SUNDAY
We were in a small village church near the town of Sancerre. I enjoy the Mass in French. The slight misunderstandings and impenetrability make it more like a Latin Mass. Little of the sermon goes in, odd words. But a memory remains of the main theme. Here which is more impressive, the man who says yes and then does nothing or the man who refuses and then works.
MONDAY – Sts Michael Gabriel and Raphael
I went to Mass in the Seminary of Strasbourg Cathedral. These masses are beautiful in their saying in this simple white chapel with a fine picture of Mary behind the altar. There is a spirit of hope with the young seminarians.
A welcome relief after the Legal Affairs Committee.
I struggled with the French but recognised the Gospel by little signs.
“I saw you under the fig tree.” (John 1:47-49)
I wonder do we really have a Guardian Angel? Is he here now in this room? Sometimes like now I feel it is so.
TUESDAY – St Jerome
We had a debate in the Culture Committee on ritual slaughter and circumcision. I argued strongly that an attack on these is an intolerant attack on the Jewish faith. One of my colleagues said an eight day old baby had no choice. Thus human rights trump religious rights and constantly make progress.
What would the grumpy St Jerome have said?
Again odd words of the wonderful poetry of Job penetrated.
“Why did I not die stillborn? And perish as I left the womb? Why were there two knees to receive me? Two breasts for me to suck?” (Job 3)
WEDNESDAY – St Therese
I got up early for the 7.30 Mass in the Nunciature. What does this phrase actually mean? So delightful yet so difficult.
“Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
We had a debate on the Ukraine. I fear I was out of kilter with calls for dialogue with the Russian deputies. But I said I wanted only to promote peace and dialogue. The Council of Europe is not an executive parliament. It is an inter-parliamentary union. Surely its whole point is that nation talk unto nation. Why should Russia be expelled for standing up for the right of self-determination of ethnic Russians and Russian speakers?
THURSDAY
I went to the 7.30 Mass in Strasbourg Cathedral. As always, a beautiful mass.
We carry on with the Book of Job.
“After my awaking he will set us close to him.
And from my flesh I will look on God.
He whom I shall see will take my part.
Their eyes will gaze on him and find him not aloof.” (Job 19:21-27)
FRIDAY
I was back in London for the 8am Mass before driving up to Lincolnshire. Is there any more beautiful poetry than that addresses to Job by the Lord.
“Have you ever in your life given orders to the morning? Or sent the dawn to its post? Telling it to grasp the earth by its edges?” (Job 38)
SATURDAY
I went for a long two-and-a-half hour walk across the Wolds. After a long while I was very tired yet came across a spring. The water was gurgling out of the grass, and in its natural nascent life was curiously refreshing. Throughout this long walk I met not a single soul. My companions were the vast sky changing from dull lead to ultramarine blue and vast views across the Lincolnshire plain to a distant sight of the Pennines.
Job was right:
“I have been holding forth on matters I cannot understand. On matters beyond me and my knowledge.” (Job 42)