Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Friday 14 November 2025Today is Friday the 14th of November, the feast of Saint Joseph Pignatelli, in the 32nd week of Ordinary Time. The Porter’s Gate, with Molly Parden and Jonathan Ogden, sing ‘The Promise’. How does this song speak to you today? Have you found God in creation recently? This gift you gave From the beginning Warm light, dry land Blue water brimming And more, from the earth There came a growing From seed to bloom All the while you were sowing It was love, love Given in the water And peace, God's peace Written in the letters Of the earth, God’s earth Given with the promise Can we keep it? Can we keep it? And stars in the night To gaze on them kindly Great light, cool moon All aligned in the sky, see From watеr came light And so from the land To feed and not to fight To stand hand and hand It was love, lovе Given in the starlight And peace, God's peace Given in the sunshine On the earth, God's earth Given with the promise Can we keep it? Can we keep it? Out from the silence I hear a voice, I follow it onwards You whispered to me I am reminded Of every gift you gave So Spirit, lead me unto the waters Unto the earth you made Teach me the secret to ever care for To ever look after it It was love, love Given in the water And peace, God’s peace Written in the letters Of the earth, God's earth Given with the promise Can we keep it? Can we keep it? Can we keep it? Today’s reading is from the Book of Wisdom. Wisdom 13:1-9 For all people who were ignorant of God were foolish by nature; and they were unable from the good things that are seen to know the one who exists, nor did they recognize the artisan while paying heed to his works; but they supposed that either fire or wind or swift air, or the circle of the stars, or turbulent water, or the luminaries of heaven were the gods that rule the world. If through delight in the beauty of these things people assumed them to be gods, let them know how much better than these is their Lord, for the author of beauty created them. And if people were amazed at their power and working, let them perceive from them how much more powerful is the one who formed them. For from the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator. Yet these people are little to be blamed, for perhaps they go astray while seeking God and desiring to find him. For while they live among his works, they keep searching, and they trust in what they see, because the things that are seen are beautiful. Yet again, not even they are to be excused; for if they had the power to know so much that they could investigate the world, how did they fail to find sooner the Lord of these things? Today’s passage speaks of people who admire the beauty and power of the natural world - sun, moon, stars, fire, wind - but fail to find God in the making. Perhaps there have been times that you have stood in awe at the golden wonder of a sunset, the energy of a stormy sea or the sheer presence of a mountain range? What do you feel when you experience these marvels of nature? We are reminded that the human heart has a natural desire for God. Yet we focus only on what we can see. Perhaps we don’t see the wood for the trees? Wisdom encourages us to look beyond - seeking and desiring to find God. Reflect on the times when you may have been spiritually 'near-sighted', looking no further than what is in front of you... What does it mean to come to an awareness of God? As you listen to the passage again, invite the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to where God is present in your life today. Wisdom 13:1-9 For all people who were ignorant of God were foolish by nature; and they were unable from the good things that are seen to know the one who exists, nor did they recognize the artisan while paying heed to his works; but they supposed that either fire or wind or swift air, or the circle of the stars, or turbulent water, or the luminaries of heaven were the gods that rule the world. If through delight in the beauty of these things people assumed them to be gods, let them know how much better than these is their Lord, for the author of beauty created them. And if people were amazed at their power and working, let them perceive from them how much more powerful is the one who formed them. For from the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator. Yet these people are little to be blamed, for perhaps they go astray while seeking God and desiring to find him. For while they live among his works, they keep searching, and they trust in what they see, because the things that are seen are beautiful. Yet again, not even they are to be excused; for if they had the power to know so much that they could investigate the world, how did they fail to find sooner the Lord of these things? 'Seeking God and desiring to find him.' Take some time now to be present to God, expressing whatever thoughts, feelings and desires arise in you 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

Thursday 13 November 2025Today is Thursday the 13th of November, the feast of Saint Stanislas Kostka, in the 32nd week of Ordinary Time. The Kyiv Chamber Choir sing In Thy Kingdom from One Thousand Years Of Ukrainian Sacred Music. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 17:20-25 Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’ Then he said to the disciples, ‘The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. They will say to you, “Look there!” or “Look here!” Do not go, do not set off in pursuit. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must endure much suffering and be rejected by this generation. In this passage Jesus is asked by some Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come. In their mind, it was a definitive time that could be foretold. Place yourself in this space, among the Pharisees and Jesus’ own followers. You might be listening for signs and wonders. But Jesus redirects your attention inward and among the people around you. The Kingdom is not distant or delayed - it is already present, quietly unfolding. Jesus looks at you steadily. No distant signs or dramatic events, Jesus says: “The Kingdom of God is already among you.” Where in your life have you had a sense of the hidden presence of God’s kingdom? St Ignatius teaches us to seek God in all things. This passage invites us to notice the hidden ways God is working in our lives and communities. The Kingdom is not a spectacle. It is a presence, a movement of grace, often unnoticed. As you listen to the passage again, consider how, like Stanislas, you may find the conviction that God’s Kingdom is not 'out there' but already at work in you... Luke 17:20-25 Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’ Then he said to the disciples, ‘The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. They will say to you, “Look there!” or “Look here!” Do not go, do not set off in pursuit. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must endure much suffering and be rejected by this generation. In this time of prayer, take a moment to open your heart to the Spirit and to the reality of God’s Kingdom 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 12 November 2025Today is Wednesday the 12th of November, the feast of Saint Josaphat, in the 32nd week of Ordinary Time. Bifrost Arts sing, ‘O God, Will You Restore Us?’. O God, will You restore us And grant us Your salvation? O God, will You restore us And grant us Your salvation? I will hear what God proclaims The Lord our God proclaims peace Kindness and truth shall meet Justice and peace shall kiss O God, will You restore us And grant us Your salvation? Here is the fast that I choose To loosen the bonds of the oppressed and break their chains Let righteousness and justice go out before you Then You will call out and I will hear O God, will You restore us And grant us Your salvation? Near indeed is His salvation to those who call on Him He will incline His ear and hear their prayers Truth shall spring out of the earth And justice will rain down from heaven O God, will You restore us And grant us Your salvation? The Lord will guide you on a righteous path His vindication will shine down forth as the dawn Your people will be called repairers of broken walls Making straight the path to proclaim His reign O God, will You restore us And grant us Your salvation? O God, will You restore us? Please grant us Your salvation Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 17:11-19 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’ Today is the feast day of St Josaphat. A bishop and martyr, he worked for unity between Eastern and Western Christians. His life was one of seeking reconciliation, healing wounds, and standing firm for the faith, even at great personal cost. Like the Samaritan leper, Josaphat is an outsider – a member of the Eastern Church – and was the first person from the Eastern Church to be canonised. To seek a deeper connection, let’s take an imaginative moment to enter into this encounter. Imagine the road leading into the village, a pause on the route toward Jerusalem, Jesus has been travelling the fringes between Samaria and Galilee. The group, like a single being, a silhouette against the light come no closer. The pitiful voices of the ten lepers cry out, keeping their distance, desperate: “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” What feelings arise from this scene? Do you remember a time when you called, or might have called, out to the Lord with this prayer? In response, Jesus cures them all and sends them to the priests. In those times, priests would declare a person unclean and so was needed to make the official declaration that they were clean again, and able to return to their community. But not the Samaritan—though part of the group, he remains an outsider, remains unclean. So his encounter with Jesus is something more. He hears Jesus say, “Your faith has saved you.” Do we recognise the gifts we’ve received? Do we respond with thanks? As we listen to the passage again, reflect on the places in your life where you seek deeper healing. Luke 17:11-19 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’ “Your faith has made you well.” Take a moment to notice where God is acting in your life. In this moment of prayer, take time to share with the Lord 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

Tuesday 11 November 2025Today is Tuesday the 11th of November, the feast of Saint Martin of Tours, in the 32nd week of Ordinary Time. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing: ‘God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.’ As I enter into prayer now, can I put aside any pride I may have in my own wisdom and my own strength? Today’s reading is from the Book of Wisdom. Wisdom 3:1-9 But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt-offering he accepted them. In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble. They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them for ever. Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his elect. “Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love.” The passage for today is filled with images both sombre and hopeful. What feelings arise in you from these words? Today is the feast day of St Martin of Tours, a Roman soldier who became a servant of Christ. It is said that Martin, seeing a beggar clad only in rags, cut his own cloak in two, so as to cover the man. That night, Martin dreamed of Jesus wearing the half of the cloak he had given away. Imagine the warmth of the cloak as a sign of being held in God’s hand. What might this mean to you? “The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them…” The passage also speaks about suffering. Wisdom tells us that the righteous are in the hand of God. Martin lived as though his soul was safe in God’s care, even when misunderstood or ridiculed. What feelings or experiences might you wish to place in God’s hands? As you listen to the passage again, consider how you might “shine like sparks through stubble,” bringing warmth and light to others? Wisdom 3:1-9 But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt-offering he accepted them. In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble. They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them for ever. Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his elect. “The faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones.” In this time of prayer, take time to rest in the presence of the God who offers love, grace and mercy. 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 10 November 2025Today is Monday the 10th of November, the feast of Saint Leo the Great, in the 32nd week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘I Need Thee Every Hour.’ I need Thee every hour Most gracious Lord No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford I need Thee, oh I need Thee Every hour I need Thee Oh bless me now, my Saviour I come to Thee Oh, I need Thee Oh, I need Thee I come to Thee Today’s reading is from the Book of Wisdom. Wisdom 1:1-7 Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth, think of the Lord in goodness and seek him with sincerity of heart; because he is found by those who do not put him to the test, and manifests himself to those who do not distrust him. For perverse thoughts separate people from God, and when his power is tested, it exposes the foolish; because wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul, or dwell in a body enslaved to sin. For a holy and disciplined spirit will flee from deceit, and will leave foolish thoughts behind, and will be ashamed at the approach of unrighteousness. For wisdom is a kindly spirit, but will not free blasphemers from the guilt of their words; because God is witness of their inmost feelings, and a true observer of their hearts, and a hearer of their tongues. Because the spirit of the Lord has filled the world, and that which holds all things together knows what is said. In today’s scripture we are drawn to see the world filled with the Spirit of God — a presence that sees, knows, and sustains everything. Take a moment to consider where you have experienced the presence of God. We are called to goodness and sincerity; to a faith that fills our life; echoing Ignatius’ own sense of “finding God in all things.” God is not confined to ‘holy’ places. Where do you notice the Spirit of God in your life — in nature, in others, in work, in silence? Today is the feast of St. Leo the Great. His teaching deepens this insight. For Leo, holiness is not abstract but embodied in how we live and love — with sincerity, truth, and courage. “Christian, recognise your dignity.” As we listen to the passage again, recognise this dignity within you. Call on the Spirit who dwells within you, asking to be guided with courage, compassion, and integrity... Wisdom 1:1-7 Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth, think of the Lord in goodness and seek him with sincerity of heart; because he is found by those who do not put him to the test, and manifests himself to those who do not distrust him. For perverse thoughts separate people from God, and when his power is tested, it exposes the foolish; because wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul, or dwell in a body enslaved to sin. For a holy and disciplined spirit will flee from deceit, and will leave foolish thoughts behind, and will be ashamed at the approach of unrighteousness. For wisdom is a kindly spirit, but will not free blasphemers from the guilt of their words; because God is witness of their inmost feelings, and a true observer of their hearts, and a hearer of their tongues. Because the spirit of the Lord has filled the world, and that which holds all things together knows what is said. ‘For Wisdom is a kindly spirit.’ In a time of prayer, speak now to the Lord as to a friend with sincerity of heart and trusting in his kindness. 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 9 November 2025Today is Sunday the 9th of November, the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, beginning the 32nd week of Ordinary Time. The Community of Taizé sing “the Kingdom of God is justice and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Come, Lord, and open in us the gates of your kingdom.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 2:13-21 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money-changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, ‘Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a market-place!’ His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’ The Jews then said to him, ‘What sign can you show us for doing this?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking of the temple of his body. The Temple was the symbolic centre of power of the religious and political leaders of Israel. These leaders, the chief priests and their scribes, were collecting taxes from the people, some of which went to Rome and some to themselves. They were comfortable, as long as they did their job. The population were peasant poor and living in extreme poverty. Their children died young. This was, and always is, unacceptable. How do you imagine life at this time? Jesus is proclaiming a different kingdom to that of Rome. God’s kingdom was of justice. The poor would have enough to eat in God’s kingdom. For Jesus to be Jesus he has to challenge the oppression of the Empire. Imagine yourself in this time... waiting for Messiah to come. What would you hope for? Now as he hear the passage again, go to that Temple with Jesus and watch what he does, and see why he is doing it... John 2:13-21 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money-changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, ‘Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a market-place!’ His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’ The Jews then said to him, ‘What sign can you show us for doing this?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking of the temple of his body. What does Jesus want to say to you about this act? Speak with him 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

Saturday 8 November 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. For our Examen prayer this week, we’re going to return to the first reading from last Tuesday. We’ll take some of the phrases and turn them into some questions to ponder. Most of them invite a response of gratitude. Take a moment to be still. Breathe in God’s love. Breathe out into God, however you are just now. Do this for a few more breaths... Ask for God’s light to help you to find an answer to one or more of the following questions. Ask for God’s light... Looking at your recent past: When have you used your gifts for good? When were you generous? When were you compassionate? When were you patient in suffering? When did you persevere in prayer? Have you been hospitable to a stranger? Have you blessed those who persecute you? Have you wept with those who weep? Have you rejoiced with those who rejoice? Take one source of gratitude from your list, share it with God, and savour it for a while... If any of the questions reminded you of a missed opportunity, acknowledge this, and take it to God... Ask for the grace you need. 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 7 November 2025Today is Friday the 7th of November, in the 31st week of Ordinary Time. Veni, lumen cordium, veni sancte spiritus. Come Holy Spirit. Come, light of our hearts. When we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit prays in us. As I begin my prayer today, I pause for a few moments to ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten me, to invite the Holy Spirit into my life, into my mind and into my heart. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Romans 15:14-21 I myself feel confident about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. Nevertheless, on some points I have written to you rather boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to win obedience from the Gentiles, by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and as far around as Illyricum I have fully proclaimed the good news of Christ. Thus I make it my ambition to proclaim the good news, not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, ‘Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand.’ Paul is often proud of what he has been able to do. He acknowledges that it is God’s work through him, as here. Nevertheless, he delights at what God has accomplished through his efforts. Here is a bold question for you: what are you proud of? What has God accomplished through you that you delight in? Consider something you have done for which you are legitimately proud... Now, we know that a certain kind of pride is a sin. The kind that says, “I did this in my own strength, and it proves how much better I am than everyone else!” Yes, that’s not so helpful. However, what if God is also sometimes proud of us in a really good, wholesome way. What if God takes pleasure in how we have worked, and served, and loved? Perhaps God might sometimes be looking on you with real pride. Ask God about this... Listen again, and as you listen, consider how Jesus is listening to Paul writing to the Romans, and seeing all that he has done to spread the gospel... Romans 15:14-21 I myself feel confident about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. Nevertheless, on some points I have written to you rather boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to win obedience from the Gentiles, by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and as far around as Illyricum I have fully proclaimed the good news of Christ. Thus I make it my ambition to proclaim the good news, not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, ‘Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand.’ How does God delight in you today? Speak to God about this, and really listen... 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 6 November 2025Today is Thursday the 6th of November, the Commemoration of All the Departed of the Society of Jesus, in the 31st week of Ordinary Time. Eliza King sings, ‘Foolish and Ruined’. The more that I store up, cling to and covet The less that I truly own Wiser is she who takes up her perfume Breaks the jar, let's it flow On her love she spends it all Many will say it's foolish But I have known love and I'm ruined To those who look on, it's wasteful But to You, it is beautifully given Love can look strange to religion Love can look strange to religion It cannot be bought with silver or gold But still will cost all I have But as treasure decays and earth fades away There won't be a thing that I lack So why would I hold my love back? Many will say it's foolish But I have known love and I'm ruined To those who look on, it's wasteful But to You, it is beautifully given Love can look strange to religion Love can look strange to religion Broken and poured out My love is fragrant now I will not withhold From the lover of my soul Broken and poured out My love is fragrant now I will not withhold From the lover of my soul Broken and poured out My love is fragrant now I will not withhold For my love, You're worth it all Many will say it's foolish But I have known love and I'm ruined To those who look on, it's wasteful But to You, it is beautifully given Love can look strange to religion Love can look strange to religion But I'd rather be foolish and ruined I'd rather be foolish and ruined Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 15:1-10 Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he told them this parable: ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. ‘Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’ What kind of shepherd would abandon ninety-nine sheep to fend for themselves in order to rescue one that had run away? What woman would spend more on the party than the value of coin she’d found? So, ask yourself: what image of God is Jesus presenting here? The tax collectors and other ‘sinners’ were drawn to Jesus even though they knew him to be so good. Somehow, the vibe he gave off, was not judgement but rather acceptance, welcome and love. What image of God is Jesus giving witness to? The amazing grace of God is always surprising. You might feel you’re a lost sheep at times, who deserves to stay out in the cold because you got yourself into the mess you’re in. It’s just not how God sees things. Dare you believe that your extravagant God rejoices in you just as you are? Listen again to Jesus who preaches his gospel in word and in deed. So he told them this parable: ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. ‘Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’ As this time of prayer comes to a close, spend time with the God presented to you by Jesus. Why not speak with Jesus about this image? 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 5 November 2025Today is Wednesday the 5th of November, the feast of All Saints of the Society of Jesus, in the 31st week of Ordinary Time. Madison Cunningham with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Little Things with Great Love’. In the garden of our Savior, no flower grows unseen; His kindness rains like water on every humble seed. No simple act of mercy escapes His watchful eye — for there is One who loves me: His hand is over mine. In the kingdom of the heavens, no suffering is unknown; each tear that falls is holy, each breaking heart a throne. There is a song of beauty on every weeping eye — for there is One who loves me: His heart, it breaks with mine. Oh, the deeds forgotten; oh, the works unseen, every drink of water flowing graciously, every tender mercy, You’re making glorious. This You have asked us: do little things with great love, little things with great love. At the table of our Saviour, no mouth will go unfed; His children in the shadows stream in and raise their heads. Oh give us ears to hear them and give us eyes that see — for there is One who loves them: I am His hands and feet. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 14:12-14 [Jesus] 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.’ Of course, there is nothing wrong with inviting friends or family round for dinner. Jesus surely joins us at these gatherings and delights in the conviviality. Yet there is something else he seems to want from his closest friends. Jesus is encouraging us to find creative ways of being radically generous. Generosity towards the poor, welcoming strangers, hospitality to those who cannot repay us concretely, random acts of kindness: the closest followers of Jesus do these things. When have you surprised yourself by your own generosity? What’s it like to remember that? What is that like for Jesus who sees you doing it? Listen to him again and notice that deep longing in him for an epidemic of generosity... Luke 14:12-14 [Jesus] 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.’ Is there something that suggests itself to you now, a way of being more extravagantly generous? Why not speak to Jesus as one friend speaks to another about it? 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