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.
