Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Tuesday 9 September 2025Today is Tuesday the 9th of September, the feast of Saint Peter Claver, in the 23rd week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Praise to the Lord’. How will you draw near to the Lord today? Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation Come, all who hear; now to his temple draw near Join me in glad adoration Praise to the Lord, above all things so wondrously reigning Sheltering you under his wings, and so gently sustaining Ponder anew what the Almighty can do If with his love he befriends you Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him Let the Amen sound from his people again Gladly forever adore him Let the Amen sound from his people again Gladly forever adore him Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 6:12-19 Now during those days [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. This passage starts with Jesus spending the night in prayer. In the light of what happens when day comes, can you get a sense of the nature of his prayer that night? What might it have been like? Jesus calls those he has chosen by name. Try putting your own name in that list, as one of those picked out by Jesus. What’s it like to be chosen in that way? The chosen Twelve come down the mountain with Jesus to find a great crowd waiting for him. We’re not told what they do then as Jesus teaches and heals. What might their own response have been that day? How would you have occupied yourself in that situation? Listen to the passage again, and notice how Jesus looks on the Twelve, and on the crowd. Luke 6:12-19 Now during those days [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. We are told that 'power came out from Jesus'. Speak to Jesus now about where you most need that power in your own life just now. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 8 September 2025Today is Monday the 8th of September, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the 23rd week of Ordinary Time. The Gaudete Ensemble sings 'Ave Generosa' by Margaret Rizza. On this feast day, spend some time reflecting on who Mary is to you... How has she inspired you in your life? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 1:18-23 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’, which means, ‘God is with us.’ Even today, the news of an unexpected pregnancy may come as rather a shock. It can really challenge those involved in a relationship. What do you notice about Joseph’s first reaction here to the news of Mary’s pregnancy? You may be more familiar with St Luke’s account of the annunciation to Mary by the angel Gabriel. Here, in Matthew’s gospel, an unnamed angel makes a similar announcement to Joseph. How might this have changed his mind about what he should do next? As the passage is read again, notice the names that Mary’s son is to be given, and their meaning. Matthew 1:18-23 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’, which means, ‘God is with us.’ What do you want to bring from this time of prayer to Emmanuel, Jesus, who is the one who is “God with us”? 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 7 September 2025Today is Sunday the 7th of September, beginning the 23rd week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra sings, ‘Take Up Your Cross’. If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me Whoever would save his life Will lose it Whoever loses his life for me Will find it If anyone claims to worship God Let him give all away Take up his cross Follow me Whoever would save his life Will lose it Whoever loses his life for me Will find it What would it profit a man If he gains the whole world And forfeits his soul What would it profit a man at all What would it profit a man If he dies with a barn full of silver and gold What would it profit a man at all If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 14: 25-33 Now large crowds were travelling with [Jesus]; and he turned and said to them, ‘Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.” Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions. In today’s passage, Jesus speaks plainly about the cost of being his disciple. What do you think Jesus is trying to convey to his followers? How do you react to the challenge of these demanding words? Jesus uses a building project as an example of discipleship. How does this example speak to you? What is Jesus longing to construct in your life? Jesus speaks about letting go of both possessions and relationships. Which of these feels more difficult for you to loosen your grip on? Why is this? What would you like to say to Jesus in response to his words in this passage? Say it now. As you hear the passage a second time, which word or phrase captures your attention? Stay with this. Luke 14: 25-33 Now large crowds were travelling with [Jesus]; and he turned and said to them, ‘Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.” Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions. In these closing moments of prayer, ask for God’s help to let go of all that holds you back from following Jesus. 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 6 September 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. This week, we’ve watched Jesus interacting with the disciples and others. In the stillness, allow the Spirit to bring to mind your prayer times this week and the journey you’ve been on. Where have you felt closest to Jesus? Why was this? What did you experience? What has challenged, unsettled or disturbed you? When did you feel resistant to God? Tell God about these times. Where have you sensed the Spirit at work in you this week? What growth in faith has this brought? Give thanks for this. What action or response to God will you make today? Ask God for the gifts and graces you need to grow deeper in faith and discipleship. 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 5 September 2025Today is Friday the 5th of September, in the 22nd week of Ordinary Time. The Choir of Royal Holloway sings, ‘One in Christ’. When we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living you declared your love and opened the gate of glory. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Colossians. Colossians 1:15-20 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. Paul encourages the Colossians to grasp the mystery, immensity and universal reconciling nature of Christ, the image of the invisible God. Which words or phrases in this passage are you most drawn to? What invitation, reassurance or challenge might God want to say to you through these words? How do you find yourself wanting to respond to this word from God? “Through Jesus, God was pleased to reconcile all things.” Where in your own life do you long for reconciliation — within yourself, with others, or with God? Bring these places into Christ’s presence, trusting His desire to restore. As you listen to the passage again, let your imagination expand — seeing Christ as the centre and sustainer of all creation. Rest in the mystery and vastness of His love. Colossians 1:15-20 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. As you bring your prayers to a conclusion, give thanks for the gift of peace. 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 4 September 2025Today is Thursday the 4th of September, in the 22nd week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Nearer My God to Thee’. Nearer, my God, to Thee Nearer to Thee Even though it be a cross That raiseth me Still all my song shall be Nearer, my God, to Thee Nearer, my God, to Thee Nearer to Thee Though like the wanderer The sun gone down Darkness be over me My rest a stone Yet in my dreams I’d be Nearer, my God, to Thee Nearer, my God, to Thee Nearer to Thee Still all my song shall be Nearer, my God, to Thee Nearer, my God, to Thee Nearer to Thee Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 5:1-11 Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. The encounter Simon Peter has with Jesus beside the lake makes a real difference to his ability to catch fish. Think of a time when the presence of Jesus made a difference in your life. What happened at that time? What would you like to say to Jesus about that? Say it now... Jesus tells the fishermen to ‘Put out into the deep water.’ As Jesus says this to you too, what is he inviting you to do? How will you respond? Simon Peter is frightened by his encounter with Jesus, but Jesus tells him not to be afraid. What frightens or makes you anxious? Hear the words of Jesus for you: ‘Do not be afraid.’ ‘They left everything and followed him.' As you listen to the reading again, ponder what Jesus is inviting you to leave behind so that you may follow him more closely. Luke 5:1-11 Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. As this time of prayer closes, imagine the abundant riches that Jesus longs to give you. Give thanks for God’s love and generosity. 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 3 September 2025Today is Wednesday the 3rd of September, the feast of Saint Gregory the Great, in the 22nd week of Ordinary Time. The Porter’s Gate sing, ‘You Are My Sanctuary’. You are my sanctuary My hiding place Where I belong You are my peaceful harbour You will bring me Safely home Out in the dark, when the light is gone Your waves and breakers roll over me And when my anchor won’t touch the ground Deep calls to deep You are my sanctuary My hiding place Where I belong You are my peaceful harbour You will bring me Safely home In the morning, in the night In the darkness, in the light You alone will be my guide For you are with me You are my sanctuary My hiding place Where I belong You are my peaceful harbour You will bring me Safely home Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 4:38-44 After leaving the synagogue [Jesus] entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. Demons also came out of many, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah. At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.’ So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea. Luke tells us of the many people whom Jesus healed and set free. As you consider the healing ministry of Jesus, who comes to your heart? What people or places do you long to see made whole? In prayer, place them before Jesus. What do you notice as you do? After being with the crowds, Jesus withdrew to be alone with the Father. Where is your ‘deserted place’? When do you feel most aware of God's presence? What happens in you when you give space to be with God in stillness and quiet? As you listen to the passage again, notice how Jesus restores people. How might Jesus restore you? Luke 4:38-44 After leaving the synagogue [Jesus] entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. Demons also came out of many, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah. At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.’ So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea. Jesus didn’t remain in one place — he kept moving, bringing hope and healing. As you follow him, how are you being invited to share his love and good news? In these closing moments, be still and know that God is with 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

Tuesday 2 September 2025Today is Tuesday the 2nd of September, in the 22nd week of Ordinary Time. Ex Cathedra, directed by Jeffrey Skidmore, sing Dulce Jesus mio. “My sweet Jesus, look with mercy on my lost soul.” As you sit here, or stand here now, trying to pray, what kind of shape is your soul in? Content and at peace? Lost and wandering? On the edge? And what about the other souls around you? Are there ‘lost souls’ here beside you who also need the love of God in their lives? Yya1 Jesuchrixhto, apuk1rui ityaku niyausus1p1 ninait1 sobi. Dulce Jesús mío, mirad con piedad mi alma perdida por culpa mortal. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 4:31-37 He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, ‘What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!’ And a report about him began to reach every place in the region. The people in Capernaum were amazed at the way Jesus taught with authority and exercised power. Where have you experienced the power and authority of Jesus in your life? What is it like for you to be under such authority? Where are you invited to carry responsibility or lead with care? How might your words or actions affect those around you? What grace or gift from God do you long for so that you can lead and serve well? Take a moment to ask for this gift now. As you listen to the passage again, focus on the healing that the authority of Jesus brings. Luke 4:31-37 He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, ‘What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!’ And a report about him began to reach every place in the region. As this time of prayer and reflection comes to a close, pray for wisdom in your interactions with others. 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 1 September 2025Today is Monday the 1st of September, in the 22nd week of Ordinary Time. The Community of Taizé sing Misericordias Domini. ‘I will sing forever of the mercy of God.’ (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord for ever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. Paul helps the Thessalonian Christians understand how the death and resurrection of Jesus shapes their future hope and identity. What shapes your thoughts about the future? When you think about death, what hopes or questions are stirred in you? In what ways are you living the resurrection life with Christ now? ‘We will be with the Lord forever.' Hold onto this promise as you listen to Paul’s words again. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord for ever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. If Jesus were to speak to you about your future with him, what might he want you to hear? In these last moments of prayer, rest quietly in His presence; with the one who promises never to let you go. 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 31 August 2025Today is Sunday the 31st of August, beginning the 22nd week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra sings, ‘Jesus’. The wisdom and the word The speaking and the silence The stillness and the stir The Spirit in the quiet The son of God and man The sinner’s lamentation The flesh of the I Am The song of our salvation Jesus, Jesus, Jesus The dawnbird song of life The spring of earth and heaven The water and the wine The everlasting leaven My life, my truth, my way The stone on which I stumble The vineyard owner's wage The shepherd of the humble Jesus, Jesus, Jesus Yes, Lord, Yes, Lord I have believed That you are the Christ The Son of God It’s true, but who Are you to me You are my life The love of God My Lord, my God Stay close, don’t be far You know how I need you Make in me a heart Pure enough to see you In every speck of dust In dry and lonely places And in every one of us Be light, be kind, be gracious Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 14:1, 7-14 On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely. When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honour, he told them a parable. ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honour, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place”, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher”; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’ He said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’ ‘When he noticed….’ Here is Jesus, the observer, taking it all in. ‘They were watching him closely’, but Jesus is the one doing the real close examining, isn’t he? How do you think we learn genuine humility? We could start by looking at Jesus Himself. You might know someone who reflects Jesus, whose true humility is at their very core. What do you notice about their behaviour? If Jesus were to sit at table with you, what do you think he might notice? Allow Jesus to make his observations. Sit together with them for a while. Remember, he doesn’t judge, he notices. Listen to the passage again and imagine the most unexpected guest at your table, perhaps one who cannot repay you. Luke 14:1, 7-14 On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely. When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honour, he told them a parable. ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honour, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place”, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher”; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’ He said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’ Speak openly with the Lord about anything lingering from this time of reflection. Let His teaching from today’s reading touch your very core. 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