This July, we celebrate the message of peace: “Let peace flow like a river” (Isaiah 66:12). We warmly invite all parishioners to our Parish Feast and Summer Celebration on Sunday, 27th July 2025. The day will begin with the 10:30 am Feast Mass, including baptisms and First Holy Communion, followed by a joyful gathering with food, music, dancing, raffle, and community fun in the church grounds. A three-day Novena will be held before the Feast, with special prayers for expectant mothers, grandchildren, and parish families.

As many begin their summer holidays, we pray for your safe journeys. Our Pizza and Campfire Evening on 5th July was a great success, and more youth events are being planned. The next Family Mass will also be on 27th July at 10:30 am; there will be no catechism on that day.

If you wish to volunteer this summer in gardening, painting, or tidying up the church, please speak to Fr James or Sr Ursula. Weekly pilgrimage devotions continue every Tuesday evening and Saturday noon, with upcoming Rosary Walks in Richmond Park on 19th July and 2nd August.

Please note that roadworks will take place this week around the church, and the front entrance will be closed; kindly use the side entrance.

Fr James will be away from 4th to 22nd August. For any sacraments or arrangements, please contact the parish office before then.

14^th Sunday – Homily – “Peace Like a River”

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today, I invite you to reflect deeply on peace.

Isaiah says in the first reading, “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river.”

Peace like a river.

What a beautiful image! A river flows gently, but it never stops. It nourishes every plant, every tree, every creature along its banks. Even when the land is dry, even in hidden places, the river moves onward, silently giving life.

That is how God’s peace works in us.

It is not a stagnant pond. It is not just a short moment of quiet. It is constant, steady, nourishing.

When God gives peace, it’s not shallow or temporary. It is like a river flowing through your life, shaping you, refreshing you, carrying you through deserts and storms.

But here is the truth: Peace does not mean a life without problems. Even the river faces rocks, twists, and turns but it keeps flowing.

This is the peace that God wants for you – not a life free of suffering – but a heart that can flow through it all.

Now let us listen to the words of Jesus Himself. Every time the Risen Lord appeared to His disciples, what were His first words?

“Peace be with you.” To frightened, anxious, confused people locked in a room, Jesus came through those locked doors and said, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19)

When we are locked in fear, Jesus comes to us – not with blame or punishment – but with peace.

He says again, “My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled.” (John 14:27)

Look at this carefully: The world offers peace through distraction, possessions, or comfort.
But Jesus offers peace through His presence.

When you carry the peace of Christ within you:

• You may still face storms but you will not sink.
• You may still walk through valleys but you will not fear.
• You may still carry burdens but you will not be crushed.

This peace flows from knowing God holds you, walks with you, carries you.

Now, let us pause and ask, what does peace do in our lives?

Peace makes you lighter. When you are at peace, you let go of grudges, fears, and worries.

Peace makes you stronger. You can face suffering and remain calm.

Peace makes you clearer. You can see what truly matters, and not be distracted by every little trouble.

Peace makes you patient. You stop rushing. You start trusting.

Psychologists tell us that inner peace activates the parasympathetic nervous system the part of the brain responsible for healing, rest, and clarity.
When you are at peace, your mind opens, your body heals, your focus sharpens.

Peace isn’t weakness, it is spiritual strength.

It is in peace that we hear God’s voice clearly.
It is in peace that we see others with love, not judgement.

Now, my dear friends, we must ask, how do we live this peace?

The answer is in the beautiful Peace Prayer of St Francis of Assisi.

Let us make this our prayer today, not just with words but with our lives.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.

This is our mission not just to receive peace but to become peace.

Let your life become a river of peace

• flowing into your family,
• flowing into your workplace,
• flowing into your parish,
• flowing into every person you meet.

Leave this church today not just asking for peace but carrying peace within you.

As Jesus says again today: “Peace be with you.”

Let it settle deep in your heart. Let it flow like a river.

Let it become your strength, your guide, and your gift to the world. Amen.

 

Important Dates for the Diary