Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Thursday 9 October 2025Today 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 2025Today 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 2025Today 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 2025Today 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 2025Today 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 2025Welcome 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 2025Today 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 2025Today 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 2025Today 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 2025Today 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