ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE – 3RD JULY
Thomas, one of Jesus’ 12 apostles, was an impulsive, confused, honest sceptic. Jesus could understand and work with such a man.
Thomas’ impulsiveness was evident when Jesus prepared to visit Lazarus in Bethany. It was a dangerous trip to make, because of the Jews, but Thomas urged his fellow disciples: “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (Jn 11.16) Instead, Jesus brought Lazarus back to life.
Thomas’ confusion is shown in later talks with Jesus. He was not really sure where Jesus was going long-term (Jn 14.5). But Jesus accepted this confused commitment, and began to untangle it, patiently explaining “I am going to my father”, and “No one comes unto the Father but by me.”
Finally, Thomas’ honest scepticism is revealed after the Resurrection, which he flatly refused to believe - unless he could touch the wounds of the risen Jesus. Sure enough, Jesus appears - but instead of scolding him, shows him the wounds. Thomas responds: “My Lord and my God” (Jn 20.26ff).
Thus Doubting Thomas’ honest doubts, turned to honest faith, have become a reassurance for thousands of men and women across the centuries, who also want to follow Jesus, but who require some proof of this amazing event - the Resurrection. In Doubting Thomas’ complete affirmation of faith, after meeting the risen, crucified Christ, they can find support for their own faith.
Ancient legends tell how Thomas went on to India as a missionary. There are rumours that Thomas even built a palace for a king’s daughter in India, and thus he is the patron saint of architects.
It is believed that he was martyred by a spear on 3 July, 72 AD in Mylapore, near Madras. 46 ancient churches in England were dedicated to him.
ST SWITHUN (OR SWITHIN) - SAINT FOR A RAINY DAY - 15TH JULY
St Swithun is apparently the saint to blame for rainy summers. It is said that if it rains on his special day, 15th July, it will then rain for forty days after that.
It all began when King Ethelwulf of Wessex made him Bishop of Winchester in 852. It was an important posting: Winchester was the capital of Wessex, and during the 10 years Swithun was there, Wessex became the most important kingdom of England.
During his life, instead of washing out people’s summer holidays, and damping down their spirits, Swithun seems to have done a lot of good. He was famous for his charitable gifts and for his energy in getting churches built. When he was dying in 862, he asked that he be buried in the cemetery of the Old Minster, just outside the west door.
If he had been left there in peace, who knows how many rainy summers the English may have been spared over the last 1000 years. But, no, it was decided to move Swithun. By the 960s, Winchester had become the first monastic cathedral chapter in England, and the newly installed monks wanted Swithun in the cathedral with them. So finally, on 15 July 971, his bones were dug up and Swithun was translated into the cathedral.
That same day many people claimed to have had miraculous cures. Certainly everyone got wet, for the heavens opened. The unusually heavy rain that day, and on the days following, was attributed to the power of St Swithun.
Swithun was moved again in 1093, into the new Winchester cathedral. His shrine was a popular place of pilgrimage throughout the middle ages. The shrine was destroyed during the Reformation, and restored in 1962. There are 58 ancient dedications to Swithun in England.
CHURCHES AND FAITH GROUPS HAVE KEY ROLE IN URBAN REGENERATION
Although much has changed in the 20 years since the Church report ‘Faith in the City’ ignited a wide-ranging political debate, the gap between the poor and the very wealthy has become wider than ever. This is one finding of the Commission on Urban Life and Faith, whose report was published in May.
“We need to ask if all the talk of regeneration and prosperity reflects the reality for many in Britain today,” said Baroness Kathleen Richardson, a former president of the Methodist Conference, who chaired the Commission, at the launch.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, said the report was the result of a great deal of consultation with people at the sharp end in our inner cities, notably the people who live there. “It does not point the finger at any one agency alone. It challenges us all: churches, faith communities, development agencies and government, local and national. Building social capital requires patience, hard work and an ongoing commitment.
Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, said we must ask why it is that young people in Britain, the fourth largest economy in the world, are the most depressed in Europe. While the report welcomes many of the Government’s social initiatives, it notes a shift away from the earlier focus on collaboration with excluded communities and individuals.
Speaking in the House of Lords a few days before the report was published, Dr Rowan Williams pointed out three features, which made religious bodies key players in urban regeneration.
Firstly, he said, communities of faith commonly represent a long-term presence in a neighbourhood. “Classically in the form of a parish church, they speak of a commitment and an availability of social capital that is not likely to be withdrawn when things get difficult in a world of time-limited grants…They allow a longer view. They are likely to be still there when particular schemes end in wreckage.”
Secondly, Churches and faith groups are still likely to be seen as trustworthy brokers in most communities. Much energy can be expended in conflicts over where and how funds are spent. The Church is seen as not having a vested local interest to defend.
A third reason why Churches and other religious groups have this kind of credibility, said Dr Williams, is that they provide a pool of volunteer enthusiasm – people who are motivated by the call to make a community work and who have some idea of the way in which healthy communities can live from an exchange of gifts and strengths.
PARISH PUMP
Receipt is acknowledged, with grateful thanks, of the following donations towards the cost of ICN:
Parkinsons Disease Society via Barbara Critchett, Dr AJ B Spaull of Milton Road via Derek Kneale, Dorothy Anderson of Pynchester Close, Anonymous of Edinburgh Drive via Clarence King, Anonymous from Highfield Drive via Janet Davies, Wayfarers(Ickenham) LTC Ltd. via Brian Adams, Mrs E Brookhouse of Oak Avenue.
Copy for the September edition should be with me by 13th August.
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