Dear family members and friends: Jesus declares that he has come not to abolish the Law or the Prophets. Instead, he has come to fulfil them. There are many laws and prophesies in the Old Testament. Jesus has come to fulfil these by summing up all those in the law of love. Out of love Jesus gave his life for the salvation of the mankind. Showing that example Jesus says the righteousness of all who listen to and follow him has to exceed that of those who pretend to observe the law but do not put it into practice. In the succeeding portion of the Gospel Jesus gives the new law regarding love towards others including the life partner. The underlying factor under every law should be the law of love. Let us renew our concept about law and try to practice it for our good and the good of others. Amen
Dear family members and friends: In today’s Gospel Jesus uses two symbols to denote our lives: Salt and light. Both are very common things and are of everyday use. Both add to the quality of human life. The salt has many qualities and is used for various purposes: it adds taste to the food, it has a preserving power, it is used for healing some wounds, it is used as fertiliser etc. But it is important that it should have the saltiness in it. Jesus reminds us that our life should have that saltiness of deep faith and love so that our life can add taste to the life of others by doing good, can cure many problems in relationships, can support others to grow etc. Same way our life should be visible to others radiating good examples and good works just as the light which makes things visible. The life of a Christian should not be hidden one but should be an open one making the good works visible. Amen
Dear family members and friends: In today’s Gospel acclamation we recite, “Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven.” It is a portion of the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus gives us great hope when He proclaims the beatitudes where He speaks clearly about who the Blessed people are. Whatever Jesus speaks there is actually what he practiced in His life and further we can say it is a synonym of the life of Jesus. The life of anyone who follows the beatitudes is blessed and his reward will be great in heaven. Let us try to be poor in spirit in order to trust the Lord and depend on Him to be a true Christian and enjoy the fruits of the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
We are looking for more parishioners to help with the various tasks that take place to make the parish run smoothly particularly catechists for the sacramental programmes (a DBS check will be required), choir members, collectors, counters, cleaners, help for the running of the repository (shop), parishioners to help with a Social and Fundraising Committee. If you have some time to spare to volunteer for these roles, or any of the other behind the scenes roles that help the parish function, please speak to Fr. Jose or sign up on the noticeboard.
The Southwark Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis continues to look for ways to extend and enhance the provision for training and formation for catechists specifically and lay people in general. From Scripture to parenting workshops, to catechetical training and mentoring, there is something for everyone. This offering is free to everyone until 30th September 2025. Each parishioner, as well as teachers and parents in our schools, are invited to create their personal account to access the workshops. For information on how to register your free account visit: https://aec.rcaos.org.uk/franciscan
St. Simon Stock Catholic Church 
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