In Luke’s portrayal of the Passion Jesus remains a simple, humble, peaceful man despite all that happens. The hallmarks of innocence, righteousness, suffering servant are his and even in his suffering he refuses temptation, is the cause of conversion and reconciliation, the giver of mercy and ultimately, of life itself. Jesus acts with dignity and complete faith in God.
As we follow the story, the crowd, the good thief and the centurion are won over (converted) by what they ‘see’ happening before their eyes.
This issue of Carmel Contact is filled with uplifting and heart-warming stories of people who bring the hope of a new life to those in need. The children in Zumalai very much appreciated the messages of greetings and support our donors sent last Christmas. There is news about the Youth Engagement Program in Zumalai, our new Carmelite novices and candidates, Fr Laurie Timms' memories of his Novitiate in 1966, our Donors' Mass and High Tea and an invitation to share in our Easter Vigil Mass, and much more.
Fr Fausto Tilman De Araújo, one of the formators in our community in Hera, Timor-Leste, has been experimenting. A keen gardener, Fausto has been trying to grow the highly sought after dragon fruit. If successful, Fausto hopes not only to supply the large Carmelite community at Hera (36 Carmelites) but to grow enough for sale to local supermarkets where it fetches a good price. Good luck, Fausto!
We know the story of the woman caught in the act of adultery so well that we usually miss the fact that it is not only the woman who experiences God’s forgiveness through Jesus in this story.
The scribes and Pharisees, out to trap Jesus, parade a hapless woman before the crowd gathered to hear Jesus teaching. We can only imagine her embarrassment as they publically accuse her of adultery. Noting that the law of Moses says that they should stone the woman to death, they ask what Jesus thinks.
Mass prayers and readings for Carmelite celebrations are now included in the latest update of the Universalis app for your smart phone and tablet.
The addition of these texts means that nearly all the texts for Carmelite liturgical celebrations are now available on smart phone or tablet. The addition of these mass texts has been part of an ongoing collaboration between Carmelite Communications and Universalis to make the Carmelite calendar, breviary and mass texts (in English) available on mobile devices.
Renowned Carmelite climate scientist, Fr Eduardo Scarel, looks at the state of the earth's climate over the last 4 years - the 4 warmest ever recorded. He explains the causes of global warming and the results on temperatures, extreme weather events, ice shrinkage and the rise of CO2 emissions.
As new life emerges in this month of Easter, we are reminded that each of us are co-creators with God. How we go about this task is critically important for our neighbours across the street and around the world. At a time when we are witnessing the demise of more and more species, EARTH DAY on Monday 22 April helps us ensure the ability of all creation remains a vibrant chorus of praise to the Creator.
Our reflection this month by Peter Clarke helps us to encompass, celebrate and embrace the hope of this significant time in our faith journey. pdf JPIC No 85 April 2019
Renowned Carmelite climate scientist, Fr Eduardo Scarel, looks at the state of the earth's climate over the last 4 years - the 4 warmest ever recorded. He explains the causes of global warming and the effect on temperatures, extreme weather events, ice shrinkage and the rise of CO2 emissions.
"The next few years are crucial", he says. "We are the last generation that could and should act to avoid crossing crucial turning points and avoid irreversible damage to our common home, the earth, the abode of humanity and the rest of God's creatures."
The Redemptorists, Carmelites, Society of the Divine Word and members of the English Language Studies for Pastoral Ministry are getting together for regular soccer training. Carmelites José Natalino Freitas, Matthew Tonini, Anacelto Guterres Da Costa, Avelino Dos Santos, Agostinho Dos Santos and Marcolino Gomes were at the first training session. See the photos here.
This Sunday’s Gospel is a parable of lavish and unexpected forgiveness and reconciliation. It is one of three parables in which God’s mercy breaks through all human and religious restrictions about how God should act toward sinners.
A wealthy father has two sons. Very cheekily, the younger son asks for his share of the estate which would come to him on his father’s death. This is a young man who has places to go and things to see!
