This Week
Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
12/10/2025
October is the Month of the Holy Rosary
On being grateful
I well remember a form of grace before meals which we used at home during my childhood. It went like this:
‘For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful and keep us mindful of the needs of others. Amen.’
The succinct nature of this little prayer might make it seem somewhat childish, but it holds a significant message which chimes with the Gospel reading that we hear on this Sunday. Ten lepers are healed, but only one (that is 10 percent) returns thanks to Jesus for the healing received. He is singled out for praise, the others are not.
There is a simple moral in the tale which teaches us about the virtue of gratitude. The genuine gratitude of the one leper contrasts with what might be called the entitled or presumptuous behaviour of the other nine.
This leads us to question what we might be grateful for. To reflect from a personal standpoint, I would mention the many people in this parish who give sacrificially of their time and talents to enable and enhance our life as the People of God in this place. Recently, I have been aware of those who are responsible for providing the music for the Sunday Masses. There are plenty of people whose gifts add a great deal to the worship of Almighty God and we thank them for their time and efforts.
Having said this, there is always space for more. I am convinced that there are hidden musical talents in this parish. Please don’t be shy. More singers, instrumentalists, keyboard players, are always welcome. Please be in touch with me at the Presbytery if this is something you would like to consider, or have a chat with the musicians after one of the Sunday Masses. The phrase ‘the more, the merrier’ seems appropriate to use in this context.
So, real gratitude indeed for those who are already making music in the parish, but a little nudge to those who could swell their numbers and make the songs of praise we offer even more melodious.
Yours tunefully and gratefully,
Fr Daniel
CAFOD Royal Parks Half Marathon October 12th
Deacon Peter has been training hard and will be running the half marathon today! He is hoping to beat his previous record.
Please visit the Just Giving page to see updates and support:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/peter-jones-7
Readings at Mass Today
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