This Sunday our Gospel comes from Mark 6: 1-6. This reflection comes from Fr Michael Tate. 

I recommend viewing the film ‘Billy Elliott’ in which a youngster found that his body ‘went electric’ when he danced. To give expression to this, he had to break from the expectations of his family in a decaying mining town in the north of England.  Jesus had a similar experience. His home town of Nazareth wanted to keep him in the box they could deal with: ‘the carpenter’s son’. But he was aware of a divine dynamism which welled up from the depths of who he was and it had to find expression in ‘mighty works’. So, he left Nazareth, never to return. 

Each person has a unique identity and role conceived by God. Of course, we must be careful not to stifle it in others. But, first, we must try to discern what it is for ourselves. Why was I loved into existence just now, and not in the third or the twenty-third century? The cosmos as desired by God will be incomplete if I let others dictate who I am. God’s plan of salvation history will be disrupted if I don’t fulfil the role he wants me to play. 

We could take a moment to pray for certain gifts of the Holy Spirit; understanding and wisdom to be enlightened as to one’s unique identity and role, and then courage to persevere against the odds, perhaps confounding the expectations of others, so as to go on and perform his ‘mighty works’.

Parish Renewal Survey: Please consider taking two mins to do this survey and help shape the future of our parish! https://forms.gle/Kkj3t48GnpmR5f3UA 

First Eucharist Parent Formation: Week 1 next term! Save the date, Wed 24/7 7-8pm, Thurs 25/7 5:30-6:30pm At the Holy Family Church.

As Mr E shared with the community last week, I will be finishing up with SCA at the end of Week 1 next term. I 'm very grateful for the opportunities and people I have met through this wonderful community and will miss you all dearly. If you're ever up at Holy Family, please don't hesitate to say hi!

Have a wonderful week

Rachel Kennedy

Religious Education Coordinator.