One of the things I have discovered during the months I have been Archbishop is that this is a big organisation. That’s particularly clear today, in being part of such a large gathering with you. It’s also clear in the offices and roles that I keep on discovering, which I had no idea even existed! I’m still on quite a learning curve …
We are incredibly blessed by the range and depth of expertise and responsibilities that our staff and volunteers bring to our various activities, and I am very grateful to each of you for your contribution to that, and your commitment to the mission of the Archdiocese.
Our readings today illustrate two contrasting ways for large and diverse groups such as ourselves to relate to one another. In the first reading, when St Paul is called before the Sanhedrin, he cunningly exploits the factions within the Jewish leaders, raising issues that they had been fighting about for years. They turn on one another so violently that the tribune intervenes to rescue Paul from the crossfire.
In the gospel, Jesus speaks of the unity that he longs for amongst his followers, praying: “May they all be one … may they be completely one.” He puts the model of the unity amongst Father, Son and Spirit in the Trinity, as a model for the unity that Christians should seek. Of course, we’ve had mixed success at that effort: Christian Churches are still divided, but generally have warm relationships and strong dialogue with one another. Just on Tuesday, leaders of ten Christian Churches in Brisbane gathered here at St Stephen’s to recommit ourselves to responding to God’s call to build unity with one another.
It is a simple goal, but a very demanding one, whether for Christian Churches or for different parts of the Archdiocese’s operations! Because unity is not about making everyone the same; it’s about recognising and treasuring our diversity, and finding ways to draw on that variety in the shared purpose that binds us together.
Across this Archdiocese, we carry out many different roles. Much of what you do is behind the scenes — in governance, safeguarding, education, administration — but it is essential. Each one of us making our contribution allows our communities, schools and agencies to live out the Gospel and proclaim God’s love.
I don’t know the detail of what each of you do, but I do know how much we rely on your dedication, your professionalism, and your faithful perseverance in the midst of demanding responsibilities. And I know, too, that many carry burdens that are not immediately visible: responsibilities at home, concerns about health, experiences of grief, anxiety, or uncertainty. Your contribution to the Archdiocese helps us to continue Jesus’ mission of making God’s word, God’s work and God’s people present every day.
In a particular way today, I want to acknowledge the leadership, witness and service of Dr Sally Townes. Her contribution to Catholic education in this Archdiocese has been significant and generous. We pray in gratitude for her legacy and in confident hope that she might be held in the eternal love of the God in whom she trusted so profoundly. We also hold her family and colleagues in our prayer as they mourn her loss.
As we continue with this Mass and come forward for Communion, I invite those who may not usually receive Communion to come forward for a blessing. If you would like to do that, simply cross your arms over your chest, and you will be given a blessing.
Let’s pray today that God will continue to build his unity amongst us, so that we might grow in our connection to one another, and to the mission that he has entrusted to us.