SOCL, 15C

Sunday July 13, 2025

See

The question raised in today’s Gospel is never out of date or out of season. It is perfectly natural to think of our neighbours as literally the people nextdoor, people “like us” as we say. But, that is to stay well within our comfort zone and, as Jesus puts it sharply elsewhere, “even the Gentiles love those who love them.” Far more is demanded, especially in today’s context of spiralling migration, with all its challenges of finance, housing, income, education of the young, work for the able and so forth. While bearing in mind the practical and social consequences, the whole thrust of the Gospel passage is to see my neighbour as any fellow human being in need.

Listen

Deuteronomy 30:10-14; Ps 69 (68); Colossians 1:15-20; Luke 10:25-37

Reflect

(Luke 10:25-37)

Today’s gospel brings us right to the heart of what a Christian life involves: love of God and of neighbour. Jesus tells us that having life both now and in the future is the fruit of living in a spirit of love. How have you experienced the power of love given and received to be a source of life and vitality?

With media today we are brought face to face with suffering, poverty and hunger so vast that it can engender a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. What the parable challenges us about is how we react when we come face to face with a person in need. We may sometimes try to avoid getting involved. Recall when you overcame this reaction and reached out to help. What did that do for you, and for the other person?

Bring to mind the people who have been an inspiration to you by the care and attention they have given to others.

Pray

In Christ you draw near to us, God of mercy and compassion, lifting us out of death, binding up our wounds, and nursing our spirits back to health. Let such a tenderness as yours compel us to go and do likewise. Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

SOCL, 14C

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

Isaiah 66:10-14; Ps 66 (65) Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12,17-20

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

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

Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34 (33); 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19

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.