In the Gospel passage for this Sunday Jesus meets with his disciples for the first time since coming back from the dead (Luke 24:36-48). He asks them to touch his hands and feet so that they can see the scars from the cross. It is his wounds that make them realise what he has gone through on their behalf.

In the film Slumdog Millionaire Jamal spends his life searching for Latika, his childhood sweetheart. They were separated as children while trying to escape from gangsters. Latika was caught and slashed across her face as a punishment. When they are finally free and meet together as adults, Jamal kisses the scar on Latika's face; the wound is the mark of her love.

It is our willingness to suffer that shows people how much we care. I received the following text from someone who had just finished running a marathon: "my calf is killing me and I have more blisters and fewer toes than when I started.but I did it! See you in 12 years when I get out of bed." Thankfully it only took Jesus only three days to recover (and he was coming back from the dead!)

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