Dear all.
Christos Anesti.
Gospel Reading
Yesterday’s gospel reading of the paralytic awaiting healing at Bethesda (John 5:1 – 15), as with other healing miracles, always gives me pause to reflect as to what is truly important in this life. In the waters of the pool of Bethesda we have the antitype of baptism. Here, the first infirm , who went down into the waters, sanctified by an angel of the Lord, is cured – whereas every person that participates in the mystery of the baptism of the Lord is cured and made new.
But, cured from what and made new for what? Surely, this is more than a physical cure from infirmity. Even though, this physical cure is miraculous in itself the former paralytic would have experienced physical decay and finally, death. There is nothing surprising in this is as all that is born must die. So the cure and the making of a new person, if it were only physical, could only be for a term of years.
There must something deeper going on here. The answer to that conundrum is given by Christ: “see, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you.” So when Christ asks the question: “do you want to be healed?” What he is revealing is a cure that goes beyond this life. Yet, the paralytic, could only think about what was important to him in this life.
Here, in a nutshell, is the human dilemma: as part of the church militant we humans have no possible comprehension of what it is like in the next world. So, we pick the immediate and transient benefit to our bodies rather than the long-term benefit to our souls. However, by so doing we overlook the one thing needful for our salvation.
This is where faith comes in. Do we pick the bird in the hand or do we have faith that in due course we will receive the two in the bush. I suspect that most of us would pick the here and now rather than hope in the future. This is the human dilemma. This is the human condition. May the Lord guide and guard our actions aright!
Programme for week
The programme for this week is as follows: Wednesday (mid Pentecost) matins and divine liturgy from 7:30 AM; catechism and renewal class 6 PM to 7 PM; adult bible class 7 PM to 8 PM… Saturday fifth of May great martyr Irene: matins in Greek from 7:45 AM; Divine liturgy in English 9 AM to 10:15 AM.
Sunday school on Saturday afternoon
On Saturday, 19 May from 3 PM to 5 PM I will be commencing Sunday School classes for All children. If your child (or grandchild) is old enough to understand then they are old enough to begin being taught in the faith. I will teach the children in age appropriate language – and make it fun for them to learn. All are welcome. Parents please bring a plate to share. I expect to see all our children there – so parents please mark your diaries now and leave that date free. The first topic will be about the how and why of our faith. This will be initially a monthly activity and increasing it to fortnightly as demand requires. (PS. It won’t be me just talking – the programme will be instruction for half an hour or so (depending upon the interest of the children); food (and there is always interest in food) and games so they can get to know one another – see you all then.
Coming events
The ladies of Perth holding their annual biggest morning tea for Cancer. This is will be held on Thursday, 24 May. I will give more details as they come to hand. In the meantime if any person wishes to assist in the running of the function then please let me know and I will pass on the details of the appropriate contact person.
The church of St Constantine and Helene is holding their luncheon for their feast day on Sunday, 24 May. Please see the attached flyer for details. I would urge you to support our churches so please buy your tickets as early as you can.
On Sunday 24thof June there is the annual pink hat luncheon for Cancer. Please click the thumbnail below for details..
Thought of the week
Life is no more than a reflection of our choices. Unless we change our choices we should not express surprise at the outcome. If we boil dry beans only then why would we be surprised if we only have boiled beans for lunch?
Till next week.
In Christ.
Father John Athanasiou 0411061554
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