Tuesday 21st September

Feast Of Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist

Let peace begin with me

The United Nations designates today as the International Day of Peace. It’s also the feast of Saint Matthew—the evangelist whose list of Beatitudes includes the words “blessed are the peacemakers.” According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the “Beatitudes are at the heart of Jesus' preaching.” They “shed light on the actions and attitudes characteristic of the Christian life” and are the “paradoxical promises that sustain hope in the midst of tribulations.” Matthew must have experienced such tribulations when he, as a hated tax collector, joined the other apostles. Be a peacemaker today, especially among people you’re nearest to.

Today's readings: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13; Matthew 9:9-13

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”

Wednesday 22nd September

Share the wealth

Power sharing and collaborative ministry are thorny questions within church circles and many faith communities. Jesus can be our model and our guide, in this as in all questions. When he sent the apostles out he did so in pairs and “gave them power and authority.” Add it up and it equals shared, collaborative ministry. Those who are sure of their own authority are able to share it freely and without fear. More ministries and leadership positions will open up in the church when those with power learn to trust the faith community the way Jesus did.

Today's readings: Ezra 9:5-9; Luke 9:1-6

“He sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”



Thursday 23rd September

Memorial Of Pius Of Pietrelcina, Priest

Be an everyday mystic

In a secular world that prizes material possessions, the mystical aspect of the church can captivate. Saint Padre Pio (1887-1968) certainly drew attention for his mystical attributes. A relatively obscure Italian Capuchin priest, he gained fame for reportedly displaying the wounds of Christ, called stigmata, and for his insightful (some called it psychic) abilities as a confessor. He spent up to 10 hours a day with people who sought guidance and forgiveness in Confession. Only a few of us become mystics, but all can seek holiness and insight. Today meditate and act on the path to holiness that God has placed before you.

Today's readings: Haggai 1:1-8; Luke 9:7-9

“Herod said, ‘John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?’”

Friday 24th September

Grounded in a sense of belonging

In our Western mindset, we often think of land as “property,” owned and available for human use. But if we hope to stem climate change, we need to realize it’s really the other way around. The land doesn’t belong to us; we belong to the land. Writes Pope Francis in his encyclical on caring for creation, Laudato Si’: “Many things have to change course, but it is we human beings above all who need to change. We lack an awareness of our common origin, of our mutual belonging, and of a future to be shared with everyone.” How will you commit to the care of this land that sustains us in so many ways?

Today's readings: Haggai 2:1-9; Luke 9:18-22

“In this place I will give you peace.”

Saturday 25th September

Ripe with possibilities

Jesus was born to Mary “in the fullness of time,” as one scripture passage puts it. This rich metaphor of time ripening rings true to human experience. Think of the blessings in your own life, and how they have developed often from small beginnings or mere glimmers of hope: deep and lasting relationships, hard-earned insights, lifelong achievements and legacies. Good things take time, patience, perseverance, courage, and perhaps most of all, trust. Think of Mary’s journey of trust in response to God’s call, and make it your own. And may the blessings in your own life ripen in the fullness of time!

Today's readings: Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a; Luke 9:43b-45

“Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD.”