Anzac Weekend

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Anzac Day is celebrated to commemorate the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli, Turkey, on April 25, 1915, as part of the Allied invasion during World War I.
Having been at Gallipoli and seen first-hand what those Anzacs had to do to get up from the beach, it is remarkable that anyone survived. It was truly a heroic event.
Anzac Day also commemorates the service and sacrifice of all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. 
So, it is right to pay tribute to all who sacrificed for their country, some people see it as their religious duty to honour all veterans on Anzac Day.
Having just celebrated Easter, the idea of sacrifice is not unfamiliar. In fact, Jesus takes it to another level. Jesus just didn’t die for his friends, his compassion takes him to die for his enemies too.
Romans 5:10 “While we were God’s enemies, we were
reconciled to him through the death of his Son”
Yes, we thank God for all who sacrificed for Australia, but how much more should our thanks and praise be overflowing for Jesus dying for our world, for us, who were once his enemies.
Psalm 103:8 “The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.”


PS. Thank you to everyone who was involved in making the Easter Services a great event.

Tony Galea

Jesus demonstrated compassion through acts of healing, teaching, and sacrifice, ultimately laying down his life for humanity. His compassion was not just empathy, but a powerful force that drove him to act on behalf of others, particularly those marginalized or suffering. 
It’s always hard to show compassion. It doesn’t come naturally, and it is even harder to show compassion on those who have hurt us.
Nevertheless, we are still called to be compassionate:
Eph 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
We can only show compassion to others through prayer (asking God to help us be compassionate) and keeping our eyes on Jesus, the one who has shown compassion on us.

Tony Galea