9
Buckden Roundabout
July 2019
Church News
Weekly Prayer Roster
Each week during the year the Churches, in their prayers, remember the residents of particular streets in the village, those who
work in the parish and village organisations. Those to be remembered this month are:
7th July
The Parish Council, The Village Hall and Playing Field Trust; those who help to run the Village
Hall, and the activities there
14th July
Greenway, Aragon Close, Hoo Close, Bishops Way
21st July
Village shops, and those who work in them; businesses based in the village, hotels, inns, and
those who work at home; homemakers, carers, the unemployed and underemployed, and all
visitors to the village
28th July
Clubs and societies, their leaders and members, volunteers, and the team that produces and
distributes the Buckden Roundabout
STUDY LUNCHES
Study lunches are taking a break, and there will be no study lunches until further notice.
For more information contact:
Ann Brittain
on
812012
Thought for the Month
Do you love me? (John 21:17).
Dear Brothers and sis-
ters in Christ Jesus, Jesus is asking the same question to all of
us in today’s world as He asked Peter long ago. Jesus invites
us to be the salt of the earth and lights in a dark world. we
have been entrusted with the task of building a new world, a
better world, a world built on love, not greed, a world without
violence, a world that is about people rather than things, a
world that reflects the beauty and goodness of God. If we fail
to construct such a world, then Jesus asks us again the same
question as He asked Peter, what can help us create such a
world? A heart-to-heart encounter with Jesus will certainly
help us create a world of love, peace and compassion.
With each repeated question, Peter’s eyes swell with tears
and his voice trembles. After proudly announcing at the Last
Supper that he would lay down his life for Jesus, he is now
ashamed at having denied him three times. He also wonders
why Jesus keeps asking the same question. Is he just increas-
ing the suspense until he delivers a stinging rebuke?
Sombre yet full of compassion, Jesus doesn’t scold Peter. He
doesn’t bring up Peter’s denial at all. Instead, he gives him the
space he needs to confirm to Jesus—and, more important, to
himself—that he really does love the Lord. Pope Francis said,
“It portrays God in a false light. A father doesn’t lead into
temptation, a father helps you get up immediately.”
So, Jesus forgives and encourages Peter as he had done many
times before. After so many mistakes, Peter probably ex-
pected Jesus to write him off this time. But he didn’t. Peter’s
past sins and weaknesses were simply not enough for Jesus to
stop loving him and caring for him.
Like Peter, we can think that because we have fallen short in
the past, Jesus is no longer interested in our friendship and
renewed relationship. But that’s just not true! Jesus hasn’t
moved on, leaving us with nothing but memories of his love.
His heart continues to be wide open and full of forgiveness.
He is standing before us asking us if we can still open our
hearts to him. Can we move past shame and confess that no
matter what we have done, there’s still a love for Jesus in our
hearts?
What’s keeping you from having a heart-to-heart encounter
with Jesus today? Regret? Shame? Fear? Everyday embarrass-
ment? Whatever it is, let him into that part of your heart and
tell him what you’re feeling and why. Don’t worry about his
reaction; he has already decided to forgive you. His love al-
ways precedes his forgiveness. Just remember how he chose
to reveal himself to Peter and even fed him a hearty breakfast
before their pivotal discussion. He loves to care for you, in
every way. It’s your turn now. Go ahead and talk with Jesus.
Tell him how much you love him. Let the barriers fall away
and receive his mercy again. God bless!
Rev. Antony Arockiam, CMF
Parish Priest
St Hugh’s Catholic Church, Buckden