Sunday, August 2, 2009

Charity in Truth

Having had a break from blogging under my previous blog name of South Ashford Priest, I have decided to re-enter the blogosphere. Let's see how it goes.

Why now?

Firstly: The words at the top of this blog summarise all that motivates me as a priest and as a human being. I may myself be far from a perfect example of an authentically developed person, but this project is one for a lifetime. With Pope Benedict, and Pope John Paul II before him, I am convinced that we can only know mankind by fully knowing Jesus Christ, the Son of Man. It is Jesus Christ who reveals man to himself.

Secondly: many people have expressed regret that I had pulled out of the blogosphere. They were very kind and charitable. I believe they spoke sincerely and truthfully.

Thirdly: I was at Father Finigan's happy Silver Jubilee celebrations (see here and here) last Tuesday. It was of course a wonderful celebration for the parish and by the parish. What wonderful parishioners he has. But it also brought many who communicate through the blogosphere together, those who write their own blogs or comment on blogs. It's a good community and provides great mutual support. I want to be part of that, to both receive and contribute.

So, as I said above, let's see how it goes. I place all this in the hands of Almighty God. I must use my time and talents reponsibly. There are things that others do (golf, watch tv, go to sports spectacles, theatre etc) which I either never do or hardly ever do. I trust that blogging will not take me away from other (and I stress other) pastoral duties. Should I find that it is a distraction, I'll give it up again.

As a priest, I also entrust myself to St Jean Marie Vianney, the Holy Cure of Ars in this year of the priesthood.

It will take me a while to customise the blog with a blogroll etc., particularly as I shall be away this coming week on the Faith Summer Session, the following week at the Altar Servers' Summertime, and then on holiday for a few weeks. But we'll keep in touch.

13 comments:

  1. Father, it is wonderful to see you back; I look forward to reading your new blog.

    Best wishes,
    Mark
    (ex- Rise & Pray)

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  2. So glad you are back, Fr., I missed 'South Ashford Priest' I'll set about adding your blog to mine.
    God Bless you.

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  3. Welcome back. Honestly, if you feel "Reefer Madness" induced from rejoining the blogosphere, feel free to take breaks as needed.

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  4. Good to see you back, Father; I too look forward to reading your posts.

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  5. Welcome back and God bless you, Father.

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  6. Delighted to see you are back in the Blogosphere, Fr John. Missed your contributions.
    I look forward to reading your ever-insightful blogs and comments. May God continue to bless you and your parish.

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  7. Welcome back, Fr. John. Chin up!

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  8. Hello, Father. I pray that you continue blogging, even if erratically. I consider myself a committed Catholic, determined to keep trying to live my faith, with charity. On Sunday I attend Mass and meet my fellow Catholics in physical community; Monday through Saturday I meet with, and talk with, a virtual Catholic community. My faith does not depend on talking or discussing it with others, but reading the thoughts of other Catholics DOES strengthen my will to follow the call of Faith. Please do not cut yourself out, even if you must post your thoughts infrequently.

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  9. Welcome back Fr. John. I look forward to reading more posts.

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  10. Welcome back, Fr. John! Your previous blog was one of the first blogs I started reading when my interest in the faith started to grow almost four years ago, so you can understand that I am quite pleased to see you have decided to return to blogging. I'll add a link to my blogroll (or it's nearest equivalent on Livejournal).

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  11. I too am glad to see you blogging again! I shall add you to my blogroll, I particularly liked your other blog :¬)
    Mrs.P xx

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Please avoid being 'anonymous' if at all possible.

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