SOCL, Holy CrossC

Sunday September 14, 2025

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People undergoing counselling and therapy sometimes have a block or memory, which is holding them back, usually an earlier difficult experience of some kind. Something like that is happening in the Old Testament folk tale of the bronze serpents: the power of the serpents to cause harm is taken away once they are confronted straight in the eye, through the symbol of the bronze serpent. We may say the same of Jesus as he faced death for us. Being lifted up for our sake, he looked death in the eye and took away its power over us.

Listen

Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 78 (77); Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17

Reflect

(John 3:13-17)

In John’s Gospel the lifting up of Jesus on the cross is the climax of the revelation of God’s love for us. How has the cross spoken to you of the love we have been shown in Jesus?

Jesus says the purpose of his life is that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. In what ways has faith given you life and vitality?

Jesus said that he was sent to save and not to condemn. Remember what has helped you to see God as one who is fundamentally on your side in life, a God to be trusted and relied on rather than feared.

In presenting the purpose of his life as salvation rather than condemnation, Jesus tells us something about the purpose of every human life. It is to be lifegiving, rather than destructive of life. Recall times your life was enriched by the words or actions of another. Remember also when you were able to do the same for another person.

Pray

Lifted up among us, O God, is Jesus the crucified: sign of your steadfast love and pledge of your will to save. To those who look upon the cross with faith, grant healing of soul and life eternal. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

SOCL, 23C

Sunday September 07, 2025

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A life without wonder would be very barren indeed. Babies are great at wonder and good communicators (in whatever field, such as nature or cosmology) have kept an almost childlike sense of discovery. Our faith, too, gets its energy from a combination of wonder, discovery and, betimes, perplexity. Some of the most inspiring passages in the Bible reflect this. For example, in Sirach 43, after an exhaustive review of the wonders of creation, the writer closes with the arresting words, We could say more but could never say enough; let the final word be: “He is the all.” (Sirach 43:27).

Listen

Wisdom 9:13-18; Psalm 90 (89); Philemon 9-10, 12-17; Luke 14:25-33

Reflect

(Luke 14:25-33)

The passage is a call to both radical and practical discipleship. When have you found that in order to achieve a certain objective you had to make it a priority, and then take the practical steps necessary to reach your goal? What were the benefits to you when you did this?

“Hate” is prophetic exaggeration for the uncompromising loyalty Jesus seeks in disciples. There may be times when people make demands in conflict with fidelity to another relationship. This can be painful. When have you found that being clear about your priorities helped you in that situation?

Jesus uses parables here to tell us that in important human affairs we do not settle for vague aspirations. When have you found that some element of practical planning has been necessary to make progress with a project? What has this taught you about making the most of your life and of your time?

Pray

God of the ages, you call the Church to keep watch in the world and to discern the signs of the times. Grant us the wisdom which your Spirit bestows, that with courage we may proclaim your prophetic word and complete the work that you have set before us. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

SOCL, 22C

Sunday August 31, 2025

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Customs surrounding hospitality are deeply embedded in every culture. Normally, we pay little attention to this because we just act “normally.” When we change cultures, however, even simple things likes words and gestures of greeting are new, often different. Jesus, in his ministry, took on such deeply embedded, self-serving customs and reversed them in the light of the Gospel reversal of all values. Radical change is always resisted and even today his teaching is put in practice only by the few.

Listen

Sirach 3:17-20, 28-29; Ps 68 (67); Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24; Luke 14:1, 7-14

Reflect

(Luke 14:1, 7-14)

The first scene portrays a common dilemma—choosing between a received tradition and what is good in a particular situation. When have I been faced with such dilemmas and how did I respond?

Jesus consistently places the “good” above the rules, a challenging position for today’s church at a critical juncture. For example, the Catholic tradition of a celibate clergy can result in depriving communities of the Eucharist. Have I had similar experiences in my own sphere of influence?

Seeking respect and (metaphorically) my place at the table is a normal human desire. It can become deformed into the raw putting of myself first while ignoring others.

In a disturbing way, Jesus upturns the everyday view of social interaction and relationships. The radical call of the gospel can be very threatening and yet we know that this practical expression mirrors the inclusivity of Jesus’ own proclamation. Where do I feel such a radical call and how do I act?

Pray

God and judge of all, you show us that the way to your kingdom is through humility and service. Keep us true to the path of justice and give us the reward promised to those who make a place for the rejected and the poor. Amen.