THIRD SUNDAY OF YEAR A:
21st/22nd January 2017


Dear Parishioners,

THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (Year A)

The Gospel is taken from Matthew 4: 12 - 23.

Repent for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.

Jesus began his ministry with a message of repentance and the nearness of the kingdom. The kingdom is already here: Jesus established it through his death and resurrection; its completion will follow at the end of time. As Christians we are called to live in a state of openness to, and readiness for, the breaking-in of God into our lives. The call may come at any moment, by any means: Repent! For the kingdom of heaven is close at hand!

The sacrament of Reconciliation is for us all a chance to ask God for the grace to be reconciled to the Lord. At the end of our confession the priest gives us absolution. Through baptism we share in the life of the risen Lord but the inward struggle still remains. 'I cannot understand my own behaviour, I fail to carry out the things I want to do, and I find myself doing the very thing I hate. In fact, this seems to be the rule, that every single time I want to do good it is something evil that comes to hand. In my inmost self I dearly love God's law, but I can see that my body follows a different law that battles against the law which my reason dictates. This is what makes me a prisoner of the law of sin which lives inside my body.' We have the opportunity of going to Confession at Our Lady Immaculate, London Road, and every Saturday from 11.00 to 12.00 noon.

The second part of the Gospel Jesus invites Peter, and his brother Andrew, 'Follow me and I will make you fishers of men'. That invitation he gives out today. We are asked to pray for vocations daily for the priesthood, diaconate and religious life. At Saint Augustine's we light a candle by the Blessed Sacrament every day and pray that men and woman will hear the call. It takes great courage and we must pray that those who are preparing be given the grace of perseverance.

Prayer Reflection - An instrument of his love

Lord, make me an instrument of your love. Where the darkness of loneliness reigns let me bring the light of friendship. Where the darkness of bitterness reigns let me bring the light of forgiveness. Where the darkness of hurt reigns let me bring the light of healing. Where the darkness of discord reigns let me bring the light of harmony. Where the darkness of sadness reigns let me bring the light of joy. Where the darkness of doubt reigns let me bring the light of faith. Where the darkness of despair reigns let me bring the light of hope. And where the darkness of hatred reigns let me bring the light of love. Amen.

We offer our congratulations to Steven Webb who has been appointed by Bishop Alan as Director of Development for a three year period to facilitate a time of discernment, decision making and changes in the diocese. This will involve working with clergy and all interested parties. We can assure Steven of our prayers as he takes up this very important position. As he stands down from his present post as director of Brentwood Catholic Children's Society, we thank him most sincerely for what he has achieved in this charity which exists to care for children, young people and their families in need across our diocese.

May we all walk in the light of Christ. Amen.

Deacon Kevin


Notices:

Please remember to pray for:

The sick and housebound

Those who have recently died: Tony Brooks

Years Mind:
Sunday: Pope Benedict XV
Monday: Fiona Cowling, Bp Arthur Doubleday
Tuesday: Fr John O'Sullivan
Wednesday: Fr John Hibbert
Thursday: Fr Alfred Field, Bp Patick Casey
Sunday: Fr John (Jack) Clifford


Next Sunday - Fourth Sunday of Year A

First Reading Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13
In your midst I will leave a humble and a lowly people.

Second Reading 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
God chose what is foolish by human reckoning.

Gospel Matthew 5:1-12
How happy are the poor in spirit.