Dear Friends,
Many of you are probably caught up in the rush to finish business before the long summer recess. At the same time we are in the middle of a heavy round of break-ups, farewells, and end-of-year parties. While we may enjoy them, I sometimes think it would be even better if that rich food and drink and company was not available all at once, but more evenly throughout the year. Those of us involved in schools are particularly stretched at the moment.
S. Michael’s Church School is in its last busy week. Tonight at 5:00 pm the School community and families will gather in the church for the School Carol Service. On Thursday, the last day of school will begin with the final Mass for the year at 8:40 am in the church, and conclude with the Break-up and Prize-giving Ceremony at 7:00 pm in the Christ’s College Hall. Earlier in the week some parishioners will provide a special lunch for the Year 8 leavers.
This morning we continue the Advent Liturgy with its lovely music and readings and prayers. Afterwards, at a special morning tea, we shall be honouring the 95th birthday of Fr Reg Williams. Some of his friends and relations from elsewhere will be joining us. Of course all of you, parishioners and visitors, are invited to the hall as usual.
In this busy season, please do not forget the Christian World Service Christmas Appeal. I am glad that as a parish we contribute generously each year. As we spend a lot on ourselves and our families, may we put aside some resources to give hope to those who have very little. Christian World Service is the Church’s very reliable and efficient agent, delivering help to places and communities where it is especially needed.
May God give us all strength and discernment in this ‘silly season’. May our quiet trust help us to make it a time when our longing for the reign of God is refreshed and nurtured, and our desire for many lesser things put in its proper place.
May God bless you all.
Fr Peter Williams
Advent Readings: Week Two
Monday Isaiah 35: 1–10 Luke 5: 17–26
Tuesday Isaiah 40: 1–11 Matthew 18: 12–14
Wednesday Isaiah 40: 25–31 Matthew 11: 28–30
Thursday Isaiah 41: 13–20 Matthew 11: 11–15
Friday Isaiah 48: 17–19 Matthew 11: 16–19
Saturday Ecclesiasticus 48: 1–4, 9–11 Matthew 17: 10–13
Advent, along with Lent, is a time of preparation. During Advent, we go with John into the wilderness to prepare the way to welcome Christ into our hearts and lives anew at Christmas. We have the opportunity to explore the inner geography of our lives for areas of dead wood, thorns or tangled knots. Twisted relationships, the dead wood of old hurts or habits, the confusion that sometimes comes when we feel we can’t see the wood for the trees—all these are wilderness areas, and they need to be cleared away before growth and new life are possible. Or perhaps there are desert patches—arid, dry areas where nothing can grow or blossom, parts of us which have almost withered away from not being used or tended or tested—some tenderness, some care, some talent, some forgiveness, some humour—that need the water of life to bring them bursting into flower.
Kathy Galloway; Getting Personal: Sermons and Meditations.
