Readings
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READINGS FOR NOVEMBER 2018 Eucharists - Sundays and Holy Days (Where there is a choice of first reading at the Parish Eucharist the asterisk denotes the favoured text.
11th November, known to us for a hundred years now as Armistice Day is also the Feast of St. Martin of Tours. This is, to say the least, a happy coincidence. Martin, born in Pannonia in modern day Hungary was a 4thC soldier in the armies of imperial Rome. Tradition has it that he was deeply conflicted between his military duties and his faith in Christ. Eventually he foreswore military life altogether, became a monk in Gaul and subsequently, by popular acclaim, Bishop of Tours. Martin’s heritage was firmly European and he is honoured on the day that Europe, exhausted by over four years of hideous conflict, finally laid down its arms. But there the similarity ends for Europe did not take up arms for Christ but drifted away from its historic roots in the faith. In Russia and Germany the weakening of the bonds was exploited by totalitarian regimes which believed that humankind reigned supreme over its own destiny. Martin would have been horrified by such a thought as all right-minded people should be. We are created beings, made for praise and thanksgiving, a fact reinforced by the celebration on the Sunday next before Advent of the Feast of Christ the King. On that day we honour Christ’s authority over all creation and as fellow human beings united with him in Baptism, the supreme dignity of his status is something that we are called to share. We do so most truly and effectively when inspired by remembrance of the Christ who came among us not to be served but to serve, for true authority is revealed in humble service. Charles Booth FROM THE REGISTERS Holy Baptism |
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