Dear Parishioners & Visitors,

In today’s first reading from Acts we meet Paul [ a zealous Jew who began attacking the first Christians, but now a zealous Christian missionary] and Barnabas [ also a convert Jew] making their way to Antioch, a city in modern Turkey. There they went into the synagogue. During this period of the infant Christian Church most of the Christians were convert Jews and they were welcome in he synagogue. Naturally tensions existed in this setting, especially between the leaders, so the Jews who became angry were the leaders, and little wonder, as it was their turf. They could see the support of their own people going elsewhere, why should they be pleased? Behind all this was the burning question: “Why is it that the Jewish people in the main did not accept or acknowledge the person of Jesus or Messiah whom they said they were waiting for?” the only answer we have is: God alone knows! It is also a reminder to all of us, how hard it is to change. For some change means liberation and freedom from the ways we have known, for others it’s letting go of past values and implies retreat and failure. What a choice to be faced with!

• On Monday Requiem Mass for Monica Murphy RIP is at 10.30am
• On Thursday there will be a Liturgy of the Word
• In the Porch:    Bible Alive for May £1           

                                    Year of the priest prayer cards

                                    Annulment: a fresh start?

When I last heard from Fr Paul, he was still in the Canaries and hoping.

Quote: You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink. However nobody can stop you putting salt in his feed. [Canon David Parrott]

God Bless,

Fr John