My Thoughts on 08/04/2020

Traditionally today has been known as Spy Wednesday. In the Gospel Jesus says “Someone who had dipped his hand into the dish with me, will betray me.” “Not I, Rabbi, surely?” Asks Judas. “They are your own words”, answered Jesus. This companion, one who shares bread with Jesus is the the one who is to betray him. This gospel passage is in great contrast to the words of Isaiah in the first reading today. “The Lord has given me a disciples tongue. I pray that I may be a faithful companion who is given words to reply to the wearied” . Let us pray as we enter the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter) we may listen like a disciple to what God is saying to us.

Our new Paschal Candle has just arrived this morning. Now I feel we are ready to begin the Triduum. It is going to be strange celebrating this most solemn time without you being physically present but you are very much in our thoughts and prayers. Tomorrow evening after the Mass of the Lords Supper in a time of Adoration, Father Sylvester, Canon John and myself will renew, in the strength of the Holy Spirit, the promises we made on the day of our priestly ordination.
The communications department of diocese has have send a whole list of resources to help us to celebrate at a distance.

Here are some of them:

  • On Good Friday Wintershall Livestream will be enacting the Passion through their facebook page.
    This will at 12pm and 3pm, It is then be available on on YouTube.
  • Cardinal Nichols will celebrate Mass on Easter Day on BBC Radio at 8am.

On Easter Sunday we could encourage our young people to make rainbow crosses. This could even be a centre piece to an Easter Table or door wreath.

Be assured of our prayers for you all.

Canon Father Anthony Charlton
Canon Father Anthony CharltonParish Priest