St. Joseph's Catholic Church - Hobart Parish

St. Joseph's Catholic Church - Hobart Parish Hobart Catholic Parish is under the Pastoral Care of the Passionist Congregation.

10/08/2026

Daily Reflection, August 10, 2026

St Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr,
Readings:

2 Corinthians 9:6-10
John 12:24-26
Reflection:

“God loves a cheerful giver,” teaches St Paul.

Whenever I read this line of scripture I think of my mum. I don’t think I know anyone who spends more time considering, choosing, working, serving, cooking, sewing, doing, giving.

All for others.

Always with a smile.

It is almost as though she can’t bear to receive without returning the favour a thousand-fold. The countless cakes, ANZACS, batches of shortbread baked for neighbours, teachers at her granddaughter’s school, my husband and I, the pots of soups, casseroles, shepherd’s pies and lasagnes she prepares for my sisters and their families, the never-ending mending and alterations she completes for everyone, the innumerable materials hemmed for the altar settings at St Joseph’s for me. Everything is always prepared beautifully, food packaged meticulously, fabric painstakingly ironed, everything created with love, with heart, with her entire being.

Recently diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, in constant pain and often struggling to breathe, mum has not stopped being this same cheerful giver. Arriving yesterday for the weekend, I walked into a room made up like a hotel, a jacket mended and altered, packages and presents for family members, and as always, a beautiful and heart-melting smile.

At a time when she deserves to receive all the love, care and assistance she needs, her only desire is to continue to give.

Angela Marquis works for the Passionists at St Joseph’s in Tasmania, and with WATAC (Women and the Australian Church), and is a founding member of the Australian Women Preach organising team.

07/08/2026

Daily Reflection, August 7, 2026

Aug 7, 2026
Readings:

Nahum 2:1, 3:1-3.6-7
Matthew 16:24-28
Reflection:

The prophet Nahum prepares his people for the restoration of Israel as the place of God’s promise and the bringing down the invaders from Niniveh.

Nothing, even the most tragic or the most devastating time in our lives has an ending. And we are invited to remember always that the One who offers us hope is faithful and never forgets what has been promised. Nahum, a fairly unimportant prophet, manages to show the hope of better things and the end of suffering as we recall that our God is faithful and we are not meant to live in permanent suffering. We must be people of hope.

Now God’s word to us today suggests that now is the time to stop doubting and to start trusting again.

Matthew’s gospel leads us to listen in to the question of Jesus to the disciples as he heads towards Jerusalem and Calvary, where he will be challenged to answer with love what his whole life has been about. He asks them and he asks us. “Who do people say that I am?” And he tops their answer with this question: “But you, who do you say I am?” And he follows their answer by reminding us that love will cost us in the shape of a cross to call out from each of us the love, enthusiasm and courage with which we’ve been trying to shape our lives. “Anyone who loses their life for my sake will save that life”. The mathematics that Jesus offers to measure our lives, is not the one offered by prophets of the prosperity gospel. As we reflect on what is happening today in our world, it is a reminder that we don’t live in a smooth-running world. We live in a world of challenge. Managing to make it safely through the “Straits of Hormuz” of our lives, will lead us to rely more and more on the promises that we hear from the One who is the Companion of our lives just as he was companion to the ones who were struggling to believe on the road to Emmaus.

Fr. Kevin Dance CP lives at St.Brigid’s Retreat, Marrickville. He is very actively involved in ministries locally and at Passionist International, where he served as the Executive Director for many years.

05/08/2026

Daily Reflection, August 5, 2026

Readings

Jeremiah 31:1-7
Matthew 15:21-28
Reflection

The Gospel story of the pagan woman seeking healing for her daughter also appears in Mark’s Gospel. Matthew, whose Gospel was written 20 years later, probably copied the story from Mark, though he has made slight changes. For instance, in Mark’s Gospel the woman is Syrophoenician while in Matthew she is Canaanite. The point is the same, though, that the woman is not a Jew and has come to Jesus seeking healing for her daughter who is tormented by a spirit. In both stories, Jesus responds with words not meant to win friends and influence people, calling her a house dog. Her response, however, surprises Jesus, who then acknowledges her great faith and grants her request.

If this story truly came from the life of the historical Jesus, it speaks to his humanity. At first he carries the prejudices of his people towards pagans (which we continue to see today with the treatment of Palestinians), but has his vision broadened to recognise the mission must extend beyond the borders of Israel.

More likely, the reason Mark and Matthew include the story in their Gospels was to deal with the situation, in their time, concerning the acceptance of the Gentiles into the Church. This story, like that of the healing of the Roman Centurion’s sick servant, offers the evangelists an opportunity to present Jesus praising the faith of a Gentile, therefore challenging the prejudice of the Jewish Christian members of their communities.

At this time, when we hear the rhetoric of the One Nation Party regarding a return to a White Australia Policy, these Gospel stories should give us a clear message about where we, as Christians, should stand.

Fr. Ray Sanchez CP is the leader of the Oxley community and is responsible for Parish Missions and Retreats throughout Australia and NZ.

04/08/2026

Daily Reflection, August 4, 2026

St John Mary Vianney
Readings

Jeremiah 30:1-2,12-15,18-22
Matthew 15:1-2,10-14
Reflection

There is a humorous saying: “Cataracts are the third biggest cause of blindness. Religion and politics are the first two.” It sounds amusing, but it contains a serious truth. Even religion, which should open our eyes to God and to others, can blind us when it becomes mixed with pride, prejudice, power or self-interest.

A rabbi was concerned about a young friend who was becoming worldly and materialistic. He invited him into his study and led him to the window. “What do you see?” he asked.

There was a playground next to the house. “I see children playing,” the young man answered.

Then the rabbi took a small mirror from his pocket and held it before the young man’s face.

“What do you see now?” “I see myself,” he replied. The rabbi said, “Isn’t it strange? The window and the mirror are both made of glass. But when a little silver gets between you and others, you see only yourself.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns that the Pharisees and the scribes have become “blind guides of the blind.” Their religion had become so focused on external rules and traditions that they were no longer able to recognise what God was truly asking of them; maybe it is true of us as well!

The problem is not always that we cannot see. Sometimes something has come between us and what God wants us to see; it could even be Religion. Religion is not merely about prayers, rules, customs or appearances. It is about what the Gospel is doing within us. Is the Gospel changing us? Is it helping us to see more clearly, love more deeply and respond more generously? The true “chemistry” of the Gospel turns bitterness into forgiveness, suffering into prayer, curses into blessings and selfishness into compassion.

Today, perhaps we can ask ourselves: What is blocking my vision? What is the “little silver” that makes me see only myself?

Let us ask Jesus to open our eyes, so that we may not become blind guides, but people who see others with compassion, see ourselves with honesty and see God at work in every moment of our lives.

Giltus Mathias CP, St Brigid’s Marrickville

03/08/2026

Daily Reflection, August 3, 2026
St Dominic
Readings:

Jeremiah 28:1-17
Matthew 14:22-6

Reflection

The gospel today reveals profound realities. We could focus on its miraculous signs—Jesus walking on water and inviting Peter to do the same—but today let us attend more closely to the dynamics it uncovers.

Beneath the dramatic story before us today lie many significant dynamics that are part of each of our ministries and vocations. Whether we live God’s gifts in the forums of marriage, dedicated single life, helping occupations and/or religious or clerical life, we all meet these dynamics.

Like the first disciples, we are often sent on ahead of Jesus. Sometimes this is to be missionary in the sense that our words and example of life will introduce Jesus to others, and at other times it can mean that we are his ambassadors to those who are already in relationship with Jesus.
Fear can blind us to ‘see’ Jesus and hides itself within the reality of ‘doubt’, while relationship to Jesus and listening to his invitations in life inspire faith and trust. The words of Jesus “take courage… do not be afraid” name this dynamic and challenge it.
There are often unintended and certainly uninvited moments of challenge and stress that at times interrupt ministry or form the context that surrounds us as we work. It alerts us to the truth that we should not expect our ministry (or indeed our lives) to take place always in stable or calm situations.

As the gospel scene begins and as it ends, we see Jesus at work amidst the crowds. So often the world or those who need us crowd our lives, and yet ministry is needed or expected to continue. Like Jesus, we can’t face those constant demands without periods of quiet and prayer – as he models.

Fr. Denis Travers C.P. is the provincial of the Passionists of Holy Spirit Province.

31/07/2026

Daily Reflection, July 31, 2026

St. Ignatius of Loyola
Readings:

Jeremiah 26:1-9
Matthew 13:54-58
Reflection

William James, an American philosopher and psychologist, once observed, “A great many people think that they are thinking when, in reality, they are only rearranging their prejudices.”

That is a confronting thought. We often believe we are searching for truth, when we may simply be collecting arguments to defend what we have already decided. We listen, but only for what agrees with us. We read, but only what confirms us. We pray, but sometimes only for God to approve our opinion.

In today’s gospel, we see Jesus being rejected by his own townspeople, because they knew him too well: “This is the carpenter’s son, surely?” they asked. They wouldn’t accept him because he was not the person they once knew. “Where did the man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they wondered.

The Gospel challenges us to something deeper: not merely to rearrange our old thoughts, but to allow Christ to renew our minds and hearts. Jesus constantly challenged people’s prejudices. He spoke with the Samaritan woman, ate with sinners, touched lepers, welcomed outsiders and placed a child at the centre. He did not fit comfortably into people’s categories.

Real thinking requires humility. Real faith requires the courage to say, “Perhaps I am wrong. Perhaps there is something I have not understood. Lord, help me to see this person, this situation and even myself through your eyes.”

Today, let us not ask God merely to strengthen our opinions. Let us ask him to disturb our prejudices, widen our hearts and lead us into truth. For conversion begins when we stop rearranging our old furniture and allow Christ to open the windows.

Giltus Mathias CP, St Brigid’s Marrickville

30/07/2026

Daily Reflection, July 30, 2026

Readings

Jeremiah 18: 1-6
Matthew 13:47-53
Reflection

Today’s gospel tells of fishermen using a weighted net that was dragged along the bottom of a lake to collect an assortment of fish. After this exercise, the fishermen sorted the fish into the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’. Those worth keeping were gathered into containers, while the rest were thrown away. There are similarities to the parable of the sower, and the parable of the w**ds and the wheat, and to some extent, to the exchange between Jesus and the rich young man ‘(What you are doing is good, but there is more’).

It is one thing to speak boldly of one’s commitment to following Jesus, but clearly, there is a difference between words and action. Some who proclaim faith are misguided or shallow (as in the parable of the self-righteous Pharisee and the publican). When Matthew wrote his gospel, he was concerned about the old (Jewish believers) and the new (Gentile concerts). The old is good, but as Aldi adds, the new is different …’ good, different’.

In fact Jesus called all sorts of people into fellowship (e.g. lepers, tax-collectors, public sinners) and urged people us to judge. This was beautifully picked up by Pope Francis with his famous “todos, todos, todos” (everyone, everyone, everyone) and his equally famous, ‘who am I to judge?”

Any separation (of the sheep and the goats) will be done by God, not by us. We can catch all the fish and leave the sorting issues to later. Let the wheat and the darnel grow together until harvest time. The kingdom of God is not a museum, it is a hidden treasure. Jesus did not seek admiration; he wanted imitation, and he wanted an inclusive community – drag the net, collect everyone and leave it till later to sort things out.

Brian Traynor CP has been involved in faith formation for many years especially in the form of parish missions and through the Passionist Family Group Movement. Brian is a member of the Passionist community at Holy Cross, Templestowe.

29/07/2026

Daily Reflection, July 29, 2026

Sts Martha, Mary and Lazarus
Readings:

Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21
John 11: 19-27 or Luke 10: 38-42
Reflection:

Today is the feast of Martha, Mary and Lazarus who were some of Jesus’ dearest friends and who welcomed him to their home in Bethany on various occasions. Their offer of hospitality would have been welcomed by Jesus and his disciples after being on the road doing their missionary work.

In 2021, Cardinal Robert Sarah wrote “In the household of Bethany, the Lord Jesus experienced the family spirit and friendship of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and for this reason the Gospel of John states that he loved them. Martha generously offered him hospitality, Mary listened attentively to his words and Lazarus promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the one who humiliated death.”

Isn’t it nice to think that Jesus had friends. Jesus’s humanity is real – he had good friends that he could rely on. And like all good friends they made time for each other. We know that Martha rebuked him for not getting Mary to help her (Luke 10) and was deeply hurt and angry in today’s Gospel that he did not come earlier when Lazarus was ill and that when he did come Lazarus had already died. Only true friends say these sorts of things to each other.

The gift of friendship is to be treasured and nurtured. This is where we grow in our humanity, where we find the support that we need and where we give and receive hospitality. At times we loose contact but when we make the effort to reconnect old connections are rekindled.

Jesus is calling us into the same deep friendship that he had with Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Spending time listening to his words, just like Mary did is so important. Through deep listening with our hearts open it will lead us to discern what Jesus is asking us to do, like Martha did in serving him and coming to believe in the Resurrection and the life of Jesus. Lazarus was brought back to life, a whole new life in Jesus that was free. Friendship with Jesus as well as our earthly friends is essential. Maybe today take the opportunity to call a friend that you haven’t spoken to for ages and arrange a time to meet up. Jesus is there in those moments.

Victoria Raw is parishioner of Te Whetu O Te Moana, Star of the Sea Marlborough, NZ and is active in lay ministry.

28/07/2026

Daily Reflection, July 28, 2026

Readings:

Jeremiah 14:17-22
Matthew 13:36-43
Reflection:

The field is ready for a new harvest. The soil is healthy and well prepared. What can go wrong? There is a saying about things in general ‘if it can go wrong, it will go wrong, sometime’.

Darnel, the w**d, can appear anytime in its cycle of growth alongside the wheat and destroy the wheat crop. Darnel is counterfeit wheat. It is an imitation of the real thing and cannot be easily identified. Like scamming…

Our life can at times be counterfeit. We can be an imitation of what we are called to be.

These are our times of sin. And thank God for our sin. Because of it we can become saints. And identify who we are in the sight of God. A saint is a sinner who repents. Ask St Augustine, he will tell you all about repentance. Ask the woman, about to be stoned by self-righteous religious people, what Jesus said. ‘Let the one who has not sinned cast the first stone’, obviously no one took up the challenge because we all sin sometime. Jesus then told her to go away and don’t sin anymore.

The sinner and the saint live side by side. They influence each other by the things they do and say.

Pray continually for the wisdom to make the right choices in your life. For at the end of time, you may be the saint offering to the sinner the mercy and forgiveness of God.

As the person kneeling at the temple door humbly cries, ’Have mercy on me a sinner’.

Peter Addicoat CP is a member of the Hobart Passionist Community.

27/07/2026

Daily Reflection, July 27, 2026

Readings:

Jeremiah 13:1-11
Matthew 13:31-35
Reflection:

Today’s first reading from the book of Jeremiah (13:1-11) is a parable-like story which laments the infidelity of the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem. This parable compares the leaders of Judah to a loincloth, symbolizing the Lord’s hopes for their fidelity. But they consort with foreign gods and powers, illustrated by hiding the loincloth in a rock on the shore of the river Euphrates, calling to mind the Babylonian conquest of Judah and the place of exile. The loincloth ‘was spoilt, good for nothing’ disappointing the Lord who had hoped that Judah would be ‘my people, my glory, my honour and my boast’. The responsorial Psalm (Deuteronomy 32:18-21) develops the same theme, that the people have forgotten ‘the Rock who begot you’. Today’s Gospel (Matthew 13:31-35) is also made up of parables. In his classic work, The Parables of the Kingdom (1935), the Protestant Biblical scholar C.H. Dodd characterized the parables in this way: “At its simplest, the parable is a metaphor or simile drawn from nature or common life, arresting the hearer by its vividness or strangeness, and leaving the mind in sufficient doubt to its precise application to tease the mind into active thought.” So the Kingdom of Heaven can be conceived of as a seed that grows to a tree big enough to shelter the birds of the air, or as yeast that leavens copious amounts of flour – and as a loincloth that perishes in infidelity and neglect rather than clinging to the Lord, the source of our life and hope.

Robert Gascoigne is a parishioner at St Brigid’s, Marrickville. He is a theologian who taught for many years at the Australian Catholic University.

Address

65 Harrington Street
Hobart, TAS
7000

Opening Hours

Monday 10:15am - 4:15pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 3:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 3:30pm
Friday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+61362344866

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