Today Jesus appears in the midst of the people. They have responded to the prophetic promptings of John the Baptist. John has called them to repent and prepare for a new coming of God into their midst. The story of Jesus’ baptism echoes the ancient prophecy God made through Isaiah. Matthew’s description suggests that Jesus is to fulfil the role of the faithful Suffering Servant of God. The moment is dramatic: the skies open, the Spirit descends like a dove upon Jesus and the voice speaks of Jesus in language reminiscent of the mysterious servant in Isaiah’s prophecy.
In today’s first reading (the first of four great Servant Songs) the prophet describes God’s gentle servant, whose power would be shown in weakness and who would be a “a light of nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.”
Just as Jesus entered the Jordan to be baptized along with the repentant, so he enters into our lives. He is the one promised us in the prophet Isaiah, the one who will “free captives from prison”. He comes to those hidden places in our lives. He goes to the locked areas and our restricted ways of behaving which we sometimes excuse by saying, “That’s just the way I am”. Rather than be a cheerleader on the sidelines, Jesus comes down into the waters and into the dark places where we are. He helps us face the shadows and hidden places and leads us out– just as God promised he would do for us through the prophet Isaiah.
I will be filling in for Fr. Peter until the 6th February.
Fr. James
As you know, Father Peter will be leaving us and moving to his new parish in Huntingdon next month. It is customary to make a farewell gift from the parish to show our appreciation for his pastoral care while he has been with us. You can make your gift at the retiring collections on Sunday 25th January or the 1st February. You can also leave your gift in an envelope at the presbytery marked ‘Father Peter’s Farewell Gift’.
Save the Date! On Friday 13th February the Parish, as a whole, will be gathering in the Parish Hall to say goodbye to Father Peter and wish him well in his new Parish of Huntingdon. Details will be announced shortly.
Social Committee has a morning meeting in the presbytery at 10.00 am. on Tuesday 13th January.
Discover how Caritas is responding to the conflict in Ukraine. Henry Wilson Smith CAFOD Ukraine Emergency Programme Officer will be talking about his work on Saturday 17th January at St George’s Parish Hall, Sprowston Road, Norwich NR3 4HZ. Coffee is from 10.30am, talk starting at 10.45am, finishing at noon, all are welcome. (Plenty of parking space)
Mass Intentions. When requesting a Mass Intention it is important that the church celebrating that Mass is clearly mentioned, also if it is to be on a Sunday or weekday (or no preference) is stated. A reminder too: Foundation Masses do take preference. All other requests are dealt with on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
We pray for the repose of the soul of Elizabeth (Bette) Leahy who died at Aylsham on 3rd January. Her funeral will take place at Aylsham on Monday, 26th January at 1.30pm.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Celia Cooper, Margaret Larkins, Maria Halsey, Joan Macnamara, Richard Skelton, Teresa Fitzmaurice, Joan Gale, Bernadette Saunders, Doreen Rockey & daughter Sandra, Pam Thornton, Mary Long, Malcolm Akers, Frances Mack, Tony & Amy Heywood & Peter, Cathie Dickson, Carolyn Rayner, her mother Mary Rayner & Antonia.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Kathleen Holdstock, Romano Pagani, Anne Holmes, Dorothy Henderson, Ursula Springer, Rosemary Semple and Joana Auckland. May they rest in peace.
