Dear Friends in Christ
The parable of the Good Samaritan in the Gospel of this Sunday, reminds us not to be like those who passed-by on the other side; not to commit sins of omission. They gave greater importance to their own business than to the man in need. Therein lay their sin: they passed by on the other side. St John Chrysostom puts these words on the lips of Our Lord: I am not saying to you: solve all my problems for me, give me everything you have, even though I am poor for love of you. I only ask for some bread and clothes, some relief from hunger. I am in prison, I do not ask you to free me. I only wish, that for your own good, you pay me a visit. That will be enough to me, and in return I will make you a gift of heaven. I have freed you from a prison a thousand times more harsh. But I am happy if you come and visit me from time to time. I could in fact present you with your crown without asking any of this. But I do want to be grateful to you, so that afterwards you can come and receive your reward with confidence. That is why I, who am quite capable of feeding myself, prefer to dog your steps, asking, and to stretch out my hand at your door. My love is so great that I want you to feed me. That is why, as a friend, I prefer to sit at your table. I glory in that, and I can show you off to the whole world as the one who does good to me. (Homily on Romans,15).
I am grateful to all those who participated in the Annual Parish Meeting and Garden Party last Sunday evening. It was an enjoyable occasion, as it always is, providing the opportunity to celebrate our life as a Parish Family and spend some time together socially; also the occasion for me to thank all those who contribute in any way to the life of our Parish.
As our Schools enter the last week of their year and prepare for the Summer break, I wish all of our students and staff a very blessed vacation and well-earned repose!
God bless you all!
Msgr Kevin Hale
Priest@LourdesLeigh.org ✚ 01702 478078
The Sunday Homily is available as a podcast at LourdesLeigh.org