Reflections on the Daily Readings 19th December 2022

Webmaster • December 18, 2022

Monday 19th December


Cherish your roots


Today’s O Antiphon—“O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!”—invites us to meditate on the theme of Jesus’ genealogy and our spiritual ancestry. Jesse was the father of King David, and God told the prophet Nathan that David’s royal family would last forever. Jesus is the enduring branch that grows out of the root of Jesse, the fulfillment of a hope past and present. When we belong to Christ, we belong to the rest of the tree, too—a family that includes God and humanity. Christmas brings people together, biologically related or not—let the longing of this season bond you closer to all in love.


Today's readings: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a; Luke 1:5-25 (195).



Tuesday 20th December


Let’s make some room at the inn


We’re in the middle of two great spiritual traditions that overlap in Advent: The O Antiphons (December 17-23)—recited at vespers for the church’s Liturgy of the Hours—and the celebration of “Las Posadas” (December 16-24), reenacting Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter ahead of Jesus’ birth. Since Las Posadas come from our Latin American brothers and sisters, each year the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops encourages us to work and pray, in intentional ways, for migrants to our country who—like Mary and Joseph—seek safety and basic biblical hospitality. The Key of David is also the key to our hearts. See Justice for Immigrants for more background and suggested actions.


Today's readings: Isaiah 7:10-14; Luke 1:26-38 (196).


Wednesday 21st December


A light of faith from the North Star 


On this day in 1892, Saint Peter Claver Catholic Church was founded in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the first black parish in the state of Minnesota. Founded decades before the Great Migration of southern blacks to northern states, the church was the brainchild of hopeful black Catholics (inspired by Josephite founder John Slattery, S.S.J.) and Archbishop John Ireland, a tireless advocate for black liberation in an era of widespread racism. The new church was named for the famed Jesuit missionary, just a few years after his canonization by Pope Leo XIII, and among its first members was Fredrick McGhee, the first black lawyer in state history. May he and his companions inspire our faith and encourage us to witness for justice in our daily lives!


Today's readings: Song of Songs 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Luke 1:39-45 

Thursday 22nd December


Picture this


For Americans, the O Antiphon for today, “O King of All Nations,” might be less than compelling since our incipient nation rebelled against the only king it ever had back in its colonial days. The image of God or Jesus as “king” comes from the prevailing social structures 2,000 years ago. Centuries of church-monarchy unity in Europe and elsewhere kept the tradition going. Contemporary Catholics can understand the power and authority of kingship, but God’s tenderness and mercy can be sidelined by this term, which leads to a good question for any disciple: What is your image of God? What helps you connect with the Divine?


Today's readings: 1 Samuel 1:24-28; Luke 1:46-56 (198).

Friday 23rd December


Rejoice, rejoice! 


The “O Emmanuel” antiphon heralds the conclusion of Advent. It also conveys a powerful truth about how we experience the divine. Yes, God is awesome and transcendent—and God is the one who draws close to us, takes on our humanity, and is truly Emmanuel, “God with us.” As we prepare to enter into the mystery of the Incarnation, let us take a moment to pray “O Emmanuel” and reflect on how we experience God with us in our day-to-day life. And as a church let us sing together, “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel / Shall come to thee, O Israel.”


Today's readings: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24; Luke 1:57-66 (199).


Saturday 24th December


Forgiveness under the tree 


If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping by now, you’re toast (at least according to consumer culture). The best you can hope for now is forgiveness. Which is exactly what this day and this night are all about. Zechariah’s Benedictus in today’s gospel (which takes its name from the first words in Latin— Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel”) reflects God’s eternal plan of deliverance: “To give his people knowledge of Salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.” The best present you can give anybody, tonight or ever, is the forgiveness of their sins. Today is the perfect day to give this perfect gift!


Today's readings: Morning: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Luke 1:67-79 (200).

Prayers for the Sick

By Webmaster • July 4, 2026
Please pray for Our Sick : Margaret Callaghan Doreen Cleary, 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), Margaret Loan, Avril McCluskey, Carol Corr, Thomas Kennedy, David Borland, Margaret Park, and all our sick. .

Prayers for the recently dead, months, mind and Anniversaries

By Webmaster • July 4, 2026
Our Recently Dead Bobby Frew, John McKenzie, John Holton (Larkhall), Gerry Dodds, Pauline Hoey (Morecombe), Rosina Boyle Month Minds & Anniversaries Mary Montgomery, Harry Sullivan, John Corns, Hugh McRoberts, Margaret McGuire, Mary Barton, Tricia Henderson 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

Side Chapel New Flooring & Chairs

By Webmaster • July 4, 2026
I was hoping to tell you about the work this weekend. However the work was brought forward by a week. We are putting a new flooring down in the side chapel. When I was getting the sacristy recovered. People asked why we weren't doing the side chapel. At that time it would have too expensive to do the both together. The carpet has been down for over 40 years. It's the last place to be changed. A few weeks ago someone walked in with something on their shoes. We couldn't get it off. We even tried a vax to try and get it off. So I decided this was the right time for a change. So the work began yesterday. Another change is that the pews are going and we are putting chairs instead. This will make this space more viable for different things. 1. More people will be able to sit in it. 2. A meeting Room 3. A place where we could have a coffee morning every week.  The new seats will be coming in the coming weeks. I will keep you up to date.

This Sunday's readings - Sunday 5th July

By Webmaster • July 4, 2026
First Reading Zechariah 9:9-10 The Lord shall come to reign in Zion. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 145:1-2,8-11,13-14 A prayer of praise to God who is our king. Second Reading Romans 8:9,11-13 Those in whom the Spirit of God dwells must now live according to the Spirit, not the flesh. Gospel Reading Matthew 11:25-30 Jesus prays in thanks to God, who has revealed himself to the lowly. Background on the Gospel Reading Today’s reading from Matthew’s Gospel comes after a discourse in which Jesus reproaches people who have witnessed his mighty deeds yet still lack belief. In this context, today’s Gospel explains the reason for this unbelief and reveals what is necessary for faith. Today’s Gospel also continues to enhance our understanding of discipleship as last week’s Gospel did. Jesus first prays in thanksgiving to God who has made himself known to Jesus’ disciples. He praises God who has made himself known to the “little ones” and not to the wise and learned. As in other recent readings from Matthew’s Gospel, a contrast is made here between the unbelieving Pharisees, who are wise and learned, and the faithful disciples, tax collectors, and sinners with whom Jesus keeps company. The second part of this reading calls to our attention the unity between the Father and the Son. God has made himself known through Jesus, and in knowing Jesus, we come to know the Father. In Jesus’ life and in his person, God reveals himself to us.  In the concluding sentences of today’s Gospel, Jesus’ teaching is again contrasted to the teaching of the Pharisees. This common theme of Matthew’s Gospel probably reflects tension that existed between Jesus and the Pharisees and between the Pharisees and the community of Christians for whom Matthew wrote. Pharisaic Judaism became the predominant form of Judaism after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem about 70 A.D. Here that tension is expressed as alternative paths of holiness. The careful observance of the Mosaic law taught by the Pharisees could be experienced by some as difficult and burdensome. In contrast, Jesus’ way of holiness is presented as uncomplicated and even restful. .

Sacramental Dates 2027

By Webmaster • June 27, 2026
Confirmation: St. Peter's & St. Mark's Monday 22nd February 2027 7pm Mass First Confession: St. Peter's Monday March 15th 2027 6.30pm St. Mark's Tuesday March 16th 2027 6.30pm First Communion: St. Peter's Saturday May 8th 2027 10am Mass St. Mark's Saturday May 15th 2027 10am Mass

This Sunday's readings - Sunday 28th June

By Webmaster • June 27, 2026
First Reading Acts of the Apostles 12:1-11 Now I know it is indeed true: the Lord has saved me from the power of Herod. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 34:2-9 The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him. Second Reading 2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18 All that remains now is the crown of righteousness. Gospel Reading Matthew 16:13-19 You are Peter; and I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven. Background on the Gospel Reading Mark places this incident at Caesarea Philippi. Luke, because of the importance he wishes to give to prayer in his Gospel, places it in the context of Jesus praying. But Matthew keeps it at Caesarea Philippi. In today's Gospel, Jesus asks the disciples for a “field report” by asking what people are saying about him. He refers to himself as the Son of Man, a term derived from the Jewish Scriptures, found in the book of Daniel and in other apocryphal writings. Many scholars suggest that “Son of Man” is best understood to mean “human being.” As Jesus turns the question directly to the disciples and asks what they believe, Peter speaks for all of them when he announces that they believe Jesus to be the Christ. “Christ” is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word for “messiah,” which means “the anointed one.” At the time of Jesus, the image of the “messiah” was laden with popular expectations, most of which looked for a political leader who would free the Jewish people from Roman occupation. Because Jesus has referred to himself a number of times in Matthew by Christological titles this moment is not the revelation of who Jesus is as in Mark. Instead it marks an important moment in the development of the Church. Jesus uses this occasion to bless Peter, who represents all the disciples but also has a unique role to play in the founding of the new community. Peter is blessed not because of a personal insight but because God revealed to him who Jesus is. Peter is the rock on which Jesus will build the Church.

This week's readings - Sunday 21st June

By Webmaster • June 19, 2026
First Reading Jeremiah 20:10-13 Jeremiah expresses confidence that the Lord will protect him. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 69:8-10,14,17,33-35 God responds to the prayers of those in need. Second Reading Romans 5:12-15 Sin came into the world through one person; so salvation came through one person for many. Gospel Reading Matthew 10:26-33 Jesus assures the Twelve that God cares about them. Background on the Gospel Reading We read today’s Gospel in the context of last week’s Gospel in which Jesus sent the twelve disciples to proclaim the kingdom of heaven. In between last week’s reading and today’s reading, Jesus has predicted that the disciples will face difficulties in their mission. Many people will not receive them well, even within the land of Israel. Even family members will turn away from the disciples because of the disciples’ commitment to Jesus and the kingdom. Today’s Gospel offers the disciples consolation against this difficult truth. This section of Matthew’s Gospel should be read in the context of Matthew’s intended audience, a Jewish-Christian community. The Gospel alludes to the dangers and persecutions that this community has most likely already faced and will continue to face. To reassure this community, Matthew recalls for them the encouraging words of Jesus that we read today. In this Gospel passage, Jesus might be understood as putting suffering in perspective. The disciples of Jesus are called upon to keep their focus on God. Those who can harm the body do not have ultimate power; God does. Still persecution and suffering can not be avoided or prevented. But Jesus reassures his disciples that God knows and cares about what happens to his children.  We might not face the same type of persecution, but we do experience difficulties as we endeavor to live a Christian life. Sometimes we let the opinions of others prevent us from doing what we know to be right. We need the reminder that what God thinks about us is more important. We are reassured by the promise that God cares for us and protects us.

Donations please

By Webmaster • June 19, 2026
A parishioner Cara Quigley is volunteering in a Catholic School in Kenya. She is looking for donations of the following: 1. Story books. 2. Flash cards (Alphabet, Numbers & Shapes). 3. White Board Pens. 4. Educational Toys (Building Blocks etc). 5. Sensory Materials. 6. Pencils (Normal & Coloured). 7. Crayons. 8. Skipping Ropes. She leaves on the 18th July 2026 Last pick up date is Sunday 12th July 2026

Confirmation

By Webmaster • June 12, 2026
Confirmation 2026 St. Peter's & St. Mark's 18th June 2026 7pm Bishop Toal

Gift Aid

By Webmaster • June 12, 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.
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