What is at the heart of the Gospel? In every reading this week God’s preferential option for the poor and vulnerable is expressed. The readings offer us a clear and unequivocal call to justice as we follow Christ. In Proverbs, those who are generous and just are blessed, and God is seen to be on...
It’s all about passion this week! The readings explore what it means to obey God’s law and to live a righteous life, and concludes that, if our faith is simply legalistic, outward observance, it is not authentic. Rather, it is about ensuring that our hearts are devoted to God, that we remain passionate in our...
THEMES: Overarching Theme: “How will we be living BREAD – how will we really live” The overarching themes this week are: God’s Presence: The importance of being in God’s presence and experiencing His glory. Faith and Trust: The necessity of faith and trust in God, especially in challenging times. Prayer and Worship: The significance of...
Lord of life and hope, we gather this day seeking nourishment for our souls and healing for our spirits. Give to us your living bread, that having been nourished in soul and spirit, we may be witnesses to your transforming love. Through the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, we offer this...
This week in the Lectionary holds together a variety of elements. In the ongoing saga of David’s Reign we jump forward to the rebellion led by his son Absalom, and to Absalom’s death. Once again, we find David grieving an enemy, although this time he grieves as a father as well. In the Gospel we...
Two themes stand out this week: 1. Leading a life worthy of God’s blessings and calling is not an easy task. Even King David, blessed with riches and wives, failed as he stole another man’s wife and then had the man murdered. Yet, God calls to us still, offering the grace to use our gifts...
This week, the question of faith becomes the focus as we contrast David’s lustful self-interest with the faith of Jesus in feeding the crowds and appearing to the disciples in the storm. The challenging question that this week’s readings raise is this: What will be the driving force of our lives – faithful trust in...
Two words stand out in this week’s readings: “Shepherd” and “House”. In both David and Jesus both of these words come together in a remarkable and exciting way. In the Old Testament continuous reading, there is a play on the word “house” (The Hebrew bayit means both “house” and “dynasty”). David seeks to build a temple (house)...
Reflecting on the theme of God’s blessings in this week’s readings, we can draw out a rich tapestry of divine grace and human response: Psalm 24:1-10 presents the sovereignty of God over all creation and the call for purity in those who seek His presence. The blessing here is the invitation to stand before God, to seek...
MESSAGE 7 July – Seventh Sunday after PENTECOST YEAR B THEMES: God’s sending and God’s provision Sent forth by God and Christ’s disciples, we are called to proclaim repentance, teach God’s love, and offer Christ’s healing ministry. These scriptures warn us, however, that our gifts will not always be accepted; our ministries will not always...
