October
Fr. Michael writes….
It’s nearly October, the month in which we, at St. Nicholas’ s celebrate the Festival which has no provision made for it in the Church’s Liturgy – Harvest Festival. As always, we , like Israel of old, lay gifts upon the altar, those commanded by our Lord Himself when He ordered " Do this in remembrance of me". A simple gift, a little bread and a little wine, a gift so simple yet so deep in its symbolism that it stands for all the possibilities and pleasures of human life.
We shall also lay upon the altar our gifts of money for the upkeep of God’s House and worship and for the relief of His poor. At this Festival we shall also offer gifts in kind of the things which our hands cannot make, of the fruits of the earth out of our abundance for those who lack. God’s bounty in the harvest is wonderful. He gives the increase, and we are called upon to co-operate with Him in supplying the needs of His people. Many of you will remember the days when, on the Monday following Harvest Sunday, hours were spent making up small parcels for "the poor". In earlier days, those gifts were needed, but since I entered the ministry of the Church, this kind of work has become an anachronism. This year, we hope to provide gifts to the Booth Centre in Manchester to provide some comfort for those who live and sleep on the city’s streets. I know some may say that some of those people are there through their own fault. Maybe. Perchance you have sinned of your own volition; should you, therefore, be denied forgiveness?
Harvest reminds us that we are fellow workers with God, and that joy comes when we co-operate with Him. What a wonderful gift. There is indeed joy in the harvest.
God bless and strengthen you all in His service,
Father Michael