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 • June 27, 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, and all our sick .

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.

Prayers for the recently dead, months, mind and Anniversaries

By Webmaster • June 27, 2026
Our Recently Dead John Holton, Baby Koa McKendrick, Hamish McGregor, Pat Dougan, John Feeney Month Minds & Anniversaries Hugh Burns, James, Ruby & Mary McDaide, Jim Carter, Archie Findlater, Eric Findlater, Tracey Archibald 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

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.

This week's readings - Sunday 14th June

By Webmaster • June 12, 2026
First Reading Exodus 19:2-6a God tells Moses that the Israelites will be his special people. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 100:1-3,5 We are the people of God. Second Reading Romans 5:6-11 Christ died for us while we were still sinners and reconciled us to God. Gospel Reading Matthew 9:36-10:8 Jesus sends the twelve apostles to proclaim the kingdom of heaven. Background on the Gospel Reading In today's Gospel, Jesus shares his mission to proclaim the kingdom of heaven with his disciples. The signs of the kingdom's presence consist of the work that Jesus has already been doing: the sick are cured, lepers are cleansed, demons are driven out, and the dead are raised to life. The disciples are sent to continue doing the work that Jesus has begun. This is a moment of transition in Matthew's Gospel. The focus has shifted from the ministry of Jesus to the work of the community that he has inaugurated. More than any other Gospel, Matthew's Gospel elaborates on the work of the Church, which is to continue after Jesus' death and resurrection. The Gospel reports that Jesus commissions twelve disciples. Many scholars believe that the twelve disciples symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel. It designates, therefore, continuity between Israel and the Church. Matthew lists the names of the twelve disciples, as do Mark and Luke. Matthew also uses the word apostlewhen referring to the Twelve. The word apostlemeans “one who is sent.” In this context, Matthew is calling attention to the mission that the twelve disciples are being given. They are sent by Jesus to proclaim the kingdom of heaven in word and deed.  As Jesus sent his disciples to continue his work and mission, so too the Church is sent by Jesus. The Church is his continuing presence on earth. Every member of the Church is sent by Jesus to contribute to this mission.

Leavers masses

By Webmaster • June 12, 2026
P7 Leavers Masses St. Peter's 17th June St. Mark's 19th June
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