This Sunday, the Gospel is St Matthew's account of the Transfiguration. The account is common to Matthew, Mark and Luke and reference is made to it in St Peter's letters, so it must have been a significant moment. Jesus leads selected disciples 'up a high mountain'; in Scripture, mountain tops are associated with the presence of God. There his clothes become 'white as the light' - linking Him with the burning bush and the light of God's presence. Moses and Elijah, the Law and the Prophets, speak with Him and the bright cloud, the Shekinah, sign of God's presence, covers them. So what the disciples witness is a revelation of Jesus' truest nature; that, besides being a great teacher, preacher, leader, miracle worker, healer, He is the Son of God. All of which is confirmed by the voice; 'This is my Son, the Beloved'. It is a reminder to us that Lent should bring us closer to Jesus, who is the visible presence of God. But it is also a reminder that, through baptism, we have all been called 'Beloved sons and daughters'. So Lent is also a call to us to remind ourselves of our own truest nature and not to be distracted from that by what is passing and doesn't last - even our own faults, mistakes and sins. Transfiguration reminds us of who Jesus really is and who, and what, we really are. RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers all our beloved departed, especially those who died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time.
We continue to remember in our prayers all those who are sick and those who care for them. Your prayers are especially requested for: David Smith BAPTISM COURSE The course will be held on Thursdays, 9th and 16th, for those wishing to have children baptised in the coming months. To register, please contact janeyclegg1@gmail.com STATIONS OF THE CROSS
These take place every weekday at 6 pm. It would be good to try to attend once a week, if that is possible for you.
. SUNDAY EVENING PRAYER DURING LENT The time given last week for Evening Prayer and Exposition with the Daughters of Charity was incorrect; it is at 4pm each Sunday of Lent until Palm Sunday. The prayer will be followed by tea. MASS OF ENROLMENT Congratulations to all the Confirmation and Communion/Reconciliation candidates who were enrolled at Masses last weekend. AFTERNOON TEA AND BINGO This will take place in the Hall this Monday, 6th March, beginning at 2 pm. ST PATRICK'S PARTY Don't forget, there will be a party (with a cash bar) on 18th March. Tickets available this weekend. CARDINAL'S LENTEN APPEALA reminder of the Cardinal's annual Lenten Collection, which supports the charities and outreach of the diocese. Envelopes are available in the Narthex.
SECOND COLLECTION
This week's second collection is to support the CAFOD Family Fast Day. Next week, parishioner Nneka Onwuachu will speak about the London Marathon she will be running in aid of the BayTree Centre.
AND FINALLY...A poem by Matthew Guite to mark Transfiguration:
For that one moment, ‘in and out of time’,
On that one mountain where all moments meet,
The daily veil that covers the sublime
In darkling glass fell dazzled at his feet.
There were no angels full of eyes and wings
Just living glory full of truth and grace.
The Love that dances at the heart of things
Shone out upon us from a human face
And to that light the light in us leaped up,
We felt it quicken somewhere deep within,
A sudden blaze of long-extinguished hope
Trembled and tingled through the tender skin.
Nor can this blackened sky, this darkened scar
Eclipse that glimpse of how things really are.
May we take time this week to reflect on who we really are and who we are called to be.
Rev Eugene Curran CM