Message For Lent

Message from Bishop Pete

From The Darley Abbey Diocese

Giving up something for Lent?

Every year, I hear the same thing, time after time, 

‘I’m giving up Chocolate for Lent,’ 

‘I’m giving up fags for Lent’ etc etc, 

But, from time to time, I wonder why people don’t think about this ‘Giving up’ something for Lent, more seriously. 

During the Ash Wednesday Rite, when ashes are placed on our forehead, the Priest recites the following. 

‘Turn away from Sin and be Faithful to the Gospel.’

For me, this is one of the most important Solemnities of The Christian year, in some ways, a life changing event in The Churches Calendar, a time when we are given the opportunity to reflect and think about our Christian Walk, and seriously think about a change that will be beneficial to us as Christians for the remainder of our lives.

Most people with whom I come in contact with, moan about The Lent Season, but for me, it is a time of year I really love, its a time for personal reflection, self examination, a time of year when we should deepen our prayer life and bring a deeper understanding of ourselves, so that when we come to the joyful celebrations of The Easter Vigil Mass, we as Christians, are Risen with Christ, refreshed and cleansed from the Lent Season, enabling us to preach The Gospel in a more refreshed way to the people whom we serve.

Giving up something for Lent, is about changing a life issue, looking at our christian lifestyle, and using the Lent Season to change something that we really don’t like about ourselves, or what we do to others.

So this year my message is simple...use Lent to reflect on your Christian life, are there things that you want to change about yourself? Is it a time of change? Is it a time to look at our individual ministries?. Use this time as self examination, and don’t just change something for 40 days and 40 nights, but change something that will affect your life and the life of those whom you serve, in the years to come. 

Every Blessing

+Pete

Homily for All Saints Day

Provincial Gathering St Frances TESSAC

Let us Pray

And now Lord, open my mouth so that I can speak.

Open our ears so that we can hear.

And open our hearts so that we can change.

By your power, and through your grace, May I speak in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

All Saints day, a day when we remember those ordinary people of faith, who were the forerunners of our belief. 

Some, went out into the world to proclaim the message of the gospel, others lived a life in total solitude, in devotion to their Creator. Then there were those who were not afraid to stand up and be counted, even if it meant that they died for there faith. But whatever they did, they had one thing in common, they all spent their life in true, total devotion to Our Lord.

Pope Benedict 16th, once said in a sermon, that he preached on All Saints Day, and I quote... ‘This, then, is the meaning of today's Solemnity: looking at the shining example of the Saints, to reawaken within us the great longing to be like them; happy to live near God, in his light, in the great family of God's friends. Being a Saint means living close to God, to live in his family. And this is the vocation of us all.’

To me family is a very important aspect of everyday life, I have my immediate family, partner, parents, children, Grandson, yet I also rejoice in being a part of a church family. 

Sometimes within our family units, we don’t always get on, and through some of my recent actions within our Church Family Unit, I have not only formerly been nicknamed by Jasmine, as ‘The Best Looking, Youngest Bishop,’ but now by +Martyn, as ‘The Gobbiest Bishop’ of TESSAC.  

I know that I have recently upset some of the The Clergy and Laity present, but I also know, that I really did upset Bishop Martyn, and so to you all, but especially to +Martyn, I do sincerely apologise for my actions. 

However, if I am open and honest, and I do hope +Martyn will agree, that through our recent exchange of words, I do firmly believe, that good has come from our recent debate, and that we actually have a lot more in common than I originally thought. 

We have become a lot closer with our Mission of leading the Clergy and Laity of TESSAC in the ways of faith...we share a lot of the same visions, for the Church...and, also, as a person, (and I will have to swallow, whilst saying the next few words,)...he ain’t that bad of an ‘Old’ stick really.

Like The Saints who have gone before, we are all diverse...yes we all bring our own gifts...yet each of us is greatly unique and loved by God! That is something, to be grateful for.

It would be a boring existence if we were all the same, so let us all acknowledge that we are all different, yet focused on one thing...getting the message of The Gospel out to the people, whom we serve.

**********

In a few moments, we will be coming to the part of The Mass where we share The Peace. I sometimes wonder if we really know what this part of the service is all about.

I know at the beginning of Mass we share a Public Confession, and receive absolution, but is that enough! 

Sometimes, me being me, a bit controversial, when I celebrate the Liturgy, I move The Peace to the beginning of the service. ‘Why?’ I hear some of you ask. 

For me its a part of Reconciliation...a time to put right some of those differences we may have with each other...or if we can’t agree, come an understanding of any differences that we have, before General Confession and Absolution take place.

You see, I believe that true forgiveness comes, when you have the bottle to approach the person you have hurt and say with all sincerity...Sorry!

One thing I don’t want you to do is get paranoid, I know that most of the time, we as a Church Family get on really well, and The Peace can reflect that too...as we rejoice in the friendship and fellowship that we share, one with another. 

However, when we share the peace today, I would also ask you to  consider it in a different stance. Think of it as a time to make that special effort to embrace those you may of have hurt...had a difference of opinion with...or even those you don’t particularly like.

Think before you share it. 

This is your chance within The Mass, by handshake or hug, to show outwardly that we do care...and that we are at one with each other.

If we find someone difficult here to get along with, make an extra special effort to share the peace with them...so that before we each come to the focal point of our Faith...where as a Christian Family here on Earth...  interceding with our Heavenly family, The Saints who have gone before us, and The Virgin Mary, Mother of God...then by being spiritually fed...receiving Jesus into our lives...we are truly at peace with each other... then, and I quote from Philippians...’God's peace, which does goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard our thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.’

**********

In conclusion, When I was organist at St. Paul’s Church in Northampton, an old friend of mine, Fr Stephen Evans, The Vicar at the time, (who I believe trained with +Martyn at Stephen’s House, and preached at his Ordination at St Luke’s Winchester,) preached one of the most powerful sermons I have ever heard in my life...A homily, that I have never ever forgotten.

He started by quoting The Greatest Commandment, from Matthew’s Gospel.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” 

Fr Stephen then went on to say, If as a church family we have no love for each other...and only pay lip service to our faith...then what are we doing here? 

What message are we giving out to the people? 

If we haven’t got love for each other as a Christian Family...and hold a mutual respect...then we might as well bolt the doors and go home.

**********

So with this in mind, let us remember today that we are a family...at peace with each other. So like The Saints, that have shown us by their example...we...each of us...can by interceding with our Heavenly Family...can be empowered to go out into the world to proclaim the Risen Saviour.

**********

Let your light shine before men, that they may see you good deeds and praise your father who is in heaven.

Amen

Homily for Dedication of St Anthony's Oratory Derby

Sermon Dedication of St Anthony’s Oratory

In the name of the Father and of The Son and of The Holy Spirit Amen.

We are here to dedicate this Chapel and tomorrow we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, there is such a lot I could say –firstly, I could offer you a message on the importance of The Holy Spirit and how the message of The Gospel travelled out to various regions from the early church.

Then there is our patron - St Anthony, an amazing man who we are dedicating this oratory to - a man who from an early age gave up his riches to take monastic vows, a man who was an incredible preacher and in his later years took his inspiration from St. Frances.

However, I am not going to focus on either of those subjects, but on something that is so close to my heart -

As we have so much to do today, I want to keep this message very short. So I am going to focus on “simplicity”

This little space was so obviously a former garage, and I know that some people may well laugh or even make jokes about the fact that I am a bishop who worships in a Garage.

Yet wasn’t this how it all started? - the early Christians opened their homes as the centre of their worship and adoration. I am inspired by the fact that many people of Faith over the centuries have created small chapels or even lived in caves, sometimes to follow a religious vow, sometimes to survive persecution for their belief- but for what ever the reason -out of that sort of simplicity -how ever humble the place may have been- the living God met with these people in profound ways.

I have to say that Part of my vision for our work here in Derby is to return to the simplicity of those early Christians - they had no need to rely on splendid buildings, but started where their heart was - at home with their family and friends.

This little space is a simple reminder of the continual availability of God, to the local community, not only through our work and ministry - but also here, within the tabernacle - the presence of Christ, in this humble place, in the form of the Blessed Sacrament.

You are welcome to worship with us here, and my hope is that people will come and be part of this little spiritual family.

Our Vision is that this little place will be a community hub - and that ordinary people will find the presence of Christ here and go back to their work, and families with good news - news that Jesus still has an amazingly important message to us living within the twenty-first century - A message of enlightenment, forgiveness and unity with God by his Spirit and Sacrament.

I was sent a text the other day that was meant as a joke...but has really made me think…

And so I quote:

And Jesus said unto his disciples, ‘whom do they say I am?’ and they answered unto him ‘Master, thou art the supreme eschatological manifestation of The Omnipotent ecclesiastic authority, the absolute divine sacerdotal monarch.’ And Jesus said…’What.’

My Message is a little bit more simple - and to quote a famous song that I won’t be singing today, is that whoever you are, if you are seeking God, then you are welcome here because - “We are family.“

Amen.

My Name Sake...St Peter

St Peter Simon Peter or Cephas

The first Pope, Prince of the Apostles, and founder, with St. Paul, of The See of Rome.

Feast Day 29^th of June

Simon was born in Bethsaida in 1 BC a son to Jonah and brother to Andrew, (Jesus first Disciple) who introduced Peter to The Messiah, and like his brother was a Fisherman on Lake Genesareth.

When Simon met Jesus he was living with his wife and Mother in Law who Jesus Healed after the Sermon on The Mount and The Miracle of The curing the son of the centurion

29 And immediately going out of the synagogue they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 And Simon's wife's mother lay in a fit of a fever: and forthwith they tell him of her. 31 And coming to her, he lifted her up, taking her by the hand; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

(Mark1:29-30)

On meeting with Jesus, Peter accompanied him throughout Galilee attending The Wedding in Cana and therefore one of The Disciples who witnessed Jesus’ first miracle

Eventually becoming one of Christ’s Disciples

16 And passing by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother, casting nets into the sea for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them: Come after me; and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18 And immediately leaving their nets, they followed him.

(Mark 1: 16-18)

Simon Peter and His role as a Disciple within The Gospels.

"little faith"

²⁹   Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

³¹Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

Matthew 14:29-31

²³Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

Matthew 16

Jesus calls Simon Peter and according to some theologians names him as head of The Church

¹⁵He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

¹⁶And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

¹⁷And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

¹⁸And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

¹⁹And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

²⁰Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

Matthew 16:15-20

It may be interesting to note at this point two foods for thought

1)      The Eastern Orthodox Church see this passage of Scripture as Peter's position as representative of the Apostles. The word used for "rock" refers to "a small detachment of the massive ledge” not to a massive boulder. Thus, Orthodox Sacred Tradition understands Jesus' words as referring to the Apostolic Faith.

2)      The Name Simon means to listen...the name Peter means Rock...I have to wonder whether it was something to do with Peter’s personality that Jesus called Peter The Rock...was it a joke because he was a little bit stubborn from time to time...who knows???

Peter also played a prominent part in The events that would lead up to Jesus’ eventual trial, execution and resurrection

Again in The Gospels, and at The Last Supper, Peter initally refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet but when Jesus responded:

 "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me", Peter replied: "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head".

John 13:9

When Jesus was arrested one of his companions cut off the ear of a servant of the High Priest.^[18] The Gospel of John names Peter as the swordsman and Malchus as the victim.

During the Last Supper, Jesus stated that Peter would deny him three times before the following cockcrow.

Peter’s first denial when a female servant of the high priest spots Simon Peter, saying that he had been with Jesus

Peter’s second denial was when he had gone out to the gateway, away from the firelight, where a servant told the bystanders he was a follower of Jesus.

The Third denial came when Peter's Galilean accent was taken as proof that he was indeed a disciple of Jesus.

And apart from The Women and John Jesus Beloved Disciple, Peter is the only Disciple to check for himself and witness the empty tomb,

Peter’s Role within the early church

Luke the author of The Acts of The Apostles places Peter as an extremely important figure within the early Christian community, Peter delivered open-air sermon during Pentecost.

According to the same book, Peter also took the lead in selecting a replacement for Judas Iscariot.

About halfway through, the Acts of the Apostles turns its attention away from Peter and to the activities of Paul, and the Bible is fairly silent on what occurred to Peter afterwards.

his later work and mission took him to work to establishing the church of Antioch and preaching to scattered communities of believers. Eventually Peter went to Rome.

With The Western Catholic Tradition, Peter is said to have founded the church in Rome (and although they didnt really seem to get on for in an incident in Antioch Paul rebuked Peter for treating Gentile converts as inferior to Jewish Christian. And at the council of Jerusalem (c. 50), where Peter was successful in opposing the Christian Pharisees who insisted on circumcision and the rest of the Mosaic law) alongside with St Paul

And it is claimed that he held the Sacerdotal Chair for 25 years.

As with his brother, at the hand of Nero, Peter is said to have been put to death by Crucifixon.

St Peter’s Role Today

Many People of Faith visit and pray before the Tomb of St. Peter

Peter’s as with all The Apostle’s legacy for the Church is stemmed from The Great Commission to The Disciples,

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

Matthew 28:18-20

The Great Commission is the end of a Gospel and yet the beginning of faith in action for all Christians. As Christian’s we all have a responsibility to show love to our neighbour, help the poor and heal the sick. As with St Peter and St Andrew (Jesus’ first disciple brother of Peter) and founders of The Roman and Eastern Catholic Church we build a life of Faith within our hearts proclaiming the Good News of Christ, where we may all be able to witness for a better life working and ministering both lay and ordained within that which is called the Kingdom of God

The Apostle Philip

St Philip

The 5^th Disciple of Christ

Feast Day

The Roman Church 3^rd of May

Anglican Church 1^st of May

The Eastern Orthodox Church November 14^th

Philip was also born in Bethsaida, and was probably a friend to Andrew and Peter

Not much is known about Philip’s early life, only that when Andrew and Peter introduced Philip to Jesus he was a married man with several daughters, one of whom was married. However on seeing The Messiah he left his family behind and followed him

Philip was the Apostle approached by the Hellenistic Jews from Bethsaida to introduce them to Jesus. Just before the Passion,

Philip was portrayed as the Disciple who at the last supper asked Jesus about The Father

Which gave Jesus the chance to preach to his disciples about the unity between The Father and The Son.

He also introduced The Disciple Nathaniel (Bartholomew) to Jesus

Beyond his listing among the Apostles awaiting the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room. According to tradition he preached in Greece and was crucified upside down at Hierapolis under Emperor Domitian.

Freedom of Religon

A message to all independent and free thinking believers - we have a moral and constitutional right to exercise our faith, a spiritual birthright that hasn't been destroyed in this country, some people need to be reminded!

http://www.abouthumanrights.co.uk/religious-freedom--right-believe-what-you-want.html

St Andrew First Disciple of Christ

St Andrew

Feast Day 30^th of November

First Disciple of Christ

Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah." And he brought him to Jesus. (John 1:40-42)

Being Christ’s first disciple, Andrew’s Feast Day is centred around Advent Sunday, making him the first Saint to be celebrated in The Christian Calendar every year

Patron Saint of Scotland and Russia and fishermen.  

I find it quite amazing that the 1^st Apostle’s life I have the opportunity of sharing with you has played a very significant role within my life.

The First Church that I ever attended as a baby in arms was dedicated to St Andrew (pictured Below)

The first Hospital I ever worked in was St Andrew’s Hospital in Northampton (Pictured below) Which incidentally was built on the former site of St Andrew’s Priory in Northampton

So who was this guy who played so much a part of my life?

Andrew a Greek Name which means Manly, and popular within The Jewish Community between the second and third Century BC, was a born in Bethsaida Galilee (Which simply means Place of Fishing)

Between 5AD-10AD, son of Jona and Joanna, brother of Simon Peter and Jona. He would have been educated at synagogue school, and studied The Hebrew Scriptures, Astrology and Arithmetic.

Eventually Andrew became a fisherman, alongside his Business Partner Zebedee his Brother Simon Peter and Zebedee’s sons James and John

He was originally a disciple of John The Baptist who’s testimony on seeing Jesus ‘Behold The Lamb of God’ lead Andrew and John The Evangelist to become Christ’s first disciple.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John The Baptist had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.

John 1:40-42

It was also Andrew who brought the boy to Jesus instituting the Miracle of The feeding of the 5000

One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him:  "There is a boy here that has five barley loaves and two fishes. But what are these among so many?"

 John 6:8-9

He is considered to be the founder of The See of The Byzantine Church and the Patriarchate of Constantinople regard Andrew as Their Patron Saint (His Brother Peter was the founder of The See of The Roman Catholic Church)

His preaching Ministry took him to Asia Minor and along the Black Sea to Volga and Kiev.

Andrew was Martyred during the reign of Nero by Crucifixion in Patras Greece. Like his brother Andrew chose not to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus, so he was tied to his Cross by rope, not nailed, and left to hang there for several days, where he continued to preach until he eventually died on 30^th of November AD60.