Reflections on the Daily Readings 13th December 2021

Webmaster • December 11, 2021

Monday 13th December


Memorial Of Lucy, Martyr

I can see clearly now


In these darkening days of December, the Scandinavian festival of light held on Saint Lucy’s feast day is a cheerful sight to brighten spirits. In these countries—and wherever Scandinavians are found—girls dress as Lucy in long white gowns with wreaths of candles on their heads, carrying sweets in procession as songs are sung. Similar practices can be found in Italy and Croatia. Whether you belong to those ethnicities or not, why not incorporate the festival into your family holiday traditions? Saint Lucy is the patron and protector of eyesight—ask her to help you focus yours, to see more clearly the coming of the radiant king.


Today's readings: Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a; Matthew 21:23-27

“By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?”



Tuesday 14th December


Memorial Of John Of The Cross, Priest, Doctor Of The Church

Carried by love


Saint John of the Cross was named a doctor of the church for his profound, poetic writings on Christian mysticism. As a spiritual phenomenon, mysticism is difficult to explain. Central ideas, though, connect love and suffering. Today, pause to remember the tragic school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary and contemplate this meditation by John and remember to love: “I saw the river over which every soul must pass to reach the kingdom of heaven, and the name of that river was suffering. And I saw a boat which carries souls across the river, and the name of that boat was love.”


Today's readings: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13; Matthew 21:28-32 (188).

“Then will I remove from your midst the proud braggarts, and you shall no longer exalt yourself.”



Wednesday 15th December


Advent Weekday

Jesus, our justice and our peace


The coming of Jesus into the world was ultimately the coming of true justice and peace. In today’s psalm, these two virtues are said to have “kissed” when the Messiah arrived on Earth. What an incredible image! Every promise of God finds its yes in the One who frees us from sin and death. In the gospel reading, Jesus proves by his miraculous love that he is the long-hoped-for Messiah. Today, remember that as we anticipate Christmas, the fulfillment of all our hopes and dreams is the justice and peace of Jesus. Perhaps not what we expected, but what we need!


Today's readings: Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25; Luke 7:18b-23

“Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven.”



Thursday 16th December


Advent Weekday

Differently blessed


Today’s first reading refers to an idea repeated many times in the Bible: that children are a blessing from God. Catholic teaching on situations where bearing children is not possible is not the inverse, however. The church has never taught that infertility or any other limitation is a punishment or “curse” from God. To the contrary, Catholic tradition emphasizes that persons in every situation or condition deserve our full attention, respect, and caring concern. How can you practice empathy toward those whose family life has taken a less common direction?


Today's readings: Isaiah 54:1-10; Luke 7:24-30 (190).

“Among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.”


Friday 17th December


Advent Weekday

(O Wisdom) Make the wise choice


Today the church begins to sing the O Antiphons to accompany the Advent evening prayer of Mary’s Magnificat. These short, sung phrases remind us of our need for salvation and our desire to embody the divine characteristics of our Savior. Today we pray for knowledge. This is not the knowledge that wins arguments around the dinner table, but the knowledge that shines a light on who we are, where we came from, and what we are called to do. It is the knowledge that comes with discernment and brings us peace. May wisdom be our teacher.


Today's readings: Genesis 49:2, 8-10; Matthew 1:1-17

"O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!”



Saturday 18th December


Advent Weekday

(O Sacred Lord) Walk each other home


The theme for this year’s International Migrants Day is “Reimagining Human Mobility.” U.N. SecretaryGeneral António Guterres calls upon citizens of the world to “seize the opportunity of the recovery from the pandemic to implement safe, orderly, and regular migration and enable migrants to build more inclusive and resilient societies.” Today’s O Antiphon recalls the migration of Israel from Egypt to Palestine and asks God to guide the movement of peoples. Because we all can trace our ancestry back to migrating people at one time or another, it is appropriate today to pray for people on the move seeking new homes and new lives in new lands.


Today's readings: Jeremiah 23:5-8; Matthew 1:18-25

“And they shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”

Prayers for the Sick

By Webmaster • December 12, 2025
Please pray for Our Sick : Ellen Blair, 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, Faith Lindsay, Paul Kearney, Kathleen Daly, Thomas Daly Jnr, Bill Allan, Gudren Berk (Germany), Mary Mearns, and all our sick.

Church cleaning

By Webmaster • December 12, 2025
We are looking for people to help clean the Church on Tuesday 23rd December after the 10am Mass. There will be tea coffee and mince pies in the chapel house afterwards.

Christmas Mass Programme

By Webmaster • December 12, 2025
22nd to 28th December Monday & Tuesday 22nd & 23rd Mass 10am Confessions: 9.15am to 9.50 After 10am Mass 6pm - 7pm Tuesday Evening 23rd December Fr. O'Farrell will be here for confessions. I will be in Our Lady & St. Anne's. Christmas Eve 24th December No Morning Mass Masses 4pm & 7pm Christmas Day 25th December Mass 11am Boxing Day 26th December No Mass Saturday & Sunday Normal Programme

Third Sunday of Advent

By Webmaster • December 12, 2025
The third week of Advent, marked by the third Sunday known as Gaudete Sunday, is a time of Joy, a break from the purple penitential colour with a pink candle (the Shepherd's Candle) lit to signify rejoicing that Christ's coming is near, focusing on themes of happiness, God's salvation, and being ready to welcome the Messiah, often featuring readings about John the Baptist preparing the way. Key Aspects of the Third Week: Theme: Joy (Gaudete): "Gaudete" means "Rejoice!" in Latin, signaling a shift from the solemnity of earlier weeks to joyful anticipation. Candle Colour: Instead of purple, the third candle on the Advent wreath is pink (rose), symbolizing this joy. Vestment Colour: Instead of purple the priest can wear a rose coloured vestment. Fr. Frank got a rose coloured vestment for his 60th Birthday and Anniversary & he will be wearing it this weekend Figural Focus: John the Baptist is a central figure, encouraging practical preparation and a joyful heart for the coming Messiah. Scriptural Focus: Readings emphasize rejoicing in the Lord, God's deliverance, and the happiness of salvation. Meaning: It's a reminder to find happiness and be awake to God's presence as Christmas approaches.

Christmas Mass Remembrances

By Webmaster • December 12, 2025
If you wish to get your loved ones who have died to be remembered at my Masses on Christmas Day, please hand their names in an envelope with Christmas Remembrance written on it. If you wish you can put a donation inside.  Thank you

Prayers for the recently dead, months, mind and Anniversaries

By Webmaster • December 12, 2025
Our Recently Dead Theresa Purdie, Jenny Wison, Nan Cartwright, Carol Ann Binnie, Andy Madiem Month Minds & Anniversaries Elizabeth Hughes, Christine Archivald, Ann & Hugh Rodgers, Annie Crossar, Jim Cox 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

Gift Aid

By Webmaster • December 5, 2025
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.

Jock and the Beanstalk Panto

By Webmaster • December 5, 2025
After 6 years St Peter’s Parish is heading to the panto! Are you coming? Jock and the Beanstalk at the Glasgow Pavilion Friday 2nd January 2026 at 7pm Price: £36 for adults, £33 for under-16s and over-60s. Price includes transport from St Peter’s Church. Bus times: 17:30 – depart St Peter’s 22:00 – depart Pavilion (Timings to be confirmed) How to sign up: A sign-up sheet is available in the porch. You can also scan the QR code or use the link below to register: Jock and the Beanstalk Panto Friday 2nd of January 2026 – Fill in form

Christmas Foodbank Appeal

By Webmaster • December 5, 2025
Christmas Foodbank Appeals Christmas Shopping List Mince Pies, Tinned Ham, Christmas Pudding, Christmas Cake, Box of Biscuits, Selection Box, Box of Chocolates, Bar of Chocolate, Snacks & Nibbles, Christmas Crackers, Mash Potatoes, UHT Milk, Tea bags, Coffee, Diluting Juice. Christmas Toiletries List Shampoo, Shower Gel, Bubble Bath, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Mouthwash, Bar of Soap, Liquid Hand Soap, Disposable razors, Ladies Deodorant, Mens Deodorant, Shaving Foam or Gel. Christmas Toy Appeal  New Board Games, New Jigsaw Puzzles, New colouring books & Crayons New Books. Thank you for your kindness again.

Second Sunday of Advent

By Webmaster • December 5, 2025
We have three weeks till Santa Claus comes. More importantly three weeks till the Messiah, the Baby Jesus comes. Are we prepared for his coming that is why we have Advent to get ready for this great celebration The Second Sunday of Advent is a Christian observance focusing on preparing for Jesus's arrival through reflection and repentance, led by the message of John the Baptist. Key traditions include lighting the second purple candle on the Advent wreath, symbolizing peace, and reading scripture from Luke about John the Baptist urging people to "prepare the way of the Lord". Key aspects of the Second Sunday of Advent: Preparation and Repentance: It is a time for Christians to examine their hearts, repent for sins, and make a conscious effort to make space for Jesus in their lives. John the Baptist's Message: The readings focus on John the Baptist's call to repentance and his role in preparing the way for Jesus. This includes his message that the ax lies at the root of the trees and that every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down. Symbolism of the Advent Wreath: The second purple candle is lit, representing peace. Some traditions also call this candle the Bethlehem Candle, symbolizing faith. Theme of Peace: The theme for the day is peace, and the message includes preparing for the coming of Christ's kingdom, which is a kingdom of justice, harmony, and peace. Universality of Salvation: The gospel readings highlight that Jesus's salvation is for all people, both Jews and Gentiles.
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