Who’s agenda are you following?

Apr 16, 2014

 By Bernard Anthony
“Mary shows us the good example by following Jesus”, said Fr Kooi, who is also the parish administrator of the the Church of the Annunciation that celebrated their parish feast on Mar 29.

The Gospel passage was taken from Luke about Mary’s declaration of her commitment and faithfulness to God where she uttered ‘I’m the handmaid of the Lord, let what You say be done to me according to Your word.’

Fr Andrew Kooi, the parish administrator, in his homily asked the assembly “Whose agenda are you following — God’s or yours? Whose will are you following — God’s or yours? Whose Kingdom are you building — God’s or yours? Mary obeyed God’s will. She had faith in the Lord and surrendered herself to God. She did not know what consequences she would face but trusted in the Lord.”

Even if we are not worthy enough, trusting in God and surrendering to Him are acts of abandonment to God. It is not easy but we must trust, like Mary. She said ‘Yes’ to God. What about us? Are we saying ‘Yes’ to God? What has God planned for us or are we trying to do things in our own way?” Fr Kooi called on the assembly to imitate Mary, the Mother of Jesus by following Jesus’ teachings.

After Mass, the monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament was mounted on top of a decorated 4WD and taken on a candle-light procession. Fr Kooi and the assembly recited the Rosary as they followed the procession.

All the faithful were also feted to a fellowship dinner at 8.15pm in the Church grounds. The parish thanked all those pilgrims and parishioners for joining in the celebration and all those who have assisted in making the feastday meaningful.