Tuesday 31st August

Hope works

Today, in Poland, it’s the Day of Solidarity and Freedom—a modern Independence Day celebration after years of oppressive Soviet rule. In the 1980s, labour activist Lech Walesa helped stoke the flames of democratic social change. But it was Poland’s favourite son, Pope John Paul II, who provided the spark. In his 1979 papal visit, John Paul II gave the people an electric hope that change was possible. “Let the Spirit descend and renew the face of the Earth. This Earth,” he said. Remember how solidarity and workers’ rights are cornerstones of Catholic Social Teaching.

Today's readings: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11; Luke 4:31-37 (432).

"They were all amazed and said to one another, 'What is there about his word?'"

Wednesday 1st September

Living waters run deep

The annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation celebrated today “offers to individual believers and to the community a precious opportunity to renew our personal participation in this vocation as custodians of creation,” says Pope Francis, who elevated this day in 2015 with the publication of his encyclical on the care of creation, Laudato Si’. As we move past August, Water Quality Month, be particularly mindful of your stewardship over the precious resource of clean drinking water. May all of us “come to the water” together as we care for our common home.

Today's readings: Colossians 1:1-8; Luke 4:38-44 (433).

“I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.”

Thursday 2nd September

Get unstuck

In today’s gospel Simon Peter is so overcome by his own sinfulness, he tells Jesus to go away from him. What exactly is “sinfulness”? Lots of actions and inactions fall into that category, but the essence of Catholic teaching on sin is that it separates us from God. Selfishness, violence, and other sins drive a wedge between us and God. Peter knew that instinctively. Remove that wedge by asking God for forgiveness, and ponder what you can do to free yourself to reconcile a relationship that has become estranged.

Today's readings: Colossians 1:9-14; Luke 5:1-11

"Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’”

Friday 3rd September

Memorial Of Gregory The Great, Pope,

Keep it all in balance

It’s never easy to find the right balance between sitting quietly and attentively on the sidelines and joining in the scrum of life’s adventures. Our life of prayer helps us to discern how best to hold these together and to respond with love for ourselves and the common good. Gregory was a Benedictine monk of the late sixth century and loved his life as a contemplative. Yet, when called upon to take the helm of a church suffering from the fall of Rome and the plague, he stepped up and found his calling expressed in new ways through prayer, caring for those in need, and leading compassionately. Find the right balance between action and contemplation.

Today's readings: Colossians 1:15-20; Luke 5:33-39.

“In him all the fullness was pleased to dwell.”



Saturday 4th September

The fruits of creation for all of creation

It’s interesting to note that in the story of Jesus’ hungry disciples eating the grain from a farmer’s field, the objection raised by the Pharisees is not that they took the grain, but that they did so on the Sabbath. In fact, eating grain or produce from a neighbor’s farm while passing through was permitted by Jewish law (Deuteronomy 23:25-26), provided one did not carry off any surplus. It was considered a common courtesy and obligation of charity to share the abundance of creation with one’s neighbor. Perhaps we can embrace that same ethic in our own stewardship of the abundance God has entrusted to us.

Today's readings: Colossians 1:21-23; Luke 6:1-5

“While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them.”