In my 13 years plus here at Our Lady of Fatima, I think the number one problem that parishioners/local residents have brought to me is housing. People, often with deep roots in White City, face being moved away from the area or are no longer able to afford to live here because of the lack and cost of housing. Please remember that this Thursday we are called to play our part in building a better local community by voting in the local Council elections. Let’s pray for all who already serve as our Councillors and all who are standing for election – may they truly seek to serve the community they represent. It is very easy to complain about our elected representatives – but we should be praying for them instead, and doing all we can to work together for the good of our neighbourhood.

Jesus talks about an entirely different kind of housing need in today’s Gospel! He is speaking to the disciples at the Last Supper on the eve of his own death. They are deeply disturbed by all he has said to them about being betrayed and going to his death. So now Jesus offers them words of consolation and encouragement, by telling them that he is going to prepare a place of them “in my Father’s house.” He explains that this is a house with “many rooms”, which gives a wonderful picture of the great hospitality of that home. Heaven, Jesus makes it clear, is not some kind of exclusive development for a select few (!), but a glorious space for the many. Indeed, there is space for all if we so desire it. We can imagine the wonderful diversity of people who God will bring to our ‘heavenly home’ – something of the spirit of the White City estate!

And this is not just meant to be the promise of a future reality, but a vision of a society which we are to build here on earth, by living as good neighbours to each other, working together to care for our community, especially those in need of support. Love the streets you live in!!!

With blessings & prayers from Fr Richard, Fr Ephrem & all the parish team
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