Reflections on Daily Readings 2026
April 26th – May 30th, 2026
April 26 – May 2, 2026
4th Week of Easter | Readings: Sunday Cycle A; Weekday Cycle 2.
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:14, 36-41; Psalm 22; 1Peter 2:20-25; John 10:1-10
In our first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles, St Peter is teaching the people about Christ, and they are so moved by what he says that they ask for baptism – 3,000 of them. The Psalm, the text from Peter’s first letter and the gospel passage from St John, use the image of the shepherd. Christ is the good shepherd who looks after his flock and keeps them all in view. Like a shepherd, he protects his people from evil and keeps them safe in his care. This protection is given to all those who believe in him, listen to his word and put that word into action in their lives. Today is also designated Vocations Sunday – a day when we pray in a special for vocations. We must remember, though, that the word ‘vocation’ is more than just a call to serve the Lord in the ministerial priesthood or religious life. By our very baptism we are all called to serve the Lord in whatever way we can. While we pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life we also pray that we may all have the strength to live out our Christian vocation in the married or celibate state, as parents and teachers, and simply as Christians.
Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 41; John 10:11-18
In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, St Peter is being criticised for associating with uncircumcised people. He tells those who are criticising him that what he did was instructed by God. Clearly, the message of God is meant for all people to hear and to believe regardless of their current beliefs. In the gospel text – a continuation of that for the Fourth Sunday of Easter – Jesus speaks to the people and likens himself to a shepherd, but a shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. Christ tells us that many shepherds run away at the first sign of trouble but that the Good Shepherd, the true shepherd who has concern for his flock, freely lays down his life to save those entrusted to him. There is also the suggestion that others outside the Church will also be saved by Christ.
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Acts 11:19-26; Psalm 86; John 10:22-30
Our continuous reading from the Acts of the Apostles gives us a constant reminder of the sort of life we are called to – one which proclaims Christ and his Gospel in word and deed. Today’s reading notes that the name “Christian” is used for the first time. It also notes that the Good News is deliberately preached to the Gentiles for the first time thanks to the teaching of St Philip in Samaria and St Peter’s contact with Cornelius, a Roman centurion. In the gospel, the theme of sheep and shepherd is used again today. Despite all that Christ has said to this point, many of those who have heard him have failed to understand what he has been saying. They have failed because they are not the sheep of his flock but follow another shepherd.
Feast of St Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church & Patroness of Europe
Born in Siena in 1347, Catherine became a Dominican Tertiary and lived a life of charitable works. She became involved in politics and was instrumental in getting Pope Gregory XI to leave Avignon for Rome. She died in 1380 leaving behind more than 400 letters and a great mystical work, Dialogue. She was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970, and Patroness of Europe in the Jubilee Year, 2000.
Readings
1 John 1:5-2:2; Psalm 102; Matthew 11:25-30
The first reading from the first letter of St John calls on us to live in the light, just as St Catherine of Siena did. If we live in the light we will not go wrong and we will live in truth before God and our fellow men and women. The gospel passage too can be applied to today’s saint for she brought comfort to many who were poor through her gentleness and humility of heart. We too are called to look after others and to share our belongings, our time and our life with them.
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Acts 13:13-25; Psalm 88; John 13:16-20
In our first reading today St Paul begins teaching about Christ in a synagogue, something which would not have gone down too well with his former colleagues in the Pharisees. In the sermon, Paul traces salvation history from the Old Testament up to John the Baptist. Our gospel passage today sees Christ and the disciples at the Last Supper where Christ has just washed their feet. He tells them that they must accept those who will be sent by him and they are not to turn them away. We too must listen to those who have been sent by God and accept what they say as the message of God. First and foremost they are to serve God through their love for and service of others following his example.
Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Acts 13:26-33; Psalm 2; John 14:1-6
St Paul, in our first reading, continues teaching the people in the synagogue in Pisidia and tells them that when the Jews in Jerusalem had Jesus put to death, they did no more than fulfil sacred scripture. In the gospel, Jesus tells us – in response to a pessimistic remark from St Thomas – that he is the way, the truth and the life and that if we believe in him, we too will have life. Christ is the only way to the Father – as we heard earlier this week – there is no other and any other which appears to suit us better and be more in line with our own views will not bring us to eternal life. Christ is the embodiment of the truth he speaks about and he is the one who gives life to our Eucharistic celebration.
Memorial of St Joseph the Worker
This commemoration was established by Pope Pius XII in 1955. St Joseph is the patron of working people.
Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Acts 13:44-52; Psalm 97; John 14:7-14
In our passage from the Acts of the Apostles we read that many more people are now coming to the synagogue to hear Saints Paul and Barnabas and the message they bring. The Jews are not happy at this but the people are because not all of them are Jews and yet the message is being preached freely to everyone regardless of their current beliefs. In the gospel, Jesus continues to teach his disciples that he and the Father are one and that in believing in him they are believing in the Father. St Philip is slow to believe or to understand that God the Father and God the Son are one and the same person though he has heard this many times from Christ’s own mouth. We have heard these words all our lives and must ask ourselves whether we believe them or whether we’re a little hesitant. True faith is when we accept such mysteries without waiting for proof.
Memorial of St Athanasius, Bishop & Doctor of the Church
Athanasius was born in 295 or 297 in Alexandria. He attended the Council of Nicaea as a deacon in 325 and impressed the Council Fathers with his defence of the divinity of Christ. He became Bishop of Alexandria in 328 and served as bishop for forty turbulent years. He fought against the heresies of the time and particularly that of Arius (that Jesus is not co-equal with the Father but created by him) and, as a result, was exiled from his diocese on five occasions for a total of seventeen years. Yet he never ceased to defend Christ and his Church. He died in the year 373. He is one of the four great Greek Doctors of the Universal Church.
May 3 – May 9, 2026
5th Week of Easter | Readings: Sunday Cycle A; Weekday Cycle 2.
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 32; 1Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12
In the first reading we see the Twelve calling a meeting. This was in response to a complaint that some of the people in the early Christian community were being overlooked when it came to charity. At the meeting, the Twelve prayed and appointed seven men – the first to fulfil the role of deacons – to help minister to the people. In a very short space of time the Church has begun to evolve to meet the growing pastoral needs of the flock. The second reading exhorts us to place our trust in Christ because he is the cornerstone of everything we have and do and are. In this passage, St Peter also tells us that we are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a people set apart” and so we must live in this way. In the gospel from St John we see Jesus teaching his disciples and telling them that he is the way to the Father and to eternal life but that we must put our trust and belief in him if we are to succeed along this way.
Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Acts 14:5-18; Psalm 113; John 14:21-26
In our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles we see that Saints Paul and Barnabas are forced to flee because the authorities wish to kill them for preaching about Christ. They travel to Laconia – in modern day southern Turkey – and are very well received there. According to legend, the gods Zeus and Hermes visited here and were rejected by the people who were in turn destroyed by the two gods. Having witnessed what Paul and Barnabas can do the people fear that if they don’t treat these ‘gods’ well that they will be destroyed like the old tale. In the gospel text, Jesus tells his disciples that after he has gone they will be given the Holy Spirit who will teach them everything and remind them of all he had said. This Spirit is the one who caused Paul and Barnabas to work as they did. That same Spirit has been given to us and will work in us only if we allow him to and, in so doing, bring glory to God.
Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Acts 14:19-28; Psalm 144; John 14:27-31
In our first reading today we see that Saints Paul and Barnabas are still suffering for their preaching but they continue to preach and to give strength to the Christian communities which they visit. Paul also reminds the faithful that believing in Christ will cause hardship as he himself can testify but the reward is worth the suffering. In the gospel, Jesus gives his peace to the disciples before he leaves them. It is a peace which is not of human origins and therefore is greater and more liberating. It is a peace which this world badly needs but does not want to try. It is for us as Christians to convince the world that this is the only way to true happiness and fulfilment.
Memorial of St Angelus, Carmelite Priest & Martyr
Angelus was one of the first Carmelites to leave the Holy Land and settle in Sicily. In 1220 he was killed by someone whose wickedness Angelus had apparently denounced. Little else is known about him but his cult spread throughout the Carmelite Order and he is an important saint on the island of Sicily.
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Acts 15:1-6; Psalm 121; John 15:1-8
In today’s first reading we see that Saints Paul and Barnabas are now back in Antioch following their first missionary journey to the Gentiles. We see them in a debate with other Christian preachers and Pharisees about circumcision and are being sent to Jerusalem to speak with the Apostles on the matter. In the gospel, Christ says that he is the true vine and that we are its branches. If we believe in him then we will bear much fruit, but if we do not believe, then we are good for nothing and will be pruned away. If we believe in him he will grant all our prayers especially if that prayer is a prayer for an increase in our own faith so that we can do his will.
Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Acts 15:7-21; Psalm 95; John 15:9-11
Today’s first reading marks a key moment in the early Christian Church. The first Council of the Church is held in Jerusalem at which the practice of preaching to the Gentiles without them having to undergo circumcision is approved. It is a turning point also because the new Church has now broken away from the Jewish faith and laws and begins making its own laws and traditions. It is also the last time that St Peter and the Apostles are mentioned as St Luke now concentrates on the growth of the Church among the Gentiles which is the particular ministry of St Paul. In today’s gospel text, Christ tells his listeners that they are to love one another in the same way that he has loved them. To love like Christ is to make our decisions in a Christ-like manner and so overcome the hurt that others may have inflicted upon us. To love like Christ is not always easy, but when we realise that Christ is present in each one of us, then we also realise that what we do to another person we do to Christ.
Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Acts 15:22-31; Psalm 56; John 15:12-17
The Council in Jerusalem now sends Saints Paul and Barnabas back to Antioch with chosen helpers to strengthen the people and to inform them of their decision which was guided by the Holy Spirit. The letter which Paul and his companions carry to the new communities to explain the decision of the Council of Jerusalem is a prototype of the official documents and encyclicals which have been issued by popes ever since. Continuing yesterday’s theme of love, today’s gospel passage sees Christ giving his followers the commandment to love more forcefully than in yesterday’s text. In the Old Testament, Moses and the prophets were known as ‘servants of God’ but Jesus calls us his friends which implies a far more personal relationship which is available to each and every one of us. Christ was willing to give his life for his friends so we should be willing to give our lives for Christ – our brother and our friend.
Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Acts 16:1-10; Psalm 99; John 15:18-21
Today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles sees St Paul setting out on his second missionary journey to the Gentiles which will take him as far as Corinth in Greece. He has a vision from God who tells him to spend time bringing the faith to what is modern day Greece. He is joined by St Timothy and also, scholars believe, by St Luke the Evangelist and author of the book. This is suggested by the use of the word ‘we’ in the last paragraph which tells us that Luke was a witness to part, at least, of what he records in the Acts. In the gospel, Christ tells his listeners that they will be persecuted for the sake of his name just as he too was persecuted. We all suffer in some way – from broken relationships, bad health, financial difficulties. But how much, if any, of our sufferings are a result of our being Christian? The world rejected Christ 2,000 years ago and, in truth, it hasn’t improved much since but continues to reject that which shows up its own weaknesses and shortcomings. As Christians we should be willing to be rejected by the world but that will only happen if we are brave enough to be real Christians. Paul was persecuted for Christ but it did not stop him carrying out his work for the Lord, and look at the legacy which he left. What sort of a legacy could we collectively leave were we to openly follow the path of Christ?
Memorial of St Georg Preca, Priest
Georg Preca was born in Valletta, Malta, and was ordained priest in 1906. The Carmelite Family and spirituality had always been close to his heart and he became a Carmelite Tertiary in 1918, referring to himself as a Carmelite on many occasions. From 1907 he gathered around him many young men in their twenties and taught them an awareness of God’s love for humanity, encouraging them to work for the spread of the faith. This Society of the MUSEUM is to be found in many places across the world. In 1957 he created the ‘Mysteries of Light’ which were formally incorporated into the Rosary by Pope John Paul II in 2004. Fr George died in 1962 at the age of eighty-two and was canonized on June 3, 2007.
May 10 – May 16, 2026
6th Week of Easter | Readings: Sunday Cycle A; Weekday Cycle 2.
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; Psalm 65; 1Peter 3:15-18; John 14:15-21
The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles again tells us of the spread of the Church and the message of Christ. The people of the Samaritan town have little difficulty in believing all that they have been told about Christ. The second reading from St Peter’s first epistle calls on us to treasure Christ in our hearts and to have an answer ready for those who do not understand why we believe in him, even if this may bring trouble our way. In the gospel, Jesus is promising his listeners the gift of the Holy Spirit to help and strengthen them. Those who love him love the Father and so will be able to keep the commandments and gain eternal life.
Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Acts 16:11-15; Psalm 149; John 15:26-16:4
In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles we see St Paul on his second mission to the Gentiles to preach the Gospel of Christ, this time in the area of Macedonia. He begins preaching in Philippi and is well received by the people. His preaching is so powerful and full of the Spirit that people readily accept Jesus as their saviour. In the gospel, Jesus is assuring his followers that he will leave them a strong witness to assist them after he has gone from them. The witness is the Holy Spirit. Christ is fully aware of the trials and persecutions which are to befall his followers but he is equally aware that with the aid of the Holy Spirit they will be able to endure and so be victorious. We too will be strengthened if we allow the Spirit to work in us.
Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Acts 16:22-34; Psalm 137; John 16:5-11
Today’s first reading tells us of the imprisonment of St Paul and his companion Silas. They had freed a girl of an evil spirit which now meant that she was useless to her masters. These same masters had Paul and Silas imprisoned because of their lost earnings now that she was freed from possession. However, this is turned into an occasion of teaching and conversion when they are freed from their chains and the gaoler sees this. As a result, the gaoler is converted to the faith. In the gospel, Jesus tells his followers that if he were to remain with them they would not receive the Holy Spirit. By his going all is accomplished and the reign of the Spirit in the hearts of all humankind can begin. The Spirit is always with us but unless we undergo personal conversion – like the gaoler in the first reading – the Spirit’s presence will be lost to us.
Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Acts 17:15, 22-18:1; Psalm 148; John 16:12-15
In the first reading St Paul is now in Athens, the artistic and spiritual centre of Greece in Paul’s day. Paul’s first impression of the city is not a good one and he resolves to bring about change in the hearts of the people. He preaches at the Areopagus and uses the philosophy of the ancient Greeks in his arguments. Some laugh at his teaching while others believe and follow him. Jesus, in the gospel text, continues to talk to the disciples about the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit we too will be led to the complete truth but only if we truly believe and are open to that truth and are willing to listen to the Spirit in our midst. If not, we will be no better than those who laughed at Paul in Athens.
Feast of St Matthias the Apostle
Very little is known about St Matthias except that he is the one who was chosen by the Eleven to take the place of Judas Iscariot. He appears to have spent time working in Judaea before going east to Cappadocia. He is believed to have been martyred at Colchis and his relics later brought to Rome by St Helena.
Readings
Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Psalm 112; John 15:9-17
The reading from the Acts of the Apostles tells us of the election of Matthias as one of the Twelve to replace Judas Iscariot. We hear of St Peter’s speech in which he says that Judas’ fate had been foretold. He goes on to say that Matthias had been with them for a long time so that his testimony of the Resurrection will be a first hand witness account. Of the two nominated, Matthias was the one elected. The gospel reading from St John reminds us that Christ has chosen us to be his own and to fulfil his work. If Christ has chosen us, who are we to say ‘no?’
Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Acts 18:9-18; Psalm 46; John 16:20-23
Today’s reading from the Acts sees St Paul being assured by Christ himself in a vision, that those in Corinth who speak against him will never be able to silence or hurt Paul. With this knowledge Paul preaches all the more earnestly. A group of Jews even bring him before the civil courts because of his preaching but Paul is allowed to go as the proconsul refuses to get involved in religious matters. Paul now heads for Antioch. Again in the gospel, Christ is assuring his followers that their sorrow at his departure will only be temporary and that soon after they will rejoice as the kingdom of God spreads across the earth. We have a duty to help spread that kingdom as did the first followers of Christ.
Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Acts 18:23-28; Psalm 26; John 16:23-28
In the first reading from the Acts we see St Paul visiting the Christian community in Antioch. From here he sets off on his third missionary journey, this time to Galatia in modern-day Turkey. We are also introduced to Apollos, an Alexandrian Jew, who openly teaches about Christ and helps the believers. In the gospel, Christ is again reassuring the disciples as he prepares to leave them. He tells them that we should pray earnestly to God with full confidence while making all our prayers in the Lord’s own name.
May 17 – May 23, 2026
7th Week of Easter | Readings: Sunday Cycle A; Weekday Cycle 2.
The Ascension of the Lord
Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 46; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20
The first from the Acts of the Apostles tells us of the Ascension of Jesus when he was taken up into heaven in the sight of his followers. Those who were with him continued to look into heaven because they had not realised what had actually taken place. They had to be told by two strangers that the Lord had returned to heaven. The reading from Ephesians tells us that Christ, now he has ascended into heaven is seated at the right hand of God and that everything is now subject to him. The reading is in the form of a prayer that the Holy Spirit will come to guide the people so that they can see the glory of God and his plan for his people. The gospel text sees Jesus meeting the disciples and giving them the great command to go out and to preach the good news to all nations and peoples. This is what we too are called to do in our day and to help make the kingdom truly visible here on earth knowing that the Lord and Holy Spirit are always with us.
Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Acts 19:1-8; Psalm 67; John 16:29-33
In our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles today we see St Paul on his third missionary journey in what is present-day Turkey. Paul arrives in the port town of Ephesus, where he will remain for almost three years – the longest he stayed anywhere. Today we learn from him that baptism in to the Christian faith does not complete our lives. Only the gift of the Holy Spirit can do this. In the gospel, Christ tells the disciples that they are about to leave him and be scattered. They will do so in order to spread the Gospel throughout the world. He also tells them that this will not be an easy task. We, as heirs of the first disciples, have a duty to help spread the Gospel and we should have no fear in this for Christ, as he says in the text, has already conquered the world.
Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Acts 20:17-27; Psalm 67; John 17:1-11
Today’s reading from the Acts sees St Paul bringing his time with the Ephesians to a close after almost three years. He is leaving to go to Jerusalem though he does not know what lies in store for him there. The parting is sad and emotional. In our gospel today, Christ is praying to the Father and making an account of his doings on earth. His work has finished but those who are left behind must now continue the spread of that work.
Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Acts 20:28-38; Psalm 67; John 17:11-19
Today’s first reading continues St Paul’s emotional farewell to the Ephesians. He warns them that they will face trials of faith after he has gone but he commends them to God’s protection. The reading also reveals the affection the Ephesians had for Paul. Jesus is praying to the Father in the gospel and asking that his followers be kept faithful and unified in their work and belief. He then calls them together so that they may dedicate themselves to the work he is leaving them.
Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Acts 22:30, 23:6-11; Psalm 15; John 17:20-26
Today’s reading from the Acts sees St Paul on trial in Jerusalem where many of the Jewish community are not happy that he has abandoned aspects of the Law of Moses. Paul has been arrested – partly for his own safety – and he now stands trial before the Sanhedrin – the Jewish Supreme Court. From this too he has to be rescued by the tribune who fears for Paul’s safety. In a vision at the end of the text, the Lord tells Paul that he is now to go to Rome. In the gospel, Jesus prays to the Father and asks that all believers may be unified. He also prays for strength for his followers who carry his Gospel to all peoples. We too are called on to witness to Christ wherever he may send us knowing that he is always with us to guide and protect us.
Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Acts 25:13-21; Psalm 102; John 21:15-19
In our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles we see that following his unfinished trial before the Sanhedrin a group of Jews conspire against St Paul. He is now in Caesarea but knows that he won’t get a fair trial in Jerusalem and so asks that, as a Roman citizen, he be tried in Rome itself. In this Paul is complying with Christ’s vision for him to go and preach the Gospel in Rome from the end of yesterday’s reading. Today’s gospel text is a well-known one in which Christ asks St Peter if he loves him. He also gives Peter a hint as to how Peter is to die. Peter, having denied Christ three times, now affirms three times that he does indeed love him. While it is easy for us to say we love Christ, would it be easy for others to see it by how we live our lives?
Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Psalm 10; John 21:20-25
St Paul has now arrived in Rome in our first reading, and quickly sets about teaching about Christ while still under house arrest. This is the conclusion of the Acts of the Apostles and St Luke ends it here to show that the fledgling church has now spread well beyond Jerusalem and has now reached Rome – the centre and capital of the world as they knew it. In today’s reading from St John’s gospel we have the closing verses of that gospel. The author tells us that though a lot has been written about Christ there is so much more that could be written. What we have is all that we need for our faith – if we are willing to accept it.
May 24 – May 30, 2026
8th Week of Ordinary Time | Readings: Sunday Cycle A; Weekday Cycle 2.
Pentecost Sunday
Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 103; 1Corinthians 12:3-7, 13-12; John 20:19-23
Our first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles tells us of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the followers of Christ and of the effect it had on them. The Apostles were in one room together when the Holy Spirit came down upon them and they were able to speak in different languages. They went out into the streets and began to teach about Jesus and all those who were in the city were able to understand what was being said. This is the birth of the Church. The second reading tells us that there are many gifts given by this Holy Spirit but that we are all one this Spirit and therefore we all make up one body – the body of Christ which is his Church. The gospel sees Jesus meeting with his followers and telling them that they must continue his work now that they have received the Holy Spirit. As heirs of the Apostles we too have received the Holy Spirit, most notably at Baptism and Confirmation, and it is up to us to respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our lives and to give praise and glory to God by the lives we lead. We should also follow the example of the Apostles on Pentecost Day and spread the Good News about the Kingdom of God.
Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
Gn 3:9-15; Ps 87:1-2, 3, 5, 6-7; Jn 19:25-34
In announcing the Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, Pope Francis writes: “Mary became the tender Mother of the Church, which Christ brought about on the Cross. Christ, in turn, in the Beloved Disciple, called all disciples to be ministers of his love for his Blessed Mother; entrusting her to them so that they might welcome her with devoted affection.” In this way, Pope Francis reminds us that just as Mary loves each one of us as a mother loves her own child, we are called to love her with the same love that a child feels for his or her own mother.
Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
1Peter 1:10-16; Psalm 97; Mark 10:28-31
In our first reading again today St Peter is telling us how we must believe – with a completely free and open mind in imitation of the holiness of God himself. In that way we will truly come to know God and be united with him. He also encourages us to do all we can today to believe in God rather than putting it off until tomorrow. Today’s Gospel is a continuation of yesterday’s passage, and in it we see the disciples worrying about how they will enter heaven. Christ reassures them and tells them that whoever gives up all they have for him will receive a great reward in this life and in the next – though they will suffer for it. We too will share in that promise if we put Christ and the Gospel before everything else in our lives.
Memorial of St Philip Neri, Priest
Philip was born in 1515 in Florence and spent most of his life in Rome. He became known as ‘the second apostle of Rome’ because of his untiring work for all those in the city whether they be Pope or servant boy. After his ordination (1551) he founded the Congregation of the Oratory and was particularly well known for his ministry in the confessional. He died in 1595.
Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
1Peter 1:18-25; Psalm 147; Mark 10:32-45
Today, St Peter reminds us of what Christ did for us – a sacrifice we should never forget for it was paid in his precious blood. Peter also uses the image of a ‘spotless lamb’ which is seen so often in Christian art. In today’s Gospel, Christ tells his disciples of his impending death, when the ransom will be paid for us. Christ also tells them that they are to be the servants of all, not masters. We too are called to serve others just as Christ served us and redeemed us. Service is far more important and life-saving than power.
Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
1Peter 2:2-5, 9-12; Psalm 99; Mark 10:46-52
St Peter continues to tell us in the first reading how to believe and act as children of God. We must set ourselves close to Christ and always act honourably among those who denounce us. We must hunger every day for the food that will feed us spiritually and so show to those around us what it means to follow Christ. In the Gospel, Jesus cures a blind man on the road to Jericho because the man asked for the cure and because the man had faith and trust in Christ. This is the sort of faith we are called to have – complete and total, even when others are trying to keep us down.
Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
1Peter 4:7-13; Psalm 95; Mark 11:11-26
Our first reading continues with St Peter giving instruction on the faith. We must have total trust and faith in God and must remember that he will test us from time to time so that we are truly worthy to be with him in paradise. In our Gospel passage for today there are a number of topics raised. In the Temple, we see our Lord driving out the money changers who had defiled his Father’s house. There is a reminder here that we must give due care and respect to the house of God for it is here that he dwells most visibly in our world. Also in the passage we are told to “have faith in God” and we will be able to move mountains. Finally, we are told that we must repent of our sins but if we approach the Father seeking forgiveness we must be prepared to forgive those who have wronged us. Only in forgiving others can we expect forgiveness for ourselves.
Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Jude 17:20-25; Psalm 62; Mark 11:27-33
Today we read from the letter written by St Jude who tells us that our faith is to be our foundation and we are to build upon that foundation. This is done by helping others who are weaker in faith than we are while all the time praying for a stronger faith for ourselves. Jude is also warning us to be careful about the instruction we take from some who appear to be preaching the Gospel but who are preaching a tainted version. The Psalm gives us a good example of what our prayer could be. In the Gospel, Jesus is questioned by the scribes and elders about his authority. He poses a question for them and when they refuse to answer this he does not answer theirs. His authority comes from God but they will not accept this.
