Vicar's Letter

Saint Luke, Healing and Good News for us All!

“As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully. As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 

 (2 Timothy 4.5–8)

My Dear Flock, 

So, we have started back in September with a new academic year, and we are soon into an interesting run of Saints Day and specials feasts. People often start talking about how I must be getting ready for Christmas at this time, and yet there is so much more to do and enjoy before Christmas gets a look-in! 

We begin October with our celebrations of Harvest Thanksgiving where we particularly pray for creation, the land, agriculture, farmers and all involved in the work of our food and gifts that we share. 

The church remembers the great mystic Saint Francis of Assisi, especially known for his ministry to the poor and underprivileged and his care for nature and animals, hence our Pet Service in church – so do bring along your animals for a Blessing. I recall a pilgrimage to Assisi a few years ago which was a wonderful experience. 

Later in the month the church celebrates 2 of the Apostles – Simon and Jude, which has a deep connection for me as this is the day my theological college (The College of the Resurrection in Mirfield) celebrates the Foundation Day – I will be celebrating with fellow Mirfield Students in London.

One of my favourite Feast Days is on October 18th – the Evangelist Saint Luke. It feels extra special this year as we are coming to the end of reading his whole Gospel throughout this lectionary year. Luke is that special Gospel which has a strong voice for the poor and marginalised and places women and outcasts in a particular way. It includes much of the Christmas story and includes many stories unique to this Gospel alone – The Ascension, The Good Samaritan, The Prodigal Son, The Penitent Thief, healing of 10 lepers and various miracles involving women. 

Let’s also not forget Luke’s other great work the Acts of the Apostles that we especially read through Eastertide and culminating in the great reading of the story of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit. 

The Gospel for Luke’s Day is where Jesus appoints 70 other and sends them out to work – we are the workers of today – we are called to spread Peace and reveal the signs of the Kingdom. 

The New Testament reading for Saint Luke is the one quoted above from Paul’s second letter to young Timothy. May you all have strength to fight on and keep the faith. 

Luke’s message is that the Good News of Salvation is for us all. His symbol is the winged Ox. He is a dear friend of Paul and is called the “beloved physician”. As we recall him as a doctor, it’s often a time that healing services take place. We shall be doing that here. There will a Mass which in itself is a place where we find healing as we receive the Sacrament, but at the “Healing Mass” there will also be a chance to have the laying on of hands and the anointing with Holy Oil – please do come and join us if you would like to, you are all very welcome. And there will be much wine and cheese to follow, so we can rejoice together in fellowship and celebrate Saint Luke, Our Healing in Christ, Each Other, and our sharing in the Good News of God’s Salvation. 

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. 

 (Isaiah 35.5-6)

Saint Francis, Saint Luke and All the Saints, Pray for us.

 

With love and blessings,
your Shepherd

Fr Tommy