News for 12th July & The Week Ahead

Dearest friends,

The summer months have a way of encouraging us to slow down a little. Gardens are growing, fields are full, and all around us we see the quiet work of seeds bringing forth their harvest. It is perhaps no surprise that Jesus should choose this season of growth to tell one of his best-loved parables.

This Sunday’s Gospel is the Parable of the Sower. A farmer scatters seed generously across the field. Some falls on the path, some on rocky ground, some among thorns, and some on good soil where it produces a rich harvest. The seed, Jesus tells us, is the word of God, generously offered to everyone. The question is not whether God is willing to speak, but whether we are ready to receive what he gives us.

It is tempting to hear this parable and immediately think about other people. We can all identify those whose faith seems shallow, distracted or resistant. But, Jesus asks us a much more personal question: What sort of soil am I today? There are seasons when our hearts are open and receptive, and there are seasons when worries, distractions or disappointments make it harder for God’s word to take root. The encouraging thing is that soil can be cultivated. The Christian life is one of continually allowing the Lord to clear away the stones and weeds so that his grace may bear fruit within us.

On Wednesday we celebrate the feast of St Bonaventure, one of my favourite saints. He was both a great theologian and a deeply prayerful Franciscan, reminding us that our faith is not simply something to be studied but something to be lived. He understood that the truths of the Gospel are like seeds: they are meant to grow, to transform us, and ultimately to bear fruit in lives of holiness and love.

Looking ahead, don’t forget our Parish Barbecue next Sunday, 19th July. I hope as many of you as possible will be able to come. It will be a wonderful opportunity to spend time together, welcome new faces, and enjoy one another’s company outside our usual Sunday routine. Strong churches are built not only through worship, but through friendship, hospitality and the simple joy of sharing life together.

In love,

Fr. Matthew

Notices

St. John’s APCM
Our Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be held in Wickham Hall on Wednesday 15th July at 6.00pm. If you’re on the Electoral Roll, please do come along as we review the past year, elect officers and PCC members, and look ahead to the year ahead.

Joint Summer Mass
Next Sunday we’ll be together for our annual Summer Mass at St. John’s. We’ll start mass at 11am and it will be followed by a BBQ at Wickham Hall. All the usual fun and wonderful food will be on hand. It’s the perfect mass to invite someone new to…

Quiz & Chips
The quiz returns! Come to St. Luke’s for the very popular quiz with fish and chips. Could you either sign up at the back of St. Luke’s or just let Fr. Matthew know if you’re planning on coming.

Summer Pilgrimage
Fr. Matthew will be leaving Devon on the 23rd July from St. John’s at 10am. There’ll be a special Mass, led by Fr. Robin. He’ll bless Fr. Matthew (and his bike!) as they depart on their 9000km pilgrimage to many of Europe’s great Marian shrines. This journey will form the backbone of a book called ‘Two Holy Bikers’ which will be published by Bloomsbury in October 2027.