Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Wednesday 23 April 2025Thank you for praying with us today. We ask those who use our app to wait at the end of this prayer session for some important information, if you haven’t caught it already. But for now, have a blessed prayer time. Today is Wednesday the 23rd of April, in the 1st week of Eastertide. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘I Need Thee Every Hour’. I need Thee every hour Most gracious Lord No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford I need Thee, oh I need Thee Every hour I need Thee Oh bless me now my Saviour I come to Thee I need Thee, oh I need Thee Every hour I need Thee Oh bless me now my Saviour I come to Thee I need Thee, oh I need Thee Every hour I need Thee Oh bless me now my Saviour I come to Thee Oh I need Thee Oh I need Thee I come to Thee Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 3:1-10 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon. And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us.’ And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, ‘I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.’ And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Take a moment to enter into this scene… How do you imagine the Beautiful Gate? Now fix your eyes on the man, lame from birth… How does he appear to you? As he begs for alms, what do you think is going on in his soul? What is he really searching for? As you listen to the reading again, pay attention to the eye-contact between the man and Peter… Let this moment come to life for you… Acts 3:1-10 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon. And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us.’ And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, ‘I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.’ And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. “…they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” God did a marvellous thing for this man…As you end this time of prayer, consider the question: What are you looking for? Might God be ready to give it to you today? Speak with the Lord 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 Thank you for waiting around for this short announcement. We have been listening to our community for the last few years and are now making changes to our app. We will be simplifying your daily prayer journey and hope that these changes will allow for a better service and an even smoother time of prayer. From the 28th April, we will begin to phase in our new app experience over the coming weeks. This should happen automatically, so you don’t need to download a different app. We believe that prayer should be between you and God, therefore we have strong privacy policies in place. However, this unfortunately means that we won’t be able to carry forward any journal entries, favourited prayers or downloads into our new app, as we do not store any data, and therefore can’t migrate it. We are sorry for this and understand it will be difficult. However, we invite those who would like to save any journal entries to do so by copying and pasting the days they would like to move over to a personal digital notebook on their own device. Also, you can note down any favourite prayer days and re-favourite any of them on the new app. You can also get in touch with us through our website or by emailing feedback@pray-as-you-go.org and we can assist you. Although this is a new change, we hope that the app will bring about a fresh season and a steady home for your prayer life, and we have plenty of new content arriving for everyone too. Thank you for your support, and to everyone who has given financially towards this project. If you would like to support us in this new stage, please head over to prayasyougo.org/donate to take a look at our new website and to help grow prayer journeys for a global community. Thank you, and every blessing for Eastertide.

Tuesday 22 April 2025Today is Tuesday the 22nd of April, in the 1st week of Eastertide. The monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Wherever love is true, God is there. If there are people around you, take a moment to look at them. (If you’re alone right now, perhaps reflect back on your last moment with others… ) Look into their faces. Think of the lives they lead, when they get off this bus or this train, their work, their worries, their passions, their loves. God is present here: the God who is love. Present, living, dwelling in every one of these people, and in you. Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor. Exsultemus, et in ipso jucundemur. Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum. Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero. Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Simul ergo cum in unum congregamur: Ne nos mente dividamur, caveamus. Cessent iurgia maligna, cessent lites. Et in medio nostri sit Christus Deus. Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Simul quoque cum beatis videamus, Glorianter vultum tuum, Christe Deus: Gaudium quod est immensum, atque probum, Saecula per infinita saeculorum. Amen. Where love is true, God is there. Love of Christ has gathered us into one. Let us rejoice in Him and be glad. Let us fear, and let us love the living God. And from a sincere heart let us love one. Where love is true, God is there. At the same time, therefore, are gathered into one: Lest we be divided in mind, let us beware. Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease. And in the midst of us be Christ our God. Where love is true, God is there. At the same time we see that with the saints also, Thy face in glory, O Christ our God: The joy that is immense and good, Unto the World without end. Amen. Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 2:36-41 'Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.’ Now when [the crowd] heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’ And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. This reading comes from Peter’s long speech to his fellow-Jews on that first Pentecost, after the Resurrection. You may reflect on what he was doing, almost the last time that we saw him, and with the most terrible oaths he insisted that “I do not know the man”. Take a moment to reflect on what happened to him since… The crowds ask, “What should we do?” Does this prayer come naturally to your lips, as you listen? What is your answer? Now listen as this passage is read to you once more. Does anything really touch your heart about it? Acts 2:36-41 'Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.’ Now when [the crowd] heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’ And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. “That day about three thousand were added”. This was clearly a monumental day for the advancement of the Gospel. Perhaps this is something you would like to pray for in our current world. Or, as we close this time of prayer, what would you most like to say to God about your reflection 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 Thank you for waiting around for this short announcement. We have been listening to our community for the last few years and are now making changes to our app. We will be simplifying your daily prayer journey and hope that these changes will allow for a better service and an even smoother time of prayer. From the 28th April, we will begin to phase in our new app experience over the coming weeks. This should happen automatically, so you don’t need to download a different app. We believe that prayer should be between you and God, therefore we have strong privacy policies in place. However, this unfortunately means that we won’t be able to carry forward any journal entries, favourited prayers or downloads into our new app, as we do not store any data, and therefore can’t migrate it. We are sorry for this and understand it will be difficult. However, we invite those who would like to save any journal entries to do so by copying and pasting the days they would like to move over to a personal digital notebook on their own device. Also, you can note down any favourite prayer days and re-favourite any of them on the new app. You can also get in touch with us through our website or by emailing feedback@pray-as-you-go.org and we can assist you. Although this is a new change, we hope that the app will bring about a fresh season and a steady home for your prayer life, and we have plenty of new content arriving for everyone too. Thank you for your support, and to everyone who has given financially towards this project. If you would like to support us in this new stage, please head over to prayasyougo.org/donate to take a look at our new website and to help grow prayer journeys for a global community. Thank you, and every blessing for Eastertide.

Monday 21 April 2025A very warm welcome to the season of Eastertide. We pray that it will be joyful and refreshing for you and your prayer life! Every day this week, there will be a short announcement at the end of each prayer session. This is important information for those who use our app to listen to Pray As You Go. But for now, we’re so glad you’re here to pray, and we hope you encounter God afresh today. Today is Monday the 21st of April, in the 1st week of Eastertide. The Cape Town Camerata sings Wana Baraka: ‘Those who pray Jesus himself said so. Alleluia! They have peace, those who pray Jesus himself said so. Alleluia! They have joy, those who pray Jesus himself said so. Alleluia!’ Halleluyah, halleluyah Yesu mwenyewe alisema Wana baraka wale waombao Yesu mwenyewe alisema Halleluyah, halleluyah Yesu mwenyewe alisema Wana amani wale waombao Yesu mwenyewe alisema Halleluyah, halleluyah Yesu mwenyewe alisema Wana furaha wale waombao Yesu mwenyewe alisema Halleluyah, halleluyah Yesu mwenyewe alisema Wana uzima wale waombao Yesu mwenyewe alisema Halleluyah, halleluyah Yesu mwenyewe alisema Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 28:8-15 So [Mary Magdalene and the other Mary] left [Jesus’] tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’ While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. After the priests had assembled with the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, ‘You must say, “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.” If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story is still told among the Jews to this day. This is an extraordinary story. What is most staying with you from it? Perhaps a word or phrase…an image or a feeling? We hear that the two Marys left the tomb with “fear and great joy”. What a combination! Have you ever felt something close to this? What do you think this moment of mixed feelings would have been like? We hear that the guards “told the Chief Priests everything that had happened”. Did these guards believe in the Resurrection? Take a moment to put yourself in the place of one of the guards… What would you say to the Chief Priests if you were in their position? Now listen as the story is read once more. Is there anything that really strikes you this time? Matthew 28:8-15 So [Mary Magdalene and the other Mary] left [Jesus’] tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’ While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. After the priests had assembled with the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, ‘You must say, “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.” If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story is still told among the Jews to this day. Speak to God about your experience with this passage… What would you most like to say as this prayer time draws to a close? 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 Thank you for waiting around for this short announcement. We have been listening to our community for the last few years and are now making changes to our app. We will be simplifying your daily prayer journey and hope that these changes will allow for a better service and an even smoother time of prayer. From the 28th April, we will begin to phase in our new app experience over the coming weeks. This should happen automatically, so you don’t need to download a different app. We believe that prayer should be between you and God, therefore we have strong privacy policies in place. However, this unfortunately means that we won’t be able to carry forward any journal entries, favourited prayers or downloads into our new app, as we do not store any data, and therefore can’t migrate it. We are sorry for this and understand it will be difficult. However, we invite those who would like to save any journal entries to do so by copying and pasting the days they would like to move over to a personal digital notebook on their own device. Also, you can note down any favourite prayer days and re-favourite any of them on the new app. You can also get in touch with us through our website or by emailing feedback@pray-as-you-go.org and we can assist you. Although this is a new change, we hope that the app will bring about a fresh season and a steady home for your prayer life, and we have plenty of new content arriving for everyone too. Thank you for your support, and to everyone who has given financially towards this project. If you would like to support us in this new stage, please head over to prayasyougo.org/donate to take a look at our new website and to help grow prayer journeys for a global community. Thank you, and every blessing for Eastertide.

Sunday 20 April 2025Today is Easter Sunday, the 20th April. A very happy Easter to you! Christ is risen! As you enter into prayer on this Easter day, take a moment to slow down…slow right down and notice where you are… notice what is around you… perhaps any other people around you…or just you! In all of this, God is present. Right here, right now. God’s presence, the Risen Christ, who triumphs over sin and death, sanctifies this ordinary place and makes it holy. Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis. Sanctus. Holy Lord God of hosts. Thy glory fills all heaven and earth. Hosanna in high heaven. Blessed is he who is coming in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in high heaven. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 20:1-9 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. This week’s readings begin and end with the desire of a woman disciple to honour the death of her Lord. Mary of Bethany recognizes the sacrifice of Jesus while Mary of Magdala fails to take in what has happened after his death. This is the God of surprises at work. Has God ever surprised you in unexpected ways? Jesus is risen, but his closest friends don’t understand what this means. Do you have a sense of the resurrection at work in your life and in the world? How does that make itself known? As you listen to the reading once again, what words or mental pictures make the strongest impact on you and why? John 20:1-9 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. The road to Calvary in company with Jesus is a hard one, and we barely know how to respond to his rising again. ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ What do you want to say to Jesus, the light of 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

Saturday 19 April 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Each of this week’s readings has the impact of a hammer blow. We begin with the extravagant gift and loving touch of Mary of Bethany and Jesus’ quick defence of her in the face of Judas’ condemnation. We move on to the moment of betrayal, as Judas chooses to go out into the dark, while Peter makes promises of a loyalty he’s unable to fulfil while also being unable to face his hidden vulnerability. The moment of truth comes to all the disciples round the table of the Last Supper, as it has come to Peter. All will fail, and through the mercy of Jesus, all will come to be reconciled and to grow in faith and self-understanding. Jesus gives the great sign of service by washing his disciples’ feet, while his last gift to his disciples and to us is his Mother. What has most caught your attention in this week’s readings, and why? The conversations we hear between Jesus and his disciples are short and very much to the point. Has he said anything that touches into your own life or your sense of discipleship in a particular way? Jesus gives the sign of his body in the Eucharist and in what Pope Francis calls ‘touching the suffering flesh of Christ in others’. His body and his whole life are given for us. How does this speak into your own understanding of the Eucharist and what it asks of you in terms of service of Christ in others? From the Cross Jesus cries out his thirst. Psalm 63 says to God, ‘My body pines for You like a dry, weary land without water.’ Here God’s dying Son expresses his physical need and God’s thirst for our response to his grace and mercy. As you think about all that Jesus gives to us in the name of his Father as his Passion unfolds, what do you find yourself wanting to say? Perhaps it is sorrow and repentance for sin, perhaps a prayer for help in your struggles or for God’s healing of the wounds you carry, or those of our broken world. Perhaps it is a reaching out to Jesus in love and a desire to serve. Whatever your thoughts and feelings right now, take time to speak, to ask or simply to ‘look at the one whom [we] have pierced’. We adore you O Christ and we bless you For by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world. Amen

Friday 18 April 2025Today is Good Friday, the 18th of April. Ex Cathedra, directed by Jeffrey Skidmore, sing Versa est in luctum by Alonso Lobo. Versa est in luctum: My harp is tuned for sorrow. ‘Tuning your harp for sorrow’ is a conscious, deliberate preparation for sadness to come. As we begin to recall the suffering and death of Christ on this Good Friday, how can you prepare yourself for this sorrow? Allow the music to guide you… Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 19:16-30 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’ Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, ‘Do not write, “The King of the Jews”, but, “This man said, I am King of the Jews.” ’Pilate answered, ‘What I have written I have written.’ When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.’ This was to fulfil what the scripture says, ‘They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.’ And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. There is no more poignant moment in the Gospels than when Jesus places his mother and the beloved disciple into each other’s care before he dies. What do you imagine was in the heart and mind of either of them as they stood and waited for his final moment? For centuries Christians have meditated on the words of Jesus from the Cross. ‘I thirst’; ‘It is finished’. How do these words resonate within you and touch into your understanding of him undergoing the Passion for you and for the world? Listen once more as the reading is repeated. Are there words or visual images that stay with you? What do you find yourself wanting to ask of Jesus or say to him, to his mother or others at this scene as you witness it? Speak from your heart. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. In the Spiritual Exercises Ignatius tells us to ‘ask for what we want’ whenever we pray. We are not giving God a news bulletin here but bringing to our own consciousness the grace we feel we most need at this moment. What do you find yourself asking for right now? We adore you O Christ and we bless you For by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world. Amen

Thursday 17 April 2025Today is Holy Thursday, the 17th of April. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus’. O the deep, deep love of Jesus Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free Rolling as a mighty ocean In its fullness over me Underneath me, all around me Is the current of thy love Leading onward, leading homeward To thy glorious rest above O the deep, deep love of Jesus Spread his praise from shore to shore How he loves us, ever loves us Changes never, nevermore How he watches o'er his loved ones Died to call them all his own How for them he's interceding Watching o'er them from the throne O the deep, deep love of Jesus 'Tis a heav'n of heav'ns to me And it lifts me up to glory For it lifts me up to thee Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 13:1-15 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’ Jesus said to him, ‘One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.’ For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, ‘Not all of you are clean.’ After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.' Jesus washes his disciples’ feet, a menial task of intimate service, even though he knows the shallowness of their commitment to him. Take time to imagine him touching you in this way. What are your thoughts and feelings? This is John’s version of the Eucharist. We treasure the words ‘do this in memory of me’ in that context, but less so with reference to humble service of others. Perhaps this service is just as sacred… What are your thoughts as you hear him say this? Listening to the reading again, what do you notice especially? What is Jesus saying or doing that stays with you at this moment? John 13:1-15 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’ Jesus said to him, ‘One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.’ For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, ‘Not all of you are clean.’ After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.' How do you respond to Peter’s reaction to Jesus washing his feet and Jesus’ answer? Take time to extend this conversation, as if you yourself were in this scene. We adore you O Christ and we bless you For by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world. Amen

Wednesday 16 April 2025Today is Wednesday of Holy Week, the 16th of April. The University of Johannesburg Choir sing the Kyrie: 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 Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 26:14-25 Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I betray him to you?’ They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him. On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?’ He said, ‘Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, “The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.” ’ So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, ‘Surely not I, Lord?’ He answered, ‘The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.’ Judas, who betrayed him, said, ‘Surely not I, Rabbi?’ He replied, ‘You have said so.’ This is one of the most terrible moments in the Passion narrative. We can’t begin to fathom Judas’ motives here. What is your reaction in the face of such a betrayal? How does it speak to your own experience? The other disciples are sorrowful. Is that for themselves? For Jesus? For the betrayer? What are your thoughts about failure and forgiveness at this moment? It’s hard to hear this reading again, but as you listen, be attentive to what God is saying to you within it. How does God see this scene? Matthew 26:14-25 Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I betray him to you?’ They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him. On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?’ He said, ‘Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, “The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.” ’ So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, ‘Surely not I, Lord?’ He answered, ‘The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.’ Judas, who betrayed him, said, ‘Surely not I, Rabbi?’ He replied, ‘You have said so.’ The disciples question Jesus in a way that shows that each one knew he was capable of falling. How do you want to speak to Jesus at this moment? Whether your words are of comfort or of question, take time to express what is in your heart. We adore you O Christ and we bless you For by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world. Amen

Tuesday 15 April 2025Today is Tuesday of Holy Week, the 15th of April. 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. Ps. Deus misereatur nostri, et benedicat nobis: Illuminet vultum suum super nos, Et misereatur nostri. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 13:21-33, 36-38 After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, ‘Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, ‘Lord, who is it?’ Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.’ So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, ‘Do quickly what you are going to do.’ Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, ‘Buy what we need for the festival’; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus answered, ‘Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterwards.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ Jesus answered, ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times. This scene is one of the most intense moments in the relationship between Jesus and Peter. Peter has an intimate moment with Jesus, only to have his future denial revealed to him. How does it feel for him to face such contrasts in his life? How does it feel for you to acknowledge similar contrasts? This has already happened at Caesarea Philippi, when Peter acknowledged Jesus as the Christ, only to reject immediately afterwards the thought of him suffering. Coming face to face with the implications of the Passion is a challenge. How does it feel to you? Listening again to the reading, what strikes you in what Jesus and Peter say to one another? Let the words resonate in your heart. John 13:21-33, 36-38 After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, ‘Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, ‘Lord, who is it?’ Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.’ So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, ‘Do quickly what you are going to do.’ Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, ‘Buy what we need for the festival’; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus answered, ‘Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterwards.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ Jesus answered, ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times. As with the rich young man, Jesus looks at Peter and loves him, despite his betrayal of their friendship. As you think of how this relates to you, speak to Jesus ‘as one friend to another’. We adore you O Christ and we bless you For by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world. Amen

Monday 14 April 2025Today is Monday of Holy Week, the 14th of April. Steffany Gretzinger sings ‘I Love You Lord’. As we begin walking deeper into Holy Week, perhaps there is a gentle gesture you would like to make to mark this journey towards Jerusalem… How are you walking into this week with Jesus? Perhaps there is an image you can pray with… I love You, Lord And I lift my voice To worship You Oh, my soul rejoice Take joy, my King In what You hear May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear I love You, Lord And I lift my voice To worship You Oh, my soul rejoice Take joy, my King In what You hear May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 12:1-11 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’ When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus. Woody-scented spikenard was hugely expensive, widely used in burial rituals across the East, but also referenced in the Song of Songs as representing love. As Mary lavishes the precious ointment on Jesus there are Eucharistic connotations: this is his body, given for us. What stands out to you in this moment? What do you notice? The interruption by Judas strikes a sour note, as do the undertones of threat to Jesus and Lazarus from the chief priests. Jesus defends Mary’s extravagance. He tells us that we will not always have him with us. How do those words strike you? How do we experience him as God-with-us away from his physical presence? As we listen again to the reading, try to use your senses to imagine the scene, so full of scent and touch. Do you simply watch, or do you want to make a gesture of love and devotion to Jesus? John 12:1-11 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’ When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus. Earlier in the Gospel we have seen Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening intently. We have also seen her reproach him for not coming to her help when she needed him. How do you want to speak to him at this time? We adore you O Christ and we bless you For by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world. Amen