Sunday reflections

A disciple says, “Lord, teach us to pray.” In reply, Jesus offers a four-point lesson in prayer.

In the human religious imagination, a tree is often understood to be a symbol of the connection between heaven and earth: branches, spread out and covering all beneath them, are joined by a trunk to roots plunged deep into the ground. The foliage above gives shade and protection from the harsh heat of the day, and fruit for our nourishment. Besides water (which like fruit ‘falls’ from above) human survival depends on shelter and food, both of which the tree provides.

There’s much discussion at the diocesan and national levels about mission renewal in keeping with what Pope Francis has said, “The joy of the church is to evangelise”. In one way or another we’re all involved in this mission, and as the pope has reminded us, ‘mission has a centre and it has a face.’

One of the more enduring genres of film in recent decades has been the road movie. The plot typically involves two or more companions who embark on a long and arduous road trip, either on foot or by planes, trains and automobiles.

Today’s readings introduce us to the mysterious High Priest, Melchizedek, who has an encounter with Abraham, the better-known Israelite figure. Abraham, as we know, became the founding father of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

When studying subjects dedicated to The Most Holy Trinity during my seminary formation, I was introduced to the concept of perichoresis. This Greek word suggests: a cyclical movement or an interweaving of figures. Perhaps the simplest and most beautiful way of translating this Greek word is: ‘dancing around’.

Today’s feast of Pentecost brings the liturgical season of Easter to a close. With the Risen Christ’s gift of the Holy Spirit to his disciples, the plan of salvation is brought to its conclusion.

This is the age of celebrity. To have a selfie taken with a famous person seems to be the ambition of half the population. After all, in every generation people have looked up to those who have made their grand mark in life.

We are still in the Easter season celebrating a new creation. John’s gospel takes us back before the Easter event as we hear another part of the farewell spoken by Jesus before his death.