The last day of November and the second day of Advent. A time for looking back and looking forward. A time for new beginnings.
On Wednesday I will be asking the Local Preachers meeting for a note to preach in the local Methodist Circuit. Twelve months ago I would have said that I would never preach! Much too scary a prospect. But the nagging voice won't go away, so now is the ideal time to test that call.
I am very conscious that the ability of a preacher is very much in the hand of God. Without the grace needed to preach, a preacher is, at best, ineffectual and, at worst, dangerous!
Advent is also time for a new beginning for me in another direction. I have applied to the Anglican Dominicans to be admitted as an Oblate of St Dominic.
Dominican spirituality and its emphases seems to "fit" me like a glove. The glorious "To praise, to bless, to preach!" seems to ring out in my soul!

Over the last few weeks I have been reflecting on the four last things. Death, judgement, hell and heaven. Although I have not always found this an easy process, I feel I have deepened my spiritual understanding and have followed a useful pathway, emerging today on the day of Christ the King!
And my soul certainly does rejoice and sing!
Listening to the Hallelujah chorus this morning, I feel my soul swelling with love for the Lord of Lords, King of Kings.
That's my King!
Do you know him?

In this week of All Souls I have been asked to reflect on my own dying. An exercise I have not embarked upon before. I have no idea where this will take me at the moment. it has been suggested to enter into this reflection by praying the Anima Christi (see www.ourcatholicprayers.com) for the full text.

My first thought is what if, at the hour of my death, Jesus says "Depart from me, I never knew you". A frightening point to start my reflection. I am reminded, suddenly, that I don't know the hour, or the day of my death. Will I be ready?