IGNITING and reigniting faith, Archbishop of Brisbane John Bathersby lit the first “spark” in the “Knowing Jesus” regional gatherings on February 8.
“I’m so excited about faith that I want to talk about it and hopefully create a spark,” he said to the 250 people gathered in Albany Creek parish.
During his 30-minute discourse, the first of eight from now until March 22, Archbishop Bathersby said “too many people live outside of the Church and see it as boring”.
“The truth couldn’t be more opposite with the excitement and vitality of the Christian message being the most radical thing I’ve ever heard,” he said.
“What I’m trying to help people see is the reality of the new world that Jesus proclaimed and brought into existence by his life, death and resurrection.”
Archbishop Bathersby asked “In knowing Jesus what do we need to do today?”
“We need to be people of prayer,” he answered.
“… To remember that we live in a redeemed world that moves ever so slowly towards the fullness of God’s kingdom and we need to open our eyes and hearts to recognise the new world that surrounds us.
“If we pray great things will happen and through the power of the Holy Spirit our eyes will be opened.”
Local Sue Dutton shared about how “knowing Jesus” had impacted her life.
Mrs Dutton recounted an “exhausting visit” to the Kokoda Track last year, testing both her soul and physical reserves but also allowing deep reflection on family, friends, faith and community.
“In that unforgiving place I felt the unconditional love of God,” Mrs Dutton said.
“Many times I had to ask Christ to ‘be my light’.
“I also recognised the hands and feet of Christ in the Papuan people, who helped just as their forbears had during the war,” she said.
The evening event also included a multimedia presentation about Jesus – prompting small group discussion.
It concluded with a “question and answer” time.
The next two “Knowing Jesus” regional gatherings are in Birkdale parish on February 15 and Surfers Paradise on February 22 starting at 7pm.
The Southern region gathering at Sunnybank Parish has been date moved from March 4 to March 24.
For full details please visit the archdiocesan website calendar in “news and events” at www.bne.catholic.net.au or phone (07) 3336 9174.
