Fr Frank writes:
My dear friends,
Today, in the readings with which we are presented, the Church encourages us to choose Christ always.
At times when we come to a crossroad in our lives, we can become confused because we need to make a choice, a choice that will make or mar our future. The first reading (Joshua 24:2-18) and the Gospel (John 6: 60-69) present us with two choices: to abandon or remain with God. Using the analogy of marriage, Paul, in our second reading (Ephesians 5:21-32), reminds us that just as a man or woman chooses wife or husband out of love, so Christ chooses those who remain a faithful part of his Church. The sensible, and wise choice is always to follow Christ, the one who embodies and presents us with the message of eternal life.
Would parishioners in both parishes take note of the changes to Mass times and locations on Monday and Tuesday. My apologies for any inconvenience that these changes may cause. The change to the usual schedule is a result of the Funeral Mass for Edward Wilson which is to take place in Frinton on Monday. If you are able, please come along on Monday to pray for the repose of Edward’s soul and to support his family in their loss.
Finally, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are once again able to visit the sick. This can only be done, however, with permission of the family or the Care Home in which the parishioner lives. If you are able and willing to resume this ministry, please bring your pyx to Mass together with a small label showing the number of hosts you wish to take out. At Frinton, the usual Sunday morning routine can recommence, but, again, make sure you have permission to enter the home beforehand.
May Christ, the Way the Truth and the Life, bless you now and always.
Frank ofs
Sunday Smile:
Philip and John were being put to bed by their grandmother who had come to stay for Christmas. They had had their baths and were saying their prayers while Gran tidied up the bathroom. John, the younger lad, finished his prayers with a list of things he wanted for Christmas, saying them at the top of his voice.
“Quiet!” Philip said, “God isn’t deaf.”
“No,” said John, “but Gran is.”