Ahaz got that awkward question in the gospel today. Invited to test God he had refused. But I couldn’t help thinking he’d given the correct answer. After all, we are not supposed to test God. Then I discovered it was the wrong answer. On this occasion God did want to be tested. Well, I would have been a mess. … Read more
I’d been feeling glum as I got to church. But then the parish secretary approached me and asked for my help. She needed four strong men to carry the Crib from the social center at the back of the church, all the way around the main road to the front door. It was an immediate … Read more
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception Today was the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and that lovely gospel passage in which the Blessed Virgin Mary encounters the Angel Gabriel. There were 15 of us in all. Although I thought they’d be only two of us when I arrived, slightly early, to an empty church. These … Read more
Neston I was running late and it was cold in church when I arrived. It was a while before someone was asked to close the door. This was one of those days I found it hard to focus. It wasn’t made easier being in an unfamiliar church. I felt in need of some familiarity while … Read more
The first Sunday of Advent I was distracted during Mass today because I’d won the Christmas quiz. Our Parish secretary had come to find me before Mass, smiling, telling me that I’d won first prize. I was delighted. Even though the laughs and comments from well wishers suggested nobody else had considered entering, or that … Read more