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 […]
Column Kieran Fenn fms#109-113 ‘The Word became flesh’ reveals the inseparable bond between God’s word and the human words by which God communicates with us. God is not revealed in the abstract but by using languages, imagery and expressions that are bound to different cultures. Today a new phase is being entered due to the […]
Cecily McNeill30 July 2009 Rosa Moiwend from West Papua longs for the time when she can hear her own language spoken at the opening of a meeting as te reo Maori is used in greeting here. Rosa is in New Zealand to learn English, the language of political debate and negotiation.Rosa’s country is under the […]
Cecily McNeill30 July 2009 Next month Timor-Leste celebrates 10 years of independence as a proud but fragile nation. In September 1999 East Timorese voted for an end to 24 years of Indonesian rule, a popular poll which resulted in a bloody and costly war as factions loyal to Indonesia refused to relinquish power. More than […]