My dear friends in Christ,

I welcome you to this year’s Holy Spirit Parish, Multicultural celebration with the theme: United in one heart and soul in Christ. St Paul had instructed that among the baptised, “there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, between circumcised and uncircumcised. There are no strangers, barbarians, slaves or free born, but Christ is all and in all.” (Col 3:11). True Christian unity is a deep bond of one heart and soul that comes from sharing the life of Jesus Christ.

In the first reading taken from the book of Deuteronomy, (Deut 6:4-9) the Lord reminded the people of Israel that He their Creator, Sustainer, Provider and Father is one and they should love him with their heart, soul and strength, that is, they should become saturated with God. True unity with each other starts when we all look to the same God. When God is first in our homes and hearts, we share a common bond. The Book of Genesis reminds us that humanity was created in God’s image as male and female. (Gen 1:26-27). It is the Lord who has given us our heritage, hence as we rejoice and celebrate our heritage, let us give our God the glory, the power and the honour.

Currently, your mother tongue is part of the approximately seven thousand one hundred and seventeen languages that are spoken globally, with thousands becoming extinct. Australian residents speak over three hundred languages. Some of the languages belong to the aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. According 2021 census, while 72% of Australian residents speak English at home, 22% of residents speak non-English languages at home.

In the second reading (Acts 4:32-37) the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem lived out the dictum of being one heart and soul in Christ. Their unity was not just a nice feeling as they shared their money and property, to ensure that no one was left in need. The apostles shared the good news of the resurrection with great power because God’s grace was at work in all of them.

In the Gospel (John 17:20-23), taken from the priestly prayer of Jesus Christ during his last Supper with his disciples, portrayed Jesus praying for unity and oneness among his disciples and among all those who through their ministry would become believers. Jesus extended to us the glory the Father gave Him so that we could be completely one. Our unity proves to the world that God sent Jesus and that He loves every person deeply. When Christians argue, divide, or ignore the poor, we hide the face of Jesus from the world.

Today you are invited to bring the word of God into your home by speaking about God’s goodness with your children and grandchildren. Look around the pews today and challenge yourself to greet someone you do not know or someone who seems lonely. Find one practical way this week to share your resources with someone facing financial hardship.