Reflections on the Daily Readings 5th July 2021

Webmaster • July 2, 2021

Monday 5th July


Memorial Of Elizabeth Of Portugal

Seek the common ground of reconciliation


The world is rife with conflict. Many friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors are at odds over politics, racial strife, and pandemic behavior and vaccines. After all this, it can be hard to ever feel the same way about certain people in our lives. But we’re called to be peacemakers nonetheless—and that starts with our personal relationships. Saint Elizabeth of Portugal brokered peace in her family to stop civil war. We’ve never needed her brand of reconciliation more.


Today's readings: Genesis 28:10-22a; Matthew 9:18-26 (383). “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.”




Tuesday 6th July


A Mission Of Mercy


Pope Francis proclaimed an extraordinary Year of Mercy in 2015, but it was one of the Catholic Church’s youngest saints—11-year-old Maria Goretti—who took the message abroad. The Pilgrimage of Mercy, featuring Maria’s major relics, traveled across the United States that year, attracting multitudes to veneration, prayer, and the sacrament of Reconciliation. Canonized a modern-day “virgin martyr,” dying at the hands of a would-be rapist in 1902, this humble Italian girl became “The Little Saint of Great Mercy” for forgiving her murderer upon her 6 deathbed. Who do you need to forgive? Let Maria’s example be a reminder of what is possible.


Today's readings: Genesis 32:23-33; Matthew 9:32-38 (384). “His heart was moved with pity for them.”




Wednesday 7th July


Harden not your heart


In 2018, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a pastoral letter against racism: Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love. In that letter, the bishops remind us that as a nation “we have never sufficiently contended with the impact of racism.” In a week when the United States honors the founding principles of this country and that all are created equal, people of faith are called to examine their own perceptions and practices and do their part to ensure equality for all people. Embrace the bishops’ invitation to fight the evil of racism and take time this week to read and reflect on their letter: Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love.


Today's readings: Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a; Matthew 10:1-7 (385). “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ ”



Thursday 8th July


Sometimes the miracle is endurance


The gospel for today refers to the amazing powers Jesus conferred upon his followers to cure and revive. But we know many people in Jesus’ day and today do not experience a miracle cure but instead must bear a cross. Our faith gives us the wisdom to know how and when to bear suffering when a solution is absent and when to struggle against injustice; both can be paths to God. Indeed, miracles themselves, the church teaches, are not merely wondrous events; they are meant to transform us and bring us closer to God. Which way are you being called right now? To struggle against suffering and injustice? Or to bow to a cross in your life? Over a lifetime, we may be called to both paths.


Today's readings: Genesis 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5; Matthew 10:7-15 (386). “Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons.”



Friday 9th July


Hang in there


Each of us will be put to the test when it comes to our faith. How we react to tragedy, scorn, injustice, boredom, betrayal, illness, and loss will present moments of truth for us. Will our faith endure? Saint Paul tells the Romans that “tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.” Paul knew a thing or two about perseverance. His lengthy missionizing sea journeys covered something on the magnitude of 10,000 miles and many months on often rough seas. When you feel tested, turn to Paul for inspiration. Stay the course!


Today's readings: Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30; Matthew 10:16-23 (387). “Whoever endures to the end will be saved.”


Saturday 10th July


Ever Virgin, ever esteemed


It is ironic but true that the Blessed Virgin Mary is mentioned more times in Islam’s Qur'an than in the Christian New Testament. Parts of two chapters of the Qur'an are devoted to Mary. Much like in the gospel of Luke, one chapter tells the story of the events leading up to the birth of Jesus. The other speculates about Mary’s family, her parents and siblings, making linguistic parallels to the family of Moses. As in Catholic tradition, Islam considers the Mother of Jesus the greatest of all women of faith. The spiritual influence of the Virgin Mary transcends even religious differences.


Today's readings: Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26a; Matthew 10:24-33 (388). “Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.”

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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