

The title of a film or novel is an important feature of any work. Sometimes it is obvious; other times it is downright mysterious and seemingly unrelated to the film or book. One such example is James M Cain’s 1934 novel The Postman Always Rings Twice.
Sooner or later each person of faith has to choose how they will relate to the world around them. Some people of faith might choose to engage; some might choose to reject the world or some combination in between. At some stage we have to make a choice.
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Many have been the tributes, reflections and expressions of gratitude for the life of our late Queen Elizabeth II. All have reflected a deep sense of gratitude for a life of tireless service, well-lived. One of the most touching, to me, were those which commented on her role as a mother. Mother to her family; to a nation; to a Commonwealth; mother to so many in a myriad of ways.
Easter has finally come to an end. After a week of weeks we have celebrated the great feast of Pentecost. In so doing we were called to acknowledge the irreplaceable role of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the life of the Church, sometimes, if not forgotten, not given a prominent appreciation.
Generations of young Australian children grew up watching Play School and well knew its signature tune, 'There’s a bear in there'!
What is Easter? For people of faith it is the high point of the year; for some it is simply an extended long weekend. How many of us really believe that it lasts for 50 days? That’s 50 days to receive the gift of new life and integrate it more deeply into all aspects of our lives; 50 days as God’s holy people to make sure the new life that transforms us allows us to make a difference in the church and the world.
For Catholics, Easter is preceded by a time of preparation called Lent which seeks to renew our minds and hearts that we might, with joy, celebrate the central feast of our faith, the resurrection of Christ.
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