Dear Brothers and Sisters

Utopia, by St. Thomas More, is a novel about a perfect society. UTOPIA means NO PLACE in Greek. Utopia has come to mean a perfect world…a perfect society.

In Utopia More has a sideways dig at Henry VIII in that he says: "surely no intelligent ruler would want to rule with a heavy hand". We know from history that most dictators are interested only in their own vision of reality, a man-made scheme of governance that keeps them or their family in power.

In the Gospel we are taught our own inestimable worth in the sight of God, and how we may act to enhance our own and our neighbours’ lives. Jesus asks us to try to win people over to the good, rather than be in reaction to the bad. The Mosaic Law of an eye for an eye, leads to a human race that is full of one eyed or no eyed people.

Rather than being caught on the hop by people’s badness, let us take the initiative and every day do some random act of kindness.

Surprise yourselves, surprise the world.

God bless you all.

Fr. Richard

Dear Brothers and Sisters

The Gospel this weekend, a paper aeroplane left in the meeting room last Sunday, retirement and a chance glance at Laudate si an encyclical letter of Pope Francis set off a train of thought that all linked together – at least in my mind.

Laudate si is the only encyclical known by opening words that are not Latin. Laudate si is Italian. It is the only encyclical letter addressed not to the confines of the church, but to all mankind. It is an encyclical about the right regard we should have for all creation including ourselves.

In the coming months I hope to open up the links. What has a paper aeroplane got to do with the 10 commandments?

We’ll see.

Have a good week.

Fr. Richard

Dear Brothers and Sisters

Jesus says of his disciples that they should be the salt of the earth and a light to the world. He himself has come into our world to be our Way, our Truth and our Life. He wants to TOUCH us.

Through his touch he wants us to feel loved, affirmed and strengthened. He wants us to learn how to accept his love and so be enabled to give it to others, “ Make me a channel of your peace”. The pattern of Jesus’ life was to go to the Father in prayer; go out to others in action, to the Father in prayer – out to others, to the Father in prayer, out to others.

We all need constant refuelling …..Jesus, You, me…..

Yours,

Fr. Richard