US Scripture scholar offers renewal message in Hamilton

While the “Rebuild My Church – From Stones to Souls” series was hosted in Hamilton, participants were welcomed from throughout the country.

On June 9, Dr Healy, a Professor of Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, stressed that the Bible is not simply a book to be studied, but the living Word of God that nourishes, guides and transforms lives.

She encouraged her listeners to approach the Bible in four ways: reading to understand what God is saying; meditating on his Word; responding in prayer; and resting in God’s presence. Through these practices, the Word of God moves from the page into hearts, she encouraged.

One of the evening’s most powerful reminders came when she reflected on the theme of the mission: “We’re not rebuilding His Church. He’s rebuilding his Church.”

On the second evening, Dr Healy invited her listeners to rediscover the Holy Spirit not simply as a doctrine of the Church, but as a divine person who desires a real relationship with members of God’s Church.

Jesus chose to carry out his mission in dependence on the Holy Spirit, she said. The same Spirit given to Christ has been poured out upon the Church, empowering every Christian to share in Jesus’ mission.

One of the second evening’s key themes was that the Gospel is more than a message to be heard. It is, Dr Healy said, the living power of God at work in the world. The Church is not called to rely on programmes, strategies or human effort alone, but to be continually renewed and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.

Dr Healy said Jesus did not die and rise again for a powerless Church, but for a Church filled with sons and daughters who know who they are in Christ and are equipped with power from on high.

In the final evening session, Dr Healy reflected on the story of Esther and the courage to live and proclaim faith in today’s world. Her invitation was to recognise that God has placed each of her listeners in that place, at that time, for a purpose.

More than 100 parish leaders and missionaries gathered for a leaders’ workshop with Dr Healy on June 10. Forty-two clergy also took part in a day of formation and encouragement alongside five of New Zealand’s six bishops.

In his homily at the leaders’ day Mass, Hamilton Bishop Richard Laurenson reminded those present that they are children of the apostles. The mission entrusted to the Church has been handed on from generation to generation, and each Christian is called to play his or her part in sharing the Good News, Bishop Laurenson said.

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