A Letter from Fr Gustavo

In the Bleak Mid-Winter

In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ.

Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air,
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.

                        (Christina Rossetti, 1830-1894)

Dear brothers and sisters,

To some of you it may seem that what St Paul's is going through is like a huge storm in the middle of winter, with problems piling up – and with the prospects of a real storm falling in the area next Sunday – now it seems like it is “snow on snow, snow on snow.”

But even so, in the midst of this apparent bleakness, there are many “Angels and archangels” surrounding us – all the good gifts, ministries, and individuals that make our parish family.

At times like this, it does well to remember that Christ's grace and mercy will never fail to warm our hearts and be our inspiration and strength to do “our part.” There is no doubt in my mind that we will be given the grace we need to face the future with confidence, love, and renewed hope.

Please take time to pray for our parish family. Remember Fr. James in your prayers, as well. Pray that the Lord will inspire us, and heal us. Pray that He may strengthen us to discern his will for the future, and that, in due course, our joy may be restored.



Faithfully,

Fr Thomas Gustavo Mansella