Antonia

Dear Friends, Today’s readings are looking towards the Sundays to come. Jesus is preparing his followers for his departure (the Ascension) when he tells them: ‘I am going to the Father’. But he also prepares them for two special gifts: the Advocate, the Holy Spirit (Pentecost) and the gift of his peace, a gift that only he, not the world, can give. Meanwhile Jesus and his … [Read more...] about Newsletter 01.05.16.

Dear Friends, Charity is the fruit of the Master’s love for his disciples. It is the hallmark of Christians in every age and is the sign of the presence of Christ in and within his people. ‘See how they love one another’. This was true of the early days of the Church and remains the ideal for us as we await the glorious return of the Lord. Christ has died, Christ is risen, … [Read more...] about Newsletter 24.04.16.

Dear Friends, There were times when Jesus could be courageous in confrontation, fiery in condemnation, majestic in resurrection. We can find all these in St John’s Gospel. But today there is a gentler and more protective Jesus portrayed in the gospel reading. Today is sometimes called Good Shepherd Sunday. So it is appropriate that Bishop Alan should send us a pastoral … [Read more...] about Newsletter 17.04.16.

Dear Friends, Today’s Gospel reading marks an important advance in the growth of the seven disciples in their Easter faith. They had gone back to their fishing nets because they did not know what else to do; they were close to losing hope. The amazing catch of fish is something that would have made a deep impression on them. Typically it is Peter who jumps into the water … [Read more...] about Newsletter 10.04.16.