Readings: Nehemiah 8:2-6, 8-10. 1 Peter 2:4-9. Matthew 16:13-20
Homily of Bishop Campbell of Lancaster
The readings chosen for the golden jubilee liturgy this evening take us to the heart of what constitutes a Catholic parish: a family of believers whose faith rests on Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Scripture tonight speaks of two kinds of stone: the first is the rock on which our faith is built, so brilliantly confessed by Peter when he declared that Jesus was the Son of the living God. The Lord Jesus went on to congratulate Peter on his confession and to say that faith in him as Son of God would safeguard the Church from every attack and onslaught from whatever source. In his letter the apostle Peter speaks of another kind of stone, the living stones, which make up the temple of God here on earth, the Church. We are those living stones, resting firmly and securely on the only foundation stone there can be, Jesus Christ himself. The parish family of St. Bede rightly and joyfully celebrates this evening fifty years of being the living house of God in this part of Carlisle, and we give thanks for the witness of faith which has found expression in this Church during those years. In the words of Nehemiah in our first reading, This day is holy to the Lord your God, do not mourn or weep.'
The occasion of a parish golden jubilee reminds us that we form part of something bigger, the universal Church which embraces the past, the present, and those who will come after us. Our collective memory this evening embraces those priests and people who had the energy, vision and above all the faith to found this parish dedicated to the Venerable Bede. The names of two priests, Fr Tootell and Fr. Gore, are representative of the many priests who have lived here and faithfully proclaimed the word of God to the people, as Nehemiah the priest did so long ago in Jerusalem. We recall with gratitude the many wonderful parishioners whose support and fidelity have made it possible for the parish to celebrate this significant milestone. They may no longer be with us but, to quote Ecclesiasticus, their memory remains a blessing.
We leave the future in God's hands, convinced that his divine providence will care for the Church. The task of all of us here this evening is to respond to Peter's call to be living stones in that human temple of the Church, of which Christ is the cornerstone. The pioneers who built this parish witnessed to their faith and provided a house for God's people here on the Wigton Road. They have bequeathed us with a legacy. We pray that we may be found worthy of it, and with God's grace pass it on to those who will follow us. But on this golden jubilee night of St. Bede's parish, we joyfully make our own the words of the psalmist, 'This day was made by the Lord; let us rejoice and be glad!'
Micahel Campbell OSA,
Bishop of Lancaster.