A message from Fr John

Good morning - welcome to Mission Sunday

This is our opportunity to pray with and for the whole Church, the Body of Christ, as it continues the Lord’s work of proclaiming God’s love to the whole world. In the face of so much distressing news it is more vital than ever that people hear the Good News. As we know there are those across the world, often in positions of power, who seek to set people against each other, dividing communities and eroding long held traditions of trying to build consensus. This is a real challenge for us - all of us who are missionary disciples.

Today’s gospel is Matthew 22: 15 - 21 (give to Caesar ….)

In an accompanying commentary APF/Missio say:

‘Jesus is once again in conflict with the Pharisees. They cannot see who Jesus is, nor can they hear and understand his teaching about the Kingdom of God. Jesus deals with them with open honesty and gentle firmness. He stuns them with the challenge to think deeply about what in truth belongs to God. We are urged to return to the world all that belongs to the world: our deep-seated prejudices, false assumptions and irrational fears, our worship of society’s current ‘idols’, along with unhealthy desires and cravings for all that is passing and ultimately meaningless; and to give to God our unconditional commitment to do his will. When we have ‘given back to Caesar’ can we say, ‘Here I am, send me!’ And mean it from the depths of our being.’

Mission Prayer

Here I am, Lord, send me to share your love with all people.

May I be empowered by you and carried by you

to be courageous and enthusiastic in bearing witness

to the merciful Father, 

to the love of his Son, Jesus Christ,

and to the divine life in the Holy Spirit,

one God for ever and ever. Amen

If you would like to make a donation to Missio (the Red Box): 

- you can make a cheque payable to Missio and put it through the door of the presbytery - I will forward it

- you can give online by going to missio.org.uk/donate and select World Mission Sunday

- give by text: MISSIO 5 (to give £5) MISSIO 10 (to give £10)

- or give via phone - 020 7821 9755 to donate by credit or debit card

This is the principal means of support for all the new churches across the world, many of which are in dire straits and suffering horrendous persecution. Thank you

St Joseph, patron of missionaries, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John

PS Last week we sent nearly £500 to CAFOD in cheques - and many donated on-line and by text - thank you for your generosity in these difficult times

Please remember the food bank - more essential than ever. The one in Little Hulton seems to be the only one in the area