Reflection
On the cross Jesus endured insults and mockery yet his heart remained open, even to his enemies. He absorbed all the violence, transformed it and returned it as love and forgiveness. One’s pain can so easily turn into rage so that one wants only to lash out blindly at whoever happens to be within range. From the depths of his own pain, Jesus reached out to comfort the thief. Some people are like sugar cane: even when crushed in the mill, what they yield is sweetness. Jesus stretches our capacity for compassion, He challenges our idea of love. Each of us has a great capacity for love. The pity is that it often goes unused. By our love, people will know that we are followers of Christ the King.
National Youth Sunday
This weekend, on the Feast of Christ the King, the Church in England and Wales celebrates National Youth Sunday. On this day, we celebrate the young people in our parish and community and all the gifts and talents they share with us. This year the theme is 'Rise up!' —inspired by Flame 2023. Today is the chance for all our young people to be re-awakened and reconnected to this call to live.
Memorial Mass
The annual Memorial Mass, when we pray for those who have died in the last year, will be held here in St James’ on Saturday 26th November at 11am. Everyone is invited to join us for the occasion.
Funeral
The funeral Mass for Mary Nelson will take place here in St James’ on Thursday 24th November at 12 noon. Please pray for the repose of Mary’s soul and the comfort of her family.