Fr Ben is still trying to stretch out All Saints tide and so reflects on the Saints and Martyrs of England, but gets caught out by Jesus’ use to the word “world” in John 17.

Fr Ben reflects on the occasion he heard a senior minister give really difficult advice, and the challenge of making our daily actions reflect the words we say in church.

Texts: 1 John 4.13-16; Matthew 21. 12-17

James the Deacon only appears in the calendar of the Church of England (The Roman Catholic Church celebrate St John XXIII today, whilst other Anglican provinces focus elsewhere), and is only commemorated and second billing in todays calendar at that, but Fr Ben reflects on James (early 7th century - (at least) mid 7th century as an example from history to inspire those who are anxious about living in ‘post-Christian’ society’.

Trusting in God‘s Grace to overcome fatigue and be coherent at the early morning Mass, Fr Ben reflects on St Michael’s role in standing against evil but who it is who overcomes evil once and for all.

Readings: Revelation 12. 7-12; John 1.47-End

Fr Ben’s been thinking about university and glory hunting with the Christian Union, and remembers the first time he heard the name St Vincent de Paul from his flat mate, who gently and humbly followed the saint’s example.

From tax collector (probably) playing the system, to disciple.

Fr Ben ponders whether, from the few things we can guess at, Matthew’s example suggests we need to think about our relationship to cash and stuff.

St Cuthbert’s day in the Church of England calendar is generally kept on the traditional anniversary of his death, 20th of March, but a footnote allows Anglicans in England to join their Anglican siblings in the Church in Wales and also with the Roman Catholic Church in celebrating on the 4th September, the anniversary of his relics being translated to Durham Cathedral. This felt like a good enough excuse to celebrate his feast this week, and to reflect on my own recent visit to his shrine in Durham.

This HOMILΞTTΞ was recorded during Mass at All Saints’ Winterbourne Down.