Tag Archives: bible

Seeking the Face of Christ in His Church This Lent

Each Lent I try to undertake reading that might draw me more deeply into the life of Christ. Last year it was The Lord by Romano Guardini. This year it has been Jesus of Nazareth by Joseph Ratzinger, first published in 2007. By the time this classic work appeared, Ratzinger had already been elected Pope Benedict XVI. Yet he makes clear in the foreword that this is not an act of papal magisterium but a work offered in his personal capacity as a theologian – a fellow pilgrim seeking the face of Christ.

Though not a manual on ecclesiology, Jesus of Nazareth is a searching meditation on the person of Jesus that carries profound implications for how we live and serve within the Church today, particularly in our parishes and local communities of faith. Ratzinger states plainly that his concern is “primarily with the Lord himself”. Yet as I have moved through its pages this Lent, it has become increasingly clear that one cannot contemplate Christ without also rediscovering the nature and mission of His Church.

For those entrusted with leadership, clergy and lay alike, this is no small insight. How we see Jesus inevitably shapes how we form our communities, how we preach, how we pray, and how we understand the Church’s purpose in the world.

A central thread in Ratzinger’s work is the inseparability of Jesus’ person and mission. Jesus does not simply proclaim a message; he is the message. His identity as Son is grounded in an unbroken communion with the Father, what Ratzinger describes as a “permanent interior dialogue”. Jesus’ entire existence is lived “from” the Father and “for” the Father. This self-giving communion does not remain closed in on itself but generates a people. In short, the Church is born from Christ’s complete self-giving love.

This insight is especially important for parish leadership. The Church is not first a project we manage or a structure we maintain. She is a reality we receive, the fruit of Christ’s self-giving love. Our task is not to construct the Church according to our preferences but to allow our communities to be shaped by the life of Christ himself, a Christ who acts and moves in our time.

Ratzinger’s approach to Scripture reinforces this ecclesial sensibility. He cautions against reading the Gospels in a way that buries Jesus under endless theories. Scripture, he argues, did not emerge in isolation. As he writes, “The Scripture emerged from within the heart of a living subject – the pilgrim People of God – and lives within this same subject”. This does not dismiss or downplay the role of serious biblical scholarship but restores the proper context of God’s Word. The Word is entrusted to the Church, and the Church is continually formed by the Word.

It reminds us that a renewed encounter with Christ in the Scriptures – proclaimed and received within the liturgy and the living faith of the Church – and in the Eucharist, where the Incarnate Word gives himself to us sacramentally, is essential to Catholic life. From this encounter flows all authentic ministry. Ministry is not an individual right or personal platform, but an ecclesial gift – entrusted, discerned and sustained within the Body of Christ. God’s Word and the Eucharist remain the true starting point and measure of every service we undertake in the parish and diocese, ensuring that what we do arises not from private ambition but from communion with Christ and his Church.

It is precisely this return to the centre that Pope Leo XIV highlights in his 2026 Lenten message. He frames Lent as a season in which the Church, “guided by a sense of maternal care”, calls us to place “the mystery of God back in the centre of our lives”. He even proposes a concrete and easily overlooked form of fasting: abstaining from words that wound, refraining from harsh speech and rash judgement.

This is not a minor moral refinement but a deeply ecclesial concern that can shape our parish life. If ministry flows from communion, then the way we speak – in meetings, in correspondence, in casual conversation – either strengthens or weakens that communion. Many communities fracture not first through doctrinal disagreements but through patterns of suspicion, sarcasm and careless speech. If Lent is a time for listening and fasting, then we are called to model a manner of speech that is truthful, charitable and peace-making, speech that reflects a life grounded in God’s Word and Eucharist as communion.

Later in Jesus of Nazareth, Ratzinger offers a meditation on the temptations of Christ that brings us back firmly to first principles. The temptation to turn stones into bread echoes today in the assumption that the Church must prove her relevance by addressing material needs before she dares to speak of God. The Church must indeed be deeply committed to works of charity; fidelity to Christ demands nothing less. Our Lenten almsgiving is a concrete expression of that fidelity, a real sharing in the Lord’s compassion for the poor.

Yet Ratzinger reminds us that humanity’s deepest poverty is not economic but spiritual – the absence of God. As he observes, “history cannot be detached from God and then run smoothly on purely material lines”. Even our almsgiving must flow from worship and conversion, from hearts shaped by prayer and nourished by the Eucharist. God first, and from that centre, love of neighbour.

If history is detached from God, no purely material solution will ultimately suffice. For instance, political agreements and humanitarian efforts are necessary and urgent, but they cannot by themselves heal the wounds of the human heart from which violence and injustice arise. The crises of our age – war in Iran, Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, grinding poverty across parts of Asia, and so many other forms of suffering – are not simply problems to be managed. They are also moments within a larger moral and spiritual drama, places where human freedom, sin, grace and the call to conversion are at work.

Seen in this light, the Church’s proclamation of God – and the parish’s steady proclamation of the Word each week – is not a retreat from reality but a deeper engagement with it. When a parish gathers to hear the Scriptures, to intercede for the suffering and to celebrate the Eucharist, it is not turning away from history’s turmoil. It is placing that turmoil before the living God. Only when history remains open to God can it move toward a peace that is more than fragile equilibrium or temporary ceasefire. The peace Christ offers is rooted in reconciliation, truth and the transformation of the human heart.

At a more parochial level, our Catholic communities cannot be reduced to social service or the cultivation of community life, important and necessary though both are. At the heart of our responsibility is something deeper: to lead people into an encounter with the living God – the Father revealed in Christ and made present by the Holy Spirit. When that centre holds, every work of charity, initiative and gathering finds its proper meaning.

This Christ-centred mission is not an abstract ideal but the very pattern established by Jesus himself. In calling the Twelve Apostles, he both symbolically and concretely forms a renewed Israel – a new People of God grounded not in lineage but in hearing and following. The Church’s identity rests on fidelity to His person: “The ‘I’ of Jesus himself… becomes the criterion of righteousness and salvation”. In our parishes, then, we are invited not merely to sustain participation, but to form true disciples of Jesus, men and women whose lives are steadily shaped by Christ and who in turn help others to follow him with confidence and joy.

Finally, Ratzinger’s deeply Eucharistic vision of the Church deserves renewed attention this Lent and as we prepare for an International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney. As he shares in Jesus of Nazareth, the Church is not simply an assembly that celebrates the Eucharist; she is formed by it. From Christ’s pierced side flow blood and water – signs of Baptism and Eucharist – the sacraments that generate and sustain the Church. Every Eucharistic gathering is more than an obligation fulfilled; it is the place where Christ continues to give himself and draw a scattered people into unity.

For those entrusted with leadership and service in parish life, Ratzinger’s reflections in Jesus of Nazareth call us back to what is essential. The Church does not create herself; she is born from Christ’s communion with the Father, sustained by the Spirit, and continually gathered around the gift of his Body and Blood. Our responsibility is not to reinvent her, but to ensure that the life of our parishes reflects that divine origin. Lent, then, becomes both purification and recalibration – a time to strip away what is secondary and to recover confidence in the dramatic newness that comes from Christ himself.

As we journey toward Easter, may our leadership be marked less by anxiety about outcomes and more by fidelity to him. For only by remaining close to Christ will our parishes truly become what they are called to be: living signs of God drawing near.

the Church’s digital horizon

I was grateful to share some reflections on the growing opportunities for the Church in the digital space with colleagues in the Archdiocese of Sydney. As technology continues to reshape how we live, communicate, and form community, the Church finds itself at a remarkable crossroads — uniquely equipped to step into these platforms, not to replace in-person connection, but to expand its reach and deepen its mission.

Digital platforms offer more than just convenience; they open doors to connection, discipleship, and outreach in ways we have never seen before and cannot even predict. What is certain, however, is we can bring the unchanging message of Jesus to people in new ways. I believe it is a hopeful and energising time to reimagine how the Church can remain anchored in its calling while adapting to a rapidly evolving world. For those discerning next steps in mission, resource allocation, or leadership strategy, here are a few thoughts I shared that may help spark conversation, vision, and innovation in your own backyard.

Becoming Future Ready

Across the Church we are blessed with a rich tapestry of agencies and ministries – from pastoral care and parish support to catechesis, evangelisation, and works of mercy and justice. This vibrant ecosystem is already bearing great fruit. Many dioceses, apostolate and groups have strong foundations, and the Catholic Church now has a unique, unprecedented opportunity to build on this legacy. By embracing digital technology with purpose and imagination, we can extend the Church’s reach, deepen its witness, and strengthen its impact for generations to come.

In my own Archdiocese in Sydney a powerful renewal is underway, a “second spring” as it’s been described. At its heart is a profound call to personal conversion – a deeper, more engaged Christian life rooted in a genuine, lived encounter with Christ. When this encounter transforms individuals, it naturally overflows into acts of service, generosity, authentic community, and courageous proclamation. This ripple effect breathes life into the whole Church.

Looking ahead, the International Eucharistic Congress to take place in Sydney in three years promises to fill our sails with fresh wind – increasing engagement across parish life, evangelisation, fundraising, advocacy, and service to those in need. Its success will be measured not just by attendance but by how many are drawn into the Church’s mission from within.

A Strategic Moment for Digital Transformation

We face a strategic opportunity to expand engagement in every corner of the Church’s mission. Digital platforms and innovative tools offer scalable, powerful ways to amplify parish involvement, evangelisation efforts, fundraising, advocacy, and service delivery.

Yet, to realise this promise, I think we must invest deliberately in three critical areas: technology infrastructure, digital literacy, and content development. Embracing this change now – even amid uncertainty – is the least risky path forward. We can think of it like planting an orchard before knowing precisely how the climate will shift. We don’t yet know which fruits will thrive or how seasons will change, but we do know two things: the world is changing, and if we wait for perfect clarity, it will be too late to grow anything of lasting value. The real risk lies in standing still while the landscape transforms around us.

So, digital technology is not a threat to tradition – it is a new soil where the Gospel can take root and flourish.

Context: The Technological Transformation

We are living through a cultural shift as significant as the arrival of electricity. That earlier transformation didn’t just power existing systems – it created new ways of living, working, and connecting. Today, artificial intelligence and automation are driving a similar revolution.

AI promises to reshape economies and workforces,  speeding up production, automating routine tasks, and changing how we find meaning and income. While productivity may rise, there is a risk of social fragmentation, unstable incomes, and diminished personal dignity.

Already, we see disruption in roles across administration, manufacturing, retail, finance, law, and health. The IMF estimates nearly 40% of global jobs could be impacted by AI.

Ownership of capital is shifting too. Whereas land and factories once dominated, today technology – data, algorithms, platforms – is the new capital. Yet this infrastructure is often controlled by a few powerful organisations, raising questions about access and equity. Many people may soon access rather than own essential capital – renting software, vehicles, even homes. In the future, people will own less and what they have will be by subscription.

In response, thinkers are calling for an “empathy-based economy,” one that balances innovation with care, human flourishing, and dignity. As AI takes on cognitive tasks, uniquely human gifts – empathy, emotional intelligence, spiritual discernment – will become more essential. This is where the Church’s prophetic role shines brightest. Not resisting change, but leading it with a vision rooted in the sacredness of the person, the gift of Jesus Christ, the dignity of labour, and the primacy of love and ethics in economic life.

Reaching Beyond: The Mission Field

In the city and suburbs of Sydney we enjoy one of the highest Mass attendance rates in Australia though the sum remains humbling at 10.4%, or 61,000 attenders. This means there are still over half a million Catholics who do not regularly engage with parish life. Beyond them, 2 million people within our Archdiocesan boundaries may never have encountered a living witness to the Gospel. In short, there are far more people to reach than have been reached.

PURPOSE FESTIVAL 2025 – Images by Giovanni Portelli Photography © 2025

Digital transformation offers bold and beautiful ways to extend the invitation. Through video, podcasts, social media reels, digital testimonies, and online series, the Church can meet people where they are – often far from a parish doorway. Many will never step foot in a church but they will watch a video; they will search for answers; they will pause while scrolling past a social media reel. They will listen to a podcast that articulates the faith with clarity and charity. They will encounter a digital testimony that bears witness to Christ’s transformative grace. They may engage with an online series that presents the truths of the faith in compelling and credible ways. They will read a well-crafted reflection that integrates the Gospel with the complexities of modern life. They may be drawn to sacred art or liturgical music shared through headphones, which stirs their heart toward transcendence. They will explore the lives of the saints with others. Digital technologies can create the ‘pause’ in people’s lives that allows the Gospel to speak.

There are great opportunities to experiment with AI, virtual reality, and emerging platforms to distribute knowledge, improve services, and bring the Gospel closer to people’s lives. However, this requires space to think, try, fail, and innovate – partnering with digital creatives, Gen Z entrepreneurs, artists, and developers who already shape culture online. Inviting them into the Church’s digital mission could infuse it with energy, authenticity, and excellence.

Technology can be a “force multiplier,” extending the reach of ministries and deepening Gospel engagement. But without the human heart – creativity, pastoral wisdom, prayer – technology remains potential without impact.

We could imagine AI-powered tools answering everyday queries, freeing up clergy and staff for mission. Or a central platform where clergy and parish teams can access all communications in one place – including memos, updates, forms, events, and support resources. With secure login, it would offer smart notifications based on role, vocation or responsibility (e.g. a priest might receive instant push notifications about liturgical directives, while a parish secretary receives reminders about compliance deadlines), a shared calendar that syncs with personal devices, a searchable archive of past messages (with statements and updates stored, searchable and timestamped), and a simple way to ask questions or give feedback.

No doubt there would be details to work out and it means habituating clergy and parishes into using such technology which takes effort but, as we already know, digital systems and archiving can save an enormous amount of later effort through efficiency, free up time for more mission-oriented work and reduce time spent on administrative catch up. Most new initiatives will gain more traction when framed as pastoral opportunities, rather than a mere tech upgrade.

Data-driven systems can track faith journeys, strengthen formation, and personalise outreach – building a more missionary, welcoming Church. This enables the Church to understand who is coming to faith as adults, their motivations, and how they engage over time. Such insights are critically important for building a more responsive Church. Where the Church once shaped the message and the medium, today it is the audience, guided by algorithms and personal habit, who decides what is seen, heard, and believed.

AI can accelerate multilingual engagement and customise content to meet diverse communities with cultural sensitivity. making formation more contextualised so that everyone feels seen, heard, and invited. We can create and schedule social media posts in multiple languages, reaching different language groups with culturally sensitive messaging and invitations to parish life or special events.

Digital platforms also open new horizons for fundraising and advocacy – connecting local causes with global communities, turning parish projects into worldwide movements. If a local animal shelter in Ohio can raise funds through short reels on TikTok, raising 15,000 new followers as a donor base, and surpassing their goal by 300% in 10 days, so the Church could do the same. Church communities have done so, supporting clean water projects in Uganda and other mission related causes, breaking geographic boundaries and turning community projects into global efforts.   

Technology is shaping culture profoundly. As Pope Leo XIV reminded us recently, this technological age will transform how people seek truth, belonging, and encounter God. The opportunity before us as a Church is not just to adopt new tools but to reimagine the Church’s mission through them – to go wide and deep, reach the margins, and enrich the centre. We have a firm foundation of faith, the vision given to us by Jesus’ Great Commission to make disciples of all nations, and the momentum built by generations of faithful witnesses in our Church.

Now is the time to plant the orchard and trust the Spirit to bring the harvest.