Reflections on the Daily Readings 19th July 2021

Webmaster • July 24, 2021

Monday 19th July


Read deeply


Sacred scripture is the living word of God, and the ancient monastic practice of lectio divina (Latin for “divine reading”) is a contemplative way of “conversing” with it. It involves four basic steps: lectio ("reading”), meditatio ("meditation”), oratio ("prayer”), and contemplatio ("contemplation”). By narrowing in on certain passages, reading them slowly and repeatedly, noticing what stirs you, and reflecting prayerfully on it, you can grow closer in personal relationship with God. To learn more about lectio divina, read Open Heart, Open Mind by Trappist monk Father Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O.


Today's readings: Exodus 14:5-18; Matthew 12:38-42 “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.”




Tuesday 20th July


Special needs evoke special support


On this day in 1968, the first Special Olympics took place in Chicago. The brainchild of Eunice Kennedy Shriver—devout Catholic, sister of President John F. Kennedy, and tireless advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. Shriver’s husband, Sargent Shriver—as a Knight of Columbus—encouraged the Knights to support the cause, of the Special Olympics.


Today's readings: Exodus 14:21—15:1; Matthew 12:46-50 (396). “Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”



Wednesday 21st July


Choose wisely and well


Good preachers know that if they tell a story as part of a sermon, their people are more likely to remember the message. Such preachers take their lead from the master storyteller. Jesus used stories, often parables with a lesson, to help listeners then and now understand what really matters in his Father’s kingdom. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “the simple images of the parables . . . confront the hearer with a radical choice (about) entering the kingdom of God.” Do not get lost in the details, but rather see the choice the stories provide. Will you be the seed that grows in good earth? Or will you die among the thorns? Choose love and bear much fruit.


Today's readings: Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15; Matthew 13:1-9 “But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit.”



Thursday 22nd July


Feast Of Mary Magdalene

Grace under pressure


Mary Magdalene is often referred to as “Apostle to the Apostles.” The gospels attest to the fact that she did not abandon Christ on the cross, and in several gospel accounts she is the first witness to the Resurrection, bringing the news to the other apostles. Despite her loyalty and stature, ironically she is not mentioned in the Holy Week liturgies. However, the church in 2016 set a feast day in her honor. On that feast today, reflect on your own loyalty to Christ: Can you be unwavering even under pressure, as was Mary Magdalene?


Today's readings: Song of Songs 3:1-4b or 2 Corinthians 5:14-17; John 20:1-2, 11-18 (603). “Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord.’”



Friday 23rd July


Memorial Of Bridget, Religious

Love, embodied


It’s great to have a deep connection with another person no matter what kind of relationship it may be. Birgitta Petersson (later known as Saint Bridget of Sweden) found this in Ulf Gudmarsson, whom she married while both were very young. Early on in their relationship they were focused on raising a family of eight with each maintaining a job outside the home. Their relationship and love grew over time with each other and with God. A major bonding experience came when together they made a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, a popular religious destination in northwestern Spain. Years later when Ulf died, Birgitta reportedly said that she had “loved him like my own body.” Take time to strengthen the bonds of your own loving relationships.


Today's readings: Exodus 20:1-17; Matthew 13:18-23 (399). “The seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit.”


Saturday 24th July


Memorial Of Sharbel Makhlūf, Priest

A quiet mystic speaks to our age


Saint Sharbel Makhlūf (1828-98) was a Maronite monk and priest in Lebanon, renowned for his quiet holiness. On the occasion of his beatification in 1965, the Eastern Catholic hermit was described by Saint Pope Paul VI as “a new, eminent member of monastic sanctity,” who “through his example and his intercession is enriching the entire Christian people.” In the midst of busy, noisy life, make some time to hear the still, quiet voice. Recite the Jesus Prayer revered by the Eastern Church for centuries, now gaining adherents in the West, including Saint Pope John Paul II, who compared the meditative quality of the Jesus Prayer to the Rosary: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."


Today's readings: Exodus 24:3-8; Matthew 13:24-30 (400). “If you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest.”

Prayers for the Sick

By Webmaster • January 30, 2026
Please pray for Our Sick : Margaret Callaghan Doreen Cleary, Michael Ritchie, Neil Boyle, John Rielly Molly Strang, James Clark, Fr. Michael McLaughlin, Patricia Henderson, Joanna Maier (Connecticut USA), Therese Gilgunn Tressy Callaghan, Suzanne McMurray, Mary Coyle, Lesley Watson (Spain) Maureen McHugh, Margaret Burke, Marie White, Kathleen Daly, John McGuire, Jill Brown, Karen Pritchatt, Louise Newton, Faith Lyndsey, Jill Brown, Marie McGuire, James Morton, Paul Kearney, Thomas Daly, Andrew McCluskey, Premature Baby Vincent McDowell, Bill Allan, Gudren Berk (Germany), Jaqueline McReynolds, Mary Morrison, Helen Howarth (Easterhouse) Eugene McVey and all our sick.

Dates for your diary

By Webmaster • January 30, 2026
Mass of the Sick Saturday 14th February 10am Mass Ash Wednesday 18th February: Masses 7am, 10am & 6pm Sacramental Meetings Tuesday 24th February St. Peter's & St. Mark's 6pm First Confession 6.30pm First Communion  7pm Confirmation Meetings will take place in the Church

Gift Aid

By Webmaster • January 30, 2026
If you wish to sign up for Gift Aid. It is a great way to help the parish financially, costing you absolutely nothing. If you wish to sign up contact myself or Doreen Lee and we will give you the form and hand it back as you can and we can get it organised. As I said it costs you nothing, but helps the parish so much.

This week's readings

By Webmaster • January 30, 2026
First Reading Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13 There will be a people who remain sheltered from God’s anger. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 146:6-10 The Lord is faithful forever. Second Reading 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 God chooses the weak to show his power. Gospel Reading Matthew 5:1-12a Jesus teaches what it means to be happy. Background on the Gospel Reading Today’s reading is the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which is found in Matthew’s Gospel. The form of the Beatitudes found here is not unique to Jesus. Beatitudes are found in the Old Testament, in the psalms, and in wisdom literature, for example. They are a way to teach about who will find favor with God. We quickly note in this reading that the people whom Jesus calls “blessed” and “happy” are not people we think of as blessed or happy . . . the poor in spirit, the meek, the persecuted. This Gospel is one of reversals. Jesus’ blueprint for happiness reflects little of what the world might call happiness.  “Blessed” is sometimes translated as happy, fortunate, or favored. In other words, Jesus is saying that divine favor is upon those who are poor, those who mourn, those who are persecuted. This news might have been welcome—and surprising—to the crowds who heard Jesus that day. The Beatitudes can be understood as a framework for Christian living. Our vocation as Christians is not to be first in this world, but rather to be first in the eyes of God. By referring to the good things that the faithful will experience, Matthew reminds us that those who act in the manner described in the Beatitudes will find their reward with God.

Prayers for the recently dead, months, mind and Anniversaries

By Webmaster • January 30, 2026
Our Recently Dead Frances Drummond, Mary McCrudden, Mary Mearns, Grace Hogg (Wishaw), Baby Lila Rose Kasap (2 months) Anne Marie Watson, Jean Murdoch Month Minds & Anniversaries John Corns, Margaret McCluskey, Helen Connolly, Catherine, Patrick & James O'Donnell, Mary Lyons, Margaret Mine, Marie McLaughlin, Jean & Mary Kane, Mary, Pat & Margaret Cox, Edward & Margaret Rodden Please if you could make sure all month minds and anniversaries are handed in no later than Wednesday Night. If they come in after that they will be read out at Mass on Sunday. If the recently dead come in after the Wednesday deadline they too will be read out at Mass on the Sunday

Powerpoint Remote Control:

By Webmaster • January 30, 2026
I am looking for Volunteers to move the power-points on during the Sunday Masses, Vigil 4pm, 9.30am & 11am. It is very easy to operate, if we get enough volunteers for each Mass we would put a wee rota together. It would take a wee bit of pressure off me.

Year of St Francis of Assisi

By Webmaster • January 24, 2026
The “Year of St Francis of Assisi”, was proclaimed by Pope Leo, in Rome to mark the 800th Anniversary of St Francis’ death in 2026. I am proposing to put a statue of St. Francis in the Church for this jubilee year. This is from EWTN Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a “Special Year of St. Francis” to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. During this time of grace, which will extend until January 2027, the faithful are granted the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence . This Franciscan Jubilee Year, considered a gift for the entire Church and an occasion for authentic spiritual renewal, was inaugurated on Jan. 10 with a decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See. Until Jan. 10 of next year, the faithful can obtain this grace under the usual conditions — sacramental confession, Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the pope — by making a pilgrimage to any Franciscan conventual church or place of worship dedicated to St. Francis anywhere in the world. Furthermore, the elderly, the sick, and those who, for serious reasons, cannot leave their homes can obtain the plenary indulgence  by spiritually joining in the jubilee celebrations and offering their prayers, pains, or sufferings to God.

Mass of the sick

By Webmaster • January 17, 2026
Mass of the Sick Saturday 14th February 10am Mass Ash Wednesday 18th February more details to follow.

Second Sunday of Ordinary Time - 18th January

By Webmaster • January 17, 2026
The Second Sunday of the Year A, falling on January 18, 2026, is known as the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, featuring readings from Isaiah (calling the Messiah a shoot from Jesse), 1 Corinthians (emphasizing unity in Christ), and John's Gospel (John the Baptist identifying Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world). This Sunday marks a shift after Christmas and Epiphany into the regular flow of Ordinary Time, focusing on discipleship, God's calling, and Jesus's identity as revealed through the Baptist. Key Readings (Year A): ● First Reading : Isaiah 49:1-7 (The Servant Song, foretelling the Messiah's mission). ● Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 40 (A response of praise and commitment). ● Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (Paul's greeting and call to unity). ● Gospel : John 1:29-42 (John the Baptist points to Jesus as the Lamb of God). Themes & Focus: ● The Calling of Disciples : The Gospel highlights Jesus's first disciples (Andrew and another) meeting and following Him. ● Identity of Jesus : The powerful declaration "Behold the Lamb of God" is central, connecting Jesus to sacrifice and redemption. ● Unity in Christ: 1 Corinthians speaks to the diverse people called to be saints, united in Christ. ● Ordinary Time : Moving from festive seasons into regular liturgical focus on Christian life and growth. Context: ● This Sunday often coincides with the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Baptism of the lord

By Webmaster • January 11, 2026
The Baptism of the Lord is observed as a distinct feast in the Roman rite, although it was originally one of three Gospel events marked by the feast of the Epiphany. Long after the visit of the Magi had in the West overshadowed the other elements commemorated in the Epiphany, Pope Pius XII instituted in 1955 a separate liturgical commemoration of the Baptism.  Currently, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is usually celebrated the Sunday after Epiphany. The exception is when Epiphany is observed on January 7th or 8th; this causes the Baptism to be celebrated on the Monday immediately following Epiphany.When celebrated on Sunday, the Baptism is part of Christmas Time,
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