Every week, as we congregate in our various churches, we unite to celebrate our faith and our shared belief in Jesus.
It is during these gatherings that we are often reminded of the parable recounted in the Gospel of Matthew (22:1-14). This parable prompts us to reflect on the grand banquet prepared by a king for his son’s wedding.
In this story, we witness an inclusive invitation extended to people from all walks of life, regardless of their moral standing or socioeconomic status. It underscores the importance of unity and the collective joy that comes from people coming together to partake in the feast.
The G’day Weekend, which we commemorate every third weekend of the month as a parish initiative, beautifully echoes this spirit of unity and celebration.
It serves as a moment when we, as a community, assemble in a more relaxed and joyous manner, bound by our shared faith.
During these occasions, we gather to express our gratitude for the abundant blessings bestowed upon us by God. These blessings extend beyond the Eucharist and church services; they encompass the deep relationships we cultivate within our community.
Just as the parable’s king threw open the doors of his banquet to all, we, as a parish, extend our warm embrace to the larger community. We are called to be messengers of the good news, not confined to the church’s walls but reaching out to the world.
Our mission transcends our parish boundaries as we strive to aid those in need, regardless of whether they belong to our congregation.
The love and compassion we share during G’day Weekends should serve as a guiding light for our actions throughout the year, exemplifying our dedication to spreading God’s love and grace to all individuals.
With every G’day Weekend and each gathering we hold, let us bear in mind the significance of coming together as one community, sharing in the joy of our faith and extending our invitation to all.
Our collective efforts enable us to embody God’s love as a living parable, reaching out to those who require support and welcoming them with open hearts.
As we depart from these gatherings, let us carry the inspiration to sustain our commitment to unity, celebration and outreach, ensuring that our parish remains a source of hope and light for the entire community.
Fr Novelito Lim,
St Mary’s Parish, Echuca