Jesus declares this weekend Gospel that the kingdom of God is very close to you. He builds on a text that those who listened would be familiar with, "For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it." Deuteronomy 30.11-14.
This may be very poignant as we start the second assembly of the Plenary Council. At the heart of the council is hearing what God is saying to our own generation building on the foundations which have already been established. When we seek to understand God there is an insight that the streams of living water well up inside us and become understandable in a language that speaks of beauty both ancient and new. God seeks our hearts first so that we can live the Good News in our own age. That we are called to be people who not only proclaim that truth but a witness it with our lives.
As Paul says to the Galatians, "Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, who form the Israel of God. Galatians 6.16" We are people who embody that life within our own. We are to be people who the mystery of life flows through as we hear in Isaiah "Now towards her (Jerusalem) I send flowing peace like a river, and like a stream in spate the glory of the nations." Isaiah 66.12. In the midst of discussions, discernment, and decisions we seek to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to choices that best embody this reality within the life of the Church.
Over the next week, I would encourage you to keep the Plenary Council in your prayers so that there may be wise hearts and thoughtful consideration to seek what God desires for our Christian community in Australia.
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