St Brigid's Catholic Parish Primary School Gwynneville eNewsletter

PRINCIPAL'S REFLECTION

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends,

October is World Mission Month and Pope Francis’ theme this year is "You shall be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8) which refers to the Risen Jesus’ last conversation with his disciples before he ascended into heaven.

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"You shall be my witnesses...."

Pope Francis has chosen to emphasise the plural form of the exhortation which highlights the community aspect of the missionary call and reminds us that no missionary acts alone. Pope Francis includes in his address, the fact that the disciples are sent by Jesus to “not only carry out the mission, but also and above all to live the mission entrusted to them; not only to bear witness, but also and above all to be witnesses of Christ.”

The Acts of the Apostles is attributed to the authorship of St Luke so it is fitting that this week we also give thanks for the life of St Luke as we celebrate his feast day. Luke is a wonderful example of someone who carried out the mission with the greatest commitment and today we still benefit from the choices Luke made in this pursuit. Luke was originally a Greek Gentile from Antioch, a city known at the time for its high culture and learning. He was a well educated physician who enjoyed high social standing and the many material comforts that life can offer, so his decision to follow Jesus included giving up the many privileges of this life and sacrificing the comfortable lifestyle he enjoyed. Today he is the patron saint of physicians and surgeons.

We appreciate some features unique to Luke’s Gospel including a loving focus on Mary, the mother of Jesus; the Annunciation to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus and the beautiful prayer of the Magnificat; the Presentation of Jesus to the Temple and then losing Jesus from the convoy leaving Jerusalem. Of particular note at this time of World Mission Month is Luke’s devotion to the poor and a tenderness for those who suffer. Luke took seriously the mission to go out in pairs and announce the Kingdom of God. This is evidenced by all the places he visited with St Paul and by remaining a faithful companion of Paul, the Apostle, in spreading out to accomplish the work Jesus had given them. He was a dedicated disciple of Jesus and models for us what it means to respond to the call to discipleship and minister to others, assuring them that God was present in their lives.

We are each called in our way to announce the Kingdom of God and exercise love towards others and especially, at this time in our year, to those who are vulnerable, poor and marginalised. Every act of reaching out to another, every act of kindness, every contribution to the common good and the flourishing of others is an expression of being a disciple like Luke.

During this World Mission Month, how will you choose to follow the example of St Luke and extend your love to others in our world and carry out the mission entrusted to you?