The passage for this week affirms the right of governments to levy taxes and then to spend the money as they deem fit - we are to render to Caesar what is Caesars and to God what is God's (Matthew 22:15-22). This is pertinent reading in a week that has seen our government make £500.000,000,000,000 available to our banks for the refinancing of loans. 'The stock market cycle is always the same. It moves from optimism to excitement to euphoria before turning down via anxiety denial, fear desperation, panic and capitulation to a low point of despondency and depression. Only when this pointy of utter revulsion is reached can the investors look out for a new dawn of hope' (as quoted in Daily Telegraph 09/09/08). As it is for stock market investors so also it can be for us. It is at our lowest point that we are most able to see what is possible for the future. This is also the message of the crucifixion. Jesus' death on the cross would have seemed to his disciples to be the end of all their dreams. In fact it was the greatest success story the world has ever known.

Weekly reflections on the Gospel for the coming Sunday are available on request. They will come once a week and will never be more than 200 words. If you would like to receive these emails then please email the Parish Secretary