Father Graham writes: 22nd November 2020
Webmaster • November 21, 2020
Fr Graham’s Reflection for Sunday
To be good and faithful, what does that look like? Last week I suggested that the answer lie somewhere in today's Gospel - the parable of the sheep and the goats. Only, it is not a parable. Jesus does not say that Judgement will not happen, He says very clearly, "When the Son of Man comes...." The good and faithful, who are placed on His right hand and come to receive their inheritance are described as "virtuous" and their actions towards others are counted and virtuous. We know from previous parables that our inheritance is like the
prudence of the bridesmaids and the obedience of the stewards. Now we understand that Jesus sees all and knows all because He is the God who is with us who is hungry, thirsty, lonely, naked, sick or in prison. We don't see Him but He sees us and experiences our care and love in them. Just as Jesus was lifted on the cross to suffer for all to see, He will be lifted in glory for all to see at the end of time. But this time not to be judged by us (again) but for us to be judged by Him. As the good shepherd he keeps all His sheep "in view", the sick and the healthy. He is protecting us from all the dangers of the enemy and bandages our wounds, because He is Good. Jesus will visit us every day and ask us to be "good and faithful" by bandaging His wounds. Our response to Him will be revealed on the last day for all to see, for our joy or our shame. Let Christ reign in our lives that we may serve Him. With my prayer for you each day. God bless you. Fr Graham
As last year we will come together as a united parish of Our Lady Queen of Peace to celebrate the Sacred Triduum. For practical reasons, the best place to do this is St Peter’s in Shoreham. I hope that people from all parts of the parish will want to be involved in the liturgy. We need welcomers, volunteers for feet washing, readers, servers, people to keep watch (on Thursday evening), and singers. I’d like to have a team of people fully representing our wonderful parish. If you can help (including offering lifts to fellow parishioners), please email the office or leave a message 01273 452654. All are welcome.
I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord. Everyone who believes in me shall never die. According to the Gospels, Jesus raised three people from the dead during his ministry, demonstrating his authority over life and death. These specific miracles are the raising of Jairus's daughter, the widow's son at Nain, and Lazarus of Bethany. Jairus's Daughter (Mark 5:21-43): Jesus raised a 12-year-old girl immediately after her death, telling mourners she was only sleeping. This occurred in the home of Jairus, a synagogue leader in Capernaum, living a long way away from Jerusalem. The Widow's Son at Nain (Luke 7:11-17): Jesus interrupted a funeral procession, moved by compassion for the widow, and commanded her only son to wake. This occurred approximately 6 miles southeast of Nazareth, located a long way away from Jerusalem. Lazarus of Bethany (John 11:1-44): Jesus raised Lazarus after he had been dead for four days, demonstrating his power even after decomposition had begun. This occurred in Bethany, a small village about two miles from Jerusalem, right under the noses of Jewish authorities. Some people who witnessed the raising of Lazarus reported it to the Pharisees and when Caiaphas hears this ‘from that day on they made plans to put him to death.’ Why did the Jewish authorities decide this? Caiaphas said ‘it is better for you that one man should die for the people not that a whole nation should perish.’ Ironically Caiaphas is correct, without the death of Jesus there is no resurrection and only by the resurrection can all be saved. With my prayers, Deacon Simon
Please note the times below:
The Sacred Paschal Triduum (at St Peter’s, Shoreham) Maundy Thursday (2nd April 2026) 19.30 Mass of the Lord’s Supper Good Friday (3rd April 2026) 15.00 Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion Holy Saturday (4th April 2026) 20.30 The Solemn Vigil of Easter Easter Sunday masses across the parish (5th April) 09.00 Mass at St Peter’s 10.00 Mass at The Towers 11.00 Mass at Christ the King
5 Apr Easter Egg Raffle and Easter Egg Hunt at St Peter’s 23 Apr Afternoon Tea for St George’s Day at St Peter’s
We have had a few important events in our parish over the last week, notably the World Day of Prayer, the WAF visitation and the Healing Service. I felt immensely proud of the teamwork, welcome and hospitality, and prayer of parishioners
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession, Penance) assures us of the forgiveness of God. We might think that we can go to God directly ourselves, and we can and should. But, when we make a daily confession like this, we are asking for God to forgive us, just as we do at the beginning of Mass. When we go to sacramental confession with a Priest, we celebrate the power and fruits of Jesus' death and resurrection. Jesus said to Peter that we can be assured of our forgiveness in this sacrament and He gave authority to priests to do so in HIS name. Only God can forgive sins. If we are sorry, do not want to commit the sin again and intend to do so, then we are REALLY forgiven. Just as at our baptism our souls are washed clean in the blood of Jesus. We are given new life. We should try to go to confession regularly, for venial sins and especially grave sins. God is waiting to pour His mercy into our hearts.
Last Sunday we saw how the Samaritan woman at the well grew in faith by believing in Jesus. Today, the man born blind has a similar journey of faith except he didn't see Jesus at all until after Jesus had given him sight. As before, Jesus knew everything about this man. He knew (contrary to Jewish thought) that neither he nor his parents had sinned and that sin was not the cause of his birth blindness. The glory of God was to come about through his blindness, some saliva, mud and spring water. Jesus is always ready to come to our aid and get His hands dirty! What had this man to lose except to go and wash in the clean, living ritual waters? His cleansing revealed something about Jesus and himself. That Jesus is the spring of living water that, as the Messiah, washes the dirt of sin that clings to the soul. Also, that obedience to faith brings clear sight - not of the things of this world but of the spirit. Everyone, even his parents, were too afraid to say publicly who Jesus was and what He had done. We still are. We are afraid of the repercussions from friends, family, society and even the law. Only the healed man who was blind was willing to speak of Jesus' divinity and say "I believe" and worship Him. It didn't win him any friends, only salvation. Obedience to faith brings healing. God does not see as we see. God looks at the heart. Let us increasingly look from the heart rather than with the eyes of the body and see as God sees. With my prayer for you each day and for all mothers. May God bless you. Fr Graham
The SVP offers friendship & practical help to those in need - whoever they are & whatever the need. You may be housebound, simply need someone to chat to or need help with a small task. You may have a crisis where a little help with the cost of something essential could make a big difference. You may need advice. If we can’t provide the particular help you are looking for we will try to find someone who can. For SVP help, or if you are thinking of joining us, please talk to one of us after Mass on the Appeal weekend. Thank you for your continued support.
"What do you ask of God's Church for your child?" This is the question asked of parents before their child is baptised. They respond, "Baptism" or "Faith!" The gift of faith is a beautiful gift to be treasured and nurtured. It needs to grow through prayer, the sacraments and action. The Samaritan women at Jacob's well made this transition. Her practical need moved to a thirst and request for faith from Jesus who is the Well of eternal life. Her questioning of Jesus was her catechesis from the Master. She moved from foreigner to disciple. Her fear gave way to her being an evangelist to her fellow villagers. She left behind the jar of water having found the Living Water and purpose of her life, the One who knew her every thought. What are we looking for? Faith. It was this increase of faith that was the first fruit in the child seers of Fatima in 1917. They encountered the Mother of God and were likewise transformed by grace to believe more deeply. Their faith grew very quickly. So can ours. With God nothing is impossible. In our days of war (as in 1917), Our Lady comes to us with the same message she gave to the children: pray for peace. As Pope Benedict XVI said: "We would be mistaken to think that Fatima’s prophetic mission is complete. ... Mankind has succeeded in unleashing a cycle of death and terror, but failed in bringing it to an end… " (Fatima 13 May 2010), In the end Our Lady's Immaculate Heart will triumph. With my prayer for you and your intentions each day. May God bless you. Fr Graham