HANDS TOGETHER  

I suppose it would be rather churlish not to begin our Bulletin this week with some words of congratulations? So, very hearty congratulations, and ‘well done’ to the French rugby team in managing to defeat the Irish on Friday night. And, of course, it would be equally remiss of me not to congratulate the Irish team in being so exceptionally good-mannered, and kind-hearted, towards their hosts, by playing well below the standard they are capable of, and disguising it so convincingly, so as not to embarrass the French team on their home soil! (As one gets older, one learns to become a bit of an optimist! Others might call it a little bit of ‘spin-doctoring’ – but, whatever!)

While on the subject of congratulations, I want to congratulate all of you who have managed to locate St. Joseph’s! “What’s he on about?” you might be saying, but believe me when I tell you that I have met many a person, some living in Paris, some visiting, who have said that despite being in Paris over a number of years they did not realise that there was an English-language Catholic church here!

If you are new to St. Joseph’s, then I’m especially happy that you could make it here today, as we are having our Parish Information Day, and Annual General Meeting. Please take time after the Sunday morning masses to meet with the people who are at the various tables around the Parvis area, and who will answer your questions about all that goes on at St. Joseph’s. As you will see, there are a wide range of activities in which you can become involved. One of the wonderful aspects of St. Joseph’s is, that while we lose many of our valued parishioners each summer, the Lord seems to always send us so many talented and committed people in their place. So, if you’re wondering how you’ve ended up in St. Joseph’s – it’s because the Lord has sent you to us! Maybe there’s some special way in which He wants you to become involved?

Our Gospel today talks of a steward who was denounced for being wasteful. It is only when he is called to task that he realises that he’d better do a bit of quick thinking and acting! It’s amazing how frequently the Lord seems to come back to this theme in His preaching – don’t go putting off the things you should be doing today – don’t go burying the talents you have; instead use them, and now! One could be forgiven for thinking that He had St. Joseph’s Parish information day in mind!! How adept we can often be at putting things on the long finger! Well, we’re not interested in the long finger – we just want a hand! (Sorry – couldn’t resist!)