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The Word today, 4C

Updated: Mar 15


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February 03 - February 08, 2025


St Ansgar (Oscar), bishop St Blaise, bishop, martyr


Hebrews 11:32-40 At this point, the Letter to the Hebrews lionises the great heroes of old for their genuine virtues. Even so, they did not live to see the fullment of everything in Jesus — the blessedness of this generation.


Mark 5:1-20 This is a highly dramatic scene, with a bit of humour: the pigs request a stay of execution, which is what happens! The legendary feel to this story does not conceal the main purpose: evil will not have the last word.



Hebrew 12:1-4 The writer continues to reection the great heroes and offers us a moment of encouragement, so that we may not lose heart. The listeners have not yet been challenged in a nal way…


Mark 5:21-43 These two stories reect on each other: an old woman (with a gynaecological problem) is healed and a young woman (of child-bearing age) is brought back to life. Healing in the present can free up potential blocked somehow in the past.


St Agatha, virgin and martyr


Hebrews 12:4-7,11-15 How do we deal with difcult experiences, which can feel as if we are being punished? Today’s reading may help. Challenges are interpreted as God’s gift of the chance to grow — we know it doesn’t always feel like that!!


Mark 6:1-6 This remarkable story is surely historical because it shows the powerlessness of Jesus. It is also a hint to us: sheer familiarity can close our eyes and our hearts to what God is doing today through the Gospel.


St Paul Miki SJ and companions, martyrs


Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24 What is our point of arrival, the goal of our faith? The writer says rst what it is not before going on to say what it is. This is one of the most delightful passages in Hebrews, holding out to us not only a goal, but great joy in the journey.


Mark 6:7-13 Jesus empowers the twelve to undertake the very same ministry of proclaiming and healing. They are to travel light, taking nothing extra that might impede them and also taking the risk of being welcomed or not, as the case may be.


St Mel, bishop


Hebrews 13:1-8 Practical advice is the message today and always needed! Plenty to think about here. The last sentence both afrms and challenges.


Mark 6:14-29 At the hands of Mark, the death of John the Baptism foreshadows the destiny of Jesus. The arbitrariness of John’s beheading—to honour an oath spoken in a frivolous moment—is still shocking.


St Jerome Emilian, religious St Josephine Bakhita, virgin


Hebrews 13:15-17,20-21 Very ttingly, our readings from Hebrews come to a close with a great prayer for faithfulness, that we may be in our turn an acceptable offering to God. Amen!


Mark 6:30-34 It is instructive to see that Jesus himself was aware of need to balance life and work, prayer and ministry. This is true of us all in our different roles. At the same time, Jesus felt compassion for the crowd and, in spite of the need of rest and refreshment, actually responded to their need.


References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2025j, February 2). Feast of the presentation of the Lord. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020225.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/


 
 
 

SOCL, 4C

Updated: Mar 15


ree

Sunday February 02, 2025


Presentation in the Temple.


See


Our Gospel today describes two very old people—Simeon and Anna—who are very attractive in their old age. They have lived prayerful lives of faith and, in particular, of hope and expectation. Being wise, they are people of discernment and they recognise the moment of grace, the coming of the Messiah. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be like them in old age? The secret is to be now what we hope to be then. If we wish to be serene, wise, discerning, full of faith—then now is the time: As St Paul says: “See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!” (2 Cor 6:2)


Listen



Reflect


(Luke 2:22-40)


-It was a day that started without any expectation of something unusual. It turned out to be a day with a meeting they would remember for a long time. Perhaps you have had signicant meetings on what you expected to be just an ordinary day?


-Simeon gave thanks because his eyes saw the salvation God had prepared. In what ways have you experienced God’s salvation in your life: an experience of being loved, or discovering a sense of purpose in life, or being touched by the wonders of creation? Give thanks for those memories.


-Simeon also acknowledged that not all would accept the light that would shine through Jesus, and this rejection would be a cause of pain to Mary. It can be a source of pain to parents, teachers, church ministers, and all who work for others when some reject values, projects, advice which would be for their good. Even within ourselves we can be aware of division, at times being open to the light of God and at other times resisting it. Have you known the pain of that struggle? What has helped you to keep seeking the light of God in your life?


-The nal sentence speaks of Jesus as one who grew and became strong and was lled with wisdom. Recall times when you had a sense of growing up in some way. What brought that about? Think also of how you have seen growth in another person.


Pray


Inspired by your Spirit, Lord, we gather in your temple to welcome your Son. Enlighten our minds and lay bare our inmost thoughts. Purify your people, and make us obedient to the demands of your law, so that we may mature in wisdom and grow to full stature in your grace. 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.



 
 
 

One another, 3C

Updated: Mar 15


ree

January 26, 2025



Inspired by the Spirit of God present among us, let us give voice to our prayers for all God’s people:


That, in all of our parish’s ministries, we may proclaim God’s “favor” for all humanity: let us pray to the Lord.


That our Church may be community of enablement, encouraging and supporting all men, women, and children to use their gifts and talents for the building up of the body of Christ: let us pray to the Lord.


That the nations and peoples of the world may embrace God’s Spirit of joy, liberty, and peace: let us pray to the Lord.


That those who teach and proclaim the gospel may reveal to their students and hearers Jesus’ vision of compassion and hope: let us pray to the lord.

 

That we may reach out with patient understanding and support to those imprisoned by poverty, abuse, or addiction: let us pray to the Lord.


That all who have died in Christ’s peace [especially _________],may realize the promise of the Resurrection: let us pray to the Lord.


That God will hear the prayers we now make in the silence of our hearts [Pause...]: let us pray to the Lord.


God of graciousness, hear our prayers. May your law of justice and mercy and the gospel of compassion and humility not shackle us into debating legalisms and narrow interpretations, but free us to seek and do your will in all things. In Jesus’ name, we pray.


References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2025h, January 26). Third Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012625.cfm

-Cormier, J. (1995). Lord, Hear Our Prayer: Prayer of the Faithful for Sundays, Holy Days, and Ritual Masses.


 
 
 
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