St. Mary's August 2015 Magazine

The Bishop of Brixworth writesThank God for all his goodnessI love the story about the family whowere trying to impress their dinnerguests by asking their youngest childto say grace. “Just repeat what wesaid at breakfast”, they were told. Thechild prayed; “Dear God, we’ve gotthose awful people coming tonight!”It’s an occupational hazard for clergyto be asked to say grace at meals. Idon’t mind because it’s always aprivilege to lead people in prayer, butit also acts as a reminder for me toalways be grateful.In his much-publicised papal letter onthe environment and climate change,Laudate Si, Pope Francis challengesall of us to take more seriously ourresponsibility to care for God’screation and protect the mostvulnerable people and places. Heasks; “What kind of world do we wantto leave to those who come after us,to children who are now growing up?”and suggests that this poses thedeeper questions; “What is thepurpose of our life in this world?” and“Why are we here?”Echoing Archbishop Justin’semphasis upon Christians serving thecommon good of humanity, PopeFrancis commends lifestyle choiceswhich respect the integrity of creation.He also encourages recapturing asense of gratitude and wonder,appreciating the world as God’s giftand remembering ourconnectedness with all God’screatures.In particular, he advocates arediscovery of the practice of sayinggrace before meals. “One expressionof this attitude is when we stop andgive thanks to God before and aftermeals. I ask all believers to return tothis beautiful and meaningful custom.That moment of blessing, howeverbrief, reminds us of our dependenceon God for life; it strengthens ourfeeling our gratitude for the gifts ofcreation; it acknowledges those whoby their labours provide us with thesegoods; and it reaffirms our solidaritywith those in greatest need”.You don’t have to wait until the clergyvisit! Try saying simple prayer ofthanks yourself before your mainmeal every day.With my prayers and best wishes,14