Fr Rory Writes:
Once again from the Standbrook Abbey Hymnal, a line stands out that expresses
“The seed of Glory sown in man, will flower when we see your face”
After the early events following the crucifixion, the disciples were at a great loss. An awareness that He has Risen from the dead begins to spread, that He has gone before them into Galilee; and that it is from there that He will ascend into heaven. The situation is very difficult, and the forces that had Him crucified have not gone away. The words we read from the scriptures, in the divine office and our daily mass, highlight the issues; “He calls us out of darkness into His true light”.
Our present circumstances highlighted by the closed churches, the great importance of the need to isolate and establish social distancing, in a strange way helps to draw us together. This was admirable, expressed in the Queen’s address to the nation, as a most important part of the celebration of “Victory in Europe Day”. Her words were memorable and will inspire for a long time to come. She captured what is best in the human spirit and that those who died, all that long time ago, would echo the sentiment that give value to their sacrifice the loss of so much life in the war.
Please God, a greater focus upon the family, and the local community may be one of the great fruits of this very difficult time. Times of trial capture what is best in the human spirit and may become a great blessing. For our parishes, when we are left to choose between partaking on screen or being present at our parish mass, may help us to establish the commitment to be involved and to truly belong within our parish community. At the same time there are always two sides to a coin. The options that will be available because of the advance in technology could benefit and enhance our world. It may reduce some of the necessity to travel and thereby help with global warming and allow different choices within the world of work.
In the meantime, because we have our website this can become a way of beginning. We are very blessed with Jackie and Sophie, because of their willingness to do their best. We can improve that best, though I accept it is not easy. I have to admit to a lot of limitations, but I do hold a great belief, that a body of many parts working together, is best. As we acknowledge the age profile of the clergy, there is a great need for a new generation, in the life of the church.
Several persons (though not a large number) have offered to help communicate with those who are isolated. It highlighted for me the number of persons immediately known to me, whom I should be ringing in order to keep in touch. As time goes on it becomes more difficult, so it would be very helpful if we could establish a couple more core groups to support this, which would be a great blessing.
We have some very sad losses of lives, and because the bereaved could not be properly supported, it is a very painful time. At the beginning of my priesthood the sacrament of extreme unction at the time of death was greatly important. It remains so for the elderly generation, and I particularly call to mind, Evelyn South, Margaret Malone, Douglas Booth and pray that their loss and affliction will be turned into great joy in heaven.
Next Thursday is the Feast of the Ascension, and next Sunday would have been the celebration of First Holy Communion at St Wilfrid’s. We have a very good group, so I commend them to you for lots of prayers. Currently, because I am over seventy, and being without my car, is a great loss to my priestly ministry.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will celebrate the joyous events at the heart of our faith – the Ascension of Christ into heaven and the descent of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles, and so will be a source of great graces and blessings that will shine out in this time of great trial.