Clergy Notes — Sunday, November 26, 2017

Here we are at the end of our liturgical year. I look back on the last twelve months and in particular the journey we have been on with Matthew.

Matthew is the gospel writer that provides us with big pictures, extremes and parables galore. The overarching theme presents us with Christ the King and promised Messiah of Israel. There are over 60 references to the Hebrew Scriptures most of which are prophetic and we gain insight into Jesus’ childhood that the other gospels do not contain.

We have listened to the Sermon on the Mount and faced the challenging parables that deal with end times and our responsibility as Christians to the gospel.

So what now? Here we are at the end of our liturgical year, on the feast of the Reign of Christ with Advent and the new church year just around the corner. What should we do next? (Besides run the gauntlet of December and all that comes with preparation for the celebration of the incarnation at Christmas).

Matthew answers question with Jesus’ last few words in his gospel: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19).

Our mandate is simply to go on, proclaiming Jesus’ life, death and resurrection to all who will listen and to discern God’s will for us as we go. I am very much looking forward to this next year with all of you here at St. James’ . . . and to the pies after the High Mass!

Mother Lucy