A message from Fr John

Posted on: 11/10/2020

Dear Friends

Good morning
Continuing with the summary of Pope Francis’ Encyclical:

In the first of eight chapters, which is entitled “Dark Clouds over a Closed World”, the document reflects on the many distortions of the contemporary era: the manipulation and deformation of concepts such as democracy, freedom, justice; the loss of the meaning of the social community and history; selfishness and indifference toward the common good; the prevalence of a market logic based on profit and the culture of waste; unemployment, racism, poverty; the disparity of rights and its aberrations such as slavery, trafficking, women subjugated and then forced to abort, organ trafficking (see Par 10-24). It deals with global problems that call for global actions, emphasizes the Pope, also sounding the alarm against a “culture of walls” that favours the proliferation of organized crime, fuelled by fear and loneliness (see Par 27-28).

After the Dark Clouds however there is the light

To many shadows, however, the Encyclical responds with a luminous example, a herald of hope: the Good Samaritan. The second chapter, “A stranger on the road”, is dedicated to this figure. In it, the Pope emphasizes that, in an unhealthy society that turns its back on suffering and that is “illiterate” in caring for the frail and vulnerable (see Par 64-65), we are all called – just like the Good Samaritan – to become neighbours to others (see Par 81), overcoming prejudices, personal interests, historic and cultural barriers. We all, in fact, are co-responsible in creating a society that is able to include, integrate and lift up those who have fallen or are suffering (see Par 77). Love builds bridges and “we were made for love” (Par 88), the Pope adds, particularly exhorting Christians to recognize Christ in the face of every excluded person (see Par 85).

How we need that light and that example now. We could be so discouraged and disheartened  but we have a different model to follow and an alternative perspective to offer. 
Let’s pray for the strength to do so.
St Joseph, pray for us
Every blessing
Fr John
PS Don’t forget - if you want a copy of Mission Today and to empty your Red Box let myself or Maureen know and Catherine Greaves, one of our Local Secretaries will be in touch.
And the Food Bank box is outside the back door of Christ the King Presbytery

Other News

Our Parish Facebook page is now live.

Posted: 16 February 2024

Our Parish Facebook page is now live. Please encourage your friends, family, and other parishioners to like and follow the page.

Come and See - Enquirers Group for Vocations to the Priesthood

Posted: 27 January 2024

The next "Come and See" meeting for those enquiring about a vocation to the priesthood will be taking place on Saturday 17th February at St Winifred's, Heaton Mersey.

Exploring Prayer in Lent Programme

Posted: 27 January 2024

Sr Joan is holding a series of talks/conversations on the psalms – so much a part of our prayer and liturgy – at Lancashire Martyrs.

View all news