Stars and Seekers after Truth - Reflection by Fr Michael Tate
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The Epiphany of the Lord Year C 1 - 2 January 2022
Stars and Seekers after Truth - Reflection by Fr Michael Tate
There is a fascination with stars: their beauty shining and sparkling in the dark canopy of the night;
amazement and wonder at their number and extent. And who amongst us hasn’t stolen a furtive glance at
the horoscopes, half humorously checking ‘what the stars hold for me’.
The Magi, the wise men in today’s gospel story, were not like the writers of our horoscope columns. They
were astronomers – astrologers from ancient religions found to ‘the East’ of Bethlehem, perhaps modern
day Iraq or Syria. In particular, they would have thought that the birth of those destined to be great figures
would be signalled by unusual constellations of events in the night sky. They really believed that stars
greatly influenced and controlled the destiny of human beings. But, these Magi were open to the insights
of other religious traditions. And it was that combination of their own religion of astrology and their reading
about Jewish expectations of a wonderful person who would inaugurate a new epoch of history, which led
them to:
To what? To whom? To Jesus, in a nondescript dwelling, in a nondescript town, hovered over by an
exhausted Mary and a protective Joseph. This would be a most unexpected culmination of their journey.
Yet, because they were genuine seekers after truth, they were open enough to see in this baby what their
own religious teaching had prepared them for, even as they were led beyond that religious system.
They were the first non-Jewish people to kneel before that infant. They did homage to this baby. Why?
I think it was because they realised that the stars did not control this infant.
On the contrary: ‘There is something in this baby which caused the night sky to respond. This baby is
responsible for the movement of the stars!’ They were sufficiently filled with wonder that they preserved
the child from the deadly schemes of Herod, not reporting where they had found him. And, then they
returned to their home country, ‘by a different way’. They were on a different journey after encountering the
Child.
What does this Gospel passage hold for us today?
Who can doubt that the Holy Spirit led these wise men from the East to the manger? In fact, the Holy Spirit
is at work in every human being, prompting each and every one to become seekers after Truth.
People may be trapped in the limiting language of their astrology or Buddhism, or an ideology such as
atheism or whatever. Of course, those systems of thought cannot save anyone. But, individually and
personally, Buddhists and atheists and astrologers can be set on a journey towards ‘the Love which
moves the sun and all the stars’ (Dante).
As a person responds to the (often anonymous) prompting of the Holy Spirit and tries to lead a good
humane life, then the Church teaches that the Holy Spirit can draw them into the saving life of God. This is
where we differ drastically from some fundamentalists. The Catholic Church believes that the billions in
China and India, who have never heard the Gospel, can be saved. But, such persons, even leading
humane lives, do not savour the fullness of Truth as we do with the privilege of having the scriptures and
the sacraments. Where it is possible, we are obliged to offer them the road map to the Truth.
That Truth which we have the privilege of understanding leads us to accept the claims made on us by the
baby to whom the Astrologers paid homage:
We understand and accept: that He is the Body Language of God; that He is ‘God with us’, Emmanuel;
that He is The Answer to all the seeking after truth and the yearning of the human heart.
O come, let us adore Him.
© Fr Michael Tate; Liturgy Help
OUR VISION
"Everything is to be oriented towards the praise and glory of God."
OUR MISSION
The St Agnes' Parish Community strives to make our Vision a
reality by a commitment to:
holiness in the image of Christ. minister within the faith community.
proclaim the good news of the service of all, particularly those
salvation. in need.
Forget the superficial ‘resolutions’ and … To have hopes is the first step towards working to
make them come true. In some Asian cultures the New
instead spend the time contemplating what Year is associated with water, where the faults and
we want from ourselves and our society as grime of the old year are washed away and a better life
we begin the new year washed in. Water, too, can be used in celebration.
New Year’s Day is usually a bit like a cheap easter egg. It People throw water on friends and strangers, washing
has a shiny outside but is pretty thin inside. It comes away social boundaries and the ordinary rituals of
between the ending of the Boxing Day cricket Test and the deference that go with them. The beginning of the New
New Year Test Match, comes shortly after the Sydney Year reminds us of our equality when we come into the
Hobart Yacht Race, and is preceded by fireworks. All these world and which remains in the eyes of God. In Australia
things are covered by television for the many people on we have struggled to find ways of celebrating the New
holidays away from home. This year will be no exception. Year that bring out its deeper meaning. That may be so
But for most of us the coronavirus has made a difference. because in Christian societies it has been obscured by
We have made our plans for the New Year with ‘ifs’ the celebrations of Christmas. New Year is a time for
attached. We have become used to crises that cause winding down, not for gearing up. Still, staying up till
lockdowns and wreck all our best plans. We do not come midnight drinking, and then shouting, lighting fireworks,
to the new year with assurance that things will be as they and tooting horns can seem to lack a bit of seriousness.
were before but with a question mark. The question, too, However we spend New Year’s Day, we might find it
may lead us to ask more deeply where we wish to go as helpful to reflect back on the past year and to ask our-
persons and as a society. During the crisis we had to selves what we want of ourselves during the coming
recognise that we relied on other people to live and to year.
flourish. We had to sacrifice our own desires for freedom Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ, Australian Catholic
to travel where we wanted and to gather with people
whenever we wanted in order to protect the health of Papal Tweet
those who were vulnerable. For many Australians Covid ‘Saint Joseph, you who have experienced the suffering
brought challenging experiences of learning and teaching of those who must flee to save the lives of their loved
at home, working from home, long periods of ones, protect all those who flee
unemployment and of uncertainty. These experiences because of war, hatred, hunger. Guide their steps and
have inevitably made it difficult to plan for the long term open the hearts of those who can help them.’
and perhaps left us reluctant to return to the previous
ways in which we balanced our commitments to work and Baptisms
home. We have asked ourselves what we want most We pray for Charles Dawson, Max Chilko,
deeply and what matters to us. This new year is also over- Levi, Cruz and Jazz Cavanagh Taylor as they
shadowed by large events, both present and future. We are gifted with the grace of the Holy Spirit in
have seen the Climate summit in Glasgow. However we the sacrament of Baptism. We also pray for
might rate its effectiveness, we have surely heard its stark their families as they renew their Baptismal
warning about the consequence for our children of not promises and are joined together in God’s
addressing seriously climate change as a priority. We live loving family.
also in the shadow of a coming federal election that will
inevitably raise questions about how seriously we take
climate change, inequality and the other deep challenges Christmas - New Year Thoughts
that we face in Australia. Our experience of the This Christmas and New Year …
coronavirus may make us demand seriousness and
Mend a quarrel.
honesty of our political leaders as they compete for votes.
Seek out a forgotten friend.
It may also make us impatient with any empty words that
lack these qualities. In the different cultures and religions Share some treasure. Give a soft answer.
that have enriched Australian life people emphasise Encourage youth. Keep a promise.
different aspects of New Year. It used to be a time to Find the time to listen.
make good resolutions. Many of us give less attention to Apologise if you are wrong. Be gentle.
this today after noticing how many of our good intentions Laugh a little more. Express gratitude.
died a week into the new year. However, the New Year Welcome a stranger.
can be a time to refresh our hopes. That next year Gladden the heart of a child.
children will not have to fear being treated as criminals. Take pleasure in the beauty and
That governments may invest heavily to support people in wonder of the earth.
regions marked by disadvantage. That all homes may be
Speak your love … speak it again,
free from violence and fear. (… continued …)
Speak it still once again.
www.stagnesparish.org.au. ST AGNES’ CATHOLIC CHURCH | PORT MACQUARIE
Remember in Prayer
Recently Deceased: Marlene Stone, Maura Wilcox,
Jose Teodorico Gonzaga Real.
Anniversaries: Santina Orsini, Mario Orsini,
Margaret Hawes, Paul Ryan, Emily O’Reilly, Molly and
Robert Friggens, Stan Condon.
Other Mass Intentions: Rosalie Belen, Noel Clarke,
John Archer, Leone Mary Johnston, Jack Quinn, May
Mellier, Bob and John Graham, Damian Byrne, Philip,
Gail and Eric Levy, Hilton Dodds, Minnie Downes,
Nora Downes Roberts, Beryl Thomas, masses of
thanksgiving and donor intentions.
The 2023 (International) Bishops’ Synod
Catholics across Australia are being consolidated for the
next international Synod of Bishops, which has the theme: Christmas-New Year Office Hours
“For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation Parish Administration Centre:
and Mission”. Re-open: Tuesday 4 January at 8.30am.
Pope Francis asks us to dream of a renewed church where Diocesan Investment Fund:
all people feel that they have a home and can participate. Re-open: Tuesday 4 January at 8.30am.
We are encouraged to reflect prayerfully. Visit XVI Ordinary Presbytery Office:
General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops - Catholic Close: Friday 31 December at 4.30pm.
Church in Australia. More in the weeks to follow. Re-open: Tuesday 4 January at 8.30am.
What’s Happening in our Parish
Saturday 1 January 2022
9.00am Mass in St Agnes’ Church for
Feast of Mary Holy Mother of God
11.30am Reconciliation St Agnes’ Church
6.00pm Our Lady Star of the Sea Church
Attention all Volunteers
Elsie Kuiters, Parish Volunteer Co ordinator, works
Monday to Thursday and can be contacted on
0459 859 763 or elsie.kuiters@stagnesparish.org.au.
A reminder that all volunteers engaged in ministry of
any kind within our parish need to be registered
with the parish and fully vaccinated by 28 February.
Adult Formation St Agnes’ Gift Shop
Are you interested in learning more about Liturgy,
Sacraments, Prayer, Scripture, Church History, Ministry The gift shop located in the Presbytery office, next to
Leadership, Catholic Doctrine, Ecclesiology, Social Justice, the Church, has for sale a range of cards and religious
Spirituality, Morality and/or Youth Ministry at a basic, gifts. As well as the following items for the new
intermediate or advanced level at a very reasonable cost liturgical year.
and over three or five weeks? Parishioners can now access Daily Mass books for 2022.
the VLCFF through the Lismore Diocesan partnership with Sunday and Daily Missals.
Dayton University announced at the end of 2020.
Coeliac Hosts
Cycle 1 Registrations are now open, closing 12 January
Coeliac hosts are available for any
Check out the ‘Our Faith’ page on the St Agnes Parish
parishioner who requires them. Prior to
website and click on the VLCFF picture. This has the
Mass commencing please go to the
various links to courses, timetable, how to register and
Sacristy and speak with the Sacristan.
costs. Contact Tony Worner for further information on
Then sit towards the front of the
email: tony.worner@stagnesparish.org.au
Church. Coeliac hosts are also available
at the Chapels.
PARISH NEWS St AGNES’ CATHOLIC CHURCH | PORT MACQUARIE
www.stagnesparish.org.au
Mass Times in St Agnes’ Catholic Parish
Monday: No Mass
Tuesday: 9.30am or 11.000am Residential aged care only
12.05pm St Agnes’ Church
Wednesday: 9.30am St Francis of Assisi Chapel (Sunday Mass)
Parish Priest 6.00pm St Bernard’s Church (Sunday Mass)
Father Paul Gooley Thursday: 12.05pm St Agnes’ Church
Assistant Priests 4.30pm Christ the King Chapel (Sunday Mass)
Father Roland Agrisola Friday: 12.05pm St Agnes’ Church
Father Prodencio Bognay Saturday: 6.00pm Vigil Mass Our Lady Star of the Sea, Lake Cathie
Visiting Priest Sunday: 7.30am, 9.00am, 5.00pm St Agnes’ Church
Father Dennis Rochford msc Reconciliation: Friday: 11.30am - 12 noon; Saturday: 11.30am - 12.30pm
Presbytery Office COVID SAFETY RULES UPDATE
47 Hay Street: PO Box 23
Port Macquarie 2444 Attendees must check in for Mass via the QR code available at the
T (02) 6583 1024 entrances of the church or chapels OR sign in with your contact details
E pastoraloffice@stagnesparish.org.au on the forms provided. Please ensure you print your name and contact
Web: www.stagnesparish.org.au number legibly.
Office Hours: Masks are mandatory for all indoor settings.
8.30am - 4.30pm There is no density limit so no designated seating (apart from that
Monday to Friday reserved for those with special mobility needs).
Parish Pastoral Council email: Communion still cannot be distributed on the tongue.
pastoral.council@stagnesparish.org.au. It would be appreciated if you could place your envelopes and
donations in the collection boxes at each of the churches.
Liturgical Celebrations Please continue to be mindful and respectful of each other in these times of
change and do not attend if you are unwell or have any cold/flu-like
symptoms. Any questions please contact the Presbytery Office on 6583 1024.
Sunday 2 January
Suggested Streaming of Masses
The EPIPHANY of the LORD Sunday 9.00am - Bishop Greg Homeming, St Carthages’ Cathedral, Lismore.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYxOjNyku4JCIO8vfeTq-fQ
Friday 7 January
Daily Mass on Demand
St Raymond of Penyafort
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYRq7AjVimr-hcHFJD_HVaQ
Optional
Mass for you at Home: Sunday 6.00am streamed on Channel 10.
Reflections: Lismore Diocese YouTube Channel; Fr Paul Daily Reflections
Roster Commencing 9 January 2022
The Baptism of the Lord
7.30am: 5.00pm:
R1: Sandy Luschwitz R1: Jodie Rich
R2: Sandy Luschwitz R2: Jodie Rich
C: Jim O’Brien C: Suzanne Savage
EMHC: Dianne Gander EMHC: Di Hughes, Vanessa Denham
SAC: Denise Smith SAC: Vanessa Denham
Welcomer: Vanessa Denham Welcomer: Paul Barron
PAYS 9.00am:
0.45% R1: Beth Flynn Tuesday 12.05pm 11 January:
R2: Beth Flynn R: Volunteer SAC: Sue Williams
The Port Macquarie office of the
C: Sue Williams Thursday 12.05pm 13 January
DIF is open Monday to Friday EMHC: Sandra Hartas, Sue Williams R: Sandra Hartas SAC: Leone Flanagan
9.00am- 1.00pm. SAC: Sandra Hartas
Phone Veronica or Mary for any Welcomer: Gavin Smith, Denise Puzas Friday 12.05pm 14 January:
enquiries on 6583 7439. R: Toni Roach SAC: Sandra Hartas
The Catholic Diocese of Lismore Safeguarding Office: If you or a person close to you has been abused by someone
working or ministering within the Diocese of Lismore, we ask you to contact us. We will listen to you respectfully, offer
support and discuss options you have available to you. To contact the Safeguarding Office, please phone (02) 6621 9444
or email: safeguarding@lismore.catholic.org.au
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