18 August 2022 · 2022-08 newsletter
On 9 July 2022 was the Mid-year Reflection day for the Pilgrim Mother Coordinators and members at Mt. Schoenstatt in Mulgoa. The theme for the day was let your light shine…!
The program included a talk by Fr Pawel Barszczewski OP, opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, silent adoration, Holy Mass, rosary prayer, Benediction and fellowship.
Fr Pawel’s talk focused on the gospel of Matthew 5 – 14:16
You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Jesus addresses these words to each one of us.
Father Pawel started the talk from the first letter of St John that says: “The world began when God said let there be light. If we walk in the light we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin (1 Jn 1-5:7)”.
According to Pope Francis, faith received from God as a supernatural gift, becomes a light for our way, guiding our journey through time. Once the flame of faith dies out, all other lights begin to dim. Because faith is born of an encounter which takes place in history and lights up our journey through time, it must be passed on in every age. It is through an unbroken chain of witnesses that we come to see the face of Jesus. In order to be effective messengers of God’s light, listening to God’s word and the Holy Spirit when we pray will enable us to be the light of Christ to others.
The afternoon session led by Sister Luisa Maria reinforced the day’s theme – let your light shine. To be effective witnesses we have to be a sign and witness to the presence of God through our actions and deeds.
After his Ascension Christ entrusted us with this light. Love must surround all our actions. This is not possible if we live in darkness, doubt, bitterness and hatred.
Loving God with your whole self is the best way to love yourself. Why? Because we were made for love and communion with God. Forgiveness is the highest form of love…forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us…
Love is contagious, and must consume all we are and everything we do. Our obedience and perseverance will be tested as we move closer to God.
At the conclusion of Sr. Luisa Maria’s talk we were reminded to be God’s light to the world, by listening to God and the Holy Spirit when we pray. There is nothing more loving to do for others than to act as a bridge between God and them. Committing our self to a wholehearted love of God and his Blessed Mother can allow his love to overflow and be poured out to those we encounter.
We prayed the luminous mysteries in front of lit candles arranged in the form of a rosary. The closing prayer and Benediction followed. Everyone went home very grateful for the blessings of the day.
One of those who came for the first time commented: “Thank you for the awesome Mid-year Reflection Day! I didn’t know what to expect. It was very well organised and Father Pawel’s talk was great…!
Thank you to all who made this PMA Reflection Day possible. It was wonderful to be able to come together after two years of COVID restrictions.
Crystal D’ Souza
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