A message from Fr John

Dear Friends

Day 2

Today’s Gospel is Luke 9: 51 - 56

This passage is ripe for one’s imaginative prayer:

Jesus is having to make the difficult decision to walk towards Jerusalem - he has to be resolute; he has to ‘set his face’ - but there are a couple of obstacles.

The Samaritans and the Jews don’t get on and so they have to pass through the territory with no respite, making the journey even more arduous.

James and John, among his closest confidantes, get involved in another power game - they want to get their own back on the Samaritans!

What must that have felt like for Jesus? Can you put yourself in his shoes? He obviously had no grudge against the Samaritans - we know that from other stories.

If you can’t take the part of Jesus, try to imagine what was going on for James and John.

What was going through their minds? What were they trying to prove?

Have you had difficult decisions to make, hard journeys to negotiate?

Where  did you get your strength from?

Did your companions understand? Did they want to offer you an easier journey?

What choices do you have to make now?

What will help you to make that choice?

Where will you find comfort?

Can you trust sufficiently in the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of love, courage and wisdom?

St Joseph, O wise one, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John

PS there’s a pesky robin in the nearby bush - so noisy and confident. I’m still waiting to see the wren - secretive but very vocal.