Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Thursday 31 July 2025Today is Thursday the 31st of July, the feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, in the 17th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Wherever love is true, God is there. 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 Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 13:47-53 ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’ When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place. Once again, we hear Jesus speaking in parables, using language familiar to an audience that included people who fished for a living. His parable is about judgement. We may feel uncomfortable thinking about being judged, but this parable is both challenge and invitation to us to take stock of our lives and our choices. Today is the feast of St. Ignatius. In his Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius asks us to consider what we would wish to have done with our lives if we knew that today was the last day of our life. How would you answer that question? Peter the fisherman’s initial response to Jesus was an admission of his sins. Yet Jesus called and chose him repeatedly, despite every one of Peter’s weaknesses. As we hear the parable again, is there any admission you wish to make, or any invitation that you can hear Jesus make to you? Matthew 13:47-53 ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’ When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place. Jesus speaks of his disciples bringing out from their storeroom new things as well as old. How does this refer to you? Take time to speak to God about your reflections on this 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

Wednesday 30 July 2025Today is Wednesday the 30th of July, in the 17th week of Ordinary Time. Steffany Gretzinger sings, ‘Show Me Your Face’. Moses stood on a mountain Waiting for You to pass by You put Your hand over his face So in Your Presence, he wouldn't die And all of Israel saw the glory And it shines down through the age Now You've called me To boldly seek Your Face Show me Your face, Lord Show me Your face And then gird up my legs That I might stand in this holy place Show me Your face, Lord Your power and Your grace Your power and grace I would make it to the end If I can just see Your face David knew there was something more Than the ark of Your presence In a manger Messiah was born Among kings and peasants And all of Israel saw the glory And it shines down through the age Now You've called us To boldly seek Your face Show me Your face, Lord Show me Your face And then gird up my legs That I might stand in this holy place Show me Your face, Lord Your power and Your grace Your power and grace I will make it to the end If I can just see Your face I know I will make it to the end If I can just see Your face Today’s reading is from the Book of Exodus. Exodus 34:29-35 Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterwards all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him. God and Moses are described in Exodus chapter 33 as speaking ‘face to face’, as friends speak to one another. Yet earlier God tells Moses that no one can see God’s face and survive. This describes both God’s presence and seeming absence. How have you found trying to live in relationship with God? Moses has to wear a veil to hide the radiance of his face after meeting God in person. Is there any sense in which God seems ‘veiled’ to you and to the world in general? Why do you think this is? As we listen to the words of the reading again, what do you sense God wanting to say to you in particular through the words and images? Take some time to become attentive to God’s presence here and now. Exodus 34:29-35 Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterwards all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him. Where have your thoughts and imagination taken you in response to today’s reading? Take some time now to speak from your heart to God, expressing whatever thoughts and feelings arise at this time. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 29 July 2025Today is Tuesday the 29th of July, the feast of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus, in the 17th week of Ordinary Time. The University of Johannesburg Choir sing the Kyrie: Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy. Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 11:19-27 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother [Lazarus]. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’ Martha has suffered the terrible pain of losing a beloved family member. Her pain is compounded by a question many of us ask when devastated by loss: why was God not there when I was in need? Is this question one that you have asked or have witnessed in others? Can you enter into the feelings behind that question? Jesus doesn’t offer easy comfort. He challenges Martha to faith even in the face of death. How do you feel on hearing his words? He proclaims himself to be the resurrection and gives living proof of this after his own death. How do you experience Jesus as the resurrection in your day-to-day life? Now we hear the readings repeated. Notice what thoughts and feelings strike you and why. Jesus asks Martha to respond to him in faith. How do you find yourself responding to this scene? John 11:19-27 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother [Lazarus]. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’ This encounter between Jesus and Martha is full of challenge and honesty. Jesus invites us through this scene to speak from the heart and to listen with open ears. Take time now to do this. 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 28 July 2025Today is Monday the 28th of July, in the 17th week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra sings, ‘The Kingdom of Jesus’. As you listen, notice how you imagine the Kingdom of Jesus...does an image from this song help you? To what shall we compare the Kingdom of Jesus if not a seed? It's small, it's sown, it's tended and grown and it's stirred in you and me Its branches never break and its fruit never withers His Kingdom is not of this world or of any Kingdom whose ruler's face is on a penny He comes to make all things bright and put a new wine in us He's chosen the small things to outlast the great The meek and the merciful to shine through the hate Though it seems some days that Hell and its gates are prevailing Oh, say can you see the kingdom within us Is the Kingdom of Jesus? To what shall we compare the spirit of the hour if not a sword? It frees us, unites us, enslaves and divides us and violence, help us Lord His Kingdom is not of this world or of any Kingdom whose ruler's face is on a penny He comes to make all things bright and put a new wine in us He's chosen the small things to outlast the great The meek and the merciful to shine through the hate Though it seems some days that Hell and its gates are prevailing Oh say can't you see we have one allegiance? It's to the Kingdom of Jesus He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world He who is in us is greater and He's overcome the world Oh His Kingdom is not one of slander or rage But one that is ruled by the Lamb who was slain And is worthy of wisdom and honour and glory and strength No pain, no division, no public disgrace Will compare with seeing the smile on His face As He welcomes the poor as children with places at the table Not a death, nor threat, nor power can ever separate us From the love of God forever in Christ Jesus Everything shall pass away but not the Word that's within us It's the Kingdom of Jesus Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 13:31-35 [Jesus] put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’ He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’ Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.’ Matthew suggests that Jesus used parables so as to reveal hidden mysteries, yet we are left to make up our own minds about their meaning. How do the images of the mustard seed and the yeast in the flour help you to understand the kingdom of Heaven? Give time for your imagination to find an answer. The parable of the mustard seed is about the smallest of all seeds growing to the size of a tree. What do you see as small and insignificant in your life, or in the world that, with enough faith, hope and love, could grow into something that sustains and shelters others? Without yeast, bread can’t rise and become nourishing. What grace do you need to become bread for others? As the reading is repeated, notice how the images in the parables take hold of your imagination and speak to you. Matthew 13:31-35 [Jesus] put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’ He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’ Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.’ If you were one of the crowd listening to Jesus and his parables, how would you respond to what you heard? Would there be questions you would want to ask? Take a few minutes to speak to Jesus from 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

Sunday 27 July 2025Today is Sunday the 27th of July, beginning the 17th week of Ordinary Time. Eliza King sings, ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. God my Holy Father, first your name I seek Trusting like a child, You will meet my need Let Your kingdom come as Your will is done in me Usher into earth all that heaven longs to see What I’m needing daily, You hold in your hands Here I find forgiveness, and grace to forgive Let Your kingdom come as Your will is done in me Usher into earth all that heaven longs to see Keep me from the one who would lead my heart astray Every time I call, Father You deliver me Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory Now and forever, Amen Let Your kingdom come as Your will is done in me Usher into earth all that heaven longs to see Keep me from the one who would lead my heart astray Every time I call, Father You deliver me Today's reading is from the Gospel of Luke. (Luke 11:1-13) In today’s Gospel, Jesus is teaching about prayer. Let’s take this scripture a little at a time... He 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.’ We see Jesus making time for prayer. The disciples saw how important this was to him and asked him to help them make a beginning. He said to them, ‘When you pray, say:  We now have the presentation of the Our Father. After each line, let it echo in your mind and heart; let it drop down to a deeper place: 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.’  . . . Jesus goes on, with an amusing encouragement to perseverance in prayer: And he 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.  Does this teaching of Jesus invite us to wear God down with the weight of our praying, as if that is what God wants from us? Can we change God’s mind with holy nagging? What is Jesus really saying here? . . . He goes on: ‘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!’   Are there requests we can make that we know God already wants to fulfil? It seems there are. Whenever we pray for the Holy Spirit's gifts and fruits – such a prayer is in accord with God’s will. But why ask for wisdom, for courage, for joy, for peace, if God already knows our need for these? Sometimes our asking opens us up to receive what God wants to give. We acquiesce in the dance of grace. We open our hand to receive the gift. ‘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.’ So then, child of God that you are, beloved disciple of Jesus, tell the Holy Spirit your requests. . . 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 26 July 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Take a few moments today to see the past week with the Lord’s guidance. Prepare yourself for prayer by focussing on your breath…take a few deep breath... Notice how the change in breath brings stillness and an awareness of God’s presence. We might begin by asking for the wisdom that also weaves throughout the scripture for this week. Cast your mind back over the week… where have you experienced this need of the Lord, a call to witness, a generosity of Spirit? Is there a particular moment God is drawing you to remember? Notice what rises to the surface naturally… allow the moment to reveal itself … Do you notice any challenges, lack of understanding or frustration? Allow these moments to be witnessed… Where, in the prayer journey of the week, have you found an opening of the heart? Where have you been challenged? Has there been something calling you to action this week? Again, notice what arises naturally… Look forward to the days to come, with a prayer of thanksgiving, asking for God's grace and guidance to carry the insights gained into each day. 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 25 July 2025Today is Friday the 25th of July, in the 16th week of Ordinary Time. The Kyiv Chamber Choir sing In Thy Kingdom from One Thousand Years Of Ukrainian Sacred Music. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 20:20-28 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favour of him. And he said to her, ‘What do you want?’ She said to him, ‘Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.’ But Jesus answered, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?’ They said to him, ‘We are able.’ He said to them, ‘You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.’ When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’ If mothers could arrange the status of our place in heaven, they’d be even busier than they already are. Jesus lets this mum down gently and saves a lot of others some pointless agitating. Take a moment to notice how Jesus deals with this situation...does something inspire you, or intrigue you? A change of tone: could you imagine the mother of James and John recalling this request at the crucifixion? Her conviction that of course her sons could drink the same cup as Jesus? . . . There is an insight in this passage into the company Jesus kept. He wasn’t just surrounded by twelve apostles, but by a rich mix of family, friends, family of friends and friends of family. We might wonder what the merry band was like. Indeed, as you listen again, why not tag along, noticing how annoyed the other disciples get . . . Matthew 20:20-28 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favour of him. And he said to her, ‘What do you want?’ She said to him, ‘Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.’ But Jesus answered, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?’ They said to him, ‘We are able.’ He said to them, ‘You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.’ When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’ Today is the feast day of St James... perhaps his mother would be pleased about this! Spend some time with Jesus now, praying with anything that has arisen for you during this prayer. 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 24 July 2025Today is Thursday the 24th of July, in the 16th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing Toi, tu nous aimes. “You love us, Lord, source of life.” As I listen, I remind myself that I am in the presence of God right now, that God is looking on me now with love. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 13:10-17 Then the disciples came and asked him, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ He answered, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. The reason I speak to them in parables is that “seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.” With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says: “You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.” But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it. Jesus did tell a lot of stories. He was rather good at it. And they continue to inspire and confound us in equal measure. Sometimes, we can hear the frustration of his listeners... and, maybe Jesus is a bit fed up with the response to his teaching sometimes too! What do you hear as you listen to Jesus’ teachings and stories? What’s your favourite of all his parables or illustrations? . . . Perhaps this is a great treasure for you... Listen again to Jesus talking to his disciples about parables. Try and work out what on earth is going on in this rather intriguing answer. Matthew 13:10-17 Then the disciples came and asked him, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ He answered, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. The reason I speak to them in parables is that “seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.” With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says: “You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.” But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it. ‘But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.’ Perhaps you would like to ask Jesus for this gift today... to really see and hear him... Speak now to Jesus about this, or anything else that has stirred in you today... Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 23 July 2025Today is Wednesday the 23rd of July, the feast of St Bridget of Sweden, in the 16th week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra and Sandra McCracken with The Porter’s Gate sing, ‘The Kingdom of Jesus’. To what shall we compare the Kingdom of Jesus if not a seed? It's small, it's sown, it's tended and grown and it's stirred in you and me Its branches never break and its fruit never withers His Kingdom is not of this world or of any Kingdom whose ruler's face is on a penny He comes to make all things bright and put a new wine in us He's chosen the small things to outlast the great The meek and the merciful to shine through the hate Though it seems some days that Hell and its gates are prevailing Oh, say can you see the kingdom within us Is the Kingdom of Jesus? To what shall we compare the spirit of the hour if not a sword? It frees us, unites us, enslaves and divides us and violence, help us Lord His Kingdom is not of this world or of any Kingdom whose ruler's face is on a penny He comes to make all things bright and put a new wine in us He's chosen the small things to outlast the great The meek and the merciful to shine through the hate Though it seems some days that Hell and its gates are prevailing Oh say can't you see we have one allegiance? It's to the Kingdom of Jesus He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world He who is in us is greater and He's overcome the world Oh His Kingdom is not one of slander or rage But one that is ruled by the Lamb who was slain And is worthy of wisdom and honour and glory and strength No pain, no division, no public disgrace Will compare with seeing the smile on His face As He welcomes the poor as children with places at the table Not a death, nor threat, nor power can ever separate us From the love of God forever in Christ Jesus Everything shall pass away but not the Word that's within us It's the Kingdom of Jesus Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 13:1-9 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!’ This is the reading to commemorate the Feast Day of St Bridget of Sweden. Her devotion to family, to the poor, to Church reform proves her to be seed very well sown. Most of us wouldn’t put ourselves quite in that category. Perhaps you can see yourself, to some extent, in all of the images Jesus uses. Where are you like the seed that falls on the path and goes nowhere except to the birds? . . . Rocky ground? Are there times when your early enthusiasm wanes rather quickly when a challenge comes? . . . What thorns limit the fertile growth of your life by crowding you out and stealing your energy? . . . And, thank God, where has your seed fallen on good ground and is bearing fruit? . . . What is the good ground? . . . what nourishes the tender plants? . . . how is your garden watered? . . . what brings light and warmth to help you grow? . . . As you listen again, you might imagine Jesus actually speaking it in situ, and pointing to the different examples of seed sowing. He might engage in some playful banter with the children as they help him to tell the story . . . Matthew 13:1-9 And he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!’ As Jesus looks at this parable with you, which of the four images is he most interested in? 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 22 July 2025Today is Tuesday the 22nd of July, the feast of Mary Magdalene, in the 16th week of Ordinary Time. Steffany Gretzinger sings, ‘I Love You Lord’. As we prepare to pray with Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the Risen Jesus today, place yourself now in the garden of the resurrection... what catches your attention? The flowers? Any wildlife near you? The stone of the tomb? 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. This happy Feast of Mary Magdalene gives us permission to touch again the joy of the risen Christ through the hands of one who loved him in so many ways. We will hear the gospel account of Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene. We’ll hear it only once and then enter into the scene imaginatively. As you listen to the story being told, you may already find yourself entering the scene with Mary . . . John 20:1-2, 11-18 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.’  But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ‘Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.  Spend a moment in each of these scenes, and if you need longer, you can press pause and take your time, or go back to any part of this later . . . Jesus has died. See Mary making her way to the tomb to anoint his body . . . On arrival the tomb is empty, and his body gone . . . Later she is weeping at the tomb . . . Turn your attention to Jesus who sees her there . . . he knows what he is going to do . . . how does he look at her? . . . how does he speak these words? “Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?” . . . She thinks he’s the gardener until he says her name, “Mary” . . . now watch and what happens between them . . . . . . No doubt she would like this to go on a lot longer, but Jesus has a task for her . . . she does not have to cling to this way of being with him . . . listen to Jesus then as he sends her on mission . . . and she departs to apostle the Apostles . . . As for you, tarry a while in the garden and let Jesus speak your name? . . . How does he mission you? . . . Go in peace to proclaim the Gospel . . . 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