Reflections on the Daily Readings 1st November 2021

Webmaster • October 30, 2021

Monday 1st November


Solemnity Of All Saints Keep on marching


There are more than 10,000 saints venerated by the Catholic Church. (The exact number is a little unclear since some early saints may be more legendary than historical.) A lot of them are fairly new—Pope John Paul II (himself a saint) canonized more saints than all the popes in the previous 500 years combined. What does it mean to be a saint? A saint is anyone in heaven, whether canonized or not, and could include your own late family and friends. It doesn’t mean they were perfect in life, but that they kept trying to live a holy life. Saints form the “great cloud of witnesses” and they’re all cheering for you as you strive to be a saint, too.


Today's readings: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12a (667).

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”



Tuesday 2nd November


Commemoration Of All The Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day) Knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door


From the earliest days of Christianity—as believers shared Eucharist in the catacombs, alongside the dead—we Catholics have woven prayers for our dearly departed into many observances: every celebration of the Mass, praying the Rosary, annual parish-wide remembrances of the dead throughout November—even incorporating elements of Día de los Muertos from Latino tradition. We pray so that all souls who’ve been detoured through purgatory might, with our prayerful help, enjoy triumphant entry into heaven. As you remember your own dearly departed today, celebrate in Día de los Muertos style: Pray with their photos, visit their graves, enjoy their favourite foods.


Today's readings: Wisdom 3:1-9; Romans 5:5-11 or Romans 6:3-9; John 6:37-40 (668).

"Everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life."



Wednesday 3rd November


Memorial Of Martin De Porres, Religious United in our diversity


Born in colonial Peru in 1579 to a mix of Spanish, African, and indigenous ancestors, Martin de Porres was barred from full membership in a religious order in his racially stratified society. Martin was not deterred, however, and his gifts as a healer and spiritual leader elevated him to a position of great renown and respect within the Dominican order and Peruvian society. Today, there is a 61 percent chance that two people selected at random in the United States will be of different racial or ethnic backgrounds, according to the 2020 Census. As patron saint of race relations and those of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, Martin offers inspiration to all of us to work for social justice in our increasingly diverse nation.


Today's readings: Romans 13:8-10; Luke 14:25-33 (487).

“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”


Thursday 4th November


Memorial Of Charles Borromeo, Bishop Times That Try Our Souls


It’s a tricky business to take stock of the “signs of the times,” as Vatican II urged us to do. One person who was good at assessing the strengths and flaws of his culture was Saint Charles Borromeo (1538-84), a reformer who used his education and power as bishop to heal and repair the church. Pray that the Holy Spirit give us wisdom to perceive how God is present today, and to help bring about that presence where it seems to be lacking.


Today's readings: Romans 14:7-12; Luke 15:1-10 (488).

“There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people.”


Friday 5th November


What would Jesus not do? 


It’s easy to understand why evangelism is so compelling. We can’t wait to share the awesome news of finding our heart’s treasure in Jesus the Christ and the Catholic faith. But we must also take great care in evangelism so that we do not end up “colonizing” others, that is, assuming there is nothing good or godly in another person or group and imposing our own “enlightened” ways upon them. Jesus certainly does not do this. Instead, he shows by his own life the love of God and he looks where God already is in the world and in people’s lives. In what ways can we safeguard respect for others and God in our own call to be evangelists?


 Today's readings: Romans 15:14-21; Luke 16:1-8 (489).

“I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me.”




Saturday 6th November


Inspiration knows no bounds 


Jesus’ life and ministry broke open the “old wineskins” of religious and social customs. Inspired by his example, the early church was remarkably diverse and creative, and women played key roles every step of the way. Priscilla (or Prisca, her formal name), along with her husband, Aquila, were companions of Saint Paul and prominent leaders in the early church— and Priscilla’s name usually appears first when they are mentioned in the New Testament, a hint of her esteemed position. She instructed the learned Apollos, and some commentators think she may have had a hand in authoring the epistle to the Hebrews. Raise a glass to new wineskins—may they continue to pour out the Spirit!


Today's readings: Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27; Luke 16:9-15 (490).

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life.”



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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