Thursday 4 May, 2023 | Fourth Week of Easter |Readings: Acts 13:13-25; Psalm 88(89):2-3,21,22,25,27; John 13:16-20 (You can find these in full on the Universalis website – Click here)
Gerard Hughes, in his book, God of Surprises, asks the question, “Why is it that so many movements and organisations spring up within the Church and within society from a noble and generous purpose… flourish briefly, then become so preoccupied with questions of internal organisation that their original purpose is forgotten, and they die.? The same question could be asked of the Church itself.”
Today’s gospel reading draws us back to the heart of the life of the Church. In the midst of the Passover celebrations when Jesus gave us the gift of the Eucharist, he washed his disciples’ feet. ‘No servant is greater than his master,” said Jesus, ‘no messenger is greater than the man who sent him.” This example of love and service flows from the life of the Eucharist which is the beating heart of the Church. On that night he gave us two commandments: to ‘Do this in memory of me’ and to follow his example “that you should do as I have done for you.’ Sacrament and Service are part of the same thing.
It is very easy to lose a sense of what or who the Church is – but we are called to be a servant people, a humble household, following the example of Jesus. We are called to put our faith into action, and to express our love of God and one another in active service, to put the needs of others before our own, to seek out the lost, serve the poor, raise up all who are bowed down. When we reach out to others, we are reaching out to Jesus himself, obeying what he has called us to do, discovering his presence in the world of which we are a part. We are called to live a Eucharistic life, full of thankfulness for all that God has done, and being alert to his presence everywhere.
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 (Thursday 4 May, 2023) is celSebrated at Ss Dyfrig and Samson, Grangetown at 9.30am, St Mary’s Church, Butetown at 10am, and St Saviour’s Church, Splott at 5.45 pm | If you would like to send a prayer request then click on the ‘REQUEST PRAYER’ Button. You can discover more about Worship across the Ministry Area on our Worship page
South Cardiff Ministry Area 