Where Are We Going?
Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Six whole months have passed since the country went into lockdown. But despite now moving into October, usually signalling a return to the normal rhythm of life after the summer break, there is little sign of return to normality. Numbers are going up in the church, we have now brought back the Farm Street Choir in a limited form, and occasional gatherings are in person. But we still cannot provide refreshments after Mass, events are postponed, meetings continue to be by video conference. Our week of reflections on vocation ‘Where are You Going?’, which was to launch our new year at Farm Street, is postponed until we can meet in person. As Woody Allen once said, “if you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans”.
St Ignatius would take that thought further and ask what we are learning from this time. For me Pope Francis is right on target as he paints the picture of us all “in the same boat”, being challenged to realise our interdependency, our common fragility, our need to treat each other with more respect and to once again treasure the earth and her resources we have plundered. You may remember the dramatic prayer service in a deserted St Peter’s Square back in March when the Holy Father guided us in a meditation which saw ourselves along with the disciples in the boat amid the storm which was assailing them. For Pope Francis this is a wake-up call to rebuild our world and in that we are all called to be involved.
Before that, though, we need to reflect on what we have been going through. It is only becoming clear how traumatic 2020 has been. Many have died, often alone, and many are bereaved. So many have been isolated and lonely. The livestreaming of Masses has been an unexpected and inexplicable success as thousands participate remotely every weekend but it is no substitute for being Church, the gathered assembly. Our mailbox has been huge as, while some will surely drift away, many are knocking on our virtual door as they are newly curious about faith, spirituality, a higher realm, God and Jesus Christ. The Church, however, has moved outside its four walls, not just online but to Trafalgar Square and Soho where our incredible volunteers have fed and loved the homeless who were left behind in the panic. There the Eucharist was celebrated as it was lived out.
So, we are not going back to normal. Making plans is provisional and limited. We are making plans to provide an affordable or free counselling service and bereavement group. We are hoping to continue and hone to current needs our service to the homeless, always looking for new volunteers to join our large group from across central London Catholic churches. We are also making connections with other Churches and agencies to extend our services for the homeless and destitute as we move into winter, the end of furlough, Brexit, and an impending humanitarian crisis. The Landings team is adapting to this extraordinary time when flexibility is vital. Landings is offering a virtual programme and this is being promoted across the Diocese as we are sure that a programme for welcoming back to the Church is vital at this time. If you know of anyone who might be thinking of returning to the Church or is curious please do pass on to me or e-mail landingssouth@gmail.com
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for those who make up our diverse parish community at this time for so much understanding, generosity and loyalty. It is so touching to see people come back after months away and to know that many more are following from home. As we continue to try to discern where we are going in these extraordinary times may we know the protection, especially in this month of the Rosary, the protection of Our Lady who always watches over us and guides us towards her son and to know his will for us.
Fr Dominic Robinson SJ