Easter VI

The Orthodox churches are celebrating Easter today. One can not but recall the great festivities that the Orthodox keep in the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and around the globe. Our prayers today are for them so that refreshed by this celebration they may continue to proclaim the joys of Resurrection life. Our prayers today are also with the people of Zimbabwe, we where asked earlier last week to keep this day as a day of prayer for them, and so we did.

The day started with the early Mass at 8am where we reflected upon the work of the Holy Spirit as we live out our Christian life. Following this was Lauds and the choir rehearsal. Many were busy to get everything ready for our Sung Mass at 10am. Today the new chasubles, all fourteen of them given by members of the congregation, were blessed and dedicated. (Pictures above) After Communion, with a brilliant rendition of the anthem {Ave Verum by William Byrd (1543-1623)}by the choir, banns of marriage were read and we said prayers for those in the congregation who are preparing for their wedding day, we had three such couples today, and all of them are very much in our prayers.

After Mass there was a very good atmosphere in the Hall with cards and plants being sold for various charities and people enjoying coffee and each others company.

This afternoon I went to the hospital for the usual Sunday visit. It is so moving to meet people that you never seen before and that they are able to speak about their lives and tell you things that they have never told to anyone. Being a priest is such a grave responsibility but also such joy. When priests go to visit people they go instead of Christ. It is Christ who meets his people, who speaks to them a word of healing, encouragement and consolation. What a privilege to be a priest, pray for more vocations to the Sacred Priesthood!

Back to church for Vespers of the day and Benediction, it was well supported. Thanks be to God for another wonderful day at St John’s.

A new addition to our web site is that our pew sheet is available on line. So if you want to have a look at it and the brand new and excellent edition of the May Parish Magazine log on our website now: http://www.saintjohnthebaptist.org.uk/

Yesterday my family and I enjoyed a walk in Emmetts Gardens (National Trust property on Ide Hill) not far from Sevenoaks. Below are some photos. Certainly worth a visit.