We are starting to see a change of emphasis in the Gospels. The disciples now begin to recognise who He truly is. Jesus hopes to keep His identity secret to prevent interrupting His Mission but is constantly revealed and pursued. Our own mission is to make Him known – not to hide His presence but share the Faith we have been given, far and wide.
This month is a change for our journey too, as hopefully, this country sees the pandemic being overcome and new freedoms come. Other nightmare scenarios like global warming and climate change will become a priority for us.
Governments can do so much, but everyone must change habits and behaviour. Can we save energy use by turning things off instead of ‘on standby’, re-cycle better, repair not replace, buy local when we can. ‘Green’ initiatives and appliances are developing more and more and are certainly needed. Acting now is the only real option for the future. Everything became so clean during the total lockdown. To clearly see the stars at night, breathing was easier, no diesel fumes on the main road. Bexley may have a long wait for those conditions again.
There is a challenge over the fate of people in Afghanistan, bringing into question how to help them and of the whole purpose and need for war. Something we need to pray about now and over all conflicts; to find peaceful solutions, forgiveness and understanding that some things are not in our power to solve. As Winston Churchill wisely said ‘Jaw, jaw is better than war, war’.
Calendar for September, Ordinary Time I, Year B
3rd St Gregory the Great National Calendar
8th Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
13th St John Chrysostom
14th Exaltation of the Holy Cross
15th Our Lady of Sorrows
16th Ss Cornelius and Cyprian Martyrs
17th St Robert Bellamine
20th Ss Andrew Kim & Companions Martyrs
21st Ss Matthew Apostle, Martyr
23rd St Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio)
24th Our Lady of Walsingham
27th St Vincent de Paul
28th St Wenceslaus
29th Ss Michael, Gabriel & Raphael Archangels
30th St Jerome