Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Wednesday 15 October 2025Today is Wednesday the 15th of October, the feast of Saint Teresa of Jesus, in the 28th week of Ordinary Time. CalledOut Music sings, ‘Thank You Lord’. Can you join in with this joyful thanksgiving today? What shall I say? Unto the Lord All I have to say Is thank you Lord What shall I say? Unto my father Cause All I have to say Is thank you Lord Thank you Lord See all I have to say Is thank you Lord For the breath in my lungs (I thank you Lord) For the strength in my body (I thank you Lord) You're a wonderful father to me (I thank you Lord) From the depths of my heart, all I have to say (I thank you Lord) Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Romans 2:1-11 Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgement on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things. You say, ‘We know that God’s judgement on those who do such things is in accordance with truth.’ Do you imagine, whoever you are, that when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgement of God? Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realise that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But by your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgement will be revealed. For he will repay according to each one’s deeds: to those who by patiently doing good seek for glory and honour and immortality, he will give eternal life; while for those who are self-seeking and who obey not the truth but wickedness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be anguish and distress for everyone who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honour and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. Sobering words from St Paul today. But are they not also freeing? ‘Whoever you are!’ That’s all of us. When it comes to the judgement of God, not one of us is any better than the other. Notice your reaction. ‘God’s kindness is meant to lead (us) to repentance’. In the light of these words, how do you feel? Can you sit with God in His kindness? Stay with that thought for a while. As you hear the passage again, you might like to recall the famous scene where Jesus writes in the sand and says to a woman, utterly humiliated by those publicly judging her, ‘I do not condemn you’. Romans 2:1-11 Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgement on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things. You say, ‘We know that God’s judgement on those who do such things is in accordance with truth.’ Do you imagine, whoever you are, that when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgement of God? Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realise that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But by your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgement will be revealed. For he will repay according to each one’s deeds: to those who by patiently doing good seek for glory and honour and immortality, he will give eternal life; while for those who are self-seeking and who obey not the truth but wickedness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be anguish and distress for everyone who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honour and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. You might like to have a conversation in the presence of God’s loving kindness. You might begin to touch on the whole topic of judgment. Don’t be afraid of letting it be brought to light. Allow your conversation to develop. Become aware of ‘the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience’. 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 14 October 2025Today is Tuesday the 14th of October, in the 28th week of Ordinary Time. 'Come, my way, my truth, my life.' As I enter this time of prayer today, I begin by inviting the Lord into my life. I acknowledge my need for God to show me the way, to teach me the truth, to give me life. Come, my way, my truth, my life; Such a way as gives us breath. Such a truth as ends all strife: Such a life as killeth death. Come, my light, my feast, my strength; Such a light as shows a feast. Such a feast as mends in length, Such a strength as makes his guest. Come, my joy, my love, my heart; Such a joy as none can move. Such a love as none can part, Such a heart as joys in love. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 11:37-41 While [Jesus] was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine with him; so he went in and took his place at the table. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not first wash before dinner. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? So give for alms those things that are within; and see, everything will be clean for you. Invitation... What’s in an invitation? Kindness, hospitality, interest in the other? What else? What’s in an invited guest’s response? Curiosity, pleasure at being included? What else? Be involved in today’s scene. Sit at the table, or perhaps serve the food, hear the conversation. Let all the activity suddenly cease as Jesus makes his incisive observation. Jesus talks about the inner life. How do you recognise your own motives? Perhaps you make a regular check. Perhaps you invite God to examine it with you. Perhaps a wise companion helps you. Listen to the passage again. Our all-seeing, all-knowing, ever-present, compassionate God. Sit with God for a moment. Perhaps even at a table in your imagination. Luke 11:37-41 While [Jesus] was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine with him; so he went in and took his place at the table. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not first wash before dinner. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? So give for alms those things that are within; and see, everything will be clean for you. Allow Jesus to join you and offer you an invitation. Talk with him, as one friend to another, about this invitation made freely to all. 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 13 October 2025Today is Monday the 13th of October, the feast of Saint Edward the Confessor, in the 28th week of Ordinary Time. Liz Vice and Dee Wilson with Good Shepherd Collective sing, ‘All Shall Be Well’. Thank you for the sun Thank you for the moon Thank you for the stars above And the darkness too Bless you for your peace Bless you for your grace Bless you for your perfect love And your perfect ways And all shall be well All shall be well All manner of things shall be well Oh, use me as you will Remove my selfish pride Create in me a servant heart To bless your holy bride And when my work is done And the seeds are sown Please receive my spirit, Lord Welcome me home And all shall be well All shall be well All manner of things shall be well Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 11:29-32 When the crowds were increasing, [Jesus] began to say, ‘This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. The queen of the South will rise at the judgement with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here! The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgement with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here! How do you hear these words of Jesus today? You might have questions. The passage might prompt you to find out more about the references to the characters and places. But what pictures are painted in your imagination? Perhaps an imposing old master’s work that sweeps across history yet is full of intricate detail. Stand in front of the painting and let your eyes roam, and then home in on the detail. Take in the crowds, look carefully amongst the people, find the characters named in the passage. Notice what each is doing, their facial expressions. Feel the connection across the generations to the present day. The whole of humanity. ‘Something greater … is here’: Jesus. Listen to the passage again and place yourself in the scene. Who are you? Recognise yourself. And then find that ‘something greater’. How do you recognise Him? Luke 11:29-32 When the crowds were increasing, [Jesus] began to say, ‘This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. The queen of the South will rise at the judgement with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here! The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgement with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here! Allow yourself to speak with this ‘something greater’. Take your time. You might want to return to the scene at different points throughout the day, as you mingle with the whole of humanity, noticing how you are part of it, and remembering that ‘something greater … is here’. 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 12 October 2025Today is Sunday the 12th of October, beginning the 28th week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings 'Doxology'. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow Praise Him, all creatures here below Praise Him above, ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Amen Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 17:11-19 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’ Today’s reading recalls another dusty road and another encounter with a Samaritan. Though this time it is Jesus himself who reaches out with compassion. Jesus and his friends are near the border between Samaria and Galilee. The dusty road stretches ahead and, in the distance, a group of ten figures shout to Him from afar, dutifully keeping their distance. Can you hear the desperation in their voices? “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Jesus tells them to go show themselves to the priests, and as they go, they are healed. Only one—a Samaritan—returns to thank Jesus. Jesus wonders aloud: “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” Then he tells the grateful man, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Where do you place yourself in this scene? Are you among the ten, with the disciples or simply a bystander? The Sabbath is a day of restoration. These lepers know no rest — cut off from homes, worship, and community. When Jesus heals them, he restores more than just bodies. He invites them into the wholeness of what the Sabbath is: peace, inclusion, and dignity. Is there space in your life where you are longing for rest or inclusion? Only one returns. The healed man knows that a deeper healing has taken place and responds with heartfelt thanks. Like the Samaritan, are you being called to return and give thanks for something today? Jesus says, “Your faith has saved you”—saved, not just healed. There's a deeper wholeness that comes with faith and gratitude. Sabbath reminds us that life itself is holy. As you listen to the passage again, reflect on how might Sabbath rest deepen your faith and sense of being made whole? Luke 17:11-19 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’ "Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” In the stillness of this Sabbath, take time to share with the Lord your need of restoration. Rest in God’s presence and give thanks. 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 11 October 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Begin by placing yourself in God’s presence. This week, we have learned of the silent presence of God, the need to trust, the confidence to call out. Give thanks for a God who leans towards us, who offers relationship, reconciliation and healing. Even in hard moments, there is grace. What small moments this week brought beauty, kindness, or grace? Where did you feel loved or supported, even in struggle? Look at the moments this week that were hard: where there was fear, doubt, or anxiety? Speak to God honestly about these times. Were you tempted to rely only on yourself or act out of fear rather than trust in the Lord? Invite the Holy Spirit to show you this gently, without shame. Place into God’s hands all that you want to entrust to God today. Ask God for the grace to walk in faith. Pray for a heart anchored in His love. 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 10 October 2025Today 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 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