Thursday 20 April, 2023 | Thursday of the Second Week of Easter |Readings: Acts 55:27-33; Psalm 33(34):2,9,17-20; John 3:31-36 (You can find these in full on the Universalis website – Click here)
There has been some debate and controversy recently when the Brecon Beacons National Park decided to rebrand itself with the Welsh name, “Bannau Brycheiniog.” Comments came from far and wide with much opinion coming from the English Press. Even the Prime minister was drawn into the row. The name will remain, however, as will so many other Welsh place names! Whilst some of us may not be fluent in the language, there are many Welsh words and phrases which mean so much to us, and some words which have no direct English translation. Just think of the Welsh word ‘Hiraeth’ for example, which is loaded with meaning. It is a word we know and use to express a deep longing or yearning for our homeland.
For us, as Christians, our homeland is in heaven, although, of course, we have never been there. We believe that we have been made for Heaven. That is our hope and destiny. So for all Christians, Welsh or otherwise, our lives are characterised by this Hiraeth, this longing for our Heavenly Homeland. In the gospel reading today, John the Baptist, speaking about Jesus, said that “He who comes from above is above all others; he who is born of the earth is earthly himself and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven bears witness to the things he has seen and heard.” In coming from Heaven, Christ opens up the reality and possibilities of Heaven to us. He has come to lead us home.
Often, our daily responsibilities, tasks and chores can so often distract us from the life to which we are called. The Celtic Saints of Wales, who are remembered in so many place names, knew how to meet God in the ordinary and every day, in the familiar and seemingly mundane. They discovered God’s presence in the natural world and in the fabric of their lives. They discovered him in places of seclusion and isolation, but they also had a deep awareness of his presence in community. We are called to the life of Heaven, but God is never far from us as we make our journey through his world. As the psalmist prayed, “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; those whose spirit is crushed he will save.”
MAKING CONNECTIONS
These posts are part of our endeavour each day to provide a short homily or reflection from the celebration of the Mass of the day. Links are posted on Twitter and Facebook, and you can also sign up for daily emails in your inbox by registering your email below:
MINISTRY AREA MASS
Mass today (Wednesday 19 April, 2023) is celebrated at Ss Dyfrig and Samson, Grangetown at 9.30am, S Mary’s Church, Butetown at 10am, and St Saviour’s Church Splott at 5.45pm If you would like to send a prayer request then click on the ‘REQUEST PRAYER’ Button
South Cardiff Ministry Area 