TWENTY FIRST SUNDAY OF YEAR C
21st August 2022

The 'normal' expectations is that Christians experience their belonging to the People of God in local communities, often called parishes. It is there that the community gathers around the altar to celebrate the Eucharist, that they are catechised, celebrate the other sacraments, explore the Scriptures and share their faith. It is in the family and in the local community that the riches of the faith are opened up, that the revelation of God is uncovered, and Christians learn their great dignity and their ultimate destiny as children of God. It is ironic then that in English ''parochial' tends to be used in a rather derogatory way as implying a lack of sophistication and of wider vision.

Today's passage from Isaiah is anything but lacking in vision. It is addressed to the battered remnant of Israel living in the land of their fathers but deprived of every security, where the people have been exiled, the city of Jerusalem laid waste, the Temple destroyed, and they are living under foreign masters. Isaiah offers an extraordinary promise of the gathering of the exiles and the making known of the God of Israel to the ends of the earth. The listing of the exotic names of the places underlines the scale of this mission.

The backwater that is Israel, a minor and impoverished province in a foreign Empire, will become the centre of the pilgrimage and Jerusalem the focus of worship. This is similar to the promise that Jesus makes in the Gospel: people from across the globe will enter the kingdom of God and sit at table with the patriarchs and prophets. But the challenge is that many of those to whom the prophets and patriarchs were sent will find themselves outside. Jesus addresses his contempories who have failed to recognise who he is and failed to hear the message proclaimed in their own towns and villages. The prophet rejected in his own country, which brought the good news that all people are called to the wedding feast. Sometimes 'parochial' fails to recognise the great vision and promise that it receives, and the invitation falls on barren soil. The challenge to recognise the gospel call is to all: 'Try to enter by the narrow door.'

God bless you all

Deacon Kevin

Notices:
Please remember to pray for:

Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese

The sick and housebound

Those who have recently died

Years Mind:
Monday: Fr Sean Sheils, Fr George Gresley
Tuesday: Frank Hyland, Canon Vincent Cameron
Thursday: Tony Cornish, Mr Anthony Saloman Saad
Sunday: Fr Bernard Collings