Friday 27 September 2024

Today is Friday the 27th of September, the feast of Saint Vincent de Paul, in the 25th week of Ordinary Time. IAMSON sings, ‘Slow Down’. As you listen, can you slow down in this moment and focus your attention on Jesus? Slow down, where are you going What's so important that can't wait Tell me what are you seeking What is it thats keeping you from Bringing me your questions All that you carry, all that you bury underneath Just slow down, just slow down And meet with me Rest now, be in the present Here in the blessings of today Listen just for a moment I am the only one with Words to calm your worries Focus your mind on me, I am the way to perfect peace Just slow down, just slow down And meet with me 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.’ This is a private moment for Jesus and his disciples. Picture the scene as one of the disciples who sits with him in prayer…now hear him asking the question, “Who do the crowds say I am? Take a moment to look around you wherever you are right now, and imagine asking your neighbours, fellow travellers or friends, “Who do you think Jesus is?” What might their replies be? Now, imagine that Jesus turns to you, asking, “Who do you say that I am?” What do you reply? As you listen to the reading again, listen to Jesus’ closing words, as if you receive them with his disciples. “The Son of man will suffer…will be rejected…will be killed…and raised.” Perhaps this sentence was too much for the disciples to bear. Spend a while with the Lord, sharing your own response with him, as you’ve listened to his words 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.