Dear Parishioner,

‘Everybody is looking for you!’ There is such a thirst out there in the world. Do you not sense that people are searching in so many ways for something? That there is a restlessness in society – like that restlessness Job speaks about. We look to understand why, to live meaningful lives, to find fulfilment. Of course some have given up the search either losing hope or seeing no higher meaning other than in the experience itself.

I was impressed this week when helping to interview those young people preparing to receive the sacrament of confirmation. How many of them found that learning about their faith is helping them to develop a real relationship with God in prayer, to participate in a fuller way at Mass. How they see a connection between their Catholic faith and their lives: that it has real meaning to their lives.

Last Thursday we celebrated the Feast of the Presentation which in the Eastern Church is called the ‘meeting’ of Simeon and Jesus in the temple. Simeon takes Jesus into his arms and exclaims ‘Now you dismiss your servant in peace for my eyes have seen your salvation.’ Simeon realises the answer to humankind’s restlessness, to that constant yearning, to the need for peace, is found in and through Jesus.

We too are called (in Grace) to bring Jesus to others like Our Lady brought Jesus to Simeon. Never underestimate the power of your faith to help others to find that peace that our world so desperately needs, to find real fulfilment. 

St Paul says that his reward is in actually preaching Jesus Christ. What better reward can there be?

    Yours in Christ,       

    Br Matthew