Webmaster • August 23, 2025

Today's Gospel reading is the third of three parables in chapter 13 that deal with the theme of the unexpected reversals brought by the Kingdom of God. The other two parables are about the tiny mustard seed that grows into a large tree and the small amount of yeast that makes a large batch of dough rise. As this parable opens, Luke reminds us that Jesus is making his way to Jerusalem. This journey makes up the entire middle of the Gospel. He is teaching as he goes. A question from the crowd gives Jesus the chance to make a prophetic statement. A few weeks ago, the question “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” led to the parable of the Good Samaritan. The question about will only a few be saved uses typical Christian language about salvation but also expresses the Jewish concern about whether everyone who calls himself a Jew is faithful to the covenant. Jesus answers that they must strive in the time remaining to enter through the narrow door because many will be trying to get in but won't be strong enough. He then moves to a parable about another door. Once all those entering the master's house are in and he locks the door, there will be no way for others to get in. Those left outside may knock, but the master will say he doesn't know them. Unlike the Gospel reading from a few weeks ago where Jesus was teaching about prayer, and we were told to knock and the door would be opened, in this parable, the master will not open and say he does not know us. People from the north, south, east, and west will take our place inside. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets will take their place in the Kingdom of God. Those who do not make it through the narrow door will be cast out to where there is wailing and grinding of teeth. The image of the door is replaced in the final verses of the parable with the image of the heavenly banquet. Two passages from the Book of Isaiah influence the conclusion. Isaiah 43:5-6 speaks of God bringing Israel's descendants back from the east and from the west, the north and the south. And Isaiah 25:6 speaks of the Lord providing a feast of rich foods and choice wines for all peoples on his holy mountain. The answer to the question if only a few will be saved is no. Many will be saved, but many who thought they would will not be saved. The parable is a prophetic warning to repentance to enter the kingdom.

Christmas Fayre Cancelled - Please check back for updates

By Webmaster • December 1, 2025
‘Our Christmas Fayre unfortunately has been cancelled - We will provide further updates within the newsletter over the coming weekend about alternative arrangements. We apologise for any inconvenience caused’.

PRIESTLY VOCATIONS DISCERNMENT MEETINGS

By Webmaster • November 8, 2025
: Time for prayers, questions, input from a priest and social time. There are two groups meeting simultaneously; under 18s and over 18s. Fridays 6.30pm-8.15pm: 19th September (Hinsley Hall), 17th October (Hinsley Hall), 14th November (Cathedral Hall), 19th December (Hinsley Hall). Under 18 participants must complete and return a permission form prior to attending. For permission forms and to notify of attendance (all participants) please contact Vocations Promoter, Fr Simon Lodge simon.lodge@dioceseofleeds.org.uk .

DIOCESAN LOURDES PILGRIMAGE VOLUNTEERS INFORMATION EVENING

By Webmaster • November 8, 2025
Ever thought of going on the Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes volunteering as a nurse or as part of the hospitality team but want to know more, then you are invited to an information evening about the roles and pilgrimage. Hinsley Hall, Monday 1st December, 7pm . For more information, please email Phil Marshall on lourdes.enquires@dioceseofleeds.org.uk or 07766 148375.  To register interest please email recruitment.lourdes@dioceseofleeds.org.uk , or simply turn up on the evening.

THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA 9 NOVEMBER 2025

By Webmaster • November 8, 2025
The story of the cleansing of the Temple is found in all four Gospels. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus is upset with the deceitful practices of the vendors and expels them for that reason. But in John, Jesus' authority is contrasted with the authority of the Temple cult and is a criticism of the cult itself. The story is composed of two parts, Jesus' action in the Temple and Jesus' predictions about the Temple's destruction. If the many pilgrims to Jerusalem during Passover were to have animals for the sacrificial rituals of the feast, it was necessary to sell cattle in the Temple and to change the unclean Roman money. By denouncing this, Jesus is cutting to the core of the Temple cult. The story is really about Jesus' fate, revealing that Jesus, not the Temple, is the locus of God's presence on earth. As they often do in John, the Jews misunderstand Jesus' words. This gives John the chance to explicitly state his point. Although this is the beginning of his ministry, Jesus is already speaking of his coming death and Resurrection. The statement that concludes this passage uses the fact of the Resurrection to prove the point of Jesus' words. Believers need to remember the words and actions of Jesus and claim them as affirmations of the truths of their faith. Christians sometimes point to Jesus' anger in this passage as a way to point out Jesus' humanity. But this would miss the powerful point of the entire Gospel, that the Word became flesh. The point is not that Jesus' anger proves he is human. It is that a human being, in his words and actions, can claim the authority of God.

FEMININE GENIUS RETREAT DAY

By Webmaster • November 8, 2025
This one-day retreat will be held on Saturday 15th November at Leeds Trinity University and led by the New Eve Foundation with the Diocesan Faith Formation Team. Aimed at unmarried women ages 18-35, cost £25. Please email formation@dioceseofleeds.org.uk for more information or to book your place.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

By Webmaster • November 8, 2025
CHRISTMAS FAIR: Saturday 6th December 10am – 2pm. We are now collecting donations of bottles, gifts, toys, books, and chocolates. Thank you for all your support in the continued success of our annual event. NO CDs or Electrical Items please as we can't sell them. CHRISTIMAS FAIR STALL HOLDERS Monday 1 st December in the Upper Room

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY CONCERT IN LEEDS CATHEDRAL

By Sue Jameson • November 7, 2025
Sunday 9th November, 3pm. Leeds Cathedral Choir, with members of The Sixteen and Genesis Sixteen, directed by Harry Christophers, will be singing Fauré's Requiem, and music by Bach, Byrd, Parry and Sheppard. Admission is free with suggested donation of £10.

SAFEGUARDING

By Webmaster • November 1, 2025
We would like to welcome Andrea Nicholls and Bismark Adomako who are now confirmed as our Parish safeguarding representatives. Safeguarding representatives have a special responsibility for promoting good and safe practices in all activities involving children, young people and adults at risk. Please see our safeguarding notice board in the Narthex.

CONSCRATION TO JESUS THROUGH THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

By Webmaster • November 1, 2025
Kickstart your spiritual journey with the 33-day Consecration to Jesus through Mary starting on 5th November. This transformative devotion enriches your faith and fosters a profound connection with both Jesus and Mary. Ready to dive in and begin this meaningful journey and deepen your spiritual life? There are two options available in the Narthex, copies of a traditional version and some copies of 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr Michael Gaitley. The next start date is 5th November.

SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS 2 NOVEMBER 2025

By Webmaster • November 1, 2025
Every year the Church recalls the example, witness, and prayer of the holy women and men who have been identified by the Church as Saints. These saints are more than just role models; they are family members with whom we continue to share relation, in a bond of prayer, called the Communion of Saints. Every year when we celebrate this day, the Gospel we proclaim recalls for us Jesus' teaching about happiness, the Beatitudes. We quickly note in this reading that none of those Jesus names as “blessed” or “happy” are expected . . . the poor in spirit, the meek, the persecuted. Jesus' blueprint for happiness reflects little of what the world might call happiness. What does Jesus mean when he uses the word “blessed?” This word is sometimes translated as “happy” or “fortunate” or “favoured.” In other words, Jesus is saying that divine favour is upon those who are poor, who mourn, who are persecuted. This might have been welcome and surprising news to the crowds who heard Jesus that day. The Beatitudes can be understood as a framework for Christian living. Because of this, it is natural that we proclaim this Gospel on the Feast of All Saints. Saints are people who lived the spirit of the Beatitudes as Jesus lived. On this day, we too are challenged to model our lives on the spirit and promises of the Beatitudes.
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