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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