The induction of Bishop Stephen was a powerful statement on his leadership into the
future. He brought a strength of character to the occasion that also had its moments of
pathos and humour. There was an honesty about the occasion that was challenging. His homily was one of humility, hope, and determination. Let’s pray that we now move forward in a Spirit of
healing and new beginnings. “Unfortunately I am afraid, as always, of going on. For to go on means going from here, means finding me, losing me, vanishing and beginning again. A stranger first, then little by little the same as always, in another place, where I shall say I have always been, of which
I shall know nothing, being incapable of seeing, moving, thinking, speaking, but of which
little by little, in spite of these handicaps, I shall begin to know something. Just enough
for it to turn out to be the same place as always. The same which seems made for me
and does not want me, which I seem to want and do not want, take your choice, which
spews me out or swallows me up. I’ll never know….” Samuel Beckett, The Unnameable.
On to more immediate parish issues now. With the summer holiday for many of us
about to begin, the parish takes a rest from many activities. This is very often a wellearned rest for volunteers too. However, can I ask that you keep an eye to those who
may find summer a lonely time because they are housebound and not as socially involved
as usual. Our prayers and best wishes go with the Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes. It will also be great occasion for our new Bishop to meet up with so many of his flock, including the sizeable numbers journeying from this parish.
John Prine – “Me and Loretta”
We had an apartment in the city
Me and Loretta liked living there
Well, it'd been years since the kids had grown
A life of their own left us alone
John and Linda live in Omaha
And Joe is somewhere on the road
We lost Davy in the Korean War
And I still don't know what for, don't matter anymore.
You know that old trees just grow stronger
And old rivers grow wilder every day
Old people just grow lonesome
Waiting for someone to say, “Hello in there, hello”
Me and Loretta, we don't talk much more
She sits and stares through the backdoor screen
And all the news just repeats itself
Like some forgotten dream that we've both seen
Someday I'll go and call up Rudy
We worked together at the factory
But what could I say if he asks "What's new?"
"Nothing, what's with you? Nothing much to do"
You know that old trees just grow stronger
And old rivers grow wilder every day
Old people just grow lonesome
Waiting for someone to say, “Hello in there, hello
So if you’re walking down the street some time
And spot some hollow ancient eyes
Please don’t just pass ‘em by and stare
As if you didn’t care, say “Hello in there, hello”.
(A beautiful song worth listening to. There is also a lovely version by Joan Baez)