The Bethany Way: Let Christ Form You Anew
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
In the Gospel, we hear the story of Jesus visiting the home of Martha and Mary (Lk 10:38–42). While Martha is busy with many things, Mary sits at the feet of Jesus, listening to his words. When Martha complains, Jesus reminds her that amid all her worries and activities, there is one thing necessary: to make time for him.
How often do we find ourselves in Martha’s situation? Our lives are so full of responsibilities, activities and concerns that we struggle to find time to sit and listen to Jesus and allow him to shape our lives. Every day, He invites us to grow in our friendship with him and discover more deeply the person He calls us to be.
The Bethany Way, the Archdiocese of Melbourne’s flagship formation initiative, is inviting you to rediscover this essential dimension of our Christian life. It is a journey of formation that helps you deepen your relationship with Jesus, grow in your understanding of the faith and discover how you are called to participate in the Church’s mission.
The journey rests on three pillars: sitting at the feet of Jesus the Teacher through prayer, Eucharistic adoration and learning; growing in communion with others through shared faith and fellowship; and discovering how we are called to contribute to the mission of the Church.
As a parish, we aspire to grow as a vibrant, faith-filled, joyful and welcoming community of missionary disciples. This begins with each of us allowing Jesus to renew our hearts and form us more fully in his likeness. The more deeply we know him, the more generously we can share his love with others.
An introductory retreat, “At the Feet of Jesus: On Retreat with Mary, Martha and Lazarus,” will take place on Saturday, 31 October, 12 noon to 4.00 pm, at the Catholic Leadership Centre, East Melbourne. Please see the blurb in this bulletin.
I warmly encourage you to consider this opportunity to make room for Jesus in your life and allow him to lead you towards a deeper faith, a stronger communion with others, and a renewed commitment to his mission. Interested? Come, and speak to me.
May we never be too busy to sit at the feet of Jesus!
Fr Silvio