This week's News

Holy Day of Obligation:

As we prepare for the Holy Day of Obligation for All Saints this week, please note that we will have a vigil Mass on Tuesday 31st October at 7.30pm and a Mass on All Saints Day, Wed 1st, at 9.30am with our Primary School in attendance in Church.

Fr Barnabas will also celebrate Mass at 7.30pm that evening at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kingswood.

Parish Christmas Cards on sale

This year we will be selling packs of Christmas cards on behalf of St Augustine's Church, with any profit made going to the Friends of the Earth Charity.

The cards will feature a photo of the beautiful icon hanging in our church, of St Francis with the child Jesus, painted by Patrick Tossell.
They will be packs of 10 cards for £5. (This may be limited to 2 packs per household)

Look out for them on sale at our Countdown to Christmas event on Saturday 18th November, from 12noon until 3pm in the school hall. 

** CONFIRMATION 2024**
The deadline to send in your application for joining the Confirmation programme in 2024 is 31st October, so that the course can be prepared, ready for January.
If you haven't yet picked up a form, please email the office asap.
bristol.staugustine@cliftondiocese.com

Our neighbours are, once again, raising money for the Wallace & Gromit's Grand Appeal from Saturday 18th November.

***ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE***

Their big switch on will be at 5.30pm that day, to which we are all invited, and they will be closing the road so that the festivities can happen safely in the street.

If you are planning to come to Mass by car that evening you'll need to approach the church by the bungalow/Lytchet drive side (as the other side closest to the hill/Downend Sports Centre will be closed off for a while) and park in teh car parks. Plus, it could be quite busy so please take care when parking etc.

We wish them well with their fundraising efforts for such a good cause and we'll be able to enjoy the lights every time we visit or drive past the church each evening from that date.

BristolAid4Ukraine are still collecting items to be driven over to help in the region. Please see the poster for details of what is needed and where/when to take any donations - directly to their storage and sorting depot in Kingswood.
Thank you

Day of Prayer for Peace:

The Parish Christmas Draw IS BACK!
Available from church this weekend, there are some great prizes to be won, both cash amounts and gifts!
All the profit raised from this Draw will be shared equally between our Girl Guiding Association, the Church funds, the School’s PTFA and our Pre-school, as our parish knows the importance of the education of the children within our School and of helping the many Parish groups to survive and thrive.
I would appreciate your support in selling them to family and friends to help us raise as much money as possible to benefit our community.
I am aware of the many financial commitments on us all at this time of year and very much appreciate people’s generosity.
The Draw will take place during refreshments in the Parish Hall after the ‘Carols by Candlelight’ Concert at 3pm on Sunday 10th December to which everyone is invited.
Good Luck !

Marriage

Bishop Declan invited all married couples and those engaged to be married from across the diocese to a Celebration of Marriage Mass at Clifton Cathedral on Saturday 14 October.

He celebrated the Mass for couples and their families who came together to mark a combined total of 1703 years of marriage!

https://cliftondiocese.com/news/celebration-of-marriage-mass-at-clifton-cathedral/

Cake sale

There will be a Cake sale, in aid of both our Parish Projects, Friends of the Earth and the Mike Proctor Foundation, after the 9.30am Mass on Sunday 12th November, in the hall.
Please come along to treat yourself to a delicious cake, all in a good cause. Donations of cakes welcomed

Quiz fun!

On Sunday 22nd, we had nearly 80 people 'quizzing' for charity in our parish hall in aid of the Mike Proctor Foundation, our overseas parish project. We even had a video message from Mike Proctor, thanking us for our support.
The event, with its raffle, 'Head & Tails' game, half time pig racing and extra donations raised £750 for the cause.
Thanks to all who came and all who supported the event, especially Mike Ryan the Quiz Master, 'John the scoreboard', the team of markers and runners and Tim & Marie for helping with the refreshments and more. All involved had a great night.

For more information about the work the foundation does for vulnerable children in South Africa, please go to the website:
https://mikeprocterfoundationuk.org/

 

 

 

Thanks for your Reflections for Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Deacon Vincent.

1st Reading from the prophet Malachi 1: 14-2: 2, 8-10.
We are uncertain of the real name of the author of this last book in the Christian Old Testament. “Malachi” means “my messenger”. It is dated during the Persian period, after the re-building of the Temple. The author shares some of Nehemiah’s anxieties about priests who neglect their duties and fail to instruct the people, as well as people marrying unbelieving wives. The section we read today is dealing with the priests who are neglecting to worship God fittingly and misleading the people, as well as showing partiality in their administration. The author is challenged by God to castigate their behaviour and call them to return to God’s holy covenant made with our ancestors. It has a very current theme whereby the bad behaviour of the church leaders has brought about the disillusionment of the people. The opening passage could have been written yesterday, “An oracle of the word of the Lord over Israel (Ourselves), by the hand of his messenger; please take it to heart.”

Psalm 130.
A song of humble trust in the Lord. A very simple cry from the heart to hope in the Lord. We might recall it when we are feeling lost on our journey.

2nd Reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians 2: 7-9, 13.
Paul likens himself to a parent in his dealings with the Church, he constantly likens himself to a parent fostering his new birth, there is a great deal of love and tender care in this imagery. He also lets them know how hard he worked physically to support himself so as not to be a burden on his flock. Paul is giving a picture for them to follow in maintaining a unified and humble community, by a leadership of service rather than that of self-aggrandisement.

The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 23: 1-12.

This is a very stern assault upon the Pharisees, who were certainly not as awful as they are painted here. It is uncomfortable for the anti-Jewish sentiments which Christians have too often indulged in over the centuries by using such passages as these. First thing to remember that although Matthew’s gospel does express anti-Jewish sentiments in places, it is the most Jewish of the Gospels. It is an expression of two different kinds of Judaism. The criticisms levelled here are those which could be applied to many religious leaders of all faiths. Matthew is writing here as a warning for his own community, and by our study of this Gospel he is also, speaking to us. We must beware of falling into this same temptation.

May God Bless our endeavours to remain humble in the service of his people.
Deacon Vincent

*I fully acknowledge the assist given me by Nicholas King’s Study Bible in this and all my reflections. For his insight into the books and writings of the Holy Bible. He has been my inspiration and insight into the wonders of Holy Scripture. *

This week's News

Prayer for Peace

From 6.30-7.30pm this Friday (27th) there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in our church followed by Evening Prayer, all joining in on the Pope's Prayer for Peace in the Middle East.
The central event in Rome is an hour of prayer at 6pm in St Peter's Square.

Parish Christmas Cards on sale

This year we will be selling packs of Christmas cards on behalf of St Augustine's Church, with any profit made going to the Friends of the Earth Charity.

The cards will feature a photo of the beautiful icon hanging in our church, of St Francis with the child Jesus, painted by Patrick Tossell.
They will be packs of 10 cards for £5. (This may be limited to 2 packs per household)

Look out for them on sale at our Countdown to Christmas event on Saturday 18th November, from 12noon until 3pm in the school hall. 

"Seen // Sent" is a formation day for young people by the Department for Adult Education and Evangelisation.

We invite any 14 - 17 year olds (Year 10-12) to come and join us at St Johns Parish Hall in Trowbridge on 18 November from 10am – 4pm for an opportunity to personally encounter Christ in, through, and with those around them.

The day will focus upon developing our personal and communal view of Jesus, in the context of new and existing friendships and social contexts through inputs, shared personal experiences, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. In group settings, our young people will be led by young adults to recognise and share their encounters in Christ, and reflect upon the mission Jesus gives to them.

There is a limit of 50 participants, so parishioners need to register ASAP to secure their place. Lunch will be provided.
To register, or to ask questions, please email youth@cliftondiocese.com or call the Department of Adult Education and Evangelisation between 8.30am and 4.30pm at 0117 902 5595.

https://cliftondiocese.com/news/diocesan-youth-day/

Not So Young Club

On Monday 23rd October, 40 members of the Not So Young Club enjoyed a brilliant visit to the Houses of Parliament.

Superb tour guides showed them around the various chambers and, importantly, the cafe!

I like to imagine the Not So Young Committee members taking up the various seats for a good old debate! ORRRDAAAAAH, ORRRRDAAAAAAAAH! Sadly, no photos are allowed in the main chamber so we'll never know!

Thanks to all involved for organising such an amazing trip.

Don't forget, if you have an unwanted gift of, say, new/unopened toiletries, chocolates, a bottle of something, new toys or stationary etc or you are able to kindly pick up a little something when shopping to help make our bottle and gift tombola stalls a success at the Countdown to Christmas event on 18th November, we would LOVE to receive them!

Please bring item to Mass or to the parish office.
Many thanks!

Thanks Deacon Vincent, for you reflections for Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

1st Reading from the book of Exodus 22: 20-26.

Moses, having received the Ten Commandments, is teasing out finer details, and this section is dealing with damaging to persons or property. In my translation it is not strangers but immigrants; reminding Israel that they were once immigrants in Egypt, themselves. It is an appropriate reminder for our age as well. It is fascinating how there is so much to be gleaned from the ancient writings of scripture. The exploration of lending and taking material pledges, could have been written yesterday. These instructions were designed to prevent major gaps between rich and poor, encouraging respect for everybody and reduce the chance of conflict within the community of God’s chosen people. God is always on the side of the oppressed and downtrodden, so we need to remind ourselves to be full of love and kindness to our fellow people. We are all God’s creation.

Psalm 17: 2-4, 47, 51.
This song is based on the words of David on the day he was delivered from all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. God always looks after those whom he loves. It is a song to be sung when we are saved from an impending disaster of major or minor proportions. We should remember to “Thank God” constantly for his goodness to us.

2nd Reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians 1: 5-10.
Letters in the ancient world tended to have a “Thanksgiving”, after the introduction. Paul’s thanksgivings tend to be longer than was customary. Paul, however, uses the thanksgiving section to outline the theme or themes that he wishes to explore during the letter. Such themes in this case might include, waiting for Jesus’ return, and that Jesus will deliver us from the wrath that is coming. This is only a small fragment of this “Thanksgiving”, so there are more themes to be explored. It is worth reading beyond this to discover just how broad Paul’s themes will encompass.

The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 22: 34-40.
This is the third attack Jesus had to endure from the main wings of the religious establishment, and it comes from his most vociferous opponents, the Pharisees. They send a scribe to enquire of Jesus what he considered the most important of the 613 precepts of the Torah. This was a common question among Jewish thinkers of the time. In Mark’s Gospel, the scribe and Jesus are in common agreement, which was most unusual, but Matthew has none of that. Matthew has Jesus reply crisp and to the point; the first and most important command is from Deuteronomy 6: 5, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” The second is from Leviticus 19: 18. “You must love your neighbour as yourself.” Jesus concludes, “On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets also.” With this crisp retort Jesus shuts them up. Matthew affords no response from the scribe of the Pharisees. It illustrates the way the relationship has changed since Mark’s Gospel, which is considered by the experts to be the first gospel, and Matthew’s Gospel, which follows the expulsion of the Christians from the Temple and Synagogues. It is a timely reminder for us to remember that Christians are spiritual Jews, as we are now part of the Covenant by our Baptism. We are viewing not just the obstinance of the Jewish people, but it also illustrates the way we ignore Jesus’ teachings and pick and choose our own bits. A good time to reflect upon just how much we love God and our neighbour and lets really be honest with ourselves.

May God inspire us the Thank & Praise The Lord our God always and love our neighbour as ourselves, as instructed by His Holy Word, Jesus.
Deacon Vincent

This week's news...

With the current conflict bringing such division and devastation to human life, it is easy to feel powerless.

Please use this link for some physical actions we can take, whether contacting our MP, donating to those aid agencies on the ground and finding out what they are doing to help, and, of course, praying for peace.

"God of peace, bearer of hope, we seek your help for the peoples of the Middle East.
Quiet the clamour of war and guide us towards peace.
Where there is hatred and division sow seeds of calm and openness.
Where there is destruction help us to rebuild.
Where children are crying bring an end to tears.
Shelter your peoples and protect them.
Guide them and keep them from harm.
Show us how to break down the barriers of history and fear
and breathe whispers of hope.
Amen."
Linda Jones / CAFOD

The Countdown is on to our 'Countdown to Christmas' event!
Join us for shopping and 'festive festivities' on Saturday 18th November from 12noon until 3pm.

With only 4 weeks to go we continue to highlight the brilliant local traders and charities who will be sharing their wares at our event:

We are delighted that the Polish Scouting Association will be with us, once again.
Grazynka and co from ZHP Wielka Brytania will be selling various Christmas gifts made by the units, leaders, parents and supporters. Funds raised will be used to support their units' scouting activities to provide an exciting, fun and challenging programme for children and young people in developing mentally strong, self sufficient individuals who can make a contribution to the community.
Visit their website for more information.


Also, come and visit Hannah at MJG Kustoms for amazing personalised gifts. Hannah was with us at our summer event and her array of items went down a storm.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

PARISH MEETINGS

Please come and join Fr Barnabas in the hall on Sat 28th Oct & 11th Nov from 10.15-1pm for a meeting to include prayer & discussions on our faith and what sort of Parish we want to be.
The first meeting was welcomed by those who were there - it was really prayerful and thought provoking - so please come along to help shape our church's future.
Bring a sandwich to share lunch together after, if you’d like to.

Thanks, Deacon Vincent, for your Reflections for Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A.

1st Reading from the prophet Isaiah 45: 1, 4-6.
This extract is from the slightly shadowy period when Israel’s Exile was coming to an end. Cyrus had decreed in 538 BC, that the Israelites were permitted to return home. The Second Isaiah is instructed by God to proclaim that Cyrus has been chosen by God to save the Chosen People and let them return to Israel. It further projects that because God is the one and only God, who created everything, then, anyone is permitted to approach God and be accepted. This is preparation for the expansion of God’s message to the wider world through the proclamation of the Gospel of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ.

Psalm 95: 1, 3-5, 7-10.

A psalm to be sung when the Temple was being re-built upon the return of the Exiles. It is a new song to the Lord. It is a new beginning full of Hope.

2nd Reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians 1: 1-5.
This opening of the letter to the Thessalonian Christians contains the blessing from the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ. It affirms that they have been chosen by God for salvation. They embraced the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ with total conviction and put their faith into action, by working for love and persevering through hope in our Lord Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit. So, we have the Trinitarian greeting. By illustrating the power that had been transmitted to them via their conversion from paganism, they are now living the Gospel life, invigorated by that power of the Holy Spirit. This power transforms lives and energises us to live actively the Gospel of Jesus Christ day in and day out.

The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 22: 15-21.
Here we have the first skirmish with the Pharisees with the, ably assisted by the connivance of the Herodians. They set what could be a lethal trap; for the Herodians supported Roman rule and therefore this was a real threat on the life of Jesus. Poll Taxes by the Romans was a very contentious matter in Israel at this time, so Jesus is dangled between two pitfalls, upsetting his own people, and returning to obscurity or upsetting the Romans, which could lead to his imprisonment and death. But Jesus is too smart for all of them; he asks for the coin with which the Poll Tax was paid. They hand him a denarius; “Whose head is this?” He asks. “Ceasar” they reply, “Well then give to Ceasar what is Ceasar’s and to God what is God’s.” Of course, absolutely everything belongs to God. It is an amazing piece of adroitness by Jesus, which dumbfounds his opponents. Jesus is God’s Word and is full of God’s wisdom. We witness Jesus at his most combative and if we stay close to him, he will assist us, through the Holy Spirit, to counter all our opponents.
God send your Holy Spirit upon us, enabling us to live out your Gospel Life fully.
Deacon Vincent

This weeks news

The Countdown to our 'Countdown to Christmas' event is on!

Not long now until we can all enjoy an afternoon together as a community; shopping, eating, drinking, and getting into the festive spirit with music and games and stalls and Santa!

Saturday 18th November from 12noon until 3pm.

With only 5 weeks to go we'd love to highlight some of the brilliant and talented local traders who will be there:

We will be joined by Jen from Floral Frog who will have her handmade Christmas wreaths and table decorations for you to buy in plenty of time for the festivities.

Jen's stall at last years Countdown to Christmas

Rosie Gosling Independent Flamingo Paperie Partner will be there with her Christmas cards, paper and other goodies as well running her 'Sparkle and Shine with Rosie' Body Shop stall.
Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Rosie and her cards!

Come and visit Aga at her Home Passion Decoupage stall for beautiful hand made decorations, candles and more.

We are delighted to have the talented Karen from Mustard Cuts joining us with her handmade, hand cut cards, prints, fridge magnets, tree decorations and more.

A message from Fr Barnabas:
This Saturday, at 10.15 until 1pm, you are welcome to join us in the parish hall for a parish meeting.
We will start with prayer and then the second part will ask the question: 'who is Jesus Christ for me?'
We will then have a cuppa and begin to look at:
‘what sort of parish would we like?'

We will stop at 1pm and you are either free to go, or stay for a shared lunch - bring a sandwich! 

The current Conflict situation

"Our faith, which is founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ, compels us to advocate for the cessation of all violent and military activities that bring harm to both Palestinian and Israeli civilians."

Read the statement from the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem on the Bishop's Conference of England and Wales website.

Pope Francis' Prayer for Peace:
Lord Jesus, we adore your cross which frees us from sin, the origin of every division and evil;
we proclaim your resurrection, which ransoms man from the slavery of failure and death;
we await your coming in glory, which will bring to fulfilment your kingdom of justice, joy and peace.

Lord Jesus, by your glorious passion, conquer the hardness of our hearts, imprisoned by hatred and selfishness;
by the power of your resurrection, save the victims of injustice and maltreatment from their suffering;
by the fidelity of your coming, confound the culture of death and make the triumph of life shine forth.

Lord Jesus, unite to your cross the sufferings of the many innocent victims:
the children, the elderly, and the persecuted Christians;
envelop in paschal light those who are deeply wounded:
abused persons, deprived of freedom and dignity;
let those who live in uncertainty experience the enduring constancy of your kingdom: the exiles, refugees, and those who have lost the joy of living.

O Virgin Mary, Queen of peace, you who stood at the foot of the cross, obtain from your Son pardon for our sins;
you who never doubted the victory of his resurrection, sustain our faith and our hope;
you who are enthroned as Queen in glory, teach us the royal road of service and the glory of love.
Amen.

“POP IT IN YOUR SHOP!”

Each month we will highlight an item we need for our soup run teams to give out to those in need on the streets of Bristol and if you are able to ‘pop it in your weekly shop’ for us, we would really appreciate it!
This month the team would love to increase their stock of DISPOSABLE RAZORS
- so please donate, if you can, and bring them to the parish office.
Thank you all so much for your continued generosity.

This Prisons Week, will you help pray for all affect by prison?

...the prisoner, the families, the victims, the staff...
Look up the Catholic Bishop's Conference resources for information and prayer.

Thanks, Deacon Vincent, for your reflections for 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
1st Reading from the prophet Isaiah 25: 6-10.
This extract is from the first Isaiah, Isaiah ben Amoz, as last week’s reading. This is much more optimistic, even though they are suffering the terrible ordeal of captivity in Babylon. He sees the time coming when the Lord will become King over all kings. Then there will be a banquet of fine wine and good food, the Lord will wipe away every tear and forgive all our faults. We will rejoice at our salvation. For Christians this would be the celebratory Mass of our Salvation which will be accomplished in Jerusalem. He sees their captivity and exile as not the end but a time of preparation for God’s action in restoring everything. God is in charge not the Babylonians. We forget that God is always in charge even in the face of terror and disasters that man can inflict on each other, God can convert it and heal it.

Psalm 22:
This lovely poem is the favourite for many people in the Canon of Psalms. It is a work of great poetry in Hebrew, and indeed, in many English translations. The imagery of God as a shepherd guiding and watching over us, leading us to good pasture, and caring for us even in the shadow of death is breathtaking and very emotional. The preparation of the table, for Christians recalls the Holy Mass. According to our version, “Goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life.” But in the one I have before me, it reads “Your mercy shall pursue me, all the days of my life.” God pursues us, it is not a passive experience; it is very active indeed. This psalm reflects God’s constant love and tender care for us; it fills us with hope that we will be with God one day through Jesus Christ’s great sacrifice, which has purchased us from slavery to evil.

2nd Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians 4: 12-14, 19-20.
Paul is thanking the Philippians for helping him out financially. His other foundations had not been so helpful to his Ministry, so he is explaining how he is very grateful, for he knows how to be poor and to have surplus. His experiences have prepared him for anything. As always, he reverts to his Lord Jesus Christ, who will reward them for their kindness with lavish giving as only God can. Then he signs off with “Glory to God, our Father, for ever and ever. Paul is completely enwrapped with Jesus the only Son of God our Father. Everything begins and ends with Jesus, who has sacrificed himself for Paul. Paul never fails to thank him: There is a strong lesson for us to always be grateful to Jesus for our salvation.

The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 22: 1-14.
We continue this week with the controversy started by the Pharisees and the Sadducees, concerning Jesus’ authority for preaching and performing miracles. This parable is supposed to give us glimpse as to what the kingdom of heaven is really like. The King is giving a wedding feast for his son and sends out the invites to those whom he expects to want to be involved with this feast. It is a vision of the invitation of God to the people of Israel, his chosen ones. They don’t bother to listen they have more important things to do. It is an obvious reference to the prophets God has sent to them. The way his servants are treated by the guests is abysmal and draws punishment. The King (God) then extends the invitation to the less worthy, namely the Gentiles, who rush to take up the invite. One is expected to be dressed in righteousness to be at the feast. When it is found that one has found his way in, not wearing the right clothes, he is silent before the King (God). The King (God) has him ejected. We are invited to the feast of the Kingdom of Heaven, but we are expected to wear the right clothes of righteousness. We have been called but we need to respond to that call to follow the Gospel life to enter the Glory of God’s Kingdom, otherwise we face ejection. This story is meant to shock and make us ponder over what Jesus is saying. Yes, his response is to the Pharisees and Sadducees, but it is extended to us through the call to the Gentiles to come into the Kingdom. We are required to have the right clothes to be accepted. Remember that we can always seek out Jesus’ “Divine Mercy” to assist us. Never despair.

May God help us all to find the right clothes.
Deacon Vincent.

This week's news

St Augustine's Primary School

On Friday we held a special Mass for the start of the new School Year with Mr Hilliam, the school teachers and support staff and all the children, who wrote individual prayers for the year ahead on leaves and brought them up to the altar.

Please remember the children and the school in your prayers.

Visit the school website for more information on the open days, which are:
Open Day 1: Wednesday, 4th October – 9:30am, 11am, 2pm
Open day 2: Weds 11th October – 9:30am, 11am, 2pm
Open day 3: Weds 18th October – 6pm
Open day 4: Friday 10th November – 10am
Open day 5: Saturday 11th November – 10am
Open day 6: Monday 20th November – 6pm

Please contact the office on 01454 866690 to book a place on one of their tours.

The Countdown is on to our "Countdown to Christmas"!
With only 6 weeks to go we'd love to highlight details of our brilliant, community event for all to enjoy
Plus to let you know how you can help us make it a success for all the groups and charities involved.
Look out for more posts!

Season of Creation

At the weekend, a beautiful display was made of fresh fruit and vegetables at the altar and bags of imperishable food brought up. The fruit and vegetables were dismantled and shared among the congregation (before a photo could be taken) while the rest went to the food bank.
Many many thanks to all who were part of this harvest festival marking the end of the 'Season of Creation'.

SPECIAL APPEAL

With the aftermath of covid etc there’s a possibility that some of our Church members still don’t feel safe in attending Mass - In respect to this there’s “Good News” as we can offer them Holy Communion at home. This would also include any sick or elderly Parishioners, so if you know anyone that might like a visit, please let us know by contacting the parish office so we can arrange to go and see them.

Email: bristol.staugustine@cliftondiocese.com

*** Please email the information so it can be handled confidentially - please do not put any suggestions or details in the public comments - thank you ***

St. Nicholas of Tolentino RC Church, Bristol are holding their monthly Celebration of Mass for members of the LGBTQI+ community, friends, family and allies.

All are welcome - See poster for details.

Thanks to Deacon Vincent for these Reflections for Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

1st Reading from the prophet Isaiah 5: 1-7.
This is from Isaiah ben Amoz the first Isaiah; prophets are not here to give us good news but to explain where we are with a good God. The vine is used as an example of Israel’s infidelity. Isaiah is explaining why the disaster of the destruction of Israel has happened. God is not being unjust or deserted them, they have deserted im and because of that desertion, the Babylonians have carried them off into exile. In an earlier passage Isaiah holds out the hope for a holy remnant, so this passage is not the final statement, it is purely the explanation from a just God. God is a God of mercy and forgiveness and we all rely upon this Divine Mercy for our salvation, even the Jews of the Old Testament relied upon this Divine Mercy.

Psalm 79: 9, 12-16, 19-20.
This song might have been written as a result of Isaiah’s prophecy for it runs so close to what he has written about the House of Israel being the vineyard. A great cry of sorrow and desire for forgiveness. “Visit again this vine and protect it.”. It is a beautiful sigh from the heart to a forgiving God. He will relent if we but turn again and follow his ways.

2nd Reading from St. Paul to the Philippians 4: 6-9.
This is a beautiful encouragement for the community to focus on God, on prayer, on all that is good and proper for us to think of and all that we should do. It is almost poetic in its’ wording and briefness. He has struck at the heart of how to follow Jesus Christ of the Gospels. There is also what appears to be a poignant farewell to the community and through our reading to us also, “and the God of peace will be with you.” The God of peace dwells in the hearts of all those striving to follow the Gospel life. We are always seeking that peace which God alone can really restore to us. Paul has experienced God’s mercy and forgiveness and is anxious that we also will find that mercy and forgiveness that gives us God’s Peace.

The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 21: 33-43.
This is Jesus second response to the story last week about the religious leaders’ blindness and indeed evil intent. Many scholars believe that this second story of the vineyard sealed Jesus’ fate. There is no doubt that Jesus is referring to where Isaiah was referring to Israel as being God’s unsatisfactory vineyard. Jesus goes farther with illustrations of the way Israel treated the prophets, these are the servants sent by the king to try and get the workers to hand over the produce of the vine, but no they beat them and sent them packing. Now the king sends his only son. They will respect him, but no they kill him and try to seize the inheritance. It is an obvious reference to what they will do to Jesus, so that he does not disrupt their lives and they can carry on being self-serving labourers in the vineyard. The quotation about the stone rejected by the builders is a quote from Psalm 118. We read these parables that Jesus gave us, and we need to not just look at those who failed him in his lifetime, but at ourselves also, for we go off our own ways so many times, forgetting Jesus’ love and care for us. We should really put ourselves alongside the pharisees and scribes and realise just how blind we can be as well.

God open the eyes of our minds to follow you more closely. Deacon Vincent.