46. The Soul
Proclaim Lismore Staff 2021 was held in schools last week with feedback showing widespread engagement by staff in the school-based program. The focus this year was on building the understanding of the Mission of Jesus Christ Foundational Values and Catholic Social Justice, with schools taking the opportunity to build a deeper connection through school-based dialogue and local ownership of the day.
Empower, this week’s theme, focuses us again on these Foundational Values and the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live them out, as we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus.
Throughout the Eastertide readings, we have watched the disciples grow and mature in faith. The scriptures this week mark the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry as he returns to the Father and promises to send the Holy Spirit. The disciples had felt the power of the Spirit that was on him during his earthly life. Now they are assured that, as a result of his messianic enthronement, an empowering “clothing” with the Spirit will come down upon them and accompany them as they take his Word and witness “to the ends of the earth”.
Just before Jesus departs, the disciples voice a strong sense of “unfinished business”: “Lord, has the time come? Are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” Jesus does not give a direct answer. The time of the Kingdom’s full arrival and the completion of the messianic program remains shrouded in the mystery of God. What the disciples must understand is that, empowered by the Spirit, they are to become instruments of its realisation in the new era – that of the Church – that lies ahead. Through their hands and feet and mouth Jesus will continue his messianic work until the end of time.
We too, as disciples, are empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue the messianic work of Jesus. How do I use my hands, feet and mouth to do his work?
Adapted from Fr Brendan Byrne SJ homily notes, Australian Catholics
By Jonathon Doyle
Teacher burnout and exhaustion is a thing. The statistics vary but about 50% of new teachers leave the profession within 5 years. There is definitely a place for common sense practices of self-care. Nutrition, rest, exercise, psychological boundaries all have an important place. If you look at the best of the Catholic monastic tradition you notice that sleep, food and rhythms of life all played a role in the healthiest and most effective monastic communities. However, it does occur to me that many Catholic teachers don’t really believe that God can also impart to them supernatural graces.
St. Basil the Great, one of the greatest intellects and theologians in Church history clearly states that God can and does give us energy and strength and capacity beyond our purely human range. However, there is one condition. You have to ask.
Jonathan Doyle - DailyEncouragement for Catholic Teachers
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Pope Francis has asked the Catholic world to pray a Rosary Marathon during the month of May, the month of Mary, for an end to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Pray the rosary with the St Mary’s Casino live feed.
The Ascension of the Lord, Year B
Mark 16:15-20
NEW RELEASE from Proclaim Lismore Wildfire
- Featured at Proclaim Lismore Staff 2021, Deus invites us to open ourselves to experience the depth of God's unconditional and unending love for us. Also make sure to listen to both versions on Spotify.
- Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life? Only Jesus (Citizen)
- Be empowered this week through this powerful worship song - Great You Are (Jordan Smith)
- In the May gathering of Aspire for young adults, Bishop Greg explores the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Reflection on St Paul’s letter to the Galatians (5:22-23) will be enhanced through meditation with this hymn, Selah III (Hillsong Y&F)
- Holy Spirit you are welcome here (Bryan and Katie Torwalt) is a great reflective song for Pentecost.
Proclaim Lismore Staff 2021
Catholic Mission
Click the image to read about a new initiative.
- The Catholic Church in Australia marks World Communications Day on the Sixth Sunday of Easter each year. In 2021 the theme is "Come and See", taken from the Gospels. The Australian Catholic Media Council, with support from a national committee, has created resources that outline the works and ministries of the Catholic Church using that theme. The resources invite people to Come and See where and how the work of Jesus is carried out today in Australia.
- Australian Catholics Parish Life e-newsletter: 6th Sunday of Easter.
Pentecost (May 23) Resources
- Pentecost- Acts 1 - In this video, The Bible Project explores how Jesus and the Spirit renew the people of Israel and prepares them to announce the Good News to the nations.
- What Pentecost means for the Christian life - The team at Ascension Presents poses the questions: What does Pentecost mean for the Christian life? What does it mean for you and I, personally?
- Pentecost- Catholic Central - A short explanation about Pentecost suitable for older students.
All staff in Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Lismore receive The Soul by email. The link in these emails can be forwarded and shared with family and friends. Alternatively, use this form to subscribe as an additional reader to The Soul mailing list.