Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Sunday 10 August 2025Today is Sunday the 10th of August, beginning the 19th week of Ordinary Time. Eliza King sings, ‘Christ Abides’. 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 the Letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-12 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, ‘as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.’ The Letter to the Hebrews is deeply theological, so it is sometimes not easy to understand. Don’t worry too much about that, and just ask God: “what do you want me to learn from this passage?” Here the author is thinking about faith, and what it means. We hear the words: “faith is the assurance of things hoped for”. What does this mean to you? “He set out, not knowing where he was going”. Has God ever asked this of you? If so, was it a disaster or a joy? Now listen as the passage is read for you again. This time, what really stood out for you? Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-12 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, ‘as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.’ Finally, look back over the last few minutes, and just see if there is anything that strikes you about it. Could you perhaps turn all that into a prayer to God? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Saturday 9 August 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Take a moment to become still and alert, in the presence of God. As you look back over your week of prayer, what really stands out for you? Did you at all feel the presence of God in your prayer this week? Was there one particular scripture passage or verse that really spoke to you this week? What do you think it is saying to you now? Was there a point when you really experienced a lightness of heart, and felt that God was there? Was there a moment when you had no sense at all of the presence of God? Why do you think that might have been? What do you think God is saying to you today in your prayer? How are you going to respond? 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 8 August 2025Today is Friday the 8th of August, the feast of Saint Dominic, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life. The most important thing for me to do now, as I enter into prayer, is to let go for a moment, to let go of my own concerns, my own worries and fears and reluctance, and let myself be led by God, trusting that God, who loves me, will lead me into life. Today’s reading is from the Book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 4:32-40 For ask now about former ages, long before your own, ever since the day that God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of heaven to the other: has anything so great as this ever happened or has its like ever been heard of? Has any people ever heard the voice of a god speaking out of a fire, as you have heard, and lived? Or has any god ever attempted to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by terrifying displays of power, as the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? To you it was shown so that you would acknowledge that the Lord is God; there is no other besides him. From heaven he made you hear his voice to discipline you. On earth he showed you his great fire, while you heard his words coming out of the fire. And because he loved your ancestors, he chose their descendants after them. He brought you out of Egypt with his own presence, by his great power, driving out before you nations greater and mightier than yourselves, to bring you in, giving you their land for a possession, as it is still today. So acknowledge today and take to heart that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. Keep his statutes and his commandments, which I am commanding you today for your own well-being and that of your descendants after you, so that you may long remain in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for all time. In this passage, Moses is telling the people of God what is going to be expected of them when they cross over the River Jordan into the Promised Land. The first thing he suggests is that they “count their blessings”. Is this something you make a practice of? What has God done for them, all this time? What has God done for you? “The Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.” How might we act in order to show that this is what we believe? Now listen as the passage is read for you again. What really leaps off the page at you? What is the Lord telling you today? Deuteronomy 4:32-40 For ask now about former ages, long before your own, ever since the day that God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of heaven to the other: has anything so great as this ever happened or has its like ever been heard of? Has any people ever heard the voice of a god speaking out of a fire, as you have heard, and lived? Or has any god ever attempted to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by terrifying displays of power, as the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? To you it was shown so that you would acknowledge that the Lord is God; there is no other besides him. From heaven he made you hear his voice to discipline you. On earth he showed you his great fire, while you heard his words coming out of the fire. And because he loved your ancestors, he chose their descendants after them. He brought you out of Egypt with his own presence, by his great power, driving out before you nations greater and mightier than yourselves, to bring you in, giving you their land for a possession, as it is still today. So acknowledge today and take to heart that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. Keep his statutes and his commandments, which I am commanding you today for your own well-being and that of your descendants after you, so that you may long remain in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for all time. Speak with God about anything lingering with you as this prayer comes to a close... perhaps returning to that question: What has God done for you? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 7 August 2025Today is Thursday the 7th of August, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time. Juliano Ravanello sings ‘Santo é o Senhor Nosso Deus’: Holy is the Lord our God. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 16:13-20 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’ Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. In today’s passage, Jesus is asking his disciples how his mission is going, and they come up with various possible answers: like “John the Baptist”, or “Elijah” or “like Jeremiah, or one of the prophets”. What do think is going on here, in Jesus? In the disciples? In Peter? Simon Peter has apparently got it right: what has he seen? Is that what you see in Jesus? As you listen to the passage again, really hear Jesus’ words and notice if anything stands out to you... Matthew 16:13-20 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’ Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. As this time of prayer comes to an end, spend time with Jesus...hear him ask you the question: ‘But who do you say that I am?’ How will you reply? 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 6 August 2025Today is Wednesday the 6th of August, the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Assumpsit Jesus: ‘Jesus took Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, and he was transfigured in front of them.’ (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 9:28b-36 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. Today we celebrate the feast of the Transfiguration, which is the name we give to the event of Jesus’ changed appearance up there on the mountain. Place yourself in this extraordinary scene... Jesus and Moses and Elijah were "talking about his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem”. What do their voices sound like as they speak to one another? How is it to hear them talking about Jesus’ departure? Peter wants to build “three tents”. What do you think prompts him to offer this? Do you think it’s a good idea? As you listen to the passage again, notice what “the cloud” is telling them... what is it saying to you today? Luke 9:28b-36 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. Finally, look back over the last few minutes of prayer and speak to God about what is staying with you most... 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 5 August 2025Today is Tuesday the 5th of August, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time. The St Thomas Music Group sing the Prayer of St Theresa by Margaret Rizza. 'Let nothing disturb you, nothing distress you. While all things fade away, God is unchanging. Be patient, for with God in your heart, nothing is lacking. God is enough.' Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 14:22-36 Immediately [Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Imagine being one of the disciples now, battered by the waves in the boat... Imagine the moment you see something on the water... what makes you all think it is a ghost? Watch as Peter gets out of the boat...What is going on in Peter’s mind, do you think? How do you feel about him getting out to walk towards Jesus? Especially after thinking he was a ghost just a moment ago...! The passage will now be read once more for you. As you listen, continue to place yourself there... notice if anything new catches your attention... Matthew 14:22-36 Immediately [Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Finally, can you look back over the last few minutes, and bring together all the thoughts and feelings that arose in your heart? Can you turn them into a prayer to God? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 4 August 2025Today is Monday the 4th of August, the feast of Saint John Vianney, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time. Luke Parker sings, ‘In Quietness’. How will you meet with the Lord today? When I am down and on my knees You are enough, you're all I need It's here you meet me, so I'll stay In the stillness of your embrace When I am down and on my knees With all that I am surrendering And in this moment face to face In your presence, Lord, I will wait In quietness I wait for you to speak My spirit thirsty, Lord, longing for you And I'll wait, Lord, for more of you My soul thirsts, Lord, for more of you You break the silence Your voice it inspires And I am in awe of your love You bring a newness of life in its fullness Revealing the plans of your heart In quietness I wait for you to speak My spirit thirsty, Lord, longing for you And I'll wait, Lord, for more of you My soul thirsts, Lord, for more of you When I am down and on my knees In this moment, Lord, I will wait Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 14:13-21 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.’ Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ They replied, ‘We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.’ And he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. This story starts with Jesus hearing of the execution of John the Baptist; and we notice that his response is not to challenge Herod, but to seek solitude, perhaps to reflect on what he should do next; but the crowds will not allow him any peace and quiet. The disciples are trying to persuade Jesus to “get rid of them”. Yet we hear that Jesus had compassion on the crowds. Be with Jesus in this moment... what might he want to tell you about His compassion? Jesus “blessed and broke the bread”. What might we remember as we hear these words? Maybe the Last Supper? Or the Road to Emmaus... Stay with Jesus and perhaps speak with Him about what is to come... Now listen as the passage is read once more. Does anything catch your attention? Matthew 14:13-21 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.’ Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ They replied, ‘We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.’ And he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Finally, try to remember all the emotions and feelings that this passage has aroused in you. Do you think that you can turn them into a prayer to God? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Sunday 3 August 2025Today is Sunday the 3rd of August, beginning the 18th week of Ordinary Time. David Thomas with the Taverner Players, sings Ich Habe Genug from Bach’s Cantata number 82, echoing the words of Simeon: ‘I have enough. I have taken the Saviour, the hope of the Gentiles, into my arms.’ Often when we pray, we ask God for this and for that. And fair enough, we have needs and it is right to bring them before God. But there is something rather beautiful – there is something very beautiful – about this prayer, which just says, ‘I have you, Lord. I have enough.’ Ich habe genug, Ich habe den Heiland, das Hoffen der Frommen, Auf meine begierigen Arme genommen. Ich habe genug. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 12:13-21 Someone in the crowd said to [Jesus], ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.’ But he said to him, ‘Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?’ And he said to them, ‘Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.’ Then he told them a parable: ‘The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, “What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?” Then he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God.’ Today we hear one of Jesus’ many warnings against relying on wealth, possessions or status for our wellbeing and security. Thinking of your own attitude in this regard, how do you feel you need to respond to his warning? How do you think one becomes ‘rich in the sight of God’? Does that describe how you are, or how you want to be? Or are there anxieties or other feelings within you that push against the words of Jesus here? As you listen once more to Jesus speaking about our relationship to money and possessions, what thoughts, anxieties or desires come to your mind? Take time to allow them to surface as honestly as you can. Luke 12:13-21 Someone in the crowd said to [Jesus], ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.’ But he said to him, ‘Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?’ And he said to them, ‘Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.’ Then he told them a parable: ‘The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, “What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?” Then he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God.’ People turn to many things other than God for their security. Where does your security, or your need of it lie? Take time to talk to Jesus about how you feel in response to his parable. 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 2 August 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. During this week we have listened to the parables that Jesus tells his disciples. We’re told that he used parable to reveal God’s mysteries, but the parables are a mystery in themselves. In Matthew’s Gospel Jesus thanks his Father from hiding the mysteries of the Kingdom from the learned and the clever and revealing them to those with simple and child-like faith. Yet many people desire to have faith but struggle to believe. What gifts of faith are you aware of in your life for which you wish to give thanks? Even those closest to Jesus had their faith challenged by him. We see this with Mary, Martha and Lazarus, with his mother and closest disciples. He asks them to witness death and yet still believe that he is the resurrection. Are you aware of anything that Jesus has brought to life or brought back from death within you? In the parable of the dragnet Jesus talks of fishers sorting out what has been caught in their net, keeping what is good and throwing out what serves no purpose. He uses this image to illustrate the final judgement. Are you aware of anything in your life that serves no purpose and needs to be let go? Spend some time allowing for anything to come to the surface, or ask Jesus to shed light on this for you and help you to discern what to do. The people of Nazareth thought they knew all about Jesus but could not make the leap of faith in him, in his words or in his saving power. Is there anything that makes it hard for you to believe in his power to bring healing and salvation to your life? What grace do you feel you stand in need of at this time? Take time to share with Jesus whatever 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

Friday 1 August 2025Today is Friday the 1st of August, the feast of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, in the 17th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Keur Moussa sing: ‘Lord Jesus, we await your coming in faith, more sure of seeing your day than a watchman awaiting the dawn.’ (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 13:54-58 [Jesus] came to his home town and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?’ And they took offence at him. But Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour except in their own country and in their own house.’ And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief. Jesus goes home, where they are not impressed by this local boy turned rabbi. Neither his preaching nor his healing power can overcome their prejudice against him. Imagine yourself in the synagogue of Nazareth – how do you see yourself reacting to Jesus? Matthew tells us that Jesus did not work many miracles in Nazareth because of their lack of faith. Often in moments of healing or forgiveness in the Gospels, Jesus says to someone, ‘Your faith has saved you’. How would you feel if he said this to you? Listening again to this challenging reading, notice what words strike you and how you respond to them. Matthew 13:54-58 [Jesus] came to his home town and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?’ And they took offence at him. But Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour except in their own country and in their own house.’ And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief. Is there anything that makes it difficult or challenging for you to accept the power of Jesus in your life? Or do you feel able to make an act of faith in him? Take time to tell him 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