Categories: uncategorized
Date: 06 August 2005 13:00:40
Today was the first session of this ten week course being run by our sub-deacon. The course is designed to assist people to be comfortable, and comforting, in visting patients in private homes, homes for the aged, nursing homes and hospitals. This is a ministry I would very much like to be part of, despite fears and concerns about my ability to relate to strangers -- especially the sick -- so I decided to sign up for it with five other people from our parish, and one fellow from another parish.
Today's session was an introduction: we looked at what we would cover and sub-deacon Chris shared many of his experiences. He has completed the Intermediate Clinical Pastoral Education and the Gaol (Jail for our American friends) Visitors course. He certainly has a gift of explanation and of teaching, and makes much use of good-humour throughout.
The first Bible reflections were The Last Judgement (Matt 25:31-46) and the Apostolic Discourse (Matt 10:32-33;40-42). Sub-deacon Chris then read Ecc 1:1-11 and Ecc 11:7-12:8, which, in the words and in the manner in which he read them, gave us an idea of the kind of feelings those who are sick or in elderly and in very poor health may be feeling: "All things are wearisome." [11:8a]
I am greatly looking forward to next week, and to, God willing, growing into this ministry.
As we are currently in the period of the Dormition Fast [which celebrates the falling asleep in the Lord of Our Most Holy Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary], the Little Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Mother of God was prayed tonight.
Following that, we had a wonderful and illuminating Bible study on salvation by Fr Themi, the Archimandrite who runs a mission in Kenya. He not only has the gift of explanation and of teaching, but he has a wonderful sense of humour and makes learning a greatly enjoyable experience. I left with a much deeper understanding of the sheer gravity of sin, the great love of Christ, and the need for me to participate actively in my sanctification by striving to be more and more Christ-like. Thanks be to God.