CATHOLICTV

   

An unofficial celebration of all the great things that happen everyday in New Zealand parishes.   We hope you enjoy this week's motivational rap (left hand side) and last week's video about closing gaps (right hand side).  Below is this month's stand-out inspirational article, enjoying the journey from www.maristmessenger.co.nz:

It only takes a spark to light a fire. Every Sunday Walt Disney took his two little daughters to the nearby park to let them play on the merry-go-round. As he put them on the worn out merry-go-round he noticed the rusty animal shapes, the paint peeling off the roof, the uneven movement. He found himself thinking, "I can do better than this". From this moment sprung the dream of a fantastic adventure park for children and families to enjoy. The world famous Disneyland was born from this moment. Walt Disney had found his gift or 'charism' to contribute to our world.  In the Church many of us yearn to find our place, our role, our contribution. We wish to feel valued and make our valuable contribution. We wait for a 'spark'. A dramatic moment. Locating our Call. Charism. Gift.

As we journey liturgically in Ordinary Time, it may be possible to find a 'spark' in the ordinary. The Spirit moves not only in prayer but in the 'desires' of our ordinary daily life. Sometimes this is experienced as a daily 'friction' or 'un-ease'. Have you ever experienced a genuine desire for the Church to be better than it is? What are some of the things you really don't like, what upsets you in your local parish, community? What quality of Jesus in the Gospel stories deeply attracts you?  Let's not be afraid of these charism locating questions. And let's not stifle the Spirit and much needed renewal in the Church by not personally owning and living our answer. Here lies a basic dividing line. Some people talk about problems current in the Church. Some people choose to live a response to problems in the Church. Moaning or Moving. It is up to each of us. 

Knowing what gets us passionate, stirs us up, where our energy is, is the doorway to a life-giving discipleship journey. Many new movements in the Church, 'fruits of the Holy Spirit' Pope John Paul II called them, are Church renewing responses to the 'gaps' in the Church's life, witness and ministry. Building bridges between those who feel at home in the Church and those who do not.  As a Young Marist, I consider it one of the greatest joys in my life to have found the Marist Charism. I'll be ever grateful for those who helped me uncover the 'spark' that lit the fire. May you enjoy the journey also

Fr Frank Bird sm