Reflections on the Daily Readings 27th September 2021

Webmaster • September 25, 2021

Monday 27th September


Memorial Of Vincent De Paul, Priest

God works with us as we are


Saint Vincent de Paul is known for founding two religious orders, reforming the church, and serving the poor to such an extent that he is the patron of all works of charity. Many schools and parishes bear his name. But in his lifetime, he was also known for being irritable and quick-tempered—which his friends confirmed and he himself admitted. He said it was only God’s grace that made him compassionate, humble, and generous. He’s a perfect example that we don’t have to be perfect to do saintly work—if we let God soften our hard-heartedness, what great things we might do.


Today's readings: Zechariah 8:1-8; Luke 9:46-50

“For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”



Tuesday 28th September


A faith that runs in the family


Good King Wenceslaus is, of course, best known for his care of the poor and the concern he showed his servant, as immortalized in the famous Christmas carol. Indeed, it was young Wenceslaus’ habit to sneak out in the middle of the night and—with his servant assisting—roam the countryside looking for poor or imprisoned people he could anonymously help with his almsgiving. But Wenceslaus and his grandmother, Saint Ludmila, could also be patron saints for grandchildren who are raised in the Catholic Christian faith primarily by their grandparents. Pray for all modern grandparents who assume this role.


Today's readings: Zechariah 8:20-23; Luke 9:51-56

“Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord.”




Wednesday 29th September


Feast Of Michael, Gabriel, And Raphael, Archangels

God’s special care for migrants


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 30th September


Memorial Of Jerome, Priest, Doctor Of The Church

Translating the faith for the ages


Where would the church be without the word? If you have ever read a verse from the Bible, thank Saint Jerome (347-419). His translation of the Bible from Greek and Hebrew into Latin set the standard until the mid-20th century, paving the way for scholarship that affects our contemporary translations of scripture. His pivotal writing and translating earned him the rare title of “doctor of the church.” Give a nod to Saint Jerome by reading a favourite scripture passage today.


Today's readings: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12; Luke 10:1-12

“Say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”


Friday 1st October


Memorial Of Thérèse Of The Child Jesus, Virgin, Doctor Of The Church

Graceful glances


Glances are totally underrated. They seem trivial, hurried and fleeting, even stolen! They are the smallest of gestures, barely registering a flick of the eye. It is surprising then that a glance can also be a prayer. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux wrote, “For me, prayer is an aspiration of the heart, it is a simple glance directed to heaven, it is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy; finally, it is something.” Our prayerful “glances” are significant. They register with God. A glance can communicate everything to God, especially when life leaves us wordless. Pause now for a moment and glance at God.


Today's readings: Baruch 1:15-22; Luke 10:13-16.

“Justice is with the Lord, our God.”



Saturday 2nd October


Memorial Of The Holy Guardian Angels

All night and all day


Years back, in perhaps what were more innocent times (or at least appear so to us now), Catholic schoolchildren were encouraged to leave a little space on their chairs for their guardian angels. This charming bit of nostalgia reveals a deeper article of faith. From biblical times to the present, the testimony on angels guiding us has been consistent. Saint Augustine said, “Go where we will, our angels are always with us,” while Saint Bernard encouraged Christians to “Make the holy angels your friends . . . we have nothing to fear under the protection of these guardians.” Perhaps the larger truth is that although suffering and even tragedy may come our way, if we leave our hearts open, we will not be left alone. God will be at our side. Scoot over a bit!


Today's readings: Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29 (460); Matthew 18:1-5, 10

“Their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”

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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