My God what a year in the Church

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As a Church we have had quite a year. We started of the year under  the leadership of Pope Benedict who would have predicted what happened on the feast of Our lady of Lourdes with is brave announcement and retirement. And how the Church has seemed suddenly to be more open and transparent under the leadership of Francis it is therefore no surprise that the Bishops Conference on this National Youth Sunday are looking at the theme, “Do not be afraid” and to preach the Good News by what we say and do. These are two things that Francis has done with great vigour and enthusiasm we have seen an unprecedented number of things happening. So what a year it has been.

So where can we see this enthusiasm? I can especially see it in the young people that we have in this parish. The schools are alive with the faith only this week I witnessed an enthusiasm for the faith in year 9 with many serious and well thought-out questions, we have seen in the parish the enthusiasm that those young people showed by running events to get them to Rio and when there the inspiration they have been when they got home.

We as a parish community need to be challenged by both the Pope and our young people. This year they have challenged us to leave our Churches and to promote the Kingdom in our local community. This means that at times we need courage and not be afraid. In today’s Gospel we see the extent of Jesus service by giving up his own life for others. The most precious thing that we have in our time we need give up our time and our own needs in order to serve others. At the end of the liturgical year it may be a good time to see where we have done this and where maybe we can give a little of our own time to help others. Promotion of the Kingdom bringing the Kingdom of God here in Bognor is not about telling others about Jesus but sometimes by being Jesus to others.

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