Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Friday 10 October 2025

Today is Friday the 10th of October, in the 27th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing Wait for the Lord. ‘Wait for the Lord, his day is near. Wait for the Lord, be strong, take heart.’ Today’s reading is from the Prophet Joel. Joel 1:13-15 Put on sackcloth and lament, you priests; wail, you ministers of the altar. Come, pass the night in sackcloth, you ministers of my God! Grain-offering and drink-offering are withheld from the house of your God. Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord. Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes. The Day of the Lord is a major theme for Joel. The prophet calling for repentance, excludes no one. Though you might sense that no one in the city is in any doubt. Imagine being there. The sky is dark— ominous warnings hang in the air. Joel speaks with urgency. There are tears in the temple, and people dress in sackcloth. Can you hear the blast of the ram's horn echoing through the streets? What are your feelings about this scene? Are you afraid, disoriented—or do you feel called? Feel the weight of the moment. What is being revealed? This is a moment of desolation. The darkness is tangible but its source is within - the people have turned from God. Consider, what in your life needs awakening? As you gather your thoughts, do you have a sense of something overlooked or ignored? Even in 'a day of darkness and gloom', God is present. The trumpet blast is a sign: God is calling them back. As you listen again to the passage, consider how God might be calling you to return. Joel 1:13-15 Put on sackcloth and lament, you priests; wail, you ministers of the altar. Come, pass the night in sackcloth, you ministers of my God! Grain-offering and drink-offering are withheld from the house of your God. Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord. Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes. “For the day of the Lord is near.” In this moment of prayer, trust in the Lord’s presence even in crisis, even in silence, even in the shadows and share your thoughts on this reading. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 9 October 2025

Today is Thursday the 9th of October, in the 27th week of Ordinary Time. As I begin to pray today, what is on my mind? And what is in my heart? Am I feeling happy with life? Calm? Serene? Or perhaps tired, frustrated, fed up? God knows me better than I know myself, so I can be honest with God about my feelings, and place myself now, as I really am, before the Lord. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 11:5-13 And [Jesus] said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.” And he answers from within, “Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs. ‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’ In today’s reading Jesus is speaking about perseverance in prayer and uses one of his favourite teaching tools, a parable, to paint a theatrical response. Imagine sitting with Jesus as He tells this parable. His tone, is it firm, playful, encouraging? How do His words make you feel? Jesus uses the image of someone knocking on a friend’s door at midnight. The lesson is clear: keep knocking. Might you sometimes give up on prayer too easily? Do you trust God, even when the answer doesn’t come quickly? Jesus asks, if parents give good things to their children, how much more will God give to those who ask? What do you feel about this? Is stubborn persistence the answer? Fish and snakes, eggs and scorpions. Is there another way of understanding these images or understanding the message? As you listen to the passage again, consider Jesus’ invitation and ask, am I seeking the Spirit who transforms my heart and so my prayer? Luke 11:5-13 And [Jesus] said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.” And he answers from within, “Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs. ‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’ “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find.” In a time of prayer and trusting in the Lord’s grace, accept the invitation to share your needs with the Holy Spirit. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 8 October 2025

Today is Wednesday the 8th of October, in the 27th week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra sings, ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. Our Father in heaven Hallowed be thy name Thy kingdom come, thy will be done On earth as it is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our sins As we forgive them that sin against us Lead us not into temptation But deliver us from evil For thine is the kingdom And the power And the glory Forever Amen Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 11:1-4 [Jesus] was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.’ In today’s reading, Jesus has moved away from his friends to pray. As their teacher, they depend on him for guidance. They remember the relationship between John and his disciples born through prayer and want the same for themselves Imagine the scene: Jesus at prayer - silent, focused, serene. His disciples are watching, perhaps with longing or awe. Place yourself there. What do you notice? What stirs in your heart as you watch? “Lord, teach us to pray.” Notice the humility of the disciples. They don’t pretend to know. They ask. Can you echo this prayer today? What might Jesus want to teach you about prayer? Today, the Lord’s Prayer is one we might know by heart, but do we pray from the heart? “Father, hallowed be your name.” How does it feel to call God “Father”? How close does God feel to you? “Your kingdom come.” Where does God’s kingdom need to be realised today? Are you resisting or welcoming it? “Give us each day our daily bread.” What is the ‘bread’ that you hunger for today - what spiritual, emotional, or physical need? Can you place that hunger before God without fear? “Forgive us... for we forgive…” Is there someone you are being invited to forgive? Do you feel the need for forgiveness? “Do not bring us to the time of trial.” What are the trials you are facing? Can you share them with the Father, with Jesus? Just as the disciples did, speak to Jesus and share your thoughts on the words he asks us to pray. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 7 October 2025

Today is Tuesday the 7th of October, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, in the 27th week of Ordinary Time. Juliano Ravanello sings the Magnificat; Mary’s Song: ‘He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away.’ Today’s reading is from the Book of Jonah. Jonah 3:1-10 The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, ‘Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.’ So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, ‘Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!’ And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth. When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Then he had a proclamation made in Nineveh: ‘By the decree of the king and his nobles: No human being or animal, no herd or flock, shall taste anything. They shall not feed, nor shall they drink water. Human beings and animals shall be covered with sackcloth, and they shall cry mightily to God. All shall turn from their evil ways and from the violence that is in their hands. Who knows? God may relent and change his mind; he may turn from his fierce anger, so that we do not perish.’ When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it. Today we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. We may reflect on how Mary’s life, contemplated through the Rosary, invites a rhythm of daily conversion: joyful, luminous, sorrowful, and glorious. Is the Rosary a prayer that you are familiar with? The Rosary is often used to intercede for peace and conversion. The city of Nineveh is being called to both. Jonah, himself, has had to be called a second time. Notice the mercy in this: God doesn’t give up. God continues to invite. So, Jonah - reluctant but faithful - calls out, "Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!" Where in your life might God be calling you, a second - or third - time? What might be holding you back? Despite their reputation, the Ninevites respond with humility. From the greatest to the least - even the animals - they fasted, put on sackcloth, and changed their hearts. Do you notice signs of a call to conversion in your own life? As we listen to the reading again, consider…Where might you need to turn around, even if it feels uncomfortable? Jonah 3:1-10 The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, ‘Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.’ So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, ‘Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!’ And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth. When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Then he had a proclamation made in Nineveh: ‘By the decree of the king and his nobles: No human being or animal, no herd or flock, shall taste anything. They shall not feed, nor shall they drink water. Human beings and animals shall be covered with sackcloth, and they shall cry mightily to God. All shall turn from their evil ways and from the violence that is in their hands. Who knows? God may relent and change his mind; he may turn from his fierce anger, so that we do not perish.’ When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it. “When God saw what they did... God changed His mind.” God shows a desire for transformation and restoration. How might this speak to you? Take time to speak to God about your desire to be transformed by grace. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 6 October 2025

Today is Monday the 6th of October, in the 27th week of Ordinary Time. Madison Cunningham sings, ‘Little Things with Great Love’. Perhaps there are little things you could do with great love today. In the garden of our Savior, no flower grows unseen; His kindness rains like water on every humble seed. No simple act of mercy escapes His watchful eye — for there is One who loves me: His hand is over mine. In the kingdom of the heavens, no suff’ring is unknown; each tear that falls is holy, each breaking heart a throne. There is a song of beauty on ev’ry weeping eye — for there is One who loves me: His heart, it breaks with mine. Oh, the deeds forgotten; oh, the works unseen, every drink of water flowing graciously, every tender mercy, You’re making glorious. This You have asked us: do little things with great love, little things with great love. At the table of our Savior, no mouth will go unfed; His children in the shadows stream in and raise their heads. Oh give us ears to hear them and give us eyes that see — for there is One who loves them: I am His hands and feet. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 10:25-37 Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’ But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’ To seek a deeper connection to this passage, let’s take an imaginative moment to enter into the picture that Jesus is painting. Imagine the dusty road, part of the trade route from Jerusalem to Jericho, but quiet enough for the robbers. You witness the attack, the suffering of the victim, the passers-by, the compassionate stranger. Take a moment to reflect on what stirs within you as you witness this moment? Consider where in life you might sometimes try to set limits on love? Who do you struggle to respond to as a neighbour, beyond convenience or comfort? As you listen to the reading again hear how Jesus asks us to live out our faith even in the roadside moments of need and mercy. But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’ Where is God inviting you to “go and do likewise” today? In a time of prayer, let this reflection stir action - not just feeling. Ask the Lord to open your heart to love beyond borders. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Sunday 5 October 2025

Today is Sunday the 5th of October, beginning the 27th week of Ordinary Time. Eliza King sings, ‘Christ Abides’. Can you make the words of this song your own today? In the crowded thoughts, You are an open space And I hear Your voice, calling me to come away Where the eagles fly, You're raising me high with You To heavenly places, heavenly places I have the mind of Christ My portion is His perfect peace For Christ abides with me I'll seek You, Lord, and here in Your shadow hide I won't dread the day, nor fear the terror of the night Though thousands fall, I've been seated all along In heavenly places, in heavenly places I'm with you in heavenly places, in heavenly places I have the mind of Christ My portion is His perfect peace For Christ abides with me He's closer than a friend He takes the weary by the hand And says, "Come abide with me" "Come abide with me For my yoke is easy and my burden light I will raise you up like an eagle into flight You will not grow weary nor will you be faint In your every weakness, I will be your strength" I have the mind of Christ My portion is His perfect peace For Christ abides with me He's closer than a friend He takes the weary by the hand And says, "Come abide with me" Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy. 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14 For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us. Today’s reading portrays St. Paul talking to his disciple Timothy and the faith community under his leadership. He speaks of how the gifts of the Spirit can be handed on from one generation of believers to another. What gifts have you received from those who went before you? Paul is presented as relying on the power of God’s Spirit living within him. Do you have a sense of the power of God’s Spirit within you? How would you describe that within your lived experience? As you listen once more to these words about reliance on divine power, and on the ‘good treasure’ of sound teaching, take time to reflect on what these treasures have brought to your life and that of your faith community. 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14 For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us. The author talks about cowardice and shame, contrasting them with trust in God even when suffering for the Gospel. What do you want to say to Jesus in response to these words? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Saturday 4 October 2025

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. During this week we have heard scriptural passages of warning and of judgement, but they’re not to be heard as threats but rather as invitations to take our discipleship seriously. The Book of the Apocalypse speaks of a war in heaven between God’s angels and those of Satan. It has familiar resonances with the Two Standards meditation of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. We are invited on a daily basis to make choices for Christ and his Kingdom. This affects our life both in a broad sense and in every small option and choice we make regarding our response to God’s initiatives in our lives and how we behave towards one another. Satan is named as ‘the deceiver of the whole world’. God’s grace invites us daily to discern between truth and deception in matters both great and small. Jesus speaks of the cost of discipleship and also of how disciples are to live in imitation of his own mercy to others, even those hostile to him. Have you experienced the cost of discipleship in the choices that you have made in your own life? Jesus offers us a little child as the model for discipleship. How does this speak to you in the context of your own life as a follower of Christ? What would ‘being like a little child’ be like for you? We have other role models in the lives of this week’s saints: Thérèse of Lisieux advocated the ‘Little Way’, taking seriously the apparently trivial and unimportant elements of daily life as a way to become aware of the God-given gift of each moment. Take some time now to think about such moments in your day today and during the week. Francis of Assisi saw all creation as praising God. How does his teaching help you to become more aware of the God who is alive in all of creation? The letter to Timothy reminds us that self-discipline is a gift from God. We are reassured that the Holy Spirit lives in us and that we can rely on God’s power, shining through our human weakness. As we end this examen, what gifts do you want to ask of God and what do you want to say in thanksgiving? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Friday 3 October 2025

Today is Friday the 3rd of October, the feast of Saint Francis Borgia SJ, in the 26th week of Ordinary Time. The University of Johannesburg Choir sing the Kyrie from Missa De Meridiana Terra: Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy. These imploring words, which have been sung for centuries, are a reminder of the inexhaustible mercy of God, of God’s unfailing compassion and forgiveness. As I listen, I might think for a moment about my need for that forgiveness, and the need, too, for me to show that same forgiveness to others. Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Today’s reading is from the Book of Baruch. Baruch 1:15-22 And you shall say: The Lord our God is in the right, but there is open shame on us today, on the people of Judah, on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and on our kings, our rulers, our priests, our prophets, and our ancestors, because we have sinned before the Lord. We have disobeyed him, and have not heeded the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in the statutes of the Lord that he set before us. From the time when the Lord brought our ancestors out of the land of Egypt until today, we have been disobedient to the Lord our God, and we have been negligent, in not heeding his voice. So to this day there have clung to us the calamities and the curse that the Lord declared through his servant Moses at the time when he brought our ancestors out of the land of Egypt to give to us a land flowing with milk and honey. We did not listen to the voice of the Lord our God in all the words of the prophets whom he sent to us, but all of us followed the intent of our own wicked hearts by serving other gods and doing what is evil in the sight of the Lord our God. At the time of the exile of the Jews in Babylon, the exiles lament their misfortune, blaming their own disobedience and idolatry. It’s an honest assessment of their own lack of fidelity. How easy or challenging do you find it to admit your own mistakes? In his Spiritual Exercises, St Ignatius encourages us to make an honest confession of our sins, not so as to wallow in guilt but so as to experience and give thanks for God’s mercy and amazing grace. How do you see that mercy at work in your own life? Listening again to this challenging reading, notice what words strike you and how you want to respond to them. Baruch 1:15-22 And you shall say: The Lord our God is in the right, but there is open shame on us today, on the people of Judah, on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and on our kings, our rulers, our priests, our prophets, and our ancestors, because we have sinned before the Lord. We have disobeyed him, and have not heeded the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in the statutes of the Lord that he set before us. From the time when the Lord brought our ancestors out of the land of Egypt until today, we have been disobedient to the Lord our God, and we have been negligent, in not heeding his voice. So to this day there have clung to us the calamities and the curse that the Lord declared through his servant Moses at the time when he brought our ancestors out of the land of Egypt to give to us a land flowing with milk and honey. We did not listen to the voice of the Lord our God in all the words of the prophets whom he sent to us, but all of us followed the intent of our own wicked hearts by serving other gods and doing what is evil in the sight of the Lord our God. The faithlessness and negligence of God’s chosen people is contrasted with God’s wisdom and guidance. Take time to share with our faithful God what is in your heart. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 2 October 2025

Today is Thursday the 2nd of October, the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, in the 26th week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra sings, ‘Who is Greatest?’ Who is greatest in the kingdom? The kingdom of heaven Who would you say? Not the rich and not the strong Not the brilliant, but the small Lowly ones will be made first To inherit the universe So become like children And you will be the greatest In the kingdom of heaven So don't despise any small ones I tell you, their prayers always reach God Just like oak trees in a field They’ll stand tall when all is healed Lowly ones will be made first To inherit the universe So become like children And you will be the greatest In the kingdom of heaven Don't be afraid Don't be afraid I’m with you 'til the end of the age Lowly ones will be made first To inherit the universe So become like children And you will be the greatest In the kingdom of heaven Who, then, is greatest in the kingdom? The kingdom of heaven Who would you say? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 18:1-5, 10 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.’ Jesus shows his disciples many times that his criteria for judgement are not the same as theirs. He chooses a child as the model for discipleship, not to infantilize his followers but to encourage them to value humility as God does. How does this scene speak to you? Today is the feast of the Guardian Angels, a feast deriving from the Hebrew scriptures to which Jesus refers here. That belief stresses God’s protective love for and interest in every human individual. How do you experience God’s loving care in your life? As we hear the reading again, listen for whatever stays with you, taking time to notice the what and the why of that emphasis. Matthew 18:1-5, 10 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.’ Jesus speaks of God’s loving care for each of his little ones. That includes us. Take time to speak to the God whose care surrounds you. What do you want to ask or say to God right now? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 1 October 2025

Today is Wednesday the 1st of October, the feast of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, in the 26th week of Ordinary Time. 'Saviour of my soul, this day keep me whole.' Can you join in this prayer, as you listen? Can you present yourself now to the One who forgives all our failings and shortcomings, who has given himself freely for our sake, and trust yourself entirely to his mercy? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 9:57-62 As they were going along the road, someone said to [Jesus], ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’ It’s easy to make promises to God in the first flush of enthusiasm, but harder to live by the promises we have made. Jesus’ words are challenging as he calls his would-be followers to real commitment. How do you respond to his words? Like St Ignatius in his Spiritual Exercises, Jesus talks about freedom from disordered attachments, whether to place, people or tradition. Is there any aspect of your life where you feel the need to grow in freedom? As the reading is repeated, listen out for whatever strikes you, asking for whatever grace it is that you feel you need in response to it. Luke 9:57-62 As they were going along the road, someone said to [Jesus], ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’ Take some time now to speak from your heart to God, expressing whatever thoughts, feelings and desires arise in you at this time. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 30 September 2025

Today is Tuesday the 30th of September, the feast of Saint Jerome, in the 26th week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach and Liz Vice sing, ‘I Want Jesus to Walk with Me’. I want Jesus to walk with me. I want Jesus to walk with me. All along my pilgrim journey, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me. In my trials, Lord, walk with me. In my trials, Lord, walk with me. When the shades of life are falling Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me. In my sorrows, Lord, walk with me In my sorrows, Lord, walk with me When my heart within is aching Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me I want Jesus to walk with me. I want Jesus to walk with me. All along my pilgrim journey, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 9:51-56 When the days drew near for [Jesus] to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village. Jesus ‘sets his face to go to Jerusalem’. He is determined to go, yet we get a hint of what his resolution costs him. If you were accompanying him on the road, what would you want to say to him? Jesus rebukes the Sons of Thunder when they want to punish those who don’t accept him. How do you feel about those who reject or ignore Jesus? Is there any part of you that sometimes rejects or ignores him within your own life? Now we hear the reading repeated. Notice what thoughts and feelings strike you and why. We know what Jesus will have to face for our sake once he gets to Jerusalem. How do you find yourself responding to this scene? Luke 9:51-56 When the days drew near for [Jesus] to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village. The Samaritans are only a few among the many who are hostile towards Jesus and reject his ministry. It’s easy to sit in judgement on them and on those who condemned Jesus to death, but what do you find yourself wanting to say to him within your own heart at this time? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 29 September 2025

Today is Monday the 29th of September, the feasts of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels, in the 26th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing, Encore un peu de temps: “In a little while I will make heaven and earth tremble. Then the One desired by all nations will appear. I will fill this temple with glory and to this place I will bring peace.” Today’s reading is from the Book of the Apocalypse. Apocalypse 12:7-12 And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, proclaiming, ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah, for the accuser of our comrades has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not cling to life even in the face of death. Rejoice then, you heavens and those who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you with great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!’ Apocalyptic language always sounds very dramatic. We may not be living through great inner dramas, but most of us carry an inner accuser around in our heads. What thoughts and feelings come to you when you hear of God’s victory over Satan? There is both triumph and warning in this passage. We are told that there is no longer any place for Satan and his angels in heaven, but we are also warned that this means that ‘the devil has come down to earth with great wrath, because he knows that his time is short’. What do these images mean to you in reality? As the reading is repeated, notice where your thoughts and feelings are taking you with respect to its message. Apocalypse 12:7-12 And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, proclaiming, ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah, for the accuser of our comrades has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not cling to life even in the face of death. Rejoice then, you heavens and those who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you with great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!’ You may not feel entirely comfortable with this apocalyptic language of celestial battles among angels and demons, but we often talk about fighting our inner demons. In light of this passage, what do you want to say to or ask of God? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Sunday 28 September 2025

Today is Sunday the 28th of September, Harvest Sunday, beginning the 26th week of Ordinary Time. Ex Cathedra, directed by Jeffrey Skidmore, sing Dulce Jesus mio. “My sweet Jesus, look with mercy on my soul.” This is not the prayer of someone proud or haughty or self-satisfied, but of a person aware that they have weaknesses and shortcomings, aware that they cannot do without the help and the love and the mercy of God. Yya1 Jesuchrixhto, apuk1rui ityaku niyausus1p1 ninait1 sobi. Dulce Jesús mío, mirad con piedad mi alma perdida por culpa mortal. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to Timothy. 1 Timothy 6:11-16 But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will bring about at the right time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honour and eternal dominion. Amen. One of the words in the list of qualities that a man or woman of God should aspire to is ‘gentleness’. What does the word gentleness evoke for you? Jesus said that he was gentle and humble in heart. It’s the same Greek word that’s used here. That word here also implies consideration, meekness, humility, calm and a kind of gentle strength. It’s not about weakness then, in spite of how some of those words are today understood. There is a power that can be expressed kindly, gently, calmly. Where do you see this power in Jesus? What would it be like if all leaders had more of this quality? What if everyone who posted on social media aspired to this gentleness? And you: where might you practise this kind of gentleness? Jesus who dwells in unapproachable light is also the one who says, “Come to me... learn from me... for I am gentle and humble in heart.” We listen again to the letter to Timothy. If you feel lacking in any of the qualities mentioned, just notice that for now, gently. 1 Timothy 6:11-16 But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will bring about at the right time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honour and eternal dominion. Amen. Jesus invites us to learn from him by coming to him. So, this isn’t about us straining to be gentler (which might be counterproductive anyway). He will teach us this gentleness if we come to him. Spend a bit of time now with the gentle Jesus who confronted the Empire of Rome... Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Saturday 27 September 2025

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. The reading from Thursday just gone gives us a structure for an examen. In that reading, the prophet Haggai is challenging those in Jerusalem to get on with the job of rebuilding the Temple. This restoration is a symbol of putting God first in their lives. We use the prophet’s images in this examen. Where in your life are you building the Lord’s house? Where are you sowing good seed in good soil? Where can you rejoice at the harvest? Talk with God about all of this... Where do you put off building the Lord’s house? What seeds that you plant bring weeds to the garden? Where do you feel sad at a lack of fruitfulness? Share this with God... In Thursday’s reading we hear: “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Consider how you have fared. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honoured’, says the Lord.” In the coming week, how might you gather wood for building? Ask God for the grace to gather... Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Friday 26 September 2025

Today is Friday the 26th of September, in the 25th week of Ordinary Time. Eliza King sings, ‘Poor in Spirit’. How does this song speak to you today? You are the fullness, the fullness of God You are the firstborn among all creation The air that I'm breathing, You're keeping me alive The goodness around me, You're the glory of my life I know I am poor in spirit Trying to to live without You, Jesus I know I am poor in spirit I can't live without You You are the beauty in every living thing The fragrance of wildflowers and the colour of the sea So Christ, would you meet me in my poverty I am not ashamed To say I need you Lord Jesus they will have You Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 9:18-22 Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, ‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’ They answered, ‘John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Messiah of God.’ He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, ‘The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.’ If Jesus is the Christ, the anointed one of God, then neither Caesar, nor Herod, nor the Chief Priests are. If Jesus is, then they are not. If Jesus is proclaiming one God whose kingdom is justice, peace and compassion, then the emperor is not a god, and Rome’s oppressive kingdom is illegitimate. Do you sense the political implications of calling Jesus the Christ? Rome didn’t crucify ‘nice guys.’ It crucified political revolutionaries. If they were nonviolent, perhaps they were an even greater threat to Rome. Have we lost the political significance of what it means to call Jesus the Christ and to really follow him? Have we reduced Christianity to a safe religion that has no critique of violence, or misuse of wealth, or oppressive power? Jesus asks you: “Who do you say that I am?” How do you answer? As Jesus explains the significance of being the Christ, can you sense the atmosphere amongst the disciples? Luke 9:18-22 Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, ‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’ They answered, ‘John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Messiah of God.’ He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, ‘The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.’ Jesus is killed, and Jesus rises again. His person and message are vindicated by God. How is the risen Jesus inviting you to follow him in your time and place? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 25 September 2025

Today is Thursday the 25th of September, in the 25th week of Ordinary Time. The Winchester College Chapel Choir, with the Portsmouth Grammar School Chamber Choir sings, ‘Seek the Lord’, the second part of the Isaiah Canticles, by Dan Locklair: ‘Seek the Lord while he wills to be found; call upon him when he draws near’. How will you draw near to the Lord today? Seek the Lord while he wills to be found; call upon him when he draws near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the evil ones their thoughts; And let them turn to the Lord, and he will have compassion, and to our God, for he will richly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as rain and snow fall from the heavens and return not again, but water the earth, Bringing forth life and giving growth, seed for sowing and bread for eating, So is my word that goes forth from my mouth; it will not return to me empty; But it will accomplish that which I have purposed, and prosper in that for which I sent it. Today’s reading is from the Prophet Haggai. Haggai 1:1-8 In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest: Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house. Then the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai, saying: Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your panelled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider how you have fared. You have sown much, and harvested little; you eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and you that earn wages earn wages to put them into a bag with holes. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider how you have fared. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honoured, says the Lord. The prophet Haggai is challenging people for not prioritising the building of the Temple. They have their priorities all wrong. The prophets help us to see how God sees things: Haggai in his day. Jesus in his. Who are the prophets of today? Spend a moment praying for these prophets... Listen again. Notice the ultimate dissatisfaction that Haggai predicts as a fruit of misplaced priorities. Haggai 1:1-8 In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest: Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house. Then the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai, saying: Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your panelled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider how you have fared. You have sown much, and harvested little; you eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and you that earn wages earn wages to put them into a bag with holes. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider how you have fared. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honoured, says the Lord. There is a kind of planting and building in life that brings delight to God. What is God wanting you to plant or build? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 24 September 2025

Today is Wednesday the 24th of September, in the 25th week of Ordinary Time. The Monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Nos autem gloriari: ‘We should glory in nothing other than the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection; through him we are saved and set free. May God have mercy upon us and bless us, may he make his face shine upon us and be merciful to us.’ Nos autem gloriari oportet In cruce Domini nostri Jesu Christi: In quo est salus, vita, et resurrectio nostra: Per quem salvati et liberati sumus. Today’s reading is from the Book of Ezra. Ezra 9:5-9 At the evening sacrifice I got up from my fasting, with my garments and my mantle torn, and fell on my knees, spread out my hands to the Lord my God, and said, ‘O my God, I am too ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens. From the days of our ancestors to this day we have been deep in guilt, and for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been handed over to the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plundering, and to utter shame, as is now the case. But now for a brief moment favour has been shown by the Lord our God, who has left us a remnant, and given us a stake in his holy place, in order that he may brighten our eyes and grant us a little sustenance in our slavery. For we are slaves; yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to give us new life to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judea and Jerusalem. The prophet Ezra is shocked by the degree to which the Jewish faith has been diluted by cultural assimilation during the exile in Babylon. How many of the world ‘s nations claiming to be Christian treat the poor, the stranger, the earth as kindly as God would have us do? How many of these nations are truly just? How many are compassionate? Is ‘my nation first’ really a Christian attitude? St Thomas More was martyred for his opposition to the dominant culture of his day. His last words were: “I die the King’s good servant and God’s first”. Jesus, too, was put to death as an enemy of the Empire. Where are you being called to resist the prevailing culture of your time and your place? How does God look at your nation? In your own context, how does God want you to be salt and yeast? Listen again and consider how Ezra’s words might be applicable today. Ezra 9:5-9 At the evening sacrifice I got up from my fasting, with my garments and my mantle torn, and fell on my knees, spread out my hands to the Lord my God, and said, ‘O my God, I am too ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens. From the days of our ancestors to this day we have been deep in guilt, and for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been handed over to the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plundering, and to utter shame, as is now the case. But now for a brief moment favour has been shown by the Lord our God, who has left us a remnant, and given us a stake in his holy place, in order that he may brighten our eyes and grant us a little sustenance in our slavery. For we are slaves; yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to give us new life to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judea and Jerusalem. How is God inviting you to repair, rebuild and to create something good in the world? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 23 September 2025

Today is Tuesday the 23rd of September, the feast of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, in the 25th week of Ordinary Time. Leslie Jordan with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Bind Us Together’. Bind us together within your love Bind us together within your holy love As we shared in our sorrows we will share in your joy Bind us together in love Bind us together and be our peace Bind us together and be our perfect peace Though the tempest may rage we will rest in your joy Bind us together in peace Bind us together and give us hope Bind us together and give us endless hope Though our tears were our bread we will feast in your joy Bind us together in hope Bind us together and make us one Bind us together and make us truly one In your love, in your peace, in your hope, in your joy Bind us together as one Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 8:19-21 Then [Jesus’] mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, ‘Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.’ But he said to them, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.’ The Jesus of the gospels is quite often jolly rude by our standards. He certainly seems to be radically free from conventional modes of behaviour. Going deeper, what’s Luke doing here? He is writing his gospel for a community that was not Jewish, but Greek speaking gentile. What’s he saying to this community he was writing to? What might that say to us now? Surely the same applies today. When a Christian person or nation is faithful to the radical teaching of Jesus on justice, mercy, compassion, they are Jesus' kin. How’s your church doing on that front? What about your nation? Might you talk to Jesus about this? Let’s focus on Mary, his mother, wanting to see her son this day. Listen again and imagine her hearing her son say these words. Luke 8:19-21 Then [Jesus’] mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, ‘Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.’ But he said to them, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.’ How do you imagine the eventual meeting of Jesus with his mother when she finally gets to him? Speak to Jesus about all that has unfolded for you in this scene. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 22 September 2025

Today is Monday the 22nd of September, in the 25th week of Ordinary Time. The Corydon Singers, conducted by Matthew Best, sing Cantique de Jean Racine by Fauré, a hymn to the invincible power and utter goodness of God, whose fire lights up the darkness, whose grace overcomes all evil. As I enter into prayer today, I trust myself to that grace, to that powerful goodness. I place myself in the hands of my loving God. Today’s reading is from the Book of Ezra. Ezra 1:1-6 In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in order that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the Lord stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia so that he sent a herald throughout all his kingdom, and also in a written edict declared: ‘Thus says King Cyrus of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of those among you who are of his people—may their God be with them!—are now permitted to go up to Jerusalem in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem; and let all survivors, in whatever place they reside, be assisted by the people of their place with silver and gold, with goods and with animals, besides freewill-offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem.’ The heads of the families of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites—everyone whose spirit God had stirred—got ready to go up and rebuild the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. All their neighbours aided them with silver vessels, with gold, with goods, with animals, and with valuable gifts, besides all that was freely offered. King Cyrus of Persia, two and half thousand years ago has a choice. He could choose to continue the enslavement of the Jews in Babylon and hold onto the treasures stolen from Jerusalem. He opts instead to set them free, to return home, and sends their gold with them. Leaders can sometimes be just, and power can be used for good. Which leader today would you say is just, using their power for good? Pray for them... It may be easier to name leaders who misuse their status and their power. What is your prayer concerning them? It says that Cyrus has been given all the kingdoms of the earth. This may remind you of one of the temptations of Jesus in the desert. Jesus resists this option throughout his ministry. Can you imagine Jesus hearing this passage in his own day and pondering it? ‘Thus says King Cyrus of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of those among you who are of his people—may their God be with them!—are now permitted to go up to Jerusalem in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem; and let all survivors, in whatever place they reside, be assisted by the people of their place with silver and gold, with goods and with animals, besides freewill-offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem.’ The heads of the families of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites—everyone whose spirit God had stirred—got ready to go up and rebuild the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. All their neighbours aided them with silver vessels, with gold, with goods, with animals, and with valuable gifts, besides all that was freely offered. If you were to be remembered for one thing in two and a half thousand years, what would you want it to be? Speak to God about this in these closing moments. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Sunday 21 September 2025

Today is Sunday the 21st of September, beginning the 25th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing Beati voi poveri: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.’ Today’s reading is from the Prophet Amos. Amos 8:4-7 Hear this, you that trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land, saying, ‘When will the new moon be over so that we may sell grain; and the sabbath, so that we may offer wheat for sale? We will make the ephah small and the shekel great, and practise deceit with false balances, buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, and selling the sweepings of the wheat.’ The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Surely I will never forget any of their deeds. This is a very challenging text for us to pray through. What does the prophet think is the most important thing to get right in our religious practice? The targets of the prophet’s criticism are those who are feeling impatient for something. What are they impatient for? Now listen as the passage is read a second time for you. Notice how you feel as you hear these words... Amos 8:4-7 Hear this, you that trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land, saying, ‘When will the new moon be over so that we may sell grain; and the sabbath, so that we may offer wheat for sale? We will make the ephah small and the shekel great, and practise deceit with false balances, buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, and selling the sweepings of the wheat.’ The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Surely I will never forget any of their deeds. In these closing moments, speak to God about any ways in which you have been challenged by this passage... Perhaps there is one action you would like to take today to help those in need... Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Saturday 20 September 2025

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. On Saturdays we like to look prayerfully and reflectively back at what we have done during this week, both our activities and our praying, to get used to seeing where God has been. Here are some suggestions about what you might look for... Think of three things, possibly, but not necessarily, three moments in prayer, when you felt the touch of God this week. Now think of just two things for which you would like to tell God that you are sorry. Finally think of just one thing that you are being challenged to work on in the coming week, and ask for God’s help. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Friday 19 September 2025

Today is Friday the 19th of September, in the 24th week of Ordinary Time. The nuns of Mary, Queen of Apostles, sing Veritas Mea: ‘My truth and My mercy are with him; and in My Name his horn shall be exalted. Alleluia!’ Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 8:1-3 Soon afterwards [Jesus] went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. Spend a moment following Jesus through the cities and villages. What do you notice about how he is “bringing the good news of the kingdom of God”? What inspires you? We hear of women providing for Jesus and the followers...you might like to think about the women you know today who work to bring about the good news. Take a moment to thank God for them. Now listen as the piece is read to you once more. Place yourself into the scene and become aware of what you notice... Luke 8:1-3 Soon afterwards [Jesus] went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. To finish, you might like to review this time of prayer. What were the thoughts and feelings that surfaced inside you? Can you turn them into a prayer to God in your own words? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Friday 19 September 2025

Today is Friday the 19th of September, in the 24th week of Ordinary Time. The nuns of Mary, Queen of Apostles, sing Veritas Mea: ‘My truth and My mercy are with him; and in My Name his horn shall be exalted. Alleluia!’ Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 8:1-3 Soon afterwards [Jesus] went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. Spend a moment following Jesus through the cities and villages... What do you notice about how he is “bringing the good news of the kingdom of God”? What inspires you? We hear of women providing for Jesus and the followers...you might like to think about the women you know today who work to bring about the good news. Take a moment to thank God for them. Now listen as the piece is read to you once more. Place yourself into the scene and become aware of what you notice... Luke 8:1-3 Soon afterwards [Jesus] went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. To finish, you might like to review this time of prayer. What were the thoughts and feelings that surfaced inside you? Can you turn them into a prayer to God in your own words? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 18 September 2025

Today is Thursday the 18th of September, in the 24th week of Ordinary Time. In God alone is my soul at rest. He alone is my rock, my strength. There are probably things on my mind as I try to pray, right now. Things bothering me, worrying me, things I’ve got to do. Those hassles and concerns may be important. But for these few minutes, can I just put them on one side, and find a moment of peace for my soul? A moment of rest with my God, my rock, my strength? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 7:36-50 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.’ Jesus spoke up and said to him, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ ‘Teacher,’ he replied, ‘speak.’ ‘A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?’ Simon answered, ‘I suppose the one for whom he cancelled the greater debt.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You have judged rightly.’ Then turning towards the woman, he said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.’ Then he said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, ‘Who is this who even forgives sins?’ And he said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’ This is one of what are sometimes called Luke’s “disastrous dinner parties”. Do you think that a good description of what happens here? Place yourself in the scene now, using all your senses. We hear that the Pharisee was rather shocked by the woman’s behaviour. Was he right to be shocked? “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” What is your answer to this question? Now listen as the passage is read to you once more. What really strikes you about it, here and now? Jesus spoke up and said to him, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ ‘Teacher,’ he replied, ‘speak.’ ‘A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?’ Simon answered, ‘I suppose the one for whom he cancelled the greater debt.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You have judged rightly.’ Then turning towards the woman, he said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.’ Then he said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, ‘Who is this who even forgives sins?’ And he said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’ "Go in peace...” Speak to God about what you might need to go in peace today... Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 17 September 2025

Today is Wednesday the 17th of September, the feast of Saint Robert Bellarmine SJ, in the 24th week of Ordinary Time. Ladysmith Black Mambazo sing Uqinisil’Ubaba: After travelling the whole world, I still come to the same truth that I left at home: God is truth! So why do you doubt? Don’t doubt, hold on to him and place your hope in him. Listen to God because he is truth. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to Timothy. 1 Timothy 3:14-16 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great: He was revealed in flesh, vindicated in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory. Does anything stay with you from these words you have just heard? You might like to imagine you are Timothy, having just received this letter from Paul. Paul refers to 'the household of God’, the Church of the living God as the 'pillar and bulwark of the truth'? What does this mean in your faith life? What relationship do you have to the 'household of God'? Now listen as the passage is read to you once more. Does anything really touch your heart about it? 1 Timothy 3:14-16 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great: He was revealed in flesh, vindicated in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory. Finally, see if you bring together now all the thoughts and prayers that have come to you during this time, and turn them into a prayer to God in your own words. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 16 September 2025

Today is Tuesday the 16th of September, the feast of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, bishop, in the 24th week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, Kyrie Eleison. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy. Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Lord have mercy, mercy on us Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 7:11-17 Soon afterwards [Jesus] went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, ‘Young man, I say to you, rise!’ The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen among us!’ and ‘God has looked favourably on his people!’ This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country. This is a very powerful story. Jesus, as so often, is surrounded by crowds, but in the noisy crowd he does not fail to spot the sadness; this sadness comes from the recognition of a woman who has lost her son, her only means of support. What do you notice about Jesus’ reaction? Jesus tells the woman not to weep. Is he failing to understand how awful things are for her? Or is there something else going on here? Now listen as the passage is read to you once more. Is there anything in this story that really touches your heart? Why is that? Luke 7:11-17 Soon afterwards [Jesus] went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, ‘Young man, I say to you, rise!’ The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen among us!’ and ‘God has looked favourably on his people!’ This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country. 'The word spread throughout Judaea and all the surrounding country.' As we come to the end of this prayer, imagine you are one of those spreading the word about what you have just witnessed. What would you say? You might like to talk to God about your response to all of this... Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 15 September 2025

Today is Monday the 15th of September, the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, in the 24th week of Ordinary Time. Tenebrae, directed by Nigel Short, sing the Nunc Dimittis from Rachmaninov’s Vespers, the song of Simeon: “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples”. As I listen, can I become aware that I am in God’s presence now, that I too am God’s servant, and that I too am part of this story of salvation? Nyne otpushchayeshi raba Tvoego, Vladyko, po glagolu Tvoyemu s mirom: yako videsta ochi moi spaseniye Tvoye, ezhe esi ugotoval pred litsem vsekh lyudei, svet vo otkrovenie yazykov, i slavu lyudei Tvoikh Izrailya Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 2:33-35 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’ This is a very striking passage. Let's spend some time in prayerful attention with it. The “child” was of course Jesus, who is being presented in the Temple. Spend a moment with his parents, Mary and Joseph... Why do you think they were "amazed”? How did they show their amazement, do you think? "A sword will pierce your own soul too”. Place yourself in Mary’s shoes. How do you receive these words? Now listen as the story is read once more. Is there anything that really strikes you this time? Luke 2:33-35 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’ Is there a character in the passage you would like to stay with? Or perhaps you would like to take the child Jesus into your own arms... Spend some time talking with God about what is lingering with you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Sunday 14 September 2025

Today is Sunday the 14th of September, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, beginning the 24th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing Dieu ne peut que donner son amour: “God can only give faithful love, tenderness and forgiveness.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 3:13-17 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. In the Book of Numbers, God saves those people who have been bitten by venomous snakes when they look towards a bronze snake held up on a pole. Here, Jesus uses this image to explain to Nicodemus his coming crucifixion. Take a moment to ponder on how these two images illuminate each other. “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son”. What does that tell you about God’s feelings for the world, and everyone in it? “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn”. Many people would think of the Church, and of Christians, as condemning them and what they do. How would you want to respond to them? Notice, as the passage is read for a second time, about the kind of picture of God, and of Jesus, that it leaves you with. John 3:13-17 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. You might want to speak with this same loving, saving God, who has no interest in condemning people, for a moment or two as this prayer comes to an end. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Saturday 13 September 2025

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Our Saturday prayer usually invites you to ask God to show you more clearly where and how God has been most active in your life this week. Start, then, by asking God for the gift of recognizing more clearly what has been going on in these past few days. Now take a few moments to re-live this last week. Where have you been, what have you been doing, who have you been with? Now notice where the highlights of the week have been. Where have you been most fully alive, most fully your best self? Where have you found life, and light, and energy, in the last few days? Next, take time to recognize these highlight moments as places where God has been active in your life. What’s your sense of what God has been offering you in them, or calling you to? And how have you responded to what God has been doing? How do you want to respond here and now? Finally, look to the week ahead. Perhaps in the light of what you’ve seen in this prayer already, what do you want to ask God for in the coming days? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Friday 12 September 2025

Today is Friday the 12th of September, in the 23rd week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach sings, ‘Create in Me’. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord Create in me a clean heart, O Lord Against you only I have sinned Done evil in your sight But you have shown me what I’ve done With mercy in your eyes Then wash my shame and guilt away My weary soul renew From all my sinning turn your face Let me return to you Create in me a clean heart, O Lord Create in me a clean heart, O Lord So I will give you what you ask A humble, broken heart A spirit burning down to ash Within your flame, O God And this will be your mercy, Lord Transforming all of me Til every act and every word Your love and glory speaks Create in me a clean heart, O Lord Create in me a clean heart, O Lord Have mercy on me According to your endless love Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 6:39-42 [Jesus] also told them a parable: ‘Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, “Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye”, when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye. You’re invited to recognise your own faults before seizing on those of your neighbour. What failings or weaknesses of your own are you inclined to overlook, or to cover up? It is generally thought that Jesus spent much of his life on earth as a carpenter. Does that add anything to his talk here of logs and specks or splinters? In listening again, notice the lines about disciples and teachers. How does that fit into, or add to, the rest of this passage? Luke 6:39-42 [Jesus] also told them a parable: ‘Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, “Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye”, when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye. Parables are meant to keep you thinking, not to have obvious, one-line meanings. Invite Jesus to show you what more he has to tell you in this story. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 11 September 2025

Today is Thursday the 11th of September, in the 23rd week of Ordinary Time. The Brilliance sing, ‘Christ Be With Me’. Christ be with me, Christ before me Christ behind me, Christ within me Christ below me, Christ above me Christ be with me At my right hand, at my left hand As I lie down, as I rise up As I stumble, as I fall down Christ as I stand Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me Christ in every eye that sees me Christ in every ear that hears me Amen, amen Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Colossians. Colossians 3:12-17 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. St Paul, writing to the Christian community of Colossae, in modern-day Turkey, paints a picture of what an ideal follower of Christ might look like. How far can you recognise yourself in that picture? Think of someone who knows you well. What is there in Paul’s words that they would think applies to you? What part of this picture do you find it most difficult to live out in your own life? A disciple should be like the one they follow. Much of this passage describes what Christ himself is like. As you hear the passage again, notice what it tells you about Jesus, as God’s chosen one. Colossians 3:12-17 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Take a moment or two to thank God, for the parts of this picture that you can see in yourself. And to ask for God’s help, for those parts of it where you need to grow. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 10 September 2025

Today is Wednesday the 10th of September, in the 23rd week of Ordinary Time. Nóirín Ní Riain, with the monks of Glenstal Abbey, sings the Beatitudes. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 6:20-26 Then [Jesus] looked up at his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. ‘Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. ‘Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. ‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. ‘But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. ‘Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. ‘Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. ‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.' This is perhaps Jesus at his most revolutionary, promising that the world’s values will be turned upside down. On first hearing, how do you think that you’ll come out of these changes? Will you benefit from them, or will you be worse off as a result? Why is it that the poor, the hungry, those who weep and are hated, are the ones singled out for better things to come? And why are the rich, those full of food and laughter, those generally thought well of, told to expect hard times ahead? Jesus speaks these words to his disciples, his closest followers. As you hear them again, consider the different reactions that you might see among them. Luke 6:20-26 Then [Jesus] looked up at his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. ‘Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. ‘Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. ‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. ‘But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. ‘Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. ‘Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. ‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets. Everyone has a reaction to what Jesus says here. Speak to him for a few moments about how you’ve been touched by what he has said. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 9 September 2025

Today is Tuesday the 9th of September, the feast of Saint Peter Claver, in the 23rd week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Praise to the Lord’. How will you draw near to the Lord today? Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation Come, all who hear; now to his temple draw near Join me in glad adoration Praise to the Lord, above all things so wondrously reigning Sheltering you under his wings, and so gently sustaining Ponder anew what the Almighty can do If with his love he befriends you Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him Let the Amen sound from his people again Gladly forever adore him Let the Amen sound from his people again Gladly forever adore him Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 6:12-19 Now during those days [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. This passage starts with Jesus spending the night in prayer. In the light of what happens when day comes, can you get a sense of the nature of his prayer that night? What might it have been like? Jesus calls those he has chosen by name. Try putting your own name in that list, as one of those picked out by Jesus. What’s it like to be chosen in that way? The chosen Twelve come down the mountain with Jesus to find a great crowd waiting for him. We’re not told what they do then as Jesus teaches and heals. What might their own response have been that day? How would you have occupied yourself in that situation? Listen to the passage again, and notice how Jesus looks on the Twelve, and on the crowd. Luke 6:12-19 Now during those days [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. We are told that 'power came out from Jesus'. Speak to Jesus now about where you most need that power in your own life just now. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 8 September 2025

Today is Monday the 8th of September, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the 23rd week of Ordinary Time. The Gaudete Ensemble sings 'Ave Generosa' by Margaret Rizza. On this feast day, spend some time reflecting on who Mary is to you... How has she inspired you in your life? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 1:18-23 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’, which means, ‘God is with us.’ Even today, the news of an unexpected pregnancy may come as rather a shock. It can really challenge those involved in a relationship. What do you notice about Joseph’s first reaction here to the news of Mary’s pregnancy? You may be more familiar with St Luke’s account of the annunciation to Mary by the angel Gabriel. Here, in Matthew’s gospel, an unnamed angel makes a similar announcement to Joseph. How might this have changed his mind about what he should do next? As the passage is read again, notice the names that Mary’s son is to be given, and their meaning. Matthew 1:18-23 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’, which means, ‘God is with us.’ What do you want to bring from this time of prayer to Emmanuel, Jesus, who is the one who is “God with us”? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Sunday 7 September 2025

Today is Sunday the 7th of September, beginning the 23rd week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra sings, ‘Take Up Your Cross’. If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me Whoever would save his life Will lose it Whoever loses his life for me Will find it If anyone claims to worship God Let him give all away Take up his cross Follow me Whoever would save his life Will lose it Whoever loses his life for me Will find it What would it profit a man If he gains the whole world And forfeits his soul What would it profit a man at all What would it profit a man If he dies with a barn full of silver and gold What would it profit a man at all If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 14: 25-33 Now large crowds were travelling with [Jesus]; and he turned and said to them, ‘Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.” Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions. In today’s passage, Jesus speaks plainly about the cost of being his disciple. What do you think Jesus is trying to convey to his followers? How do you react to the challenge of these demanding words? Jesus uses a building project as an example of discipleship. How does this example speak to you? What is Jesus longing to construct in your life? Jesus speaks about letting go of both possessions and relationships. Which of these feels more difficult for you to loosen your grip on? Why is this? What would you like to say to Jesus in response to his words in this passage? Say it now. As you hear the passage a second time, which word or phrase captures your attention? Stay with this. Luke 14: 25-33 Now large crowds were travelling with [Jesus]; and he turned and said to them, ‘Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.” Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions. In these closing moments of prayer, ask for God’s help to let go of all that holds you back from following Jesus. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Saturday 6 September 2025

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. This week, we’ve watched Jesus interacting with the disciples and others. In the stillness, allow the Spirit to bring to mind your prayer times this week and the journey you’ve been on. Where have you felt closest to Jesus? Why was this? What did you experience? What has challenged, unsettled or disturbed you? When did you feel resistant to God? Tell God about these times. Where have you sensed the Spirit at work in you this week? What growth in faith has this brought? Give thanks for this. What action or response to God will you make today? Ask God for the gifts and graces you need to grow deeper in faith and discipleship. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Friday 5 September 2025

Today is Friday the 5th of September, in the 22nd week of Ordinary Time. The Choir of Royal Holloway sings, ‘One in Christ’. When we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living you declared your love and opened the gate of glory. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Colossians. Colossians 1:15-20 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. Paul encourages the Colossians to grasp the mystery, immensity and universal reconciling nature of Christ, the image of the invisible God. Which words or phrases in this passage are you most drawn to? What invitation, reassurance or challenge might God want to say to you through these words? How do you find yourself wanting to respond to this word from God? “Through Jesus, God was pleased to reconcile all things.” Where in your own life do you long for reconciliation — within yourself, with others, or with God? Bring these places into Christ’s presence, trusting His desire to restore. As you listen to the passage again, let your imagination expand — seeing Christ as the centre and sustainer of all creation. Rest in the mystery and vastness of His love. Colossians 1:15-20 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. As you bring your prayers to a conclusion, give thanks for the gift of peace. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 4 September 2025

Today is Thursday the 4th of September, in the 22nd week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Nearer My God to Thee’. Nearer, my God, to Thee Nearer to Thee Even though it be a cross That raiseth me Still all my song shall be Nearer, my God, to Thee Nearer, my God, to Thee Nearer to Thee Though like the wanderer The sun gone down Darkness be over me My rest a stone Yet in my dreams I’d be Nearer, my God, to Thee Nearer, my God, to Thee Nearer to Thee Still all my song shall be Nearer, my God, to Thee Nearer, my God, to Thee Nearer to Thee Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 5:1-11 Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. The encounter Simon Peter has with Jesus beside the lake makes a real difference to his ability to catch fish. Think of a time when the presence of Jesus made a difference in your life. What happened at that time? What would you like to say to Jesus about that? Say it now... Jesus tells the fishermen to ‘Put out into the deep water.’ As Jesus says this to you too, what is he inviting you to do? How will you respond? Simon Peter is frightened by his encounter with Jesus, but Jesus tells him not to be afraid. What frightens or makes you anxious? Hear the words of Jesus for you: ‘Do not be afraid.’ ‘They left everything and followed him.' As you listen to the reading again, ponder what Jesus is inviting you to leave behind so that you may follow him more closely. Luke 5:1-11 Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. As this time of prayer closes, imagine the abundant riches that Jesus longs to give you. Give thanks for God’s love and generosity. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 3 September 2025

Today is Wednesday the 3rd of September, the feast of Saint Gregory the Great, in the 22nd week of Ordinary Time. The Porter’s Gate sing, ‘You Are My Sanctuary’. You are my sanctuary My hiding place Where I belong You are my peaceful harbour You will bring me Safely home Out in the dark, when the light is gone Your waves and breakers roll over me And when my anchor won’t touch the ground Deep calls to deep You are my sanctuary My hiding place Where I belong You are my peaceful harbour You will bring me Safely home In the morning, in the night In the darkness, in the light You alone will be my guide For you are with me You are my sanctuary My hiding place Where I belong You are my peaceful harbour You will bring me Safely home Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 4:38-44 After leaving the synagogue [Jesus] entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. Demons also came out of many, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah. At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.’ So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea. Luke tells us of the many people whom Jesus healed and set free. As you consider the healing ministry of Jesus, who comes to your heart? What people or places do you long to see made whole? In prayer, place them before Jesus. What do you notice as you do? After being with the crowds, Jesus withdrew to be alone with the Father. Where is your ‘deserted place’? When do you feel most aware of God's presence? What happens in you when you give space to be with God in stillness and quiet? As you listen to the passage again, notice how Jesus restores people. How might Jesus restore you? Luke 4:38-44 After leaving the synagogue [Jesus] entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. Demons also came out of many, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah. At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.’ So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea. Jesus didn’t remain in one place — he kept moving, bringing hope and healing. As you follow him, how are you being invited to share his love and good news? In these closing moments, be still and know that God is with you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 2 September 2025

Today is Tuesday the 2nd of September, in the 22nd week of Ordinary Time. Ex Cathedra, directed by Jeffrey Skidmore, sing Dulce Jesus mio. “My sweet Jesus, look with mercy on my lost soul.” As you sit here, or stand here now, trying to pray, what kind of shape is your soul in? Content and at peace? Lost and wandering? On the edge? And what about the other souls around you? Are there ‘lost souls’ here beside you who also need the love of God in their lives? Yya1 Jesuchrixhto, apuk1rui ityaku niyausus1p1 ninait1 sobi. Dulce Jesús mío, mirad con piedad mi alma perdida por culpa mortal. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 4:31-37 He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, ‘What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!’ And a report about him began to reach every place in the region. The people in Capernaum were amazed at the way Jesus taught with authority and exercised power. Where have you experienced the power and authority of Jesus in your life? What is it like for you to be under such authority? Where are you invited to carry responsibility or lead with care? How might your words or actions affect those around you? What grace or gift from God do you long for so that you can lead and serve well? Take a moment to ask for this gift now. As you listen to the passage again, focus on the healing that the authority of Jesus brings. Luke 4:31-37 He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, ‘What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!’ And a report about him began to reach every place in the region. As this time of prayer and reflection comes to a close, pray for wisdom in your interactions with others. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 1 September 2025

Today is Monday the 1st of September, in the 22nd week of Ordinary Time. The Community of Taizé sing Misericordias Domini. ‘I will sing forever of the mercy of God.’ (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord for ever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. Paul helps the Thessalonian Christians understand how the death and resurrection of Jesus shapes their future hope and identity. What shapes your thoughts about the future? When you think about death, what hopes or questions are stirred in you? In what ways are you living the resurrection life with Christ now? ‘We will be with the Lord forever.' Hold onto this promise as you listen to Paul’s words again. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord for ever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. If Jesus were to speak to you about your future with him, what might he want you to hear? In these last moments of prayer, rest quietly in His presence; with the one who promises never to let you go. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Sunday 31 August 2025

Today is Sunday the 31st of August, beginning the 22nd week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra sings, ‘Jesus’. The wisdom and the word The speaking and the silence The stillness and the stir The Spirit in the quiet The son of God and man The sinner’s lamentation The flesh of the I Am The song of our salvation Jesus, Jesus, Jesus The dawnbird song of life The spring of earth and heaven The water and the wine The everlasting leaven My life, my truth, my way The stone on which I stumble The vineyard owner's wage The shepherd of the humble Jesus, Jesus, Jesus Yes, Lord, Yes, Lord I have believed That you are the Christ The Son of God It’s true, but who Are you to me You are my life The love of God My Lord, my God Stay close, don’t be far You know how I need you Make in me a heart Pure enough to see you In every speck of dust In dry and lonely places And in every one of us Be light, be kind, be gracious Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 14:1, 7-14 On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely. When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honour, he told them a parable. ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honour, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place”, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher”; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’ He said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’ ‘When he noticed….’ Here is Jesus, the observer, taking it all in. ‘They were watching him closely’, but Jesus is the one doing the real close examining, isn’t he? How do you think we learn genuine humility? We could start by looking at Jesus Himself. You might know someone who reflects Jesus, whose true humility is at their very core. What do you notice about their behaviour? If Jesus were to sit at table with you, what do you think he might notice? Allow Jesus to make his observations. Sit together with them for a while. Remember, he doesn’t judge, he notices. Listen to the passage again and imagine the most unexpected guest at your table, perhaps one who cannot repay you. Luke 14:1, 7-14 On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely. When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honour, he told them a parable. ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honour, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place”, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher”; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’ He said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’ Speak openly with the Lord about anything lingering from this time of reflection. Let His teaching from today’s reading touch your very core. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Saturday 30 August 2025

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. This week we have heard from St Paul and his encouraging parenting of the church in Thessalonica. We have reflected a little on St Monica who prayed diligently for her son St Augustine. We have remembered the love of God our Father for us. Examine your role as a praying parent or guardian. It could be for a group, a church, for a family member. Like Monica for Augustine, you might have prayed for a very long time. Think of the best of times you’ve had with this person. Let yourself respond with a smile, with laughter. Give thanks to God. Think of a time when things might have been tough. This might touch you deeply. Allow God to respond with compassion. Notice God’s compassion to both of you. There might be a freedom you need to give that loved one just to be themselves. Ask God for the grace to do just that. Commit your loved one to God once again. Give them the freedom they need. Notice how this affects you too. Remember Monica and Augustine. Take courage. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Friday 29 August 2025

Today is Friday the 29th of August, the Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist, in the 21st week of Ordinary Time. IamSon, Paul Zach and Jessica Fox sing, ‘Total Praise’. Lord, I will lift my eyes to the hills Knowing my help is coming from You Your peace You give me in time of the storm You are the source of my strength You are the strength of my life I lift my hands in total praise to You Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 6:17-29 For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.’ And he solemnly swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the baptizer.’ Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. Focus today on the person of John the Baptist. What do you know about him? He prepared the way for Jesus Himself. Call to mind some of the scenes, some of the things he said. Imagine him in prison. Visit him. He might be looking back over his life. His parents, his birth, his way of life, his words, his ministry. How does your conversation go? How does his character come across to you? You might want to talk about why he’s in prison. Notice how you feel in front of this man. Notice what he might be teaching you. Ask him some gentle questions. Listen to the passage again. Notice the relationships, the conversations, the manipulative behaviour. Remember, and picture, where John is throughout the scenes. You might want to sit with John as it all plays out, perhaps even to the end. What encouraging word might you want to say to him? Mark 6:17-29 For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.’ And he solemnly swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the baptizer.’ Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. Bring to God anything that has come up for you. You might want to talk about prisoners today who are incarcerated simply for telling the truth... Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 28 August 2025

Today is Thursday the 28th of August, the feast of Saint Augustine, in the 21st week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Ecce quam bonum: “ How good and how pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in unity! It is like precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes.” (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. In yesterday’s reading St Paul addressed the church in Thessalonica as a parent, urging and encouraging. In today’s passage he addresses the church as ‘brothers and sisters’. Abound in love for one another, he says, stand firm in the Lord. And he thanks God for them, expressing sheer joy at their faith journeying, fully acknowledging the ups and downs. How might you experience this generosity of spirit towards the brothers and sisters in Christ around you? Might there be a grace that you need in order to abound in love? As you hear the passage again, sense Paul’s exuberance…exuberance in the face of persecution. How does that sit with you, knowing that Paul himself had been a persecutor of early Christians? Such a change of heart... 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. As this time of prayer draws to a close, pause for a moment to remember how much you yourself are loved by God. Give thanks and ask for the grace to abound in love for others. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 27 August 2025

Today is Wednesday the 27th of August, the feast of Saint Monica, in the 21st week of Ordinary Time. The Porter’s Gate sing, ‘Every Mother, Every Father’. Every mother, every father called to raise up sons or daughters May your heart be patient, may your mind be clear, may our God be with you, and calm your fears. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 You remember our labour and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our conduct was towards you believers. As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his children, urging and encouraging you and pleading that you should lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers. Today is the feast of St Monica; tomorrow the feast of her son St Augustine. She was patient and diligent in prayer for her son. You might be familiar with their respective journeys of faith; or you might want to find out a little more about them. In today’s reading St Paul unapologetically describes his own diligence, financing his own ministry through hard work. How might that have affected his relationship with the church? Paul describes himself as a parent - perhaps very like St Monica as a parent to Augustine - urging and encouraging, even pleading with the children. What does that tell us about the passion of being a parent or guardian? Does it reveal anything to you about God, our Father? Listen to the passage again, and consider the parental tone adopted by Paul, a tone borne, surely, out of love and some anguish. 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 You remember our labour and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our conduct was towards you believers. As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his children, urging and encouraging you and pleading that you should lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers. Allow the words in today’s passage to form your prayer for others in your care. You might want to speak with God the Father, as a son or daughter, as a parent or guardian. Lift up your heart. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 26 August 2025

Today is Tuesday the 26th of August, in the 21st week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing, Jésus le Christ: ‘Jesus Christ, inner light, do not let my darkness speak to me. Jesus Christ, inner light, let me welcome your love.’ Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, ne laisse pas mes ténèbres me parler. Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, donne-moi d'accueillir ton amour. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, but though we had already suffered and been shamefully maltreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us. In yesterday’s reading we heard how Paul encourages the church at Thessalonica. It’s a ‘well done so far’. In today’s passage he describes his own approach to starting up that church. He’s quite candid, stating clearly and confidently how he went about it. What do you notice? Perhaps his tenderness and gentleness towards the Thessalonians, whilst also being a straight talker, utterly convinced that he’s taken the right course of action. What do his words reveal about his character? Listen to the passage again, and notice that he came to this task having suffered and been shamefully maltreated elsewhere. So, both gentle and tenacious…. Characteristics of Jesus Himself. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, but though we had already suffered and been shamefully maltreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us. As you move to a time of prayer, you might want to bring the needs of your own church leaders to God. Let gentleness and tenderness play their part. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 25 August 2025

Today is Monday the 25th of August, in the 21st week of Ordinary Time. It is the Spirit of love who gives life. God is the source of all life, the one in whom we live and move and have our being. As I look around me now, the “Spirit of love” may not be easy to see, but, if I try, can I sense God’s presence? Can I sense God’s Holy Spirit here? It is the Spirit of love who gives life, who even at night guides my heart; I say to this Spirit of love, true joy lies in you alone. You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, at your right hand your peace forever, when we come to your life eternal. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5,8b-10 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of people we proved to be among you for your sake. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place where your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming. A number of this week’s readings come from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica. We can have insight into the relationship between Paul and the church there. In these opening words, Paul gives the Thessalonians a good report. What positives stand out for you? Perhaps their faith, their hope, their love, their welcoming attitude. Notice, crucially, Paul’s conviction that the power of God’s spirit was at work. You might be involved in a church that displays similar strengths. How do you contribute to that? Listen to the passage again. Consider the relationship between Paul and this early church. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5,8b-10 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of people we proved to be among you for your sake. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place where your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming. If Paul, or Jesus Himself, were to visit your church what might they find? Speak with the Lord about your church and your role in it. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Sunday 24 August 2025

Today is Sunday the 24th of August, beginning the 21st week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing: Venite exsultemus Domino. “Come, ring out our joy to the Lord; hail the God who saves us. Let us come before him giving thanks. With songs let us hail the Lord.” As I listen, I become aware that I am in God’s presence right now. As I come before the Lord, I give thanks for God’s goodness to me, and present myself to him, just as I am. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 13:22-30 Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, “Lord, open to us”, then in reply he will say to you, “I do not know where you come from.” Then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” But he will say, “I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!” There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.’ The Bible tells us that God wants all people to be saved, to enjoy the fulness of life with God through eternity. However, it also tells us that God respects our free will, and will allow those who want to, to turn away from God forever. Hence the question here: “Lord, will only a few be saved?” What’s your own first response to this question? You might say that Jesus dodges the question here. He doesn’t give a number, or even a percentage, of those who will be saved. He just tells those who hear him to do all they can to make sure that they reach the kingdom of God. What do you make of this answer? It isn’t enough to have eaten or drunk with Jesus, or to have heard his teaching. He might still say to someone who has done all these things “I do not know where you come from.” What might this mean, in your own situation? As you listen again, notice the positive picture of the kingdom of God at the end of the passage. You might remember the story of the king’s banquet from last week’s readings. What would it be like for you to be among the crowds gathered there? Luke 13:22-30 Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, “Lord, open to us”, then in reply he will say to you, “I do not know where you come from.” Then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” But he will say, “I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!” There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.’ What, finally, do you want to say to Jesus in the light of what you’ve seen here? What might he want to say to you? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Saturday 23 August 2025

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Each Saturday we devote a time of prayer to looking back over the week that’s passed. The prayer invites God to show us more clearly where and how God has been active in our week. We also look at how we’ve responded to what God has been doing. Start today’s prayer by asking for that clearer vision of God’s presence. So what’s the first thing that you remember as you review the week? Stay with that for a moment or two, and re-live it here and now. Now let the whole week unfold again before your mind’s eye. What are the peaks and the troughs, the lights and the shadows? Where and when have you found yourself most fully alive? What’s your sense of what God has been doing with you this week? What are the particular gifts you’ve been given, in people, or events, or encounters? And how have you responded to what God’s been doing? How do you want to respond now? Speak to God about what’s been drawn to your attention in this time of prayer. Lastly, look forward to the week ahead. Where you’ll be, and what you’ll be doing. What do you need from God in the coming days? Whatever it is, ask God for it now. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen