By Fr Jackson Saunders
EARLIER this year I had the opportunity to visit Vietnam with friends, who were returning to their home country to celebrate their recent ordinations to the priesthood.
My trip began in Ho Chi Minh City in the south and concluded in Hanoi in the north.
Most of my time was spent in the central mid-highlands of rural Vietnam. It was an amazing cultural experience where typically no foreigners are ever seen and English is not spoken.
The people made me feel so welcome and loved. Their generous hospitality and joy were contagious. While they may have had less than we do by Australian standards in materialistic terms, they had so much more in many ways.
I left Vietnam feeling thankful for the 10 days I had in this beautiful country with my friends and their families.
Easter also presents to us an opportunity to be thankful for what we have in our lives; our families, friends and loved ones.
For those of Christian faith, we do so in the context of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. This is a great gift, which he shares with each of us.
May Easter be a time of gratitude for all of us inspiring us to share our lives with others.
Fr Jackson Saunders is the Assistant Priest of St Brendan’s Catholic Parish, Shepparton. He is also a sports commentator on 98.5 ONE FM where he is nicknamed “The Pontiff.”
