Dear Friends in Christ

The Gospel of Martha and Mary is a timely one, as we begin the Summer holiday season. To listen to Christ and to serve Him are both noble occupations. As Christians we are called to be both hearers and doers of the Word. So there is no dichotomy between sitting at the feet of Jesus and serving Him; the active and the reflective are two sides of the same call to be disciples. Within the various gifts that the Holy Spirit confers on the Church, some are given the grace to be more contemplative whilst others to exercise practical charity. Each and every day we have to work-out our salvation, as St Paul says, in fear in trembling. When we listen to God’s Word we are impelled to act. That is why we are sent out through the open doors of the church at the end of Mass, with those words ringing in our ears: Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord!

On Monday a group from the Parish will be departing for Lourdes where we shall be joining the Bishop and other pilgrims from around the Diocese on the annual pilgrimage. For many people, Lourdes is synonymous with healing and miraculous cures. This certainly happens from time to time. The greatest miracles of Lourdes, however, are those which renew pilgrims spiritually and the miracles of grace that are effected. I assure you all of a special place in our prayers and Masses, as we participate in the Eucharistic devotions and pray the Holy Rosary.

May God bless all of you who are travelling at this time, whether at home or abroad, that you may reach your destinations safely and return refreshed.

Msgr Kevin Hale

Priest@LourdesLeigh.org ✚ 01702 478078
The Sunday Homily is available as a podcast at LourdesLeigh.org