Newsletter - 7 April 2024
Rock: Experiencing the Risen Lord
Dear brothers and sisters,
Our parish had the privilege to host ‘Rock’ the musical at the beginning of Holy Week. This was an excellent way to lead me personally into the Triduum. When I signed up to Rock’s choir in January, I was far from realising just how great this experience would be. Regularly hearing the lyrics, some of them directly quoted from the Gospels, others emerging from Jo and Anthony’s creative composition, allowed Peter’s spiritual journey to touch my heart through a new entrance door, unexplored up to now. There are certainly different ways of being touched when involved in a musical, at a very personal, intimate and thus unique level.
I wanted to share with you how I, as a participant of ‘Rock’, was touched by the encounter between Peter and the already risen Jesus on the lake shore in John 21. Peter, who knows of Jesus’ resurrection, is also very aware that he betrayed Jesus. ‘Rock’ brilliantly highlighted how this came about. In the face of increasing pressure, Peter says “No I tell you, I have never seen this man before”. The advantage of experiencing the Gospel through a rock opera is that we are given the opportunity to actually listen to a character’s voice and see his gestures which allows deeper access to one’s own emotions. Peter shouts to the Lord how desperate he is: “Help me”.
This is followed by the amazing scene when Jesus calls the disciple by his name, “Peter”. One word is enough! Peter immediately stands and answers “Did you call Lord?” This very moment revealed to me the feelings of a Peter who was hoping: knowing that Jesus is risen was not enough. What about their relationship? He has shown Jesus the worst of his character. Yet he dares to hope from the bottom of his heart - a hope that Jesus would call him, that their story together is not over. But is this too much to ask? Jesus, who knows Peter’s hope, calls him by his name. He knows the best possible way to touch his friend’s heart.
Brothers and sisters, perhaps we too can feel like Peter. We know the Lord is risen. Yet whilst we can be truly thankful for this, there is still the question of how our own personal relationship with Jesus can develop. What if I am disappointed in myself particularly in respect of how unfaithful or unworthy I have been in my relationship with the Lord? And yet we can secretly hope for this relationship to start afresh, just like Peter did. In calling his name, Jesus touched the heart of his beloved disciple in a very unique way. A selfless act restoring their relationship and giving Peter the best possible outcome, which he so desired. Jesus certainly knows the best way to reach us and importantly gives us hope.
Fr Pascal Sullivan, ccn
Focus of the Week
Sunday Evening Mass
The next Sunday evening mass will be on 7 April at 5.30pm.
The Mass includes music in a relaxed atmosphere, and is followed by the Cockfosters Parish Pub. Sunday evening masses are held on the first Sunday of each month.
Bingo night
Saturday 27 April – 6.30pm
Tickets £15 Child £7.50 (under 12)
Food, soft drinks and game book (5 score cards) included.
Tickets will be on sale after weekend masses and also available from the parish office.
We would be grateful for any donated prizes which can be left in the parish office.