GRATITUDE

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is surely one of the great ways of keeping everything in our lives in perspective. We all have to cope with our share of failures and disappointments, but if we can measure those against the joy that comes from the blessings we experience, then the Christian call to live as men and women of hope becomes possible. The Redemptorist General Council keeps reminding us that we are missionaries of hope and, of course, the same call to live in hope is at the heart of the Synodal vision to walk together with the Lord.

Like many others, I was delighted with the news that Fr Timothy Radcliffe has been named among the new Cardinals appointed by Pope Francis. The Pope entrusted him with the task of leading the retreats in preparation for the Synod sessions in Rome both last year and this year. In my opinion, he has a unique ability to acknowledge the reality of what is going on, accepting the tensions and disagreements that exist, but, at the same time, offering a vision of hope that we can walk together in peace if we are truly open to one another and are willing to listen and seek to understand one another. Even a cursory look at the history of the Church reminds us of how our Lord can use the seemingly most unlikely people to further the cause of his Kingdom.

It is in this spirit that I hope we can continue to seek the best way forward for our Parishes, for our Family of Parishes and for our Deanery in the months and years ahead. I have not been slow to point out the huge degree of uncertainty that surrounds even the immediate future, but alongside that I have been greatly encouraged by the surge of goodwill and the offering of support and help from so many of you.

So, let’s continue to listen to one another, trusting that the Spirit will indeed “lead us to the truth” and enable all of us to live as missionaries of hope.