Back at the centre

The self help group, at St Mary’s, was really sustained for many years after the inauguration by a cohort of long standing members. It brought together the local Salestown community, as well helping others who travelled in from different parts of Grandoaks. Father Oakes and his nephew John became instrumental. Although many of the group members left the group when they felt they had received the healing they needed from it, many carried on attending because they felt a certain safety that the group created. Such as the power which emanated from it, that could help people that had no awareness of such a spiritual presence in their communities. For these long-standing members, they saw the bonds of love between those outside the group as personal blessings. It didn’t matter, in the slightest, that these relationships were with those who didn’t share the same beliefs, traditions or practices.

‘This week, I have another poem’, said Father Oakes to group on one occasion ‘It’s just something to ponder. I think it can help on so many levels, particularly when discerning a change of course. It might be relevant if someone is considering a career move or change of job perhaps. It goes like this’

There once were three hoops.

The tiger jumped through all three, whilst all were inflamed.

A young man grew in knowledge and got the job.

He did well, and he met the grade.

The middle hoop was set high.

The tiger’s feet brushed the flames, but no scrape.

The young man got the promotion.

He could stand, and support his weight.

Why jump through hoops?

I’m not saying cast your dreams aside.

But you can realise, that some secured the hoops to the circus floor.

Why did they not fall by the wayside?

The reactions of Seth Smalling and Davy Joyman were very interesting, for the onlooker within the group on this occasion. They observed two people who worked in very different parts of the same industry, to achieve the common goal of ‘Recycle, Revive and Relate’. However, the poem was a common voice which put them on the same level despite of the different roads. However, as a result of the meeting, their witness became like the combined preaching of two apostles. The Christian message, of the meeting as well as the borough wide scheme, was reflected by Seth and Davy in their daily lives. There was a time when St Peter and St Paul preached together, according to the Bishop of Corinth, when they founded Christianity in Rome. This was almost echoed by the witness of these group members in around 2010.

The rich/poor divide is an issue in the country. However, as this is a financial issue, it is therefore separate from love. Such as the doctor who loves his son, regardless of the fact that the son is on minimum wage. Our attitude towards poverty is separate from what is manifest as a result. However, a desire to succeed in a professional capacity is something that should still be encouraged. Nobody would pour scorn on Seth Smallings achievements, although he had to increase in humility and become a better version of himself over time. What Jesus did, no-one else has done. Yet He came to serve rather than be served. That doesn’t take away any of His divinity. This is a divinity that ordinary human beings can rediscover within themselves.