Reflections on the Daily Readings 21st June 2021

Webmaster • June 20, 2021

Monday 21st June


Memorial Of Aloysius Gonzaga Religious

Sometimes you have to swim upstream


Discerning one’s vocation can be tricky enough, but once you've figured out God’s call, you might encounter resistance from others in answering it. Saint Aloysius Gonzaga can relate. As an aristocrat in Renaissance Italy, he was expected to join decadent courtly life and have an accomplished military career. But even in his early teens, Aloysius was dismayed by the violence and licentiousness of his time. Deeply devout, he bucked family and societal expectations and sought a different path. He renounced his inheritance and became a Jesuit. When we encounter pressure to ignore God, may Aloysius help us all stay true.


Today's readings: Genesis 12:1-9; Matthew 7:1-5 (371). “The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.”


Tuesday 22nd June

 

Memorial Of John Fisher, Bishop & Thomas More, Martyrs

Truth trumps tyranny


Thomas More shares this feast day with John Fisher—both beheaded for daring to cross England’s King Henry VIII in his power grab. Significantly, Henry moved up Fisher’s execution day so it wouldn’t fall on the feast of another sainted John—John the Baptist, who likewise was beheaded by a king for opposing royal tyranny. It’s always the right time to speak truth to power, even when the cost is high.


Today's readings: Genesis 13:2, 5-18; Matthew 7:6, 12-14 (372). “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction."


Wednesday 23rd June


Let’s make the world a better place

Today the United Nations celebrates Public Service Day to honor the public servants who selflessly work to promote the common good. Each of us, however, is called to make the world a better place through service. As Pope Francis says in Fratelli Tutti: Service means caring “for the vulnerable members of our families, our society, our people . . . Service always looks to their faces, touches their flesh, senses their closeness . . . and tries to help them." Whether as emergency responders, sanitation workers, public advocates, teachers, community volunteers, or whatever your vocation or profession may be, take the opportunity to recognize the humanity of the vulnerable and offer your help.


Today's readings: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Matthew 7:15-20 (373). “So by their fruits you will know them.”

Thursday 24th June


Solemnity Of The Nativity Of Saint John The Baptist

Catch fire


Although Catholics in general don’t tend to make a fuss over the Nativity of John the Baptist, today’s solemnity is one of the church’s earliest, and it used to be widely celebrated in Europe with bonfires and outdoor festivities. Some regions still hold celebrations for John, who prepared humanity for the coming of Christ. The bonfires recognize the fire within this zealous, outspoken saint. Do you harbour a fire for Christ? If your passion has ebbed, pray to Saint John the Baptist to intercede that you might reignite your fire for the kingdom of God.


Today's readings: Day: Isaiah 49:1-6; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66, 80 (587). “He asked for a tablet and wrote, ‘John is his name.’ ”



Friday 25th June


Confirm your spiritual identity


Most seventh-graders are thrilled by two things about Confirmation: the possibility of having a tongue of fire hover over their heads and choosing a new name. It’s not that anything is necessarily wrong with their given names, but it seems awesome to choose one’s very own name. Many spiritual traditions and rites employ the custom of taking a new name, signifying a new moment in our life with God. Though a sacrament and public witness in the church, Confirmation is also a personal confirmation of our own selves as unique and beloved of God. What can you do today to confirm your relationship with God?


Today's readings: Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22; Matthew 8:1-4 (375). “Do not call her Sarai; her name shall be Sarah. I will bless her.”



Saturday 26th June


We are worthy of healing


In these divisive times, it is heartening to have examples of the healing power of a word. The gospels tell the story of a centurion, a powerful military leader of the Roman army that occupied Jewish lands, who had such great faith in Jesus that he only needed Jesus to speak a healing word. No ordinary centurion, this fellow had 7 been a great friend of the Jewish people of Capernaum, even building their synagogue. Where are such examples today? Speak a word of healing across all that seems to divide: across the aisle, the religions, the races and ethnicities, the neighbourhoods, languages, genders, and sexualities that distinguish us but do not have to divide us. Only say the word and healing shall begin.


Today's readings: Genesis 18:1-15; Matthew 8:5-17 (376). “Only say the word and my servant will be healed.”

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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