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SOCL, 14C

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Sunday July 06, 2025


See


How to be an evangeliser today? The question is not limited to so-called “professionals,” but forms part of the role and identity of every believer. It is, of course, not easy. The “marks” of bearers of the Good News surely include the following. Firstly, an awareness of the hungers of the human heart, recognised or not. Secondly, in a metaphorical way, to travel light, with little attachment. Thirdly, to do so confidently but not overbearingly. Fourthly, to do so joyfully. Finally, in the time-honoured phrase, to have an account of hope you have in you (1 Pet 3:15), when the appropriate moment for words opens up.


Listen



Reflect


(Luke 10:1-12, 17-20)


Jesus sent out his disciples on a mission to let people know “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” Recall when you have reached out to another in word or in deed to help them realise that they were cherished, perhaps by a word of sympathy or encouragement, or by giving a hand with a difficult task. What was it like for you to experience yourself as a person bringing help and encouragement to another?


Jesus sent the disciples out two by two. When have you found it beneficial not to be working alone, but with another by your side? How did companionship change the experience, or what you were able to achieve?


The instructions Jesus gave the disciples suggest appropriate attitudes for the one who ‘goes before Jesus’. Let the images speak to you and evoke memories of times when you were welcomed and times when you were not. When have you found that it was good news to have the attitudes Jesus describes?


When the disciples returned Jesus warned them not to focus on the thrill of what they had been able to achieve. It was more important that their “names are written in heaven”. Sometimes we also need reminders that who we are is more important than what we do. Who have been the people who brought this home to you? Have there been experiences that helped you to appreciate this?


Pray


Most holy God, the earth is filled with your glory and in your presence angels stand in awe. Enlarge our vision, that we may recognise your power at work in your Son and join the apostles and prophets as heralds of your saving word. We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

 
 
 

SOCL, Peter and Paul, DayC

ree

Sunday June 29, 2025


See


The church is like the human person: we are both body and spirit at the one time. The body of Christ—which is what we are—has both a bodily reality (membership, structure and sacraments) and a spiritual reality (the life of faith and prayer, the indwelling Spirit). The institutional and the prophetic dimensions of Church are sometimes in tension and that is really normal. To be part of the living body of Christ is to hear again Jesus’ question, who do you say I am? As St Paul reminds us, no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:3).


Listen



Reflect


(Matthew 16:13-19)


This marks a turning point in the life of Jesus, and of the disciples. It is the first time that his disciples recognise him as the Messiah. Recall turning points in your own journey of faith when you came to some deeper understanding of who Jesus is.


“Who do you say that I am?” This is possibly the most important question that Jesus puts to us. In your heart of hearts, how do you answer this question today?


Jesus praises Peter for his faith and comments that this was not his own doing but a gift of God. Perhaps there have been times when you have been conscious of the gift nature of your faith. Be thankful for the gift you have received.


Pray


O God, source of every good gift and sure foundation of our unity, as we honour and revere Saints Peter and Paul, grant your Church a share in their zeal for the gospel. Strengthen our faith to be witnesses, even unto death, of the one Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

 
 
 

SOCL, Corpus ChristiC

ree

Sunday June 22, 2025


See


Bodily hunger and thirst are easy to recognise—we feel them directly. The deeper hungers can take longer, especially in our “culture of distraction” where there is so little room for reflection and real conversation. These hungers are just as real, of course, and call for recognition and response. But the first step is really awareness and attention to the hints and nudges life provides.


Listen



Reflect


(Luke 9:11-17)


Jesus welcomes the crowd, teaches them, and cures those in need of healing. Bring to mind the ways in which the story of Jesus and his message have brought you enlightenment, and healing.


The miracle is symbolic of the abundance of blessings coming to us from God through Jesus. How has your faith in Jesus been a source of nourishment to you? What blessings have you received through your faith?


When the disciples became aware of the problem they wanted to send the crowd away and Jesus told them “You give them something to eat”. They thought what they had was insufficient but Jesus used the little they had to feed the crowd. Have you ever found that when you give the little you have to a situation, the results were beyond your expectations?


Pray


You have blessed all generations, O God most high, in Jesus, our compassionate saviour, for through him you invite us to your kingdom, welcome us to your table, and provide us with nourishment in abundance. Teach us to imitate your unfailing kindness and to build up Christ’s body, the Church, by generously handing on to others the gifts we have received from your bounty. Amen.

 
 
 
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