Reflection
God’s inspiration is at work in everyone. However, there are people in whom divine inspirations seems to have no effect; people who commit crimes cold-bloodedly and who never rejoice at the sight of the true and the beautiful. Even though they may seem to prosper, their punishment is assured even in this world. The anxieties and fears that assail them make their prosperity a bitterness to them. As for the just, even though their passage through life is often dogged by misfortune, the inward satisfaction of obeying divine inspiration gives them great strength and sufficient reward in this world and eternal life in the next.
Funerals
The funeral Mass for Thomas Hurley will take place here in St James’ on Monday 20th September at 12:30pm.
Please pray for the repose of his soul and the comfort of his family.
Seasons of Creation
Next Sunday is the annual World Day of Migrants and Refugees. A day the Church has kept since 1914. It is appropriate that this day falls during the Season of Creation because, in addition to war and persecution, the climate emergency is a direct cause of migration. Towards an ever wider “we” is the theme chosen by Pope Francis for this year’s Word Day of Migrants and Refugees. It’s an appeal to build a universal “we” rather than a national “we”. Instead of repeating mantras we’ve heard such as “our country is full”, or “they come over here and take our jobs”, Pope Francis invites us to look at the reality of why people leave their homes and countries and to enter into the experience of these vulnerable people who are running from situations we can’t imagine and pray for them as they face so many challenges. Pope Francis also asks us to become aware of the opportunities migration offers of countries and communities. The Vatican has a website to help the Church and others, which aims to help the Church and others, to accompany those forced to flee and make sure they are not shut out or left behind.