Happy Returns!?

Many Happy Returns

It seemed like a long Lent but not so much so now that we are in the 3rd week of Easter and signs of new life are all around. Today is a personal day of celebration on all fronts.

"Or Two!"

 From one who has managed; Grace à Dieu and with the care of the medical profession against all the odds, to return to health and now reached three score years, prayerful thanks. Also thanks to all my friends, family and parishioners for all their prayers and all they have done for me over the years. A privilege also to have been able to return to serve in the actual same church locus of my Baptism all those years ago. Will I be able to continue to serve here in the future? Only if there is a great deal more generosity from those changing the very ecclesiology into which I was born, nurtured and ordained and if there is a return to the catechism and order of the universal church.  For today, nothing more than rejoicing, extra Te Deum and celebration at the best sign of hope and resurrection for me at this time of the year. On this exact special day of April, I always hope to see here in South East Wales the return of my favourite swallows, the best present imaginable. Not thinking that it could be possible following the coldest March and April beginning for many years, imagine my delight to see the returning swallow today! Who knows, through our prayers and hopes for a return and resurrection of apostolic order in this great land of the Saints, it may yet be possible. 'Be Joyful Keep the Faith'.

Return to the LORD your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.