Half term is over and it is back to School. Following last week’s Gospel of the Beatitudes, this Sunday speaks of those in real dire need, responding even if not appreciated. Luke. focuses on generosity and compassion. The Old Testament reading tells of the moment when David had the opportunity to kill Saul and refrains from doing so.
Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
This Sunday’s Gospel is, probably, a very challenging one for each of us, in our different ways. Indeed, we might use the text as an examination of conscience – perhaps at the end of each day, and especially in our preparation for the Sacrament of Penance.
Take time to read this text. If you are in the habit of Lectio Divina, use it for Lectio. Every sentence holds treasures, themes for our reflection, themes that may bring us to sorrow, or to joy.
In the second half of the text, Jesus calls us to a place where we do not judge one another, where we pardon, where we show compassion – walk alongside our brother or sister and share their burdens. Ultimately, He calls us to give. We all know that when we give of ourselves it brings rewards far greater than the passing happiness of our own comfort. This is far more than just the satisfaction in knowing we have done a good thing – it is a joy that comes because we are doing what the Lord asks of us. Our service is an expression of the Lord’s self-giving for us. When we truly walk with another, we are able to see Christ present in them; we are sharing His love with them.
In our present world of consumerism and the cult of the celebrity, the Lord calls us to a different path. The First Reading this Sunday provides the example of David who did what was right. He had the chance to do away with Saul, who was seeking to kill him. He took the more difficult – but righteous and compassionate – path. He spared his enemy. So with us, we are called to do what is right in every circumstance of our lives, for this will be the path of service, the path that leads to life.
Let us, too, pray most ardently for peace in our troubled world, remembering especially the need for an end to the war in Ukraine, the present troubles in Congo, that the fragile ceasefire in Gaza will hold and that the tensions on the boarder of Lebanon will ease.
Also, as Pope Francis continues his stay in the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, let us remember him very specially in our prayers.
With every blessing,
+Richard
Mass Schedule
- Sunday 23rd February 10am 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Monday 24th February 8:15am St Mary’s House
- Wednesday 26th February 9:30am
- Friday 28th February 9:30am
- Sunday 2nd March 10am 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Lourdes Fund
Thank you for your generosity in responding to this appeal. Do you think you could be a helper?
Commissioned Ministers of Holy Communion
There is to be a Saturday Morning course for existing and new candidates March 8th 11am-1pm in St Mary’s Hall. Have a word with Fr John if you are attending.
Parish Clergy Meeting
The first Meeting of the active Clergy of the future Parish will be on Wednesday 26th. Keep them in your prayers.
Next Week (2nd March – 8th March)
Wednesday 5th March will be Ash Wednesday marking the beginning of Lent. There will be 2 Masses – 9.30am and 7pm.
Do bring last year’s palms to the entrance next Sunday. They will be burnt to create the ashes.
Whatsoever you do
To the least of my people
That you do unto me.
No. 726
St Thomas More Church, Patcham, Brighton 