May is very much a month of grace. It is the month of Mary when her faithfulness is remembered, celebrated and emulated.
Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women…
…Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.
This remembrance places the wondrous gift of Jesus at the heart of the Church’s life – the gift of the one through whom grace comes.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
From the moment of acceptance the faithful live a graced life.
May is also the month of Pentecost and the sending of the Spirit who brings grace upon grace into our lives. He is the presence of God in our lives and he motivates and empowers us for discipleship and the tasks of the gospel.
It is a month when (at least in these islands) the flora and fauna match the spirit of faith. It is genuinely a ‘merry month’. Does anyone remember the public house named the ‘Merry Month of May’ in London Road, Bushey? What a beautiful name. As May progresses enjoy God’s creation and give thanks to him for it.
Grace is not just a theological concept, it is God’s gift which enables mankind to draw near to him and be reconciled. Grace is only ever freely given; grace is not crass or unseemly; grace brings opportunity for good and for authentic life under God. As a virtue grace cannot be adulterated or it ceases to be what it truly is. There are lesser versions of love and faith, but not of grace. Grace is perfect because it is God’s gift of himself. Reflect this month on how much you have received.
Not since 1953 has there been an opportunity to pray for a coronation in this land. Praying for grace at the Coronation, for the King and for this land and the Commonwealth would be a worthy use of our time over the coming days. Nothing truly worthwhile can be achieved without grace. Many have reflected over the last few months on the grace we saw in the life of the late Queen. Pray now that the King will have the graces of leadership, both wisdom and fortitude, as his reign is established.
Only by receiving grace can wisdom flourish and a King and its people walk in the presence of God. May is a month of grace so there is no better time for the tasks that are laid before us.
From the diary
Sunday 30th April Third Sunday after Easter
Wednesday 3rd May Mass (St. Philip and St. James, Apostles)
Coronation Weekend
Friday 5th
7.00pm Votive Mass for His Majesty (traditional rite)
Saturday 6th
10.00am Church bells to be rung
Sunday 7th
8.00am Holy Communion (traditional rite)
9.30am Parish Mass for His Majesty (modern rite)
12 noon to 2.00pm Picnic with Bushey Synagogue in King George V Park (see below)
Wednesday 10th May, 10.00am Mass
Friday 12th May, 7.00pm Mass
Sunday 14th May Fifth Sunday after Easter (Rogation Sunday)
In addition to services at 8am and 9.30am: Family Service at 11.15am
Wednesday 17th May, 10.00am Mass
The Ascension of the Lord
Sung Mass (Traditional Rite), Thursday 18th May, 8.00pm
Friday 19th May, 7.00pm Mass (St. Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury)
Saturday 20th May, 12 noon Spring Fair
Sunday 21st May Sunday after Ascension Day
Celebrant and preacher at 9.30am, the Bishop of Richborough
Wednesday 24th May, 10.00am Mass
Friday 26th May, 7.00pm no service
Sunday 28th May Whit Sunday
Wednesday 31st May, 10.00am Mass
Friday 2nd June, 7.00pm no service
Sunday 4th June Trinity Sunday
St Peter’s Spring Fair and Plant Sale
Saturday 20th May from 12 noon to 4.00pm.
Join us for a sale of indoor and outdoor plants and cakes.
Luncheon snacks available along with a selection of toys, games and ‘this and that’ items.
All proceeds in aid of St. Peter’s Church and nominated charities.
PRAYER FOCUS
Pray for the continued renewal of the Family Service and the Parent and Toddler Group.
Pray that the grace of our Lord Jesus may be evident at the Coronation and in the years to come.