My dear people,
I am very grateful to Bishop Alan for entrusting me with the responsibilities of pastor, to look after your spiritual welfare. Please pray for me so that I may rely on the grace of God in carrying out my pastoral duties.
What an amazing choice of the Gospel today (23rd Sunday of the Year-A). The Gospel reveals to us the unique Mission of Christ of reconciliation in our ordinary lives. Each one of us has been called to speak, to practice, and to spread reconciliation.
The vice of gossip and spitefulness are the complete opposites to the Gospel we have heard today, the Gospel of humility and courtesy: “Go and have it out with him alone, between your two selves”. I can recall when I have given way to my pride and entitlement by not only keeping away from the person who has wronged me but also by asking others to judge and condemn the same person.
Our work or mission is cut out for us: By the grace of God, we will call out gossip by its name and ensure that there is none in our parish. The Gospel simply asks us to talk directly with each other. Pope Francis has spoken many times about the vice of gossip. He calls it a cancer, a plague that is worse than Covid, and a tool of the devil to divide the Church. Let us ask St. Theresa’s, Our Lady’s, and St. Joseph’s prayers so that we may successfully overcome this demon of gossip.
My hope is that you, each one of you, are all my family and there is no doubt we shall share wonderful and happy times as Christ literally walks with us and supports us. My hope is that we would rather talk directly with each other than gossip or walk away.
Challenge mission: Who are you going to phone this week and arrange for a one-to-one chat rather than using emails or social media platforms?
