Reflection
Jesus saw that the rich young man had great potential, so he invited him to enter the world of sharing. But he wasn't up to it—riches got in the way. As he went away a sadness descended on him, the sadness that descends on us when we choose to live for ourselves. Even though Jesus was sad to see him go, nevertheless he let him go. There’s no point in forcing people to make sacrifices. If you take things from people, they are impoverished; but if you can get them to give them up, they are enriched. People are essentially good but this goodness has to be awakened and called forth if they are to enter the kingdom of love.
Assisted suicide bill
MPs are preparing to vote before Christmas on a Bill that, if passed, will legalise assisted suicide. The introduction of the Bill comes at a time when many elderly people are heading into winter with their Winter Fuel Payment cut by the Government. Palliative care services are in crisis with over 100,000 people dying each year without receiving the palliative care they desperately need. Within this context, this proposed assisted suicide law is a disaster waiting to happen.
Click the link below to ask your MP to stop assisted suicide being rushed into law.
Click here to watch actor and disability rights advocate Liz Carr’s BBC documentary on assisted suicide, Better Off Dead? where she examines the impact of one of the world’s most extreme assisted suicide laws in Canada.
Prisoner’s Sunday
Today is Prisoners’ Sunday, the National Day of Prayer and action for prisoners and their families. Let’s remember them in our prayers during Mass and during the course of the week.
Mission Appeal
Sr Dymphna from The Holy Family Sister of the Needy (HFSN) will be making an appeal on behalf of the work of her congregation at each of the masses this weekend.
The second collection will be for this worthy cause. I’m sure you will be very welcoming and generous.
Funeral Service
The funeral service for Peter Kelly will take place here in St James’ on Tuesday 15th October at 11.45am.
Please remember Peter and his family in your prayers.