to take the risk, step out and make that “trust walk,” believing that Jesus will enable us to get through our difficult times? Let us pray for the grace to trust that Jesus is always with us — especially when we need him the most! (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)

 

THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION
FEAST DAY – 15 AUGUST
This week we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption.

The Assumption of Mary, or simply The Assumption, is the taking up of the body of Virgin Mary to heaven. It signifies the end of her human life on earth. The dormition of Mother of God is the other name of Assumption of Mary. This event is one of the most important events in Christian community. The Assumption of Mary is one of the most relevant among all Marian Feasts. This day is considered as heavenly birthday of the Virgin Mary.

Feast of the Assumption in Australia

The Assumption is a holy day of obligation. In Australia, Christian people are obliged to go to the church to attend the services in line with the Feast of the Assumption. The churches in Australia, especially the images of the Blessed Virgin Mary, are decorated with flowers and are lighted with candles. In most cases, processions and parades are also organized by the ministry of church.

The readings, sermons and teachings in the Christian churches talks about lifting of the human body from the Blessed Virgin Mary to the heaven during the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. In Christian or Catholic schools, the students are taught of the story of the Assumption of Mary. There are also school activities that encourage the students to learn more about the story of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Orthodox community also celebrates the Assumption. They have a fourteen-day of fasting in preparation to the celebration of taking up of human body of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mt Carmel will be celebrating this special feast day with a video prayer service which has been prepared by 5/6ML. A link for the prayer service will be sent out to all families on Friday.  

PRAYER

Father in heaven,

All creation rightly gives you praise,

for all life and all holiness come from you.

In the plan of your wisdom

she who bore the Christ in her womb

was raised body and soul in glory to be with him in heaven.

May we follow her example in reflecting your holiness

and join in her hymn of endless love and praise.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

(Catholic.org)

  

God Bless,

Warren Ziebowski

Religious Education Coordinator