This afternoon Robin's family and friends will be gathering to say goodbye and to give thanks for his life.
Robin came to faith only recently and would be the first to say that he had doubts and questions about so many areas.
However, over the last couple of months he had prepared himself for death and, I believe, had come to a full understanding of the love of God.
Now left to those of us still here to support and help Lynn and his family to work through the grieving process.
I didn't know you for very long, Robin, but my life was blessed by having you as a friend.

In the fourth week of Advent I am going to be focusing on the message to Mary and her response. Wondering how she felt to be so young and yet to be the chosen one "full of grace."

Also spending more time listening for God and resting in his presence in silent prayer.

Waiting, waiting.

Today I have had sad news that a friend has died. He was due to be married on Saturday. He and his fiancee had been told a few weeks ago that he had a terminal medical condition and had little time left.
Now his fiancee is cancelling a wedding and planning a funeral. It was his last wish that they be married before he died so it seems even harder to bear.
He was a good friend who had a gift for listening. He had come to faith recently and was still full of questions.

Lord, give Robin eternal rest and let your light shine upon him forever.
May his soul find peace.
Amen

This week I have been given a "note to preach" in our Methodist Circuit. This is the beginning of the journey to become an accredited Local Preacher.
Twelve months ago I would have said that I would never preach, never want to do that!
Over the last few months a little voice in the back of my head has been telling me to reconsider!
Watch this space.

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?