Strange things anniversaries: both milestones in the years traveled and opportunities to reflect on the miles covered. Saturday, St James Day, 25 July, marked my ninth year on the \u2018bishoping\u2019 road. St James was the first of the apostles to be martyred: he is an inspiration and a challenge to my own faithfulness to Jesus and also a reminder to pray for God’s protection on\u00a0myself and all of Christ’s followers.<\/p>\n
My anniversary day was a quiet day. I spent the day at home with my beloved bride (we took time to pray and thank God for these 9 years) and writing the Diocese\u2019s submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Community Development re the Euthanasia \u2018Dying with Dignity Bill\u2019 proposed by the Greens\u2019 leader, Nick McKim. If somebody had put this possibility to me nine years ago, \u2018Whoever would have thought …\u2019<\/p>\n
I received a text and an email with greetings from friends: most generous and also interesting. I did not expect a \u2018ninth\u2019 to be remembered – some anniversaries are bigger than others. But it is always nice to be remembered \u2013 I should try to get better at it myself!<\/p>\n
Today, Sunday, after nine years and one day of bishoping, I traveled into rural Tasmania for a Confirmation Service at St Peter\u2019s Geeveston. I had not taken a service there before. The building is user friendly. Honorary priest, Lizzie, had undertaken a faithful and dedicated preparation in all respects. Family and supporters came from near and far to celebrate this step of saying \u2018Yes!\u2019 to Jesus. That marvelous Jesus follower, Dr Dick Geeves was present. It recalled to mind, Pat, a keen Christ follower at our Melbourne parish of St Paul\u2019s who was also a \u2018Geeves\u2019 from Geeveston. Beware! They are everywhere.<\/p>\n
My prayer as we end the day:
\nThank you, Jesus, for the life you give. Help me to enjoy the gift of life and to be generous as You are generous. Please bless, guide and guard me in my ministry as bishop in this new, 10th, year. In the name of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Strange things anniversaries: both milestones in the years traveled and opportunities to reflect on the miles covered. Saturday, St James Day, 25 July, marked my ninth year on the \u2018bishoping\u2019 road. St James was the first of the apostles to … Continue reading