1st Sunday of Advent: Vocations of vigilance

Fr Richard's words for today

Readings: Universalis: Mass

Vocations of vigilance

"Stay awake" is the message of this first day of Advent. We're reminded that we don't know when the Second Coming of Christ will take place. And so we must be always prepared and stay attentive as we await the Last Day. 

The Parable of the Vigilant Doorkeeper and Servants shows that God has provided a context of how He wishes us to "stay awake". The Lord calls each of us to a vocation  - a particular state of life which has its own "manner", if you like, by which we remain ready for the coming of Christ in glory, and therefore, for the final judgment. The parable outlines the responsibilities of we who are parts of the Body of Christ, the Church.

The house owner who goes abroad leaves his home in charge of servants, who each have their own task. Christ tells all his disciples to "stay awake" as they fulfil their missions. Scholars associate the doorkeeper with Holy Orders, and in particular, pastors. Priests, bishops and the Pope "guard" the door of the Church, and the members of Christ's faithful serving inside. They protect the Church from dangerous intrusions by the evil one and by things that threaten to distract the faithful, such as false doctrines. Pastors are also tasked with feeding and enriching Christ's servants. St Paul alludes to this mission in today's Second Reading from 1 Corinthians, where he thanks the teachers and preachers for their witness. Today, therefore, please pray for your priests (which I know that you do generously anyway). Pray that they may be good "doorkeepers" in protecting the Church, God's holy people.

To those who are married and have families: your "way" of staying awake is to continue to be loving and faithful to your spouses, to care for your children, and, critically, to hand on the Faith diligently to them. To be faithful and generous wives, husbands, mums and dads is to be God's true servants, going without sleep at all times (in some cases, in reality as well as spiritually!). 

Religious men and women "stay awake" by their dedication to a life of prayer as well as apostolic service. The consecrated single life is a vocation of remaining vigilant by a total uniting to Christ. 

And to those who've not yet discovered their vocation - "stay awake" by continuing to discern what God has called you to do. Allow the Lord to mould and shape you as a potter works on the clay, an image we hear in our first reading from Isaiah.

Whatever our vocation is, or wherever we are in our journey of determining it, we know we are given the gifts of the Spirit if we stay close to Christ and the Sacraments of His Church. These gifts of grace help and strengthen us to stand ready for the day of our liberation.

Advent is a golden time of allowing the Lord to renew and enrich us in the living of our "watchful" vocations. It's a wonderful season of quiet meditation on the mysteries of Christ. Take opportunities to go into "retreat" mode, even if only for a few minutes. Reflect on where we are in the living of our own vocation: What are the joys and blessings I want to thank God for? In what ways am I "being vigilant" in living my vocation? What are the areas I need to bring to the Lord for his healing and help?

May we live Advent as a season of deep reflection on our "vocations of vigilance". We make one of the intercessions to Jesus from last night's Vespers our own: "You will bring us wisdom, fresh understanding and new vision. Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay."

Resumption of public Masses and Newsletter

Public Mass will resume this coming Wednesday, December 2nd, when the ban on public worship is lifted. The Mass schedule will be as normal from then. We look forward to seeing you again!

Click here for this week's newsletter with all the details

Friday, Last Week of Ordinary Time: Heaven to earth

 

Fr Richard's reflection for today

Readings: Universalis: Mass

Heaven to earth

"I saw the holy city, and the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, as beautiful as a bride all dressed for her husband." (Ap 21:2)

St John's spectacular vision of the new Jerusalem descending to earth concludes today's reading from Apocalypse. This verse of Scripture is very timely as we await with great anticipation the return of public Mass next week.

What John sees is exactly what we witness at the Mass, for the Eucharist is the uniting of heaven and earth. The Mass is a foretaste of the heavenly Jerusalem. It's why we Christians who are on the journey to our heavenly homeland yearn for the Mass - because it's there that we participate already in the heavenly banquet. 

The new Jerusalem is described as a "bride all dressed for her husband". The holy city is the Church in heaven, just as we are parts of the Body of Christ, the Church, here on earth. The Catholic Church is the beautiful Bride of Christ, the Bridegroom. Yes, individuals within the Church can be great sinners and  even corruption can take hold in the governance of it. But in its mystical character, the Church is Jesus' Holy Bride and its the wedding Feast that we participate in when we pray the Mass.

Reflecting on this awesome reality of what the Mass is, may we grow in love of it and come to treasure it as the heart of our Faith and the means of our salvation. 

Thursday, Last Week of Ordinary Time: World is passing

Fr Richard's words for today

Readings: Universalis: Mass

World is passing

As we approach the end of the Church's year, the Scriptures turn our attention to the end of time - the Apocalypse. Indeed, the weekday readings at the moment are from the final book of the Bible bearing that name. 

Today, in the reading and Gospel, we hear prophecies of the demise of two place names - Babylon and Jerusalem. Scholars of the Book of the Apocalypse (or Revelation) think that "Babylon" may well actually refer to the earthly Jerusalem itself. In any case, prophecies of the destruction of cities come because of their inhabitants'' rejection of God's Covenant with His people.

The fall of cities in the Scriptures are signs of the coming of Christ again in glory, to judge the living and the dead. These coming events remind us that - ultimately - the earthly realm will come to an end.  While Our Lord created us for this world to sanctify it and continue His work of salvation, we as Christians are citizens of heaven. Thus, we need to stay awake and be prepared both for our particular and final judgment when Our Lord comes again on the clouds. 

Optional Memorial of Saint Catherine of Alexandria: Beauty and eloquence

 

Fr Richard's words for today

Readings: Universalis: Mass

Beauty and eloquence

Today we honour the wonderful St Catherine of Alexandria, one of my favourite saints. She is most popularly known because of the instrument of torture she was set to be martyred on: "the Catherine wheel". 

Born around 287 in Alexandria, Egypt, she was part of a noble family. She was, therefore, an impressive scholar, especially as Alexandria at the time was a centre of learning. At the age of 14, Catherine had a vision of Mary and the infant Jesus which transformed her life and moved her to become a Christian. Catherine was renowned for her beauty, heroic virtue and holiness. She was dedicated to Christ in virginity and chastity. All these virtues make her a very attractive saint for us to imitate. 

When the emperor Maxentius began persecuting Christians, Catherine confronted him and condemned his cruelty. The emperor summoned fifty orators and philosophers to debate her. But the highly intellectual Catherine was moved by the power of the Holy Spirit to speak eloquently in defence of her faith. In God's providence, the Gospel that falls on this day is Jesus talking precisely about what his disciples are to do when faced with persecution: "you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will able to resist or contradict." St Catherine's words were so moving that several of the pagans were converted to Christianity and were immediately executed. Catherine refused to renounce her faith and, after the "Catherine wheel" miraculously shattered when the virgin touched it, she was, in the end, beheaded.

Saint Catherine teaches us many things. Notice how, when Our Lord says "I will give you the words to say" when we are being persecuted, He doesn't say: "in that case, don't bother learning anything about the Faith." Saint Catherine's dedication to study reminds us that we do need to engage intellectually, to ask questions in our search for the Truth, and to be prepared to answer questions. Yes, the Lord will give us the words we need - but we need too to "do the groundwork" in order to cooperate with His help. As Catholics, we are people of both Faith AND Reason. Our Faith makes rational sense. We can ask Saint Catherine, the patroness of philosophers, to help us keep the resolutions we make to study our Faith.

Also, Saint Catherine's powerful witness unto the shedding of her blood poignantly makes us ask the difficult question: if it came to it, would we too give our lives rather than renounce our Faith in Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ?

Newsletter: 34th Week of Ordinary Time

 

Solemnity of Christ the King (National Youth Sunday): Engaging the Young

Fr Richard's homily for the Solemnity of Christ the King (National Youth Sunday)

Readings: Universalis: Mass

 Engaging the young

The American Bishop Robert Barron is a well known social media evangelist. He is the founder of the Word on Fire ministry, which produces weekly shows exploring the Catholic Faith. Bishop Barron often speaks about the "disaffiliated" - those who have abandoned their Faith - and how to bring them back into the fold. 

The auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles analyses recent surveys which indicate the "disaffiliated" are increasingly young people who explain the main reason they've stopped practising the Faith. They say it's because they never had their questions adequately answered - and therefore don't believe the doctrines of the Church. Whenever such polls are done in the United States, it's safe to assume the findings are similar in the United Kingdom. Bishop Barron's advice on how to engage these young people is to first begin with the aspect of the Church's life that does attract them - namely its teaching on Social Justice. 

That teaching is beautifully presented for us in today's Gospel - the parable of the Sheep and the Goats. Christ the King instructs us to see His regal face in the hungry, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the prisoner. To stretch out our hand to the needy is presented not just as a call but as a command, as necessary for salvation. The importance of works of justice resonates with young people. Therefore, Bishop Barron encourages us to use this social teaching as the point of engagement. He asks us to present to them the great examples of charity - like Saint Teresa of Calcutta and Saint Francis of Assisi. More importantly he encourages the Church to get young people involved in these works.

The hope is, that by drawing the young to something that attracts them, we can then present to them the fullness of the Faith, centred on the Person of Jesus Christ, who we adore today as King of Creation. By showing young people (and, indeed reminding ourselves) that Christ is to be recognised in the marginalised, the poor, and the vulnerable - prompting us to serve Him in them - they will then be drawn further into relationship with Our Saviour, receiving Him in the Sacraments.

Faced with the beauty and majesty of the Universal King, we pray that our young people may enter into the depths of His wisdom and that of His Bride, the Church. By our pastoral outreach, Christ can lead them to understand and follow faithfully the other teachings of the Church that they find difficult.

One thing is for sure, the Good Shepherd is constantly searching for the lost ones. As we hear the Lord say in the Prophet Ezekiel (today's First Reading): "I shall look for the lost one, bring back the stray, bandage the wounded and make the weak strong." May we assist Our Lord in encouraging the young to an encounter with Christ the Priest and King. We pray for the faithful young people of our parishes who are the witnesses each and every day to their peers of Christ's love. We give thanks to Almighty God for the gifts, talents and their example. We ask the Lord to bless them.

Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Great Anticipation

 

Fr Richard's words for the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings: Universalis: Mass (Readings for the Memorial: bottom of page)

Great anticipation

By Tradition, Saints Joachim and Anne brought their spotless daughter Mary to the Temple to be consecrated to the Lord. The Presentation of Our Lady is the manifestation to the whole universe of she who would later bring forth to the world its Saviour. This joyful Feast, therefore, represents a great anticipation of Christmas and Epiphany, when Mary will give birth to her Son who will shine out as the Light to the Nations. As the Prophet Zechariah says to Jerusalem in the reading for this Memorial: "Sing, rejoice, daughter of Zion; for I am coming to dwell in the middle of you - it is the Lord who speaks."

Yes, by the Immaculate Virgin, the "singular vessel of devotion", God becomes man and dwells among us. Therefore, we owe Mary great devotion as it is she who will lead us to her Son, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. 

Friday, 33rd Week of Ordinary Time: The Divine Ego

Fr Richard's words for the Friday of the 33rd Week of Ordinary Time

Readings: https://universalis.com/20201120/mass.htm

The Divine Ego

In today's Gospel, Jesus encounters a number of people with "big egos" in the temple. Firstly, he drives out those who think the House of God is a place they can trade rather than the place set aside for prayer. Then, as he teaches each day, the chief priests, scribes and leading citizens try to get rid of Him. So filled with their own self importance, they're priority is to stamp their supposed authority and shut down the Son of God Himself. However, they struggle to find a way to do away with Jesus as the majority of people hold onto His Divine words.

When Christ speaks, there's always people who reject Him because they think they're more important. But there are also people who are open, who listen to His words, and take them to heart. Faithful followers of Christ humble themselves before Him. They offer their whole lives to Him; they submit to His teaching as they recognise it brings them to life eternal. 

Faithful Christians are those who reject their own egos for the only ego that matters - Christ's. It is Jesus Himself who has the authority to teach in His Father's House. The French Dominican theologian Fr Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange says that a saint, he says, substitutes his own ego for the Divine Ego who is the Incarnate Word, He who declares: "The Father and I are one." May we do away with pride and sit always at the feet of He who says: "I am the way, the truth and the life."

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in Leyburn

Today (20th Nov) and next Friday (27th Nov), there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at Ss Peter and Paul, Leyburn, from 12 Noon until 1pm.

Dedication of the Basilicas of Ss Peter and Paul: Looking upward

 

Fr Richard's words for the Optional Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilicas of Ss Peter and Paul

Readings: https://universalis.com/20201118/mass.htm

Looking upward

Why do we dedicate churches under the patronage of saints? It is a pertinent question to ask on a Feast like today. Some churches are dedicated to Our Lady, to a dogma of the Church, or to a particular title or attribute of Our Blessed Lord (e.g. the Holy Name of Jesus). But most churches are named after a patron saint. Firstly, because they direct us to give honour to those saints; to follow their example. A second reason comes to mind when reflecting on today's reading: the vision St John is given of heaven, where all the heavenly beings give praise to Lord who sits on the throne. For the churches dedicated to the saints direct us to look up; they entice us to seek to join them in the heavenly homeland.

The Papal Basilicas of Ss Peter and Paul have an obvious added significance - they are both built over the tombs of those two greatest apostles of Christ. St Peter's Basilica, originally built in 323, was reconstructed after one thousand years due to structural concerns. The current basilica was completed in 1626. St Paul's Outside the Walls was also built in the Emperor Constantine's time in the 4th century, but was destroyed by a fire in 1823. The present basilica was completed in 1854.

Whenever you step foot into these two monumental structures, your eyes are directed upwards. This is what churches are for - we step out of our world and into a glimpse of heaven, to remind us where we are destined. The central apse of St Paul's even has that stunning, striking, golden mosaic of the apostles on either side of Christ who sits on the heavenly throne. 

These two great basilicas of Christendom remind us to reject sin and stay close to Christ, so that we remain on the path to life eternal. We can ask for the intercession of Ss Peter and Paul, the princes of the apostles and foundations stones of the Church, to guide us to that heavenly homeland.

Memorial of Saint Hilda of Whitby: Welcome Christ & be transformed

Fr Richard's words for the Memorial of St Hilda of Whitby

Readings: https://universalis.com/20201117/mass.htm

Welcome Christ & be transformed

"When Jesus reached the spot he looked up and spoke to him: 'Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.' And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully."

The story of Zacchaeus that we hear in today's Gospel emphasises the importance of welcoming Jesus, both into our physical homes and into the home which is our heart. Jesus says to us each and every day, "I must stay at your house today'. The question is, do we always and with joy welcome the Lord? Or do we say "we're too busy", or, "we'd rather have someone else in, thanks"? 

Saint Hilda of Whitby, one of our very own we celebrate today, constantly welcomed the Lord with joy. At the age of 33 the holy virgin resolved to consecrate herself to God as a nun. She was chosen as an abbess, first of the monastery at Hartlepool and then the monastery that came to be known as Whitby Abbey.

We know from the story of Zacchaeus that when we welcome Christ into our hearts and stay devoted to Him, then we are transformed. Upon his encounter with Our Lord, Zacchaeus pledged to give half his property to the poor and pay back  four times over those he'd cheated. In Hilda's case, she had already been a holy young woman but she increased in virtue all the more by committing herself in virginity to Christ the Bridegroom. Her holiness inspired the conversion of many sinners. She was also a pioneer in providing education at the Abbey for young men and women alike, as early as the 7th century. St Hilda's particular zeal was for Scripture studies, allowing the students to grow in love for God's word.

The life of St Hilda teaches us that, when we make a home for Christ in our hearts, His Holy Spirit burns within us, allowing us to generously pour out our love for God and for His people. 

Optional Memorial, St Edmund of Abingdon: Jesus passes by

 

Fr Richard's words for the Optional Memorial of St Edmund of Abingdon

Readings: https://universalis.com/20201116/mass.htm

Jesus passes by

Jericho is the lowest city on earth, it being 258 metres below sea level. It's geographical profile provides a metaphor emphasising the extent of Jesus' public ministry. He is prepared to go anywhere - even to the lowliest of the low places - to seek out souls to save.

Jesus passes by the blind man on the side of the road in Jericho. Jesus too walks in our midst - today in the Yorkshire Dales. Our reaction too should be to call out for Jesus' healing touch - "have pity on me Lord". Then, when Jesus makes us see with the eyes of faith, we like the healed blind man are called to follow Him along the road.

Jesus the Saviour also came by St Edmund of Abingdon, the holy Archbishop of Canterbury from 1234-1240. When studying in Oxford, he received an apparition of the Christ Child as he walked in some fields. In memory of that occasion, 'he used every night to sign his forehead with the words "Jesus of Nazareth", a custom he recommended to others.' (https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05294a.htm). Already a pious boy, that encounter made him ever more zealous in following and serving his Lord. He made a vow of chastity; he furthered his theological studies in Paris; he preached the Sixth Crusade; and he was charitable to the sick and poor. Most of the night, he spent in prayer. As Bishop, he too imitated Christ the Good Shepherd in walking among the sheep offering the gift of Faith, despite fierce opposition from both the king and even monks. Even after his death those who, in turn, walked past his shrine at Pontigny Abbey, France, asking for his intercession, were granted miracles.

We ask for St Edmund's intercession that whenever we recognise the presence of Christ in our midst, we too will follow the Lord wholeheartedly, giving praise to God in our service of Him.

33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time/World Day of the Poor: Capitalise on Faith

 

Fr Richard's words for today, 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time and the World Day for the Poor

Readings: https://universalis.com/20201115/mass.htm

Capitalise on Faith

The servant who buries the only talent the Master gives him can be compared to a Christian who buries the gift of Faith. When that great gift is given to us at Baptism, the Lord waits with great anticipation to see fruits emanate from it. If we grow in Faith, God bestows on us other talents enabling us to serve Him and our neighbour with Christ's love. Someone, however, who rejects this gift of relationship with God risks receiving the same terrifying fate as the wicked servant.

Rather, we should follow the example of the servants who are given two and five talents. By taking every opportunity to increase our Faith in Christ, we'll find that the Lord gives us more talents; gives us the strength to serve Him in ways we never imagined we could. None more so is this evident than by the graces God gives when we receive a vocation. 

There are some aspects of pastoral ministry as a priest that I never would have dreamt I could do before Ordination. It's only by the grace of the Sacrament of Holy Orders that, merely as an instrument of Christ the Priest, I can perform certain tasks. I'm sure those who've received the Sacrament of Matrimony can say something similar. If, in faith, we commit to the vocation God has called us to - then He gives us graces of the Holy Spirit to do things we could simply have never done by our own efforts. Think of the strength given to a mum and dad of a severely disabled child to care for them night and day. Or think of the physical and spiritual fortitude bestowed upon Pope Francis making it possible for him to be the Vicar of Christ on earth, with all the responsibilities that brings, at the age of 83. If we commit our life to the Lord in prayer and service - then He gives the graces we need to bear fruit for the sake of the Kingdom.

A life invested in the gift of Faith produces the fruit of love. Works of charity are a particular focus of today - the World Day of the Poor. It is by constantly gazing upon the face of Christ, born in the poverty of a stable, that we are prompted to "stretch out our hand" to those most in need, the theme of the World Day this year. By cultivating the gift of Faith, we can become the tireless servants the Lord asks us to be in our attention to the poor. 

I hope and pray that when you and I face our particular judgement, the Lord will see the fruits of our Faith and say to us too: "well done, good and faithful servant...come and join in your master’s happiness.”

32nd Saturday of Ordinary Time/Mass of Our Lady: Encouraging Faith

Fr Richard's words for today, the 32nd Saturday of Ordinary Time and a Memorial of Our Lady

Encouraging Faith

 "When the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth?"

Jesus' direct question in today's Gospel should make us reflect on the responsibilities we have to evangelisation. Sadly, we know that faith in Christ in our country has waned over the years. Even in my lifetime (35 years), the practice of the Catholic faith has undergone a collapse, evident in the very few numbers of my generation and younger at weekly Sunday Mass.

Rather than being despondent, the situation should prompt us to action. Firstly, to constant prayer - that the lapsed will come back to the celebration of the Sacraments and that the "nones" (i.e. those with no religion) may have the reality of God's love opened up for them. Today's parable of the unjust judge is all about persistence in prayer - to literally "nag" God constantly. Therefore, petitions for our families, friends and strangers to come to the living waters of the Sacraments should be prominent in our prayer life. A good practice, when walking down the street, is to say a brief silent prayer for those you encounter - that they may be saved.

Secondly, it's up to us to accompany people to encounter Christ by what we say and do. By this witness, we can draw people to Jesus Our Saviour. St John in his Third Letter we hear today says to a friend of his: "it would be a very good thing" if he could help a group of preachers on their journey. St John too encourages each of us to walk with people so that they stay on the path towards eternal life.

We ask for St John's intercession, that we may be constant in prayer and tireless in our witness to Christ so that more people may be drawn to the saving streams of God's grace.

Friday, 32nd Week of Ordinary Time: Keep the Commandments

Fr Richard's words reflecting on today's readings for the 32nd Friday of Ordinary Time 

Readings: https://universalis.com/20201113/mass.htm

Keep the Commandments

"If anybody does not keep within the teaching of Christ but goes beyond it, he cannot have God with him: only those who keep to what he taught can have the Father and the Son with them." (2 Jn 9)

St John's teaching in today's reading is clear: to be a Christian we must follow God's Law. It reminds us that the Commandments are not just some "ideal" to aim for but to follow them is indispensable to our hope for eternal life. We cannot claim to be a good Christian, a good Catholic, if we persist in living contrary to one or more of the Commandments. This might seem a hard message, but St John points out that to live the Decalogue leads to the most important fruit: love.  He says: "To love is to live according to His Commandments." (2 Jn 6) 

Because of our human weakness due to original sin, there are times when we fail to love. There might even be times when we directly violate one of the Commandments. We know that the Lord is merciful. when we come to Him with contrite hearts, when we are resolved to sin no more. He waits for us in the Sacrament of Confession like the loving father waits for the contrite, Prodigal Son, eager to fling his arms around us and bestow upon us his forgiveness. There, Jesus heals us of our wounds and bestows upon us the grace to recommit our lives to observing God's Law. If we live in God's grace, then Jesus' prophecy about His second coming in today's Gospel will result in perpetual joy for us. We will be led by the Lord to eternal glory. 

Memorial of St Josaphat: Witness of fidelity

 Fr Richard's words for today's memorial of St Josaphat, the Ukrainian bishop and martyr

Readings: https://universalis.com/20201112/mass.htm

Witness of fidelity

Jesus foreshadows His own Passion in today’s Gospel. He says the Son of Man will light up heaven when His day comes: “But first he must suffer grievously and be rejected by this generation.”

St Josaphat imitated his Divine Saviour in his suffering and death. Josaphat too was rejected by the people of his generation and was martyred for fidelity to Christ and His Holy Church. The holy Bishop of Polotsk shed his blood for Christ amid his work for unity between the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Church. Named John in his early life, he became Josaphat when he entered a monastery of the Order of Saint Basil. He himself was born into an Orthodox family but entered the Catholic Faith after his own Ruthenian Church was brought into communion with Rome. His life as a priest then bishop was one of zeal and care for souls. The resolve at the heart of his pastoral ministry was the unity of Christians under the See of Peter.

Sadly, he had many enemies. He suffered slander to his name, subjected to malicious suggestions about his character. On this day in 1623, an Orthodox priest was shouting insults outside Archbishop Josaphat’s residence and was trying to force his way in. St Josaphat had him removed but the priest returned armed with a mob from the town who demanded the archbishop’s life. As he was shot and beheaded, St Josaphat died praying for his attackers, who then dumped his body into a river.

Every martyr is a witness to the Passion of Christ on the Cross for our salvation. They remind us that suffering is part of the Christian life and that proclaiming and living the truth of Christ and His Church doesn’t always make us popular in society. But as Christ preaches in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven…” (Mt 5:11-12)

Memorial of St Martin of Tours: Fidelity in service

Fr Richard's words for today's memorial of St Martin of Tours:

Readings: https://universalis.com/20201111/mass.htm

Fidelity in service

When he was young, St Martin was a solider. One day in Amiens, he came across an unclothed beggar who was very cold. Martin took off his military cloak and cut it in half with his sword – keeping half of it for himself and giving the other half to the beggar. That night, Martin had a vision in which Christ appeared to him and said: “Martin, a mere catechumen has clothed me.” The famous story is a wonderful reminder of how to serve the needy is to serve Christ. After the vision, Martin continued his catechumenate with dedication and was eventually baptised aged 18.

Like the Samaritan in today’s Gospel, Martin was sure to give praise and thanks to God for acting in his life. From his simple act of charity, St Martin’s faith became steadfast. After leaving the army, he set out to be a solider for Christ. He studied under St Hilary of Poitiers and became a monk, establishing a monastery. As a priest, he was a zealous evangelist, bringing many to the waters of baptism. He reluctantly accepted the people’s push for him to be appointed Bishop of Tours, an office he served with holiness and dedication. Just as Christ worked a miracle by healing the ten lepers in today’s Gospel, so too God gave Martin miraculous powers, including the raising of three people from the dead.

St Martin’s unwavering fidelity to serving Christ is a wonderful example of how we should respond when Jesus says to us: “Stand up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.” When Jesus acts in our lives, we too are called to go on our way: to make Christ known in our community and to be unceasing in our care for others.

Memorial of Pope Saint Leo the Great: Humble service

 Fr Richard's words for the Memorial of Pope Saint Leo the Great

Humble service

Readings: https://universalis.com/20201110/mass.htm

One of the titles of the pope is “servus servorum Dei”, the “servant of the servants of God.” Therefore, it’s fitting that on the Memorial of one of the greatest popes in history the Gospel is about Jesus encouraging his disciples to recognise themselves as His servants.

The Lord says: ‘…When you have done all you have been told to do, say: “We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty.”’ Pope Saint Leo the Great most certainly did see himself as God’s humble servant and indeed as a pope in service of all the faithful. He considered it a privilege to be the Successor of Peter, recognising that it was the Lord’s work he was undertaking, and not his own.

Saint Leo was dedicated to the pastoral care of his people as Bishop of Rome. He instigated and helped to build charitable work in the city, particularly in service of the poor, the hungry and refugees. He defended his people from enemy attack by promoting peace. He defended the Catholic Faith from the heresies of the time – pelagianism (the incorrect notion that we can perfect ourselves without God’s grace) and manichaeism (which viewed everything material as evil). In response, he reinforced beautifully the dogma of the Incarnation, reiterating that Christ is One Person with a human and divine nature which cannot be separated. St Leo was fortified by a profound spiritual life, expressed in his wonderful sermons which are considered masterpieces.

Whatever our vocation in life, may we, like St Leo, take up our daily tasks of spreading the Catholic Faith and serving God, our family, and our neighbours. And may we work without seeking any plaudits, but with an understanding that it’s merely our duty to serve Christ, to carry out His work in the world.

                                               Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, 

                                                                          November 9th

On this misty day In the Yorkshire dales the Church takes us to Rome and to one of the four major basilicas in Rome. St John Lateran is in fact known as the Mother and Head of all the churches in the City and the World. 

What does this feast day signify to us? How does celebrating the dedication of a church help us on our pilgrim journey through life and towards heaven?

Catholics have a natural affection for the church were they were baptised in, brought up and worshipped in. We love our church buildings. Indeed sometimes people have more love for the bricks and mortar of their church than for the faith itself. Paradoxically , when we celebrate a dedication of a building the readings and prayers of the Mass remind us that the Church isn't bricks and mortar but living stones people in other words. 

                                "God's temple is holy , and that temple you are"

So, when we celebrate the dedication of John Lateran we are reminded of the importance of the visible nature of the Church and of our unity with the Catholic Faith throughout the world. We are also reminded of the fact that we are the Church, the people of God. St Caesarius puts it this way:

" Let your souls (my soul) be as spotless and shining as you want this church to be when you come to it.

Newsletter - 32nd Week of Ordinary Time

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32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time/Remembrance Sunday: Pray for them

Mass was celebrated this morning for the People of the Parish / Ints. Catherine Gibbs (ill). Here are Fr Richard's words for today: 

 Pray for them

Click here for readings

Remembrance Sunday has a particular significance for our parishes. We are, of course, home to the biggest British military garrison in the world, which played such a significant role in both world wars. We also recall those who served at the Green Howards’ Richmond Barracks and other camps around the Dales.

To 'remember' those who sacrificed their lives in defence of our country is the focus of today. As Catholics, though, we not only say "we will remember them", but also "we will pray for them." It's our call to pray for the fallen, to commend their souls to God Our Father. It’s why the Church in our country gives permission for a Mass for the Dead to be celebrated on Remembrance Sunday, the offering of the greatest prayer for the fallen. We are confident in this prayer because of the sure hope St Paul reminds us of in today’s second reading: “We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and that it will be the same for those who have died in Jesus: God will bring them with him.”

Therefore, amid our sadness at the tragic loss of so many in conflict, we also celebrate a victory – Christ’s victory over sin and death which opens up for victims of war, for all of humanity, the way to the heavenly banquet. Again, St Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians tells us “not to grieve about [the dead] like the other people who have no hope.” Rather, St Paul reminds us to look forward to the triumphant second coming of Christ, when those who have died in Him will “meet the Lord in the air” and be with Him forever. “With such thoughts as these you should comfort one another.” (1 Thess 4:18)

With such a sure hope of eternal life, let us pray that the countless lost in conflict may now enjoy the victory of Christ over death in the courts of heaven. As the Entrance Antiphon for today’s Mass for the Dead said: “Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and fill their souls with splendour.”

We also pray for the protection of all those currently serving at Catterick Garrison. We especially pray for Father Paul McCourt who, with his regiment, is being deployed to Mali for a UN peacekeeping tour.

First Friday Mass of the Sacred Heart: The heavenly homeland

 Fr Richard's words for today, a Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart on the Friday of the 31st Week of Ordinary Time

Readings: https://universalis.com/20201106/mass.htm

The heavenly homeland

St Paul today reminds us of a most important truth: “Our homeland is in heaven (Phil 3:20).” The steward in today’s Gospel, in contrast, is totally focussed on his job and his reputation on this earth, forgetting to look to the things above that endure for eternal life.

Of course, we do have important and indispensable responsibilities in the world: providing for our family, serving the common good in society, being beacons of charity, being good stewards of creation. But all of these tasks should be carried out with our eyes raised to heaven, conscious that it’s to the eternal Jerusalem to which we are journeying.

To be a pilgrim people who should have our eyes raised to heaven is comforting, especially at this time. It’s a call that encourages us not to be too fixated on the latest news on the pandemic, for instance. Yes, it’s good to keep an eye on one or two news bulletins in the day. But to be glued to 24-hour news is not helpful as it might make us despondent, making us forget the joy we should have in the great hope of eternal life with the Father.

Rather, we should keep ourselves united to Christ, who is the Mediator between man and God. On this First Friday of the month, a day dedicated to Jesus’ Sacred Heart, we remember it was from Jesus’ pierced side that flowed blood and water which brings salvation to the whole world. May we unite our hearts to His and so follow Him, one day, to the house of the Lord.

Thursday, 31st Week of Ordinary Time: Knowing Christ

In this time of a second "shutdown", we are recommencing the publication of a daily homily/reflection. Canon Michael and Father Richard obviously continue to celebrate Masses each day, remembering all parishioners especially in prayer. Here are Father Richard's words for today:

“…I believe nothing can happen that will outweigh the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." (Phil 3:8) 

St Paul’s words in today’s reading are true for every one of us. To know Christ is the greatest advantage of our lives – as it’s Christ who brings us into union with Our Father and with one another.

Christ has many titles which reflect His care for us. Today’s Gospel bring to mind two – Christ the Divine Physician and Christ the Good Shepherd. The Pharisees and scribes observe correctly that Jesus “welcomes sinners and eats with them.” It’s because Jesus wishes to convert them so that they turn away from sin. In another part of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus Himself reminds us: “It is not those who are well who need the doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the virtuous, but sinners to repentance.” (Lk 5: 31-32) Jesus, the Heavenly Doctor, is ready to heal us of our wounds, if we are prepared to “make an appointment with Him” in prayer and, primarily, in the Sacrament of Confession.

Jesus the Good Shepherd goes after the stray sheep who has wandered away from God’s Law. Whenever we go astray, the Lord always comes to search for us, to bring us back to the fold, if we let Him.

To know who Christ is, to know and to expose ourselves to His infinite mercy, will lead us to eternal life.

Church opening for private prayer

For this next month, St Joseph and St Francis Xavier Church, Richmond, will be open for private prayer each morning from 9am-10am.

Please find the latest statement from the Bishops of England and Wales here: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/statement-on-the-four-week-national-lockdown-and-a-call-to-prayer/

 

Extra Mass on Wednesday

As well as the 10am Mass tomorrow (Wednesday, 4th November), there will also be an extra 6.30pm Mass at St Joseph and St Francis Xavier, Richmond. This is expected to be the last Mass before the Government's proposed shutdown of public worship begins on Thursday.

It's still not too late to write to your MP to object to the closedown of religious services ahead of  tomorrow's vote in parliament. Bishop Terry has issued a message about the issue which you can find here: https://middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk/bishops-respond-to-new-lockdown-measures/.

Bishops' statement on banning of public worship

As you will have heard, sadly the Government's shutdown measures include the cessation of public worship once again from Thursday (5th Nov) onwards. These "lockdown" regulations will be subject to a vote in the House of Commons on Wednesday, with a debate beginning tomorrow.

Here is the statement in full from Cardinal Nichols and Archbishop McMahon (issued on Saturday night) which was mentioned at Masses this morning. The statement challenges the decision to outlaw public worship, demanding that the Government produce evidence to justify the move. 

Please take up the Bishops' encouragement to write to your MP now, asking them to oppose the ban on religious services. This can be done easily by visiting this website or by finding their email address here. Most will be in the Richmond (Yorks) constituency. Rishi Sunak MP's email address is: rishi.sunak.mp@parliament.uk. Emails need only be brief, taking just a few minutes. Suggestions of points to include:

- to ask them to demand the Government to produce evidence to justify their decision to ban public worship

- to describe the measures churches have taken in risk reduction

- to emphasise the importance of the Mass to the world and to you personally 

- to ask them to oppose the ban

You might like to quote the Bishops' statement to back up your points.

Please keep an eye on the blog for the latest developments.

(Written by Fr Richard)