Newsletter- 17th Week of Ordinary Time
This week sees the beginning of August. Many more people will be going away from the parish on holiday this week or taking time to visit with family and friends. Be assured of our prayers for you during your time away and we pray that you will return to the parish refreshed and renewed after your break!
Today we celebrate 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Today’s readings weave around themes of wisdom, treasure, and joy. When asked in a dream what he desires from God, Solomon chooses ‘a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil.’ God is pleased that Solomon does not seek riches or a long life, so gives him the gift of wisdom (First Reading). The Psalmist asks the Lord for his consoling love. God’s law means more to him than precious metals. St Paul explains that the plan now unfolding has been there from the beginning (Second Reading). God chose and called us all to become ‘true images of his Son’. God wants all who love him and follow his teaching to share in his glory. In the Gospel Jesus offers three images for God’s kingdom: a treasure we find unexpectedly; a pearl for which we search diligently; a net that gathers us in. They illustrate the priceless value and importance of the kingdom to which all are invited. Jesus also reminds us to hold on to treasures both old and new as we seek God’s kingdom.
This week, let us ponder God’s gift of wisdom. Let us pray that it will guide us to the true ‘treasure’: the delight of knowing and loving Jesus more deeply for ourselves, and the riches this brings. Let us ask God’s help to share that with those we encounter in our lives during the coming week and let us pause and reflect how best we can do this.
With my prayers for you and for your families during this holiday season,
Your parish priest and friend,
Fr Jonathan
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2023 30th July 2023– Newsletter – Download