EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY OF YEAR A
2nd August 2020
Dear Parishioner,
Today we jump ahead in our reading of Matthew's Gospel to Chapter 14. Last week we heard Jesus conclude his
discourse with the crowds about the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew's narrative, Jesus then leaves the crowds and returns
to Nazareth, where he is rejected. Matthew then recounts the story of John the Baptist's arrest and execution at the
hands of Herod. Today's Gospel reading begins at this point.
Upon hearing the news of the death of John the Baptist, Jesus seeks to withdraw, but the crowds follow him. Jesus
reaches out to them in compassion and heals the sick. At the end of a long day, the disciples encourage Jesus to send the
crowds away so that they might find provisions for themselves. Jesus again responds with compassion for the crowd. Jesus
tells his disciples to provide food for the crowd. The disciples reply with a report of the meagreness of their own
provisions-five loaves and two fish. The result is the very familiar miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish.
Matthew's Gospel tells us that 5,000 men were fed, and this number does not even include the women and children.
Jesus' blessing brought abundance from the meagre provisions of the disciples. In this action, Jesus offers us a
sign of the Kingdom of Heaven that he has been teaching about in the parables. A feast results from the smallest of
portions-remember the mustard seed and the yeast. In this miracle we witness an example for Christian life and ministry.
Even the smallest of offerings can produce abundant results when placed in the service of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The story of this miracle is an anticipation of the Eucharist in which we are fed by the abundant grace of God. The
importance of the Eucharist has been a defining element of Christian life from the very beginning.
Wishing you all a peaceful and serene time. Stay safe and healthy.
SEND O LORD, HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH
Fr. Sabu Pariyadan RCJ
Notices:
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Michael Barwick - Diaconate Ordination I am pleased to say that I have a date for my ordination to the
diaconate. On Saturday 15 August at 11am in Leigh-on-Sea I will be ordained by Bishop Alan. Unfortunately, due to the
current pandemic, I am limited to the number of people who can attend. The Mass will be livestreamed via Our Lady of
Lourdes, Leigh-on-Sea YouTube channel (the link is on the website https://lourdesleigh.org/) so please do join me virtually. On Sunday 16 August I will Deacon Mass for the
first time and I will be at the Masses for the days after. Please do keep me in your prayers as I prepare to be
ordained and know that I pray for you. God bless, Michael.
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SVP Outing Appeal Many of us have experienced being stuck at home for long periods this year, so can
sympathise with some of the families we support who often don't get to get out much due to the cost and lack of
transport. We are hoping to send the 25 families to the beach or a country park, with a picnic and money for ice
creams. If you can help support this please do - perhaps you could sponsor: £15 for a picnic, £30 for a
picnic and ice creams, £45 for a taxi via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/svpspringfield
Or if you'd like to choose what you give, our wish list is available to purchase buckets, spades and toys to make
their outings even more enjoyable https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/A9RDZTP42HDP…
Many thanks in advance for your generosity.
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Lourdes in your Living Room - hundreds of people from across the Diocese watched and prayed at Masses
and liturgies last week, and enjoyed the social content too. Everything is on www.youtube.com/c/brentwoodcys, in case you missed it.
Thank you for great generosity as over £4500 was raised by the "18 hour challenge" to be split between
the BCYS, and CAFOD's coronavirus appeal, "Summer of Hope".
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Sycamore Vacancy: Mission Development Manager An exciting opportunity to be involved in the mission of
Sycamore. The role involves promoting the use of Sycamore nationally and globally; supporting current Sycamore leaders;
developing new relationships with dioceses, parishes and chaplaincies; and implementing our strategic development plan.
For full job description, requirements and more information please visit: https://www.sycamore.fm/sycamore-vacancy-mission-development-manager/. Deadline: 22 August, Interviews 8/9
September, Start date 1 October or asap.
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Caritas Development Co-ordinator. The Diocese is diverse, vibrant, and full of dedicated volunteers
running projects which bring to life the Gospel mandate to recognise and serve Christ in the poor and those on the
edges. If you have a heart for such work, and the skills to develop and strengthen it, this could be your perfect job!
Deadline 2nd October 2020; Start January 2021. Full details https://www.caritasbrentwood.org/news/developmentcoordinator/
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Ann Catherine Fahey
Years Mind:
Thursday: Deacon Frederick Wall
Saturday: Fr Henry Tilley, Fr David Coghlan, Fr Hugh Verity
Sunday: Frederick Westhorp
NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS - Nineteenth Sunday of Year A
First Reading: 1 Kings 19:9,11-13
Stand on the mountain before the Lord.
Second Reading: Romans 9:1-5
I would willingly be condemned if it could help my brothers.
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33
Tell me to come to you across the water.
