“You cannot serve two masters”

You might be puzzled!  The above quotation is actually from yesterday’s Gospel reading when the Memorial of St Alban was celebrated.  St Alban is recognised as the first English martyr and died under the rule of the Roman Empire when he refused to renounce his Christian faith and acknowledge Roman gods.  In other words, he would only recognise one master.

His example is important when we consider today’s readings.  Firstly, the prophet Jeremiah is in a similar dilemma to the one that St Alban faced much later.  He is determined to stand up for the truth of the Lord God he has come to know but is aware of all those around him plotting to kill him.  He remains resolute and confident that God will uphold and protect him.

Jesus seems to allude to Jeremiah, or at least his situation when he says, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”  He urges people to stay faithful and to acknowledge him before men, saying that he himself will acknowledge such faithful people before his heavenly Father.

Sunday is Father’s Day and fatherhood in its own way entails great strength and courage and sacrifice and selflessness.  We are blessed in this parish in having so many families and so many faithful fathers who come to mass and live out lives of faith.  May God continue to bless you richly as you live out your vocation in love.  

God bless, Fr Kevin.