Column Kieran Fenn FMS Biblical revelation is presented here as the dialogue God wishes to have with us as God’s friends, an invitation to the loving communion that God begins with creation in Genesis 1. The coming of the Word of God, Jesus Christ, is a mystery of God’s infinite love which we are invited […]
Column Kieran Fenn FMS The role of the Holy Spirit After reflecting on God’s final and definitive word to the world, the synod turned to the mission of the Holy Spirit, without which there can be no understanding of Christian revelation. Irenaeus describes the relationship of Son and Spirit as ‘the two hands of the […]
Column Kieran Fenn FMS Because May is the month in which we honour Mary, the reflection on scripture and our response (Articles 22-26) will be held until next month. Article 27 The basic aim of the synod was to ‘renew the Church’s faith in the word of God’. It is Mary who, by her ‘yes’ […]
Column Kieran Fenn FMS Called to covenant The term ‘word of God’ brings up the many ways in which God speaks to, and encounters, people in dialogue. Primacy is given to the word of God addressed to humanity. The whole history of God entering into covenant with us is a call to relationship. God calls […]
Column Kieran Fenn fms Articles 29 to 39 Interpretation begins with faith, on the part of those who wrote in the past and those who interpret, teach and receive in the present. All four groups have to be believing Christians, participating in the faith-life of the community. Scripture is the word of God conveyed to […]
Column Kieran Fenn fms Articles 50-53Radical transformation is available for those who are open to the word. ‘You were created through the word, but now through the word you must be recreated,’ (Augustine). The defining aspect of the Church is that she is a community that hears and proclaims the word of God. For the […]
Column Kieran Fenn fms#61 Scripture, reconciliation, anointing The centrality of scripture to all the sacraments is stressed especially in those dealing with healing (reconciliation and the sacrament of the sick). The word of God is a word of reconciliation. It is through the word that one receives light to recognise one’s sins and is called […]
Column Kieran Fenn fms Bible inspiration as inspiration for pastoral activity: #72–74 The recommendation is made for a greater ‘biblical apostolate, not alongside other forms of pastoral work, but as a means of letting the Bible inspire all pastoral work. Examine the ordinary activities of Christian communities, in parishes, associations and movements, to see if […]
Column Kieran Fenn fms Serving Jesus in ‘the least of his brethren’ #99-101 Matthew 25:35-36 emphasises our need to be engaged in the world and our responsibility before Christ to do good and commit ourselves to justice, reconciliation and peace. Every effort has to be made to create a more just and liveable world. The […]
Lisa Beech2011 After the Rugby World Cup final, All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen could have been quoting the NZ bishops when he said ‘Rugby is a game about we, not me’. Hansen was explaining to media that it took 14 players to get the 15th member of the team across the line to score […]