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Good Shepherd or Vocations Sunday

newsletter

Dear parishioners and friends of our 3 Churches:

This Sunday is often called Good Shepherd Sunday because the Gospel for each of the three yearly cycles is on a shepherd theme. We also sometimes call it Vocations Sunday for obvious reasons. We are all in a time when the Church is not physically coming together to celebrate the Mass, yet the Church is no less present, because, of course, we are  that Church, wherever we may be. Some may find we have a little more time on our hands. If so, as we think our thoughts and pray our prayers, perhaps we could reflect on vocation. How am I doing as a member of the flock of Christ. Do I only call on him when I’m stranded or do I try to follow him each and every day, to fresh waters and pastures new? Do I pray for vocations to priestly and religious life. Perhaps some may make that prayer not only for others but for themselves. Young adults – is the Good Shepherd calling you to follow him in these particular ways? Ponder, prayer, reflect and most of all, listen.  

Fr Matthew

Road to Emmaus

newsletter

Dear parishioners and friends of our 3 Churches:

This Sunday the Gospel is the story of the Disciples on the Road to Emmaus.
We know how Jesus explained the scriptures to them, and how they recognised him in the breaking of bread, whereupon they rushed back to Jerusalem to share their experience of the Good News. But we mustn’t forget that even before he explained the Word to them he was already walking beside them, even though they didn’t recognise him. That’s surely a bit like how it is now. Sadly we cannot truly meet one another, either for the sharing of the word or the breaking of bread. However, that should not blind us to his presence already with us. As we walk along the road, not of the streets outside but of life itself, and whether we realise it or not, Jesus walks with us. When this is over, let’s not find ourselves saying “Did not our hearts burn within us”, as the disciples did when they understood that he had been with them all along. Rather, let’s seek him now, maybe in new ways – in the pain of separation or aloneness too.  

Fr Matthew