Our Lady of Mercy

This week, as we journey through the sprawling and often unsettling landscape of the Book of Job, we’ve found ourselves grappling with profound questions: why do the righteous suffer? What does it mean to trust God when everything falls apart? Job's story is a raw, unflinching look at human pain and divine mystery, a truly unique corner of the Old Testament. And then, as the dialogue with his friends grinds to a halt, something extraordinary happens. God Himself breaks the silence, not with a gentle whisper, but from a roaring whirlwind.

This Sunday’s parish newsletter is a vibrant and spirit-filled celebration of Pentecost, often called the “birthday of the Church.” There are reflections on the powerful descent of the Holy Spirit and how that same Spirit continues to renew and empower us today. With rich reflections from Fr John Muir and Colleen Jurkiewicz Dorman, it explores how the Spirit breathes life into our mission, unites us in diversity, and calls us to action in our daily lives. You’ll also find parish updates, including a warm welcome to Fr Tim Greenway, details of the Pentecost Party, Confirmation celebrations with Bishop Stephen, and congratulations to those recently baptised and confirmed. Whether you're seeking spiritual insight, parish news, or simply a moment of inspiration, this edition is not to be missed—download it now and let the fire of Pentecost rekindle your heart.

This week, we continue with the Book of Job, picking up the story just as his "friends" – Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar – are running out of platitudes and Job's patience has worn threadbare. We'll witness the deepening of Job's despair, the harshness of his friends' pronouncements, and the introduction of a new, younger voice. This portion of the book is often uncomfortable, filled with raw emotion and theological wrestling. It challenges our neat ideas about suffering and divine justice, forcing us to confront the difficult questions that life inevitably throws our way.

Life throws some curveballs, doesn’t it? Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, something comes along and knocks you off your feet. We see this play out time and again in the Bible, and this week’s readings certainly don’t shy away from life’s harsher realities. While the Maccabean books remind us of a fierce struggle for religious freedom, it’s the book of Job that truly grabs hold and doesn’t let go. It’s a story that has haunted and helped countless souls down through the centuries, making us ponder the very nature of suffering and faith.