August 2024

Creation and the life of man within it is full of analogies for the life of faith. Jesus speaks of his disciples bearing fruit – and makes it equally clear what will happen to those who do not. And the psalmist reminds us that at the end of our lives we perish as all natural things do:

As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. (Psalm 103: 15-16)

In our humanity we are an integral part of the natural world, even if we are called to higher things, so it makes sense to describe aspects of our life of faith using language from creation.

The reaping of a Christian harvest is the result of God’s initiative, but it is also the fruit of intercessory prayer, whether this is the Prayer for the Church Militant, the Prayer of the Faithful, the intentions of priests at mass or the selfless intercession of the faithful souls who offer their own supplication inspired by the Holy Spirit and with the aid of the saints in glory. In season and out of season the prayer of the Church goes up, ascending to the throne of heaven.

Constant prayer for a good harvest can be seen as the watering and fertilising of the new growth, but just as important is the weeding that must accompany it. This is the penitence which lies at the heart of the Christian’s relationship with God. Once God is put in his rightful place, the believer must consider himself, his attitudes and ways, and bring his sins before God in a true and honest confession. Unburdened of sin by the Absolution the worker is once again freed to work effectively in the fields and vineyards of the Kingdom. Thus the work of penitence bears fruit in a weed-free garden.

There is a lovely art deco crucifix at St. Peter’s with the following inscription which helps to illustrate the point.

‘To the glory of God and in loving memory of Ellen Hudson.

A devoted member of the church and a faithful worker in Christ’s vineyard.’

What a wonderful epitaph! A great encouragement!

A final note on the intercession of the saints. Too many treat this matter lightly as if it were a matter of mere patronage, or ignore it altogether as fantasy or superstition. This is a pity. The Church is united across the ages and so Christians can know the fellowship of those who have gone before, both at the altar and in the faithful offering of intercession. The saints have had much practice – and indeed, that is one of their prime ministries. In other words, they are better at it than we are – so pick some decent players for your team!

It is easy to romanticise over the harvest, but when used as an analogy for the harvest of souls – which is what I am trying to do here – it is still profound. Our lives are tied up with both the natural world and its cycles and with God and his eternal purposes. This means that we are forever responding to what needs doing now, but with an awareness of where we have come from and where we are going to – and why. The challenge for the life of faith is to discover the same integrity that is found in the seasons of the year. Ploughing and sowing, rogation and good intentions, and a harvest to rejoice in and to share are part of who we are as creatures and as those who are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.

Sunday 28th July, Trinity 9

Wednesday 31st July, 10.00am Mass
Thursday 1st August, 4.00pm Reception into church of the late Beryl Parkin
Friday 2nd August, 10.00am Funeral Mass for the late Beryl Parkin
7.00pm Mass

Sunday 4th August, Trinity 10

Wednesday 7th August, 10.00am Mass (Transfiguration of our Lord, tr.)
Friday 9th August, 7.00pm Mass

Sunday 11th August, Trinity 11

Wednesday 14th August, 10.00am Mass
Friday 16th August, 7.00pm Mass

Sunday 18th August, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Wednesday 21st August, 10.00am Mass
Friday 23rd August, 7.00pm Mass (St. Bartholomew, Apostle)

Sunday 25th August, Trinity 13

Wednesday 28th August, 10.00am Mass
Friday 30th August, 7.00pm Mass

Sunday 1st September, Trinity 14

Pray for this nation; for wise and Godly leaders.

Parish Picnic

Saturday 3rd August from 1.00pm

at Reveley Lodge, Elstree Road, Bushey Heath

Please bring your own lunch/drinks, or purchases can be made from The Garden Cafe. Entrance is free.

The invitation is open to all your family and friends too!

Baptism
7th July, Rafe Giuseppe Conti

Confirmation?

Is it time you thought about being confirmed in your faith by the bishop and admitted into full communion with the Church? If you would like to explore the possibilities please have a word with Father Andrew.

This year’s quiz will be on Saturday 7th  September 2024 starting at 7pm in St Peter’s Church Hall.

The cost will be £15.00 per head to include a supper of either Fish and Chips, Chicken and Chips or a Vegetarian option and Chips. Bring your own drinks.

Tables may have a of maximum of 8 people per team.  If you don’t have your own team, individuals and couples are most welcome and we will allocate a suitable table to join. For tickets and table reservations please contact Alan Hudson on 07710 889591.  Full payment will be required no later than Saturday 31st August. 

All proceeds will go towards St Peter’s Church roof repairs which we have now cost over £50,000.  So please give us your support and enjoy this popular event now in its 19th year.