5th September  2010

Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Lord

           I would like to begin this week with a massive “Thank You” to all those who have prepared meals for we priests over the last few weeks. Over these weeks since I came home from hospital we have been very royally fed. I just cannot put into words how much what has been done for us is appreciated. You have a place in our prayers always.

On the last Friday of August I went to see the cardiologist for x-rays, ECG’s and a general check up. A problem with the heart has shown up and it is hoped to control it with medication so please continue to keep me in your prayers.

Today’s Gospel should give us all a pause for thought. Jesus sets before the crowd the demands of being one of his disciples. His message is stark; discipleship is something that calls for complete commitment. Jesus expects His followers to place Him before all other relationships, interests, desires and material possessions. These are conditions of discipleship.

For many of us Christianity is an easy religion with few demands beyond gestures of charity and kindness. Yet the call Jesus made almost two thousand years ago on that hillside was not just addressed to the people of His time  but to all of us. If we were to take Jesus’ call seriously what would it mean for our lives?

Jesus’ challenge in today’s Gospel is to stop and take stock of our lives and consider what changes we are prepared to make, how committed are we to His call.

Jesus’ call is not an easy one but in following Him we will find true peace and joy and find that finally His yoke is easy and His burden light. Are we prepared to hear Him, to trust Him? to follow Him?

 

                             Father Peter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

           

 

 

.