Vicar's Letter
The Good Life (A Vicar’s ramblings…)
‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’
From Matthew 11:28-30
Beloved,
I was saddened this week to hear of the death of a great comic genius “Dame Penelope Keith”, and I’ve been re watching some classic episodes of “The Good Life” and of course “To the Manor Born.”
It’s incredible how different people, including celebrities, who we often never meet, yet they have such an impact on our lives, and certainly growing up my love of old British situation comedy, played a part in my life. I was delighted to go and watch “High Society” at the theatre recently so was able to see her friend and co actress Felicity Kendall on the stage – who was amazing.
Those classic Television shows that continue to be repeated and ready for all to stream, or if like me, contained in one’s vast DVD library, are there as a faithful and steady collection of simple joy and pleasure, that one can watch again and again (well I certainly can, and know most the scripts!)
I’m writing this after having prepared a homily for St Thomas, reflecting on both the doubts we all face in our faith journeys and the challenges in claiming the Christ to be “Our Lord and God.”
Then I’ve started to write my Sunday sermon for which the readings include the classic verses of Matthew’s great Gospel as above – a passage of great comfort, but acknowledging also that we can all feel tired, and weary and sometimes even out of our depth.
God is still “Good”, all the time. And all the time, God is “Good”. I did an internet search of how many times we see “Good” in the Bible – and it’s a lot! And the best surely must be as God himself created us and looked upon us with joy and pleasure, and said it himself.
I have this last month presided at a couple of baptisms, a wedding, a funeral and attended various other events including an ordination (part of the life of the Vicar!) It has struck me a few times of the different journeys ahead for people, marked by those special events, and yet a big part of those callings, and next stages of time, and relationship and voyage often include something of the simple trudging along and the daily travels of keeping our faith alive, keeping us topped up with energy and time for reflection and readiness to accept and hold on to God’s Goodness.
My sheep, let me speak in the name of dear Saint Paul:
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:9–10)
The summer holidays begin to fall upon us, and who knows what the weather will be like? We continue to enjoy the World Cup. We await a new Prime Minister. We possibly look with sadness and fear with some of the world’s problems. In July and August we shall have some time to reflect on the beauty of our creation with Harvest, Sea Sunday and indeed the joy and comfort that animals and our pets bring to many of us. And we’ll come back together at the start of September for blessings at the ‘Back-to-School’ season.
I think the life of a Christian could be described well, by a quote that drew a great Television program to an end “It may be bizarre…, but it’s a Good Life!”
I pray your ‘summer holiday period’ is holy, restful, refreshing…and GOOD!
Blessings, In Christ,
Your Shepherd
Fr Tommy
Hats Off! (Well hats on actually!)
You are also all invited to the vicarage for a parish party - but you must come clothed in your finest hat – may the hat shopping (or making) begin.