10/10/2024

Papal Orders Mass - Westminster Cathedral

“The Heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”

Now that I am 85 – 55 years a priest - I regularly ask for the gift of The Holy Spirit – Ruach Hakodesh - feminine in Hebrew.

Wisdom, is  the first of the Holy Spirit’s gifts, coming with the second gift, the gift of understanding our human nature, has taught me to keep my homilies short. 

If the congregation – you this evening -  goes home with one clear, attractive and memorable point, I will have fulfilled my mandate.

Given the horrors of Russia in Ukraine, the Middle East – the Sudan, many Francophone African countries and Yemen – the point I am trying to make today is that in The Bible we are told, 365 times, ‘do not be afraid’. Once for every day of the year.

As the singer is in every part of their song, our Creator God is in every part of  creation. God is Emmanuel. So today – tonight – do not be afraid. Fear ages you.

Why be afraid? The worst thing that can happen is that you die. That for me is the best. 

I can’t wait to see the face of God and be able to discuss the beauty of creation – and much else.

Every morning, as I pray my morning offering, my heart is joyfully at peace and slows down my ageing – even though I remember the grim global news. Focusing on the white – rather than the black – squares on our global chessboard, keeps me sane and unafraid.

So, do not be afraid. I have made my point. This homily will not go on.