Do not let your Hearts be troubled<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s readings speak powerfully of faith, hope and trust in God.<\/p>\n
Corrie ten Boom had plenty of cause for worry over the course of her lifetime. During World War II, she, along with her father and sister, provided a refuge in their home for a number of Jewish friends, playing a pivotal role in the Dutch \u2018underground\u2019 who sheltered Jewish people. Their home was eventually raided and the entire family arrested, her father dying in prison and her sister in a concentration camp. Corrie was sent to a series of camps but was released, and afterwards told her story in a book called \u2018The Hiding Place\u2019. Corrie\u2019s heart must have been troubled, often, but her strong faith sustained her and became the lens through which she viewed her life story: \u2018Every experience God gives us, every person he puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only he can see.\u2019<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s readings speak powerfully of faith, hope and trust in God.<\/p>\n
Last Thursday The Queen delivered a poignant message to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day – praising the nation\u2019s response to the coronavirus outbreak that has filled empty streets with \u201clove and care\u201d. As she remembered Britain\u2019s Second World War sacrifices and the \u201cjoyous celebrations\u201d that followed the end of fighting in Europe, she paid tribute to the positive qualities of our country. The tireless efforts of NHS staff, care and key workers, and communities helping the vulnerable, reflected a nation \u201cthose brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would recognise and admire.\u201d She highlighted the message of Victory in Europe Day that resonates with the country\u2019s plight today – \u201cNever give up, never despair\u201d. In her message: \u2018The wartime generation knew that the best way to honour those who did not come back from the war, was to ensure that it didn\u2019t happen again. The greatest tribute to their sacrifice is that countries who were once sworn enemies are now friends, working side by side for the peace, health and prosperity of us all. Today it may seem hard that we cannot mark this special anniversary as we would wish. Instead we remember from our homes and our doorsteps. But our streets are not empty; they are filled with the love and the care that we have for each other. And when I look at our country today, and see what we are willing to do to protect and support one another, I say with pride that we are still a nation those brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would recognise and admire\u2019. She delivered a message of hope, saying if we remained resolute in the face of the outbreak \u201cwe will overcome it\u201d.<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s readings speak powerfully of faith, hope and trust in God.<\/p>\n
The majority of us will never have to deal with as desperate a situation as Corrie\u2019s or encourage a nation with hope. But we have our own anxieties, whether big or small, especially during this Covid-19 Virus. I\u2019m sure last week we have all had lots of experiences where we encounter some form of anxiety. Last week my dad took a fall in the bathroom, cut his head and another cut down the side of his face. After a while realised that he had taken a stroke. Sadly, I am not allowed to visit him. I phoned the ward at the weekend, at first the nurse said YES, it was okay to come in but then I was phoned to cancel this request by a senior nurse. We have to accept what they think.<\/p>\n
This was really frustrating for my dad, as he can\u2019t understand why there are no visitors, but more alarming for him was not being able to receive the Blessed Sacrament and the anointing for the sick. He had an infection which caused him some confusion, and with a little memory loss he keeps forgetting that the nurses have told him \u2018You\u2019re not well so stay in bed, hence he ends up falling as he tries to get out of bed \u2013 forgetting what he\u2019s been told! When some of the family phone he is on top form and when others phone he is confused and bewildered! He\u2019s in the best place at the moment. Mum is coping and we all reach out to help her where ever possible. So, as we find ourselves experiencing a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability, that\u2019s where faith comes in \u2013that\u2019s where we have to think positive and raise our heads in belief for tomorrow. That\u2019s where the power of prayer comes in \u2013 and what better prayer than the rosary during this month of May.<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s readings speak powerfully of faith, hope and trust in God. As Christ walks before us, giving us the gifts and the graces we need to follow with courage and resolve, we are invited to say \u2013 \u2018Lord, I do not know where you are going, so how can I know the way?\u2019 None of us knows how the future is going to turn out, and that is precisely why we tend to worry. In today\u2019s Gospel Thomas frets: \u2018Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?\u2019 But Jesus has reassuring words. \u2018I am the way.\u2019<\/p>\n
Please remember in your thoughts and prayers members of our parish community who have been affected by the impact of the COVID-19 virus; for all who are sick, for the medical staff caring for them, for family members and friends of colleagues who have died and all who mourn their passing; for a speedy resolution to the current pandemic. Hand in hand with Jesus, we can walk the road ahead.<\/p>\n
As ever, please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any prayers or support. Enjoy a peaceful and restful holiday weekend.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Do not let your Hearts be troubled Today\u2019s readings speak powerfully of faith, hope and trust in God. Corrie ten Boom had plenty of cause for worry over the course of her<\/p>\n