Surprised by joy

Wednesday 3rd June. To 9 a.m. mass at Good Shepherd, New Addington. This was a Catenian Mass for vocations and 4 brothers were there - Philip, Bill, David and me. Fr Stephen Boyle was friendly. Why some brothers who are retired did not attend is beyond me. i was late because of 2 sets of works and a school patrol lady! Back home for coffee and saw David and Katy up the road and set off for spirituality day. I got locked in the loo in the Hinsley Room and Fr Paul Fox rescued me! There were 20 there and Fr Paul spoke so well about the Holy Spirit and radical change. He contrasted the man who has everything and is unhappy with the poor of Africa who have nothing but are full of joy. "Joyless is the day's return unaccompanied by thee". During the meditation time I thought about aspects of life which are without joy and how they need to be changed. Liz was serving at the Good Shepherd mass with 1000 children and Bishop John so the cathedral was closed. I sat in the little chapel in St Paul's bookshop for the first time and felt peace. At the end of the session I mentioned the mosque and the community feel of their prayer and the warm welcome. Met Liz in Gerry's room and went down to Tate Britain to see the Richard Long exhibition "Heaven and earth". He goes on long walks and creates circles and paths and some impressive stone circles too. His photographs are magnificent. Had a look at Turner/Rothko and an artist who paints on newspaper. Met Liz at our Turkish cafe which we discovered on the day of the installation vespers. To Apollo theatre to see "Wicked" with Louise and Tom who both look well and happy. The sets and costumes were fantastic but I found the plot hard to follow and some of the diction was poor. Still it was a good show and shades of Aaron Copland about! Home after 11 feeling tired and throat rough like I am getting a cold. Put out recycling and Liz mislaid her car keys - they were in a bag in the hall. John next door is in hospital.