Reflections on the Daily Readings 2nd August 2021

Webmaster • July 31, 2021

Monday 2nd August


Memorial Of Peter Julian Eymard, Priest

The communion of saints awaits you


Saint Peter Julian Eymard was a 19th-century French priest with a devotion to the Eucharist. He founded two religious institutes with a focus on Eucharistic Adoration: the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament for men and the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament for women. The former prepared children for their First Communion and reached out to lapsed Catholics to bring them back to receiving Communion. He famously said, “You take Communion to become holy, not because you already are.” Perhaps you spent some time away from the Eucharist because of the pandemic. No matter how long you are apart, Christ eagerly awaits your return.


Today's readings: Numbers 11:4b-15; Matthew 14:13-21

“He said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples.”




Tuesday 3rd August


We’re in the same boat


The “Barque (boat) of Saint Peter” is one of the oldest symbols of the Catholic Church. Early church fathers, like Tertullian and Clement of Alexandria, compared the church to a sailing vessel. Saint Boniface wrote: “The church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship, but to keep her on her course.” As Peter learned, the trick is to place our trust in Jesus. Pray for Pope Francis—successor to Peter—that he can guide the church through today’s troubled waters.



Today's readings: Numbers 12:1-13; Matthew 14:22-36 or Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14 (408).

"Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus."



Wednesday 4th August


Memorial Of John Vianney, Priest

Ministry for the ministers


The unique lives of Catholic priests and religious sometimes give rise to stressful times and difficult transitions that need the help of a healing hand. The Saint John Vianney Center in Downingtown, Pennsylvania serves Catholic clergy and religious struggling with behavioral and emotional issues, addictive and compulsive disorders, weight management, and other challenging issues that arise during their vocational journeys. The JVC employs modern therapeutic support along with traditional prayer, spiritual practices, and the intercession of today’s saint to restore these dedicated men and women to active and fruitful ministry. Pray for your religious sisters and brothers, priests, deacons, and bishops. They need your love.


Today's readings: Numbers 13:1-2, 25—14:1, 26-29a, 34-35; Matthew 15:21-28 (409).

“O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”


Thursday 5th August


Memorial Of The Dedication Of The Basilica Of Mary Major

Legend-worthy Madonna


Legend has it that a freak snowstorm in August was a sign that urged a Christian couple to build an enormous Roman church dedicated to the Virgin: the Basilica of Mary Major, founded in the 400s. Yet this story is like many others that church historians call “legends.” Our legends are not to be disdained; they usually uphold truths as interesting as the facts. In this case, the larger truth is that Mary is a key member of the communion of saints who helps us on our path to God. During this month when Mary is particularly venerated, ask for her intercession.


Today's readings: Numbers 20:1-13; Matthew 16:13-23 (410).

“Then, raising his hand, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff, and water gushed out in abundance for the people and their livestock to drink".


Friday 6th August


Feast Of The Transfiguration Of The Lord

Shhh . . .


“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply,” says leadership guru Stephen Covey. When we fail to listen, we miss the messages necessary for growth in ourselves and others. Listening builds a well of wisdom that helps the listener and the speaker get to know themselves better. “Listening is a form of spiritual hospitality,” says Henri Nouwen, and Pope Francis calls listening a form of “self-sacrifice” as we put another person above ourselves and “share questions and doubts.” God commanded Jesus’ disciples to listen to him. We are called to do the same.


Today's readings: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Mark 9:2-10 (614).

“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."




Saturday 7th August


Memorial Of Sixtus Ii, Pope, And Companions, Martyrs

The courage to teach


Today's teachers have a tough job (which the pandemic only made more difficult). But imagine risking your life to teach about your faith. That's how it was "back in the day." In the year 258, Roman soldiers burst into the room where Sixtus was teaching, dragged him from the chair, and beheaded him in the street. Six deacons joined him in martyrdom that day. Many bishops, priests, and deacons were murdered during that persecution by the Roman Emperor Valerian. Next time you’re in the pew, find Sixtus in Eucharistic Prayer I, the first one printed in your missalette. He’s in the list that includes “Linus, Cletus, Clement,” and other notables of the early church. When you get to the name Sixtus II, pause and remember his courageous sacrifice to pass on the faith.


Today's readings: Deuteronomy 6:4-13; Matthew 17:14-20 (412).

“[I]f you have faith the size of a mustard seed . . . . Nothing will be impossible for you.”

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,
Show More