Psalm 23
“The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want, though I walk through the valley of darkness”
At this time we are surrounded by darkness, especially as we listen to the experience of the people in Palestine and also great suffering in the Ukraine. There was a vigil for Ukraine at St Mary’s Church, a good response with solidarity that is needed. The great act of bravery given by Alexei Navalny was just outstanding. All through the ages martyrdom has been highlighted and the title of Saint added to his martyrdom. There is a greater call on everyone to respond to the threat that is endangering our world.
AS WE BEGIN THIS SEASON OF LENT THERE ARE SIGNS OF OUR RESPONSE, beginning with buds and signs of new life which needs to be developed and grow. Like any new life it needs to be propagated and encouraged. Something that shocked me….. I was seated in the car sending a text message, when just outside the window a squirrel appeared on a branch of a tree and proceeded to devour all the beautiful buds that were beginning to emerge….. A lesson from life, and so we always need some extra power from above.
In keeping with this we had an excellent insertion in last weeks newsletter, Lent and Easter Programme 2024, Ash Wednesday 14th February to Easter Sunday 31st March. A special moment is the stations of the cross at St George’s and next Saturday there will be exposition of the blessed sacrament at St Wilfrid’s at 10am, in support of the time for confessions and reconciliation. Please support the Reconciliation Service at St George’s, Sat 2nd March at 11.30am