Newsletter- 15th Week of Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners

 They say if you want to avoid controversy don’t talk about religion or politics. Yet it remains a fact that it’s important that as modern-day disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ that we do talk about our faith and speak the truth of the Gospel message of Christ with love and compassion and in a spirit of generosity and sensitivity to the needs of those around us. But always too in the knowledge of the many times that we ourselves fail in our loving and in our living.

In the first reading from the prophet Amos which we hear at Mass this weekend on the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, Amos had been speaking about the faith as a prophet.  Amos was not a natural prophet.  He tells Amaziah that he used to be a shepherd and would be happy to return to that trade.  He is a prophet though because the Lord has called him to this.  Called by the Lord, he speaks the truth. Do we?

In the Gospel this Sunday Jesus sends out the Twelve to share in His ministry.  His ministry is to heal and to preach.  Jesus does so by travelling from town to town.  While the Apostles follow him on His journeys, He does not go with a set itinerary.  He doesn’t look for luxurious accommodations.  He doesn’t hold onto money or food.  He trusts the Father will take care of Him and He teaches the disciples to do the same.  They are to take nothing on the journey. Actually, I think there is something they do take.  It’s not food or clothing.  What they take on the journey is faith, trust, and grace. The Apostles were called to a very particular role.  It was not a job any of them applied for.  They were all chosen by God.  Were they perfect?  Most certainly not!

God still chose them though to be His disciples just as God chooses us today.  None of us is perfect, myself included!  God knows our strengths and weaknesses better than we do ourselves. Yet God still calls each of us to serve Him in a particular way.  We might feel inadequate.  We might not really know what we should do, and we need often to admit and be aware of our failings and short comings.

But God still calls each one of us to be a prophet. Being a prophet means sharing what our faith means to us.  It means acknowledging our own weaknesses and to show others how we count on God. Amos was called to be a prophet.  The Twelve were called to be disciples.  We are all called to share the faith.  One of the best ways to do this is to tell others why we know we need God in our own lives.

Confirmandi preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in September this year: Please continue to keep our young people in your prayers as they continue in their journey of faith and in their preparation for Confirmation later in September. This Saturday 13thJuly at the Saturday evening Mass at 6 pm Mass they are helping with our liturgy and will make their Act of Commitment during Mass.

 Sea Sunday 13th/14th July – Every year churches around the world celebrate Sea Sunday. It’s a day for people to come together to pray for seafarers and fishers and thank them for the vital role they play in all our lives. They often work in difficult, hazardous
conditions. The number of crews abandoned by their employers is still at a record high. Many are still being denied the right to leave their ships for even a short break away from the relentless noise and pressure onboard. Many are reporting more stress and poorer mental than ever before. Stella Maris is the maritime agency of the Catholic Church. Its teams of chaplains provide practical help and pastoral care to seafarers and fishers in the UK and around the world. This weekend at all our Sunday Masses there will be a Second Collection for their important work. Please give as generously as you can.

With my prayers for you and your families during the week ahead,

Your parish priest and friend,

Fr Jonathan


2024 14th July – Newsletter – Download