The 13th Sunday of the Year
1st July 2007

Tuesday - St. Thomas the Apostle
Wednesday - St Elizabeth of Portugal
Friday - St Maria Goretti

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Gospel Reflection:
"But First......"

"Follow me!" says, Jesus, but if you think to bury your dead first, or go and bid farewell to your family you are not fit for the kingdom of God. Radical words! Is Jesus' request for us to drop everything and follow him unrealistic, un-do-able... irresponsible even? Most of us want to be disciples, but at the same time we have children to bring up, elderly relatives to care for, jobs to do and bills to pay. Does Jesus want us to turn our back on all of this?

When we look at today's gospel reading in context we understand that Jesus isn't so much painting a black and white 'either or' scenario so much as challenging our priorities. We all know what we should be doing, but we are dab hands at saying "Yes.... but first..." "Yes I will sponsor a child in the third world, but first I must pay off my credit card bills." "Yes, I will go and visit that friend in hospital, but first I must finish off the housework." "Yes, I will do a year's voluntary work .... but first I must better my qualifications... get on the housing ladder .... wait until my family has grown up and left home."

The call to Christianity is a radical call with no room for lukewarm commitment. The call to Christianity is urgent. When Jesus was journeying

to Jerusalem his call for discipleship demanded an immediate response. Jesus was on his way to meet suffering and death and he couldn't wait around for his would-be disciples to go through the lengthy funeral rites or farewell parties of the day.

The call to discipleship is no less urgent today as it was then. Abuse, malnutrition and crippling poverty can't be put on hold until our personal circumstances are better. Being a good disciple means seizing daily opportunities, because today's opportunities will never come round again.

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St. Thomas the Apostle
Tuesday - 3rd July

'Doubting Thomas' shares the lot of Peter the impetuous, James and John, the "sons of thunder," Philip and his foolish request to see the Father—in fact all the apostles in their flaws and lack of understanding. We mustn't dwell too much on these facts however, for Jesus chose his disciples because he could see their worth despite their weakness. We are shown that God chooses ordinary men and women just like us to do his work.

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- - - SEA SUNDAY - - -

Next Sunday is marked up for the "Apostleship of the Sea". During the time they are 'ashore' the ordinary mariner needs a place of sanctuary and respite. For most it is only the church that can offer such.

The AoS missions in ports around this country do sterling work for hundreds of seamen from everywhere in the world all year round and would welcome any help that can be offered.

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Day for Life 2007
Blessed is the fruit of your womb

"Day for Life" was initiated by the late Pope John Paul II, to encourage the Catholic Church worldwide to celebrate the sanctity of life. In Ireland, Scotland and England & Wales, the Bishops' Conferences are working closely together this year, and have chosen 'Blessed is the fruit of your womb' as the theme.

Day for Life 2007 will mark the 40th anniversary of the Abortion Act in England, and will be a day dedicated to raising awareness about the meaning and value of human life at every stage and in every condition.

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TABLE-TOP SALE

We are holding a tabletop sale on Saturday 14th July in the Parish Centre from 10.00 to 12.30pm. The proceeds from the cake stall will be going to the Street Children of Columbia and all other profits will go to Father Bernard's Jubilee Fund. Please bake a cake for us and make a note in your diary and come along and support us in our housing efforts. K. Wren

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THE WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP

We are holding a buffet supper at 7.30pm on Thursday 26th July in the Parish Centre. All ladies are welcome. The cost (wine included) £7.50p.
All monies please to Jennifer Gibbs by Friday 20th July latest please. Any queries to Margaret Beirne on 020 8941 6438