National Holiday

In 1606 the Portuguese Navigator de Quiros, exploring the South Pacific, sighted land, and declared it to be ‘Terra Australis Del Spirito Santo’, The Great South Land of the Holy Spirit.

On this day we pray for our country Australia, giving thanks to God for all the blessings He has bestowed on us and asking His continued blessing on all the peoples of this land, remembering particularly the indigenous peoples in all their needs.

The first reading from the prophet Isaiah (32:15-18) offers the promise that “Once more there will be poured on us the spirit from above…In the wilderness justice will come to live and integrity in the fertile land; integrity will bring peace, justice give lasting security.”  In the second reading from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 12: 4-11) we are reminded that there is a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit.” In the alternative second reading (Romans 12:9-13) Paul exhorts us to “Love one another as much as brothers and sisters should, and have a profound respect for each other.”  In the Gospel for Matthew (5:2-12) we hear the Beatitudes which remind us that God’s ways are not our ways and that “Happy are the pure in heart; they shall see God.” In the alternative Gospel from Luke (12:22-32) Jesus urges us to put God first, that the Father knows all we need and if we set our hearts on his kingdom, all these other things will be given you as well.  There is no need to be afraid…it has pleased the Father to give you the kingdom.”