Last week, we had a rather busy and knowledge-filled week as we welcomed Fr Noel Milner and Sr. Kym as guests amongst us.

On the two evenings of Wednesday and Thursday Fr Noel shared and imparted his knowledge on the history, geographic background of the Holy land with snippets of the different cultures in Israel, which led us into a deeper understanding of the Parables that Jesus told.

As we reflected on the week that was, the knowledge acquired, the challenges we face individually and collectively and the faith we profess as a church here are some insights on some of the things attendees had to say;

“It encouraged me to go back and read the parables again, reflect on my walk with God, to listen to what he is saying to me on a personal level”

“The simple stories came alive with detailed information that Fr Noel explained. A very enjoyable night.”

“A great gift of knowledge and wisdom. I really appreciated how Fr Noel brought the stories to life and how to apply them to everyday living.”

“Loved Fr Noel’s deep and simple explanation of scripture. Brought back memories of my visit to the Holy land. Thank you for expressing the everyday life in the word of God.”  

“I like the historical backgrounds of his talk, the behavioural patterns of the people in that period; the geographical features of Israel and how it affected their ministry; the Roman Empire’s influence and how it affected the disciples’ way of presenting their preaching; the in-depth teaching of parables”

“The need to keep our relationship with God and the understanding that it is a personal matter. I cannot rely on someone else’s faith for no one will enter heaven by association or affiliation to a group of people. To have an introspection and be prepared for I do not know the time and day that I will be called.”

On Sunday, we held a women’s breakfast where Sr. Kym accepted to come and speak with women who shared her faith, and to encourage us on our journey. She delved into the Gospel of Mark and how it tells the story of Jesus and his encounters with individuals. She read stories from Mark and gave us some examples of stories from our time and our world and how individuals responded to their situations.

As a group, we were encouraged to listen to the Gospel of Mark as if we were hearing the stories for the very first time.  The breakfast and the fellowship was enjoyed by all who attended and they had this to say:

“No matter who you are or what you become in life, God’s plans for you never change”

“Now I really understand about the gospel of Mark. The miracles that Jesus performed and the faith that those individuals had, it encourages and reaffirms my faith “

“A reminder that the gifts and talents we receive are meant to be shared with others. We are channels of God’s grace. Do not hold on to your gifts”

“Just like Jesus came to serve, we too are called to a life of service”

“For me it was very lovely, well organised women’s breakfast setting. Kym’s talk on Mark’s gospel was uplifting and inspirational. She reminded us to be aware of the emotional and spiritual challenges that we face in our lives. Deep and simplicity of faith.”

We greatly appreciate the time and talents that Fr Noel and Sr Kym shared and gave to our faith community. Thank you!

Florence Chauraya