Rektor naszego Wyższego Seminarium Duchownego o. dr Andrzej Duk OFM przebywał w Australii w dniach 03.07 – 21.08 2017 roku. Ojciec Rektor wspomagał duszpastersko naszych Braci w parafii w Perth, głosząc kazania w języku angielskim.  

Rzut oka na Perth

Pierwsza  święta Australii – św. Mary MacKillop

Zima w Sydney

Przystań nad Oceanem Indyjskim

Publikujemy dwa kazania w języku angielskim, które o. Andrzej wygłosił  w Australii:

Relationship with God (1Krl 19, 9a.11-13a; Mt 14, 22-33)

     Philosophers of religion, who have studied the natural and religious behavior of man, argue that in the relation of man to God, we can notice two basic attitudes. In Latin it sounds like this: misterium tremendum and misterium fascinosum. In English this can be translated: mystery of the awe, and mystery of fascination. This same philosophers also claim, that every human being is religious by nature. Looking at the modern world, we can also say that every person needs to believe in something or someone. Without such faith, what can appear in the soul of man is: egoism, emptiness, lack of hope, and unfulfilled pursuit of worldly goods. From this emptiness can develop: alcoholism, drug addiction or other addictions.
     Yes, we all need faith. And in faith there is always someone or something that we worship, whom we want to listen to and whom we will serve. So by faith I am never alone – as pope Benedict XVI said, and I am able to give up selfishness, which so destroys the life of modern world – as pope Francis confirms. In Christianity I have before me Jesus, my Lord and brother. The one whose life and constant sacramental presens is continually beside me. I can listen to His word, accept His love and mercy in the sacrament of penance and the Eucharist. I can proclaim His glory and share the joy of faith with others.
     All you need is a proper look at your faith. First – it is not and can not be my own invention. Christian faith is the grace given to man by God. I am chosen by God. Is not that a reason for happiness and gratitude? Secondly – we often forget about the mystery of the awe and mystery of fascination. By referring these terms to the present liturgy of the word, we can say, that we forget that God is both: our Lord and our brother. Lord means – respect, brother – deep intimacy.
     In the first reading we heard part of the story of the prophet Elijah. After his doubt in God, he runs away and hides in a cave. Afraid to stand before God, he is afraid of His punishment. The prophet expects God to appear in a mighty wind, earthquake or fire. But God was not in a migthy wind, neither earthquake nor fire. He came to Elijah in the sound of a gentle breeze. God comes in this way because He is another Lord, than the lords of this world. He also understands us in our fears, human weaknesses and infidelities. He forgives us because He loves us the way we are…
     The Gospel today shows us Jesus, who calms the storm and allows Peter to experiance something supernatural. This is the power of Jesus, not Peter. Apostols sometimes thougth they were so close to Jesus, that He was exactly one of them, that the Lord was their buddy, who does not have to give due respect. That He was only a teacher, who had taught them all.
     It is very similar in our lives. Sometimes we treat Jesus as our buddy, sometimes we run away from fear of Him. We still need maturity in faith to stand before Him as both: Lord and brother. Because we need to learn from our Lord, receive His power and know that He understands us as our brother, as one of us. Let us not forget the due respect for the Lord and about His fraternal closeness.

What is my treasure? (Mt 13, 44-52)

     In taday’s Gospel Jesus teaches us in the form of a parable. Is a parable only a form of telling or teaching? Yes, it is a form of it, but it’s more then that. In Jesus’ era there were a lot of walking teachers and prophets, who taught in a similar way. Jesus used this same popular type of communication, because it was simple to understand. Jesus’ words are not only beautiful, but most importantly, express a realistic way of life.
     Pope Benedict XVI has taught several times about the interrelationship between words and actions in Christian life. In The Old Testament the prophets announced the coming of Jesus, who was made incarnate in a specific time and place. We can see today this place. In the liturgy the events of salvation become tangible.
     Yes, the words of Jesus are very clear for everyone. Sometimes we make think, that Jesus only teaches to a few, but he speaks to everyone. Jesus teaching does not differentiate. We all need his words in our lives, regardless of culture, status, wealth, nationality, etc.
     Today, hearing the words of The Holy Gospel, our Lord said: „The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone has found. He hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns, and buys the field”. We can ask ourselves: „What is my treasure, what am I looking for in my life”? Sometimes we dream about glory, wealth, power for ourselves and close others. May be we feel jealousy or envy towards others because of their skills, talents, possessions or looks. This may make us feel dissatisfield and disappointed with our lives. But we have to remaind ourselves that everything passes, and nothing is certain, except: faith, hope and love. To understand what faith, hope and love really mean, Jesus shows us. It is important to see real treasure, not fake treasure in my life and around me.
     Why can’t we see this real treasure? Because we can have a lot of barriers, for example: our sins, our misunderstandings about God, and our lack of believ of how much God really loves us. Sometimes we can’t recognize or don’t want to recognize that God trully forgives us. The mentality of this secular world can influence us to believe that spirituality does not exist or is not important. St. Paul said in 2nd letter to Corinthians: „…we who have this spiritual treasure are like common clay pots in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us”. St. Paul said this about faith, but I think we can also say this about hope and love or any important spiritual value. It is important to remember, that our own power is too weak to achieve these spiritual values. We need God, we need His grace and power. God wants us to put in our effords and co-operate with Him.
     Today, in the Gospel, we heard about people who were rewarded because of their effords. We need only to put our faith in God, despite all barriers: sins, wrong mentalities, misunderstandings, etc. We pray daily, listen to the Gospel and feed on the Eucharist, because God is the source of all our real treasure. When we possess God, our most important Treasure, we will be a sign of God’s love and existence for others to see.