LISTENING TO JESUS
It would appear that Jesus is castigating Martha for her acts of hospitality and praising Mary for the better portion she had chosen. The Martha in us screams, “unfair!” What is going on in this very familiar story from St Luke’s Gospel?
It is unlikely that Jesus was devaluing the very important biblical principle of hospitality. Hospitality was a sacred act and a crucial responsibility for every believer. Divine hospitality was a metaphor used to describe God’s protection and care. To offer hospitality to another was synonymous with offering it to God.
In John’s fifteenth chapter, Jesus insisted that his audience’s response to God be rooted in concrete action. And in today’s gospel, Jesus challenged Martha’s orientation toward ‘doing’ and praised Mary’s posture of ‘being.’ Jesus was inviting disciples (men and women) to step out of their expected norm, to look at things from a new perspective, and encounter the God of surprise. Whenever disciples stretch themselves, move into uncharted waters, and listen to God anew, they invite the transformation of every area of life. Those who are naturally drawn to a ministry of service need to spend time in prayer and contemplation, and those who are drawn to contemplation need to ground their prayer in action. One feeds the other.
Today’s gospel reminds us that the greatest action one can perform is to love the Lord with one’s entire being. Jesus invites us to step outside the routine of our lives, even the admirable routine, and abide with him. Our service will not last if not rooted in the contemplation of God’s Word.
BAPTISMS – Please initially speak to Fr Perry after Sunday Mass.
MASS INTENTIONS – We are booking Masses for August. Please note that if you asked for an intention on a specific date and a funeral is subsequently arranged on that day, the intention will be moved to the next available date
BAPTISMS, CONFIRMATION & RECEPTION INTO THE CHURCH – This Sunday at the 10am Mass, 4 adults and 3 youngsters will be receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist. Three of the adults have come through the adult Alpha programme. Please come and support all the candidates at the 10am Mass next Sunday.
CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK
Tuesday 22nd July St Mary Madalene
Wednesday 23rd July St Bridget of Sweden
Friday 25th July St James
Saturday 26th July Sts Joachim & Anne – parents of Our Lady
WELCOME – A warm welcome to Fr Henry, who arrived on Wednesday. He will be with us until Tuesday, 19th August. Please remember that he is here for what we hope will be a restful break from his parish duties in Malawi.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS – This week marks the end of the academic year for our parish schools. It has been a busy time for all three schools, each having undergone different inspections in recent months. Thank you to everyone who works in our schools, to our governors who so generously give their time to support their work, to the parents who entrust us with the education of their children, and lastly, to all the pupils who attend our schools. We wish you all a restful and enjoyable summer holiday.
SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE – AUGUST
During August, many parishioners are away, and only one priest will be available in the parish on the following weekends: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st August.
Weekend Mass Times (August only):
- Saturday (Vigil Mass): 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM
- Note: There will be no 12:00 PM Mass on these Sundays.
The 12:00 PM Mass will resume on Sunday, 7th September.
Weekday Masses:
- No Friday 9:30 AM Mass on 22nd and 29th August.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION – Details will be given after the school holidays.
SVP BINGO – On Wednesday 23rd July at 1:30pm in the Parish Centre
ALTAR SERVERS’ MASS All Altar Servers and their families are invited to the Diocesan Mass for Altar Servers at Westminster Cathedral, 2:30 on Saturday 4th October, celebrated by Bishop James Curry. Servers are to arrive by 1:45pm and vest in Cathedral Hall accessed via Ambrosden Avenue. Please register with Fr Perry after the holidays.
THANK YOU FOR THE COLLECTION OF
Sunday 13th July Total £953.06 (Loose £657.81; Envelopes £295.25). Contactless £497.
FUNERALS
We pray for the repose of the souls of the following who have died recently and we keep their family in our prayers.
BRIDGET McCORMACK – Requiem Mass at 9:30am on Tuesday 22nd July.
PHILOMENA JAYAFURIYA – Requiem Mass at 9:30am on Wednesday 23rd July.
CAMINO 2026 – SARRIA TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – Thank you to the 33 people who came to the meeting to learn more about the proposed Camino pilgrimage next year. It was agreed that we would aim to travel in late April or early May 2026. If you are interested in joining the group or would like more information, please speak to Fr Perry after Mass today. We will hold another meeting after the summer holidays to share all the details, including the itinerary and cost.
KRAKOW PILGRIMS – Please see Fr Perry after Mass this weekend.
| Coming soon! The next Alpha course will be starting in the Autumn – more details to follow. |
WELCOME BACK WEEKEND – Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st September – refreshments available after all the Masses.
POPES INTENTIONS FOR JULY & AUGUST
July – For formation in discernment – Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.
August – Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious, or ideological reasons.
NEXT NEWSLETTER – 7TH SEPTEMBER.