Renewing Our Mission was the theme chosen for this year’s conference attended by the staff and clergy of the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Several speakers, international and local, presented talks from their wide and vast experiences as diplomats in conflict zones, leadership in a diverse society of cultures and faiths, and a married couple living their vocation and supporting the church in their ministry as coaches.
One of the talks was about the community of Sant’Egidio in Italy, started in the 1960s with a handful of participants who gathered to read the Scripture on a recurring basis and asked the question of how they might make it a reality in their lives. Since it has developed into a worldwide lay association with tens of thousands of volunteers committed to social services.
From its humble beginnings the community now helps countless people in search of relieve to sickness, homelessness, refugees, supporting peace work across the world. The organisation exists on the principles of Prayer, Poor, and Peace.
For this Sunday’s Gospel, the parable of the mustard seed is used to talk about the Kingdom of God. It starts off small, insignificant in its effectiveness and usefulness. When it develops fully and reaches it potential, it provides shelter and food for all creatures.
We are reminded as a church and as its members that no matter how small or insignificant our actions or initiatives may be the effects can never be underestimated.
By Fr Hoang Dinh
Published: 7 June 2024
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