Some Thoughts For Corpus Christi
“When the Israelites came out of Egypt, God did one miracle after another for them. He got water from a rock when they were thirsty; and, when they were hungry, he fed them with bread from heaven.
“Mah nah? —what is this?” the Israelites asked when they saw it; and ‘manna’ has been its name ever since.
Why didn’t God just miraculously produce real, ordinary bread for them?
Moses answers this question in his speech to the people: God fed them with manna so that they might know one does not live by bread alone. If God had fed them ordinary bread, they wouldn’t have learned the lesson. As it was, first they hungered, and then they were fed miraculously with the who-knows-what-this-is bread from heaven. And so, they learned to trust in God, who fed them with what they needed to live.
But this is only half the lesson, as Moses explains it: one does not live by bread alone; what else is needed is the word of God.
And so, when the time was right, the only begotten Word of God came so that people might not perish but have ever-lasting life (John 3:16).
That is why Christ said that he was the true bread from heaven. One does not live by bread alone but by this true Word of God.
And, by a miracle which completes the lesson of the manna, this Word is the bread of life for all the faithful. The Word of God and the bread from heaven are present in one here.
In the Eucharist, then, there is everything that one needs to live, if one will only learn the lesson and trust in Christ, who feeds his people with himself, the living bread from heaven and the Word of God.”
- Eleonore Stump
Preparing for Reopening our Churches – Volunteers Needed
As you know, the First Minister has announced that in Phase II of the relaxation of lockdown churches will reopen for private prayer, as well as for baptisms, weddings and funerals. It seems like the First Minister will announce the beginning of Phase II of the relaxation on Thursday, probably coming into effect the following Monday, 22nd June. We are, therefore, preparing to open both churches that week.
One of the things that is mandated by the guidelines for reopening the churches are volunteers to act as church attendants during the opening hours. The role of these attendants will just be to ensure that people are wearing a face mask before entering the churches, that they maintain physical distancing while in the Cathedral and that they observe the “one way system” in and out of the Cathedral.
We are planning, at least initially, to open the Cathedral from 12-6pm daily and Ravelston from 10-12noon Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. But to do so, we need more volunteers.
If you are between 18 and 70 and in good health, would you be able to help?
If so – please contact Sr. Mary Simone at the Parish Office either by phone (Mon-Fri 11am-4pm) or by email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk. We will then put you in touch with the volunteer co-ordinator who will draw up the rotas and guidelines. You need to let us know which days and at what times you would be available to volunteer.
Here’s a summary of what the Scottish Government’s Phase 2 means for churches across the country. The information is from the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland guidelines: www.bcos.org.uk/COVID19
A Short Talk on Prayer
In response to a request from the Parish Council, I have recorded a very short talk on prayer entitled: “Journey to the Heart of our Being.” In these days when we have a bit more time to pray and given that we will be opening the Churches again soon for personal prayer, you might find the talk helpful. To listen to the it, visit the parish Facebook page or watch on the website.
“Rediscovering Catholicism” – A Short Course in Theology on Zoom, Wednesdays at 7pm
One of the things that is often said to me by our regular (older) parishioners is that they woHere’s a summary of what the Scottish Government’s Phase 2 means for churches across the country. The information is from the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland guidelines: www.bcos.org.uk/COVID19uld like to have talks and discussions like those organised for the young adults’ group!
Well now is the time! If you would like to know more about your faith, if you would like to delve a bit deeper into the theology of the Church , why not join me for a series of talks and discussions on the faith on Zoom? This course is open to parishioners of all ages. I will give a presentation on a different topic each week – which will be followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion. Meetings will take place, at least initially, via Zoom video conference on Wednesday evenings at 7pm beginning on the 24th of June. To sign up or for more information, email frjamie@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.
Daily Mass livestreamed from Cathedral House
Each day, we publish one of the private Masses in Cathedral House, where we pray for our parishioners, mass intentions and an end to the spread of coronavirus. To please visit our Facebook page, or watch a recording of the Mass at www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/filming.