Breakfast with the Bishop: ‘Jesus the party animal’

Youth and young adults meet regularly for breakfast with Bishop Anthony Fisher OP.

By Annabelle Bhandoo, Catholic Outlook, July 2012

‘Jesus, the party animal’ was the topic of Breakfast with the Bishop and catechesis for youth and young adults on 26 May. Looking at the title one might be shocked, but this is how the Pharisees and scribes labelled Jesus.

Bishop Anthony Fisher OP gave a comprehensive catechesis in three parts: the importance of fasting and temperance; a balance of food and drink; and the importance of letting the joy of God shine through us as Christians and being compassionate to the needy just as Jesus was.

He used many references from Scripture as well as from the writings of St Thomas Aquinas and St Gregory the Great.

Jesus lived among people and was involved in their everyday lives. His miracles were of abundance and of divine magnitude, such as changing water into wine, multiplying the loaves and fishes, and a large catch of fish.

He taught about forgiveness using the symbol of the father throwing a party and killing the fatted calf on the return of his prodigal son; preaching should be effective like salt; compared leaders to wise stewards who feed their household at the appropriate time; parables that compared the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed, a man sowing seeds, etc.

Jesus did not fit the mould of the teachers in those days, and so was accused of “being a glutton, drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners”.

Contrary to what He was being accused of, Jesus saw the importance of fasting and prayer, and He was always present for people, to heal them, to walk with them in their happy and not-so-happy times. This is what He does with us if only we allow Him.

He joined in their feasting (parties) as well as in sorrowful moments. Jesus was compassionate to the less fortunate and He sets the best example for us to follow.

As Bishop Anthony stressed, “Jesus came so that we can have life to the full and He wants to give this life to ALL, to everyone. To live like Jesus, is to live a life not with a dulled but a heightened sensitivity of the needs of others who don’t get to live life to the full.”

Bishop Anthony encouraging us “to go out to the highways and byways, as Jesus said, and bring even the most unexpected people into the Church, the Communion of Saints on earth destined for Heaven” 

« Return to news list