“Keep the mystery of Easter alive in us always.” So the Church prayed on the Fourth Saturday of Easter in the Office of Readings.

Then we are asked to listen to the Acts of the Apostles for Sunday:

“On their arrival they assembled the church and gave an account of all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the pagans.”

As recommended by the recent Royal Commission, the Bishops of Australia have set up a small committee to review the current governance structure of the Australian Church; unprecedented but desperately needed. Timely, in view of the next phase of the process leading into the forthcoming Plenary Council.

On May 9 this year, Pope Francis visited his Cathedral, St John Lateran, and took part in the Rome Diocesan Assembly. He sat, listened to the reports of several people engaged in the pastoral work of the diocese, took notes, then, as their Bishop, responded. It seems that he spoke freely, without notes, but emphasised his vision for a renewed, missionary Church.

Sometimes on Saturday the ducks are all in the right place!

We have the experience of the early Church.

We have the example of the current leader.

We have the call from the people and the Royal Commission.

We have the cries from the pews.

We see the need for a renewed Church to bring life to a broken and confused world.

We need not be afraid to cast out into the deep. Jesus trusts that his now eleven disciples are, even in their confused and ignorant state, not comprehending his teaching, and he, nonetheless, still reminds them:

“you also must love one another.”

The call is still valid.

If we are to renew our world with the mystery of Easter, then change we must, but always based upon the words:

“By this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples.”

 

Mons Frank