22 January 2021

 

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” - James 4:10

Just over a year ago, life was as it always was: we could go from one place to the other without any issue. Now we can't. This time last year, I had finished a sponsored walk from Westminster to Rochester Cathedral. On the last day, Fr Ged Walsh was able to join me. It had started as just a grey day and the weather forecast had said "light showers". Unfortunately, there was nothing 'light' about the showers we experienced, but we still enjoyed the walk (ish). Kent is a truly beautiful county and the Shrine of Saint Jude sits in the heart of the county in Faversham.

Here are some photos from a year ago..

          

"For by him all things were created,  in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether  thrones or  dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created  through him and for him". - Colossians 1:16

Whilst we think about nature, let us ponder the poem below by William Wordsworth: 

 I wandered lonely as a cloud

 I wandered lonely as a cloud
 That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
 When all at once I saw a crowd,
 A host, of golden daffodils;
 Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
 Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

 Continuous as the stars that shine
 And twinkle on the milky way,
 They stretched in never-ending line
 Along the margin of a bay:
 Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
 Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

 The waves beside them danced; but they
 Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
 A poet could not but be gay,
 In such a jocund company:
 I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
 What wealth the show to me had brought:

 For oft, when on my couch I lie
 In vacant or in pensive mood,
 They flash upon that inward eye
 Which is the bliss of solitude;
 And then my heart with pleasure fills,
 And dances with the daffodils.
                                                      William Wordsworth (1770 – 1850)

The poem above encompasses the thoughts of the poet after he has wandered over the hills with their never-ending row of enchanting flowers. They impressed him so much that he compares them with the sparkling stars of the galaxy. He is captivated by the startling view of nature. This everlasting impact, triggered by nature, often serves as a delight for the poet, when he feels low or lonely at home. 

Likewise, we should remember that nature will carry on whilst we are all in lockdown and we should (in our solitude) try and picture those vales, hills, trees, and golden daffodils that we have visited before lockdown. It is therefore important to remember that it is all out there for us waiting and we can enjoy it (respecfully) once more.

Let us pray…

Dear Mother earth,
Who day by day unfolds rich blessing on our way,
O Praise God! Alleluia!
The fruits and flowers that verdant grow,
Let them his praise abundant show.
O praise God, O praise God, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
- Saint Francis

This week, let us also pray for all healthcare workers:

Loving God, we place into your care all our doctors, nurses and healthcare workers. Give them courage of heart and strength of mind and body. Keep them safe from harm.
May they know our deep gratitude for all they are doing to heal and help those affected by the coronavirus. God of all consolation, may they know your protection and peace.
Bless them in these challenging days and bless their families.
Lord in your mercy, hear us.  

Saint Jude, pray for us. 

Mr Matthew Betts

 

                

 

                 

Latest news

Coming up