The Vicar Writes …
For it is when I am weak that I am strong
First, let me thank all of you for the warm and friendly welcome you extended to me and
Coleen at my collation and installation a couple of weeks ago. It was a lovely service, and a fitting start to my time among you.
In this week of the general election – and as I write this, I have no idea what the result will be – it’s appropriate that our second reading should include St Paul’s famous comment on the strength that comes only through what the world sees as weakness.
Lord Acton, a 19th century Roman Catholic politician and historian, wrote that “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Whoever has, on Sunday, turned out to be our next Prime Minister will do well to remember this.
But it’s not just politicians who need to be mindful of power. And, indeed, it’s not just those with power on a grand scale who need to recognise the corrupting tendency that power always, and everywhere, brings with it. We probably all know, and have experienced, the tinpot dictatorships of big fish in small ponds!
To be installed as the vicar of a parish is hardly to have been vested with limitless power, yet priests are by no means immune to the dangers and temptations that even small-scale power can provoke.
Priests may not be immune from, but they should most certainly strive to be resistant to, these temptations since they are called to represent Jesus Christ not only at the altar, but in all their ministry. Jesus “came not to be served but to serve” and told his disciples that “whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.”
As I begin my work in this parish, it is my fervent prayer that I will, with God’s grace, always be your servant and never your self-appointed bossy-boots. But if, heaven forbid, I should ever forget these good intentions, I hope you will all feel free to tell me so in no uncertain terms!
Fr Stephen
Notices
We are still appealing for support for the Foodbank, We currently need the following items: Tin Fish, Cereals, Long Life Milk, Sugar, Rice, Biscuits, Tea, Coffee etc.
Please be reminded that our Brigade will be launched in September, so please sign up for your child who is 4yrs Six Months Old up to 11yrs. Please take note that it is for both boys and girls. To register your child, please contact Fr. Josiah.
We will be updating the Prayer List at the end of the Month so please contact Susan if you want a name to be added.
We are grateful to all those who joined us at All Saint Hillingdon, for the Induction of our Church Wardens, Nicholas and Ruth.
Please support the church generously through your giving at www.stanselm.co.uk/giving