As the days lengthen and the sun casts its golden warmth over fields and city
streets alike, we find ourselves in the heart of summer – a season often
dubbed the “silly season” in the media. Parliament recesses, school
playgrounds fall silent, and inboxes fill with out-of-office replies. For many,
this time of year signals holidays, travel, and a welcome pause from the
relentless rhythm of routine. But beneath the surface of beach days and
BBQs lies something deeply human – and deeply spiritual.
From the very beginning, rest has been part of God’s design. In Genesis, we
read that on the seventh day, God rested from all his work. This divine pause
wasn’t because God was weary, but to establish a holy rhythm for creation:
work and rest in balance. Summer holidays offer us a contemporary echo of
this sacred pattern. They are an invitation to step away from the pressures of
daily life and enter into a time of physical rest, mental unburdening, and
spiritual reflection. In a world that often glorifies busyness, choosing to rest
can feel counter-cultural. Yet scripture reminds us again and again of the
importance of stillness. “Be still, and know that I am God,” writes the psalmist
(Psalm 46:10). In rest, we recover not only our strength but our sense of who
we are – and whose we are.
For those able to travel during the summer, whether across the world or just
beyond the next village, there is something uniquely enriching about
encountering new places and people. Travel expands our horizons,
challenges our assumptions, and opens our eyes to the beauty and diversity
of God’s creation. Even a short change of scenery can bring unexpected
insights – a fresh appreciation for home, a renewed sense of gratitude, or a
new idea sparked by conversation or observation. Jesus himself often
withdrew from the crowds, retreating to the hills or the lakeside to pray and
rest. His example reminds us that time away isn’t just a luxury; it’s a
necessity for spiritual clarity and renewal.
In recent years, society has become more aware of the vital link between rest
and mental health. Burnout, anxiety, and stress are common challenges in
our communities, including among those in ministry and church life. Rest is
not just good practice; it is an act of stewardship – caring for the body, mind,
and soul God has given us. Moments of rest give space for joy, laughter,
sleep, creativity, and the simple pleasure of being rather than doing. They
allow healing and give us the strength to return to our responsibilities with
clearer vision and deeper peace.
As summer fades and the familiar routines of September beckon, we may
find ourselves returning not just to work or school, but to our callings with
new energy and perspective. Holidays don’t just interrupt our routines –
they enrich them. They prepare us to re-engage with our lives, our
communities, and our ministries with deeper compassion and sharper
purpose.
So whether your summer holds foreign adventures or quiet afternoons in the
garden, may you embrace this season as a gift. May your rest be
restorative, your travels inspiring, and your return full of hope and clarity.
For in all of life’s seasons, even the so-called “silly” one, God is at work –
renewing, restoring, and reminding us of his ever-present love and grace.
Your sincere friend and parish priest,
Fr Nicholas
It’s from a song from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, in case you were
wondering.
As we step into the beautiful month of June, the world around us seems to
come alive with colour and light. The long, sunlit days and blossoming
gardens remind us of the Creator’s handiwork and his promise of renewal.
Just as nature flourishes in this season, so too are we invited to grow deeper
in our faith and our walk with God.
In the liturgical calendar, June often falls within so-called Ordinary Time, a
period that may sound mundane but is rich with spiritual meaning. We know
that no time is ever truly ordinary when lived in communion with Christ. It’s a
season where we are encouraged to focus on the day-to-day journey of
discipleship. Green vestments return to the altar, symbolising growth, vitality,
and hope. It is during this time that the Church invites us to be formed not by
festivals alone but by the steady rhythm of prayer, sacrament, and the
cultivation of virtue. There are few major feasts or fasts, but that doesn’t
mean it is without purpose. Think of it as the ‘growing season’ for your soul.
There is, of course, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on 27th. In Anglo-
Catholic devotion, this month is set aside as a time of deep reflection on the
love of Our Lord, poured out for us in the Holy Eucharist and in the mystery of
his Passion. The Sacred Heart is not a mere pious image, with questionable
art to accompany it, but a profound symbol of Christ’s divine love made
manifest in human form – a heart that beats in perfect charity, pierced for our
transgressions, and constantly interceding for us before the throne of the
Father.
“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do
not give up.” (Galatians 6.9) St Paul reminds us that even when results are
not immediate, the seeds we sow in faith and love, with heart, will bear fruit in
time. Whether it’s your service with the life of the Church, your acts of
kindness, or your time spent with God in quiet devotion – none of it is wasted.
This is a good season to recommit to the Daily Mass, where we are nourished
by the very Body and Blood of Christ. If you have fallen out of the habit of
weekday Mass or morning/evening prayer attendance, June is a beautiful time
to return.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you: remain in my love.” (John
15.9) In the Sacred Heart, we are invited to dwell in that love, not merely as
recipients, but as living vessels through which Christ’s mercy can reach the
world. Let this month be a time where we don’t just enjoy the beauty of
God’s creation but actively participate in his work to grow the Kingdom. Let
June be not merely a summer interlude, but a time of renewal in prayer,
reverence, and holy affection for the Sacred Heart. May our parish continue
to be a place where the beauty of holiness draws souls ever closer to Our
Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Indeed, may we be wedded to Christ.
Your sincere friend and parish priest,
Fr Nicholas
Dear Friends,
Safeguarding concerns have presented a big
challenge for the Church of England
nationally, but, nearer to home, the now well-
publicised financial issues facing our
Cathedral have helped to bring home the
challenge we are all facing, whether as
individuals or as parishes, to make ends meet
or to fund properly the ministry and mission of
our church. Jesus said, “the poor you have
with you always” – and it can sometimes seem
as if we are always poor! From a Cathedral perspective it’s disappointing to be facing yet another financial pinch point when we’ve done so much to improve our financial management, and been so creative in the delivery of a fantastic array of exhibitions, events and activities. But like every other business, we’ve all of us been facing the same issues; Covid, the cost of living crisis, the rising costs of fuel and employment – they’ve all continued to pile pressure on our balance sheets.
We have launched an emergency appeal here, and we pray that that may be fruitful. But “we are afflicted but not crushed, perplexed, but not driven to despair” writes St Paul in 2 Corinthians, and Jesus again and again called
us not to be afraid or anxious because “your heavenly Father knows you need all these things”. The real challenge for us all is not one of systems, or process, or finance or funding – but faith.
Whatever we face as individuals or as communities – and we need to be responsible in our stewardship and disciplined in our actions – but above all we need to renew our trust in the living God: “strive first for the kingdom of God... and all these things shall be given to you as well”. (Matthew 6.33)
The Very Revd Chris Dalliston
Dean of Peterborough
Some of St Matthew's services (most Sunday mornings and some special services) are live-streamed or recorded for those who cannot attend church in person. Under GDPR, the church must gain the consent of anyone whose image may be captured, as this constitutes collection of "personal data". This includes clergy, readers/intercessors, musicians and congregation.
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