Weekend Masses

Dear Brothers and Sisters, I spoke last week of generosity: of that spirit of generosity that transforms not only your life but the lives of the people around you. I often think of an Kenyan sister I knew who worked in a small mission hospital in a place called Kobujoi in Nandi Kenya. Kobujoi was my first appointment in Kenya. It was on a hill at about 7000 feet above sea level, a beautiful spot on the edge of the great Rift Valley. Sister Elisabeth was matron of the small mission hospital. She had entered the Sisters of St Joseph out of Primary School and was one of the early members of the congregation. She had a deep faith and a smile was never far from her face. She had trained as a midwife and had over the years developed many other nursing skills. She had a heart of gold and was available night and day to those she served. Many a time she came knocking on my window in the middle of the night because one of her patients needed to be brought to a bigger hospital because of a serious complication. Her presence and her attitude to people brought many none Christians to the faith. She was not out there preaching from the rooftops but her life and service gave witness to what she believed. People like her change lives by their generous spirit and by their smile. Rest in peace gentle soul. May our lives continue to journey with that same generosity and joyfulness. By this shall all know that you are my disciples? Love one another. Pray for me as I pray for you, Fr Karl

The gospel today reminds me to remember the generosity of all those who have been part of my life’s journey. Generosity comes in many forms. It’s the poor widow who donates her all, the volunteer who spends time with her parish or some other project that needs help, it’s the smile on a face that says everything is OK or it’s the gentle touch at a time of great sadness or joy. Sometimes we never realize how a simple gesture can affect us or others, As we listen to the story of the poor widow in today’s Gospel, please ask yourself how someone’s generosity has affected you. As I get older I remember with gratitude the simple things my parents did when we were kids.. The Sunday morning breakfast, the bar of chocolate divided among all the smiles, the lifting over a gate or the lifting on to shoulders so that you could see better. I remember the generosity of Uncles and Aunts when I was in the seminary and on the missions. Without their generosity life would have been much more difficult. Generosity is not just about money, it is about an attitude that sees the needs of others and reacts with kindness and caring. Its about bringing faith into the market place and living the law of love to the full. Thank you for the generosity of the welcome I received when I arrived here. Thank you for helping with the various ministries of this parish. Thank you for your monetary contributions to the parish. Above all thank you for being part of this parish and bringing so many gifts and talents to all we do. May we continue to journey together in generosity and Faith. Christ is with us. Pray for me as I pray for you, Fr Karl