As a Community, we are naturally thrilled and delighted to learn of the date for the canonisation of John Henry Newman, 13 October 2019. We have followed his path ‘out of shadows and images into truth’, the truth of the Church. May he pray for us, guide us and bless us, and bring us all joy as we prepare for this great occasion.

For today, here is the text of the Gospel reading: ‘And when [Jesus] got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. And the men marvelled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”’

In the storms of life, it is often our experience that our Lord is ‘asleep’ in our boat … at rest where we do not see rest, tranquil where we do not see tranquillity. When He is awoken by the disciples, He chides them for their lack of faith. Would He say the same to us?

May we truly lay hold on Him in faith, trusting Him in all the eventualities of our lives, and may God bless you this day.