Anyone who is not against us is for us

 Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B - 26th September 2021

Gospel Mark 9: 38–43. 45. 47–49

John said to Jesus, ‘Master, we saw a man who is not one of us casting out devils in your name; and because he was not one of us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said, ‘You must not stop him: no one who works a miracle in my name is likely to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us.

‘If anyone gives you a cup of water to drink just because you belong to Christ, then I tell you solemnly, they will most certainly not lose their reward.

‘But anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone around their neck. And if your hand should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life crippled, than to have two hands and go to hell, into the fire that cannot be put out. And if your foot should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better to enter into life lame, than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye should cause you to sin, tear it out; it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell where their worm does not die nor their fire go out.’

... just because you belong to Christ

Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

I deliberately slow down, maybe attending to my breath, noticing the slow inhalation of life-giving oxygen into my body; and the slow exhalation of air. I attend to the present moment; disposing myself to God’s grace.

When ready, I turn to the Gospel and read Jesus’s teachings reflectively. Which one most draws me? I allow this teaching to find its home in me.

I may note Jesus’s attitude of generosity towards others who are not of his ‘tribe’... his warning against judgements and elitism; his blessings on simple kindness. When I consider my own inner attitudes and motivations, do I feel challenged or reassured by Jesus’s open-heartedness? I ponder...

Perhaps his third set of teachings invites me to see how I can take on the mind and attitudes of Christ to become like ‘the little ones’.

I ask for the freedom and grace to die to those parts of myself that do not lead to fullness of life ... for myself, my neighbour and all inhabitants of our planetary home.

I end my prayer expressing both sorrow and gratitude.

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Last of all and servant of all

Twenty-Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B - 19th September 2021

 Gospel Mark 9: 30–37

After leaving that place they made their way through Galilee; and Jesus did not want anyone to know, because he was instructing his disciples; he was telling them, ‘The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men; they will put him to death; and three days after he has been put to death he will rise again’. But they did not understand what he said and were afraid to ask him.

They came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the road?’ They said nothing because they had been arguing which of them was the greatest. So he sat down, called the Twelve to him and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, they must make themselves last of all and servant of all’. He then took a little child, set him in front of them, put his arms round him, and said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me, but the one who sent me’.

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Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

As I come to stillness, I may wish to have a lit candle by me, symbolizing that Christ is present with me.

Whenever I feel ready, I slowly read the Gospel passage prayerfully, pausing wherever I feel moved.

If it helps, I may like to place myself in the scene, perhaps as a disciple or a bystander travelling on the road with Jesus, or maybe in the house.

I listen to Jesus’s words and notice the expressions and reactions of those around me.

I watch as Jesus holds the child, and notice the tone of his voice.

If I’m confused by anything he says, I know I can speak to him openly, just as I would to a trusted friend.

How might Jesus be inviting me to welcome the ‘little children’ in our world? Those without influence or status ... refugees, the homeless, the poor, the abused, the vulnerable, the sick, those who are neglected ...?

I ask him to show me. I listen to what he has to say.

Maybe there is a gift or grace I feel I need to help me? I can ask Jesus for this too.

With a deep sense of gratitude, I end my prayer with Glory be ...

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He has done all things well

 Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B - 5th  September 2021

 Gospel Mark 7: 31–37

Returning from the district of Tyre, Jesus went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, right through the Decapolis region. And they brought him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they asked him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, put his fingers into the man’s ears and touched his tongue with spittle. Then looking up to heaven he sighed; and he said to him, ‘Ephphatha’, that is, ‘Be opened.’ And his ears were opened, and the ligament of his tongue was loosened and he spoke clearly. And Jesus ordered them to tell no one about it, but the more he insisted, the more widely they published it. Their admiration was unbounded. ‘He has done all things well,’ they said, ‘he makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.’

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Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

I go to my own place of prayer, be it a seat in the garden, the corner of a quiet room, or wherever. As I do, I notice how I am feeling. What am I bringing with me? How disposed and prepared am I to pray? 

Jesus’s cure of the man with a speech and hearing impediment is a clear echo of the First and Second Readings. God chooses the weak, the poor, those without capacity, to show that one’s level in society counts for nothing. What is of lasting value is a heart set on God.

As I begin this time of prayer, I might ask that the Holy Spirit help me to see everything through faith, to recognise that power counts for nothing unless it be the power of love.

I might move into prayer by reading the text, noticing what is striking me, or by putting myself in the Gospel, perhaps as the man needing healing. Where, in my life, do I want to be opened?

However I am praying, I keep my gaze firmly on the person of Jesus and on his priorities, noticing that he is even at pains to avoid the crowd’s praise.

By journeying through the more Gentile Decapolis region, Jesus is making a choice – those outside the Jewish law will not be forgotten.

In my daily decision-making, who and what directs my own choices?

Do I notice when others need help? Do I turn a blind eye?

Do I truly listen when someone speaks?

Am I someone who helps others to open up and unburden themselves? I ponder...

I end, when ready, with a sign of the cross.

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From your hearts...

 Twenty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B - 29th August 2021

Gospel Mark 7: 1–8. 14–15. 21–23

The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, and they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with unclean hands, that is, without washing them. For the Pharisees, and the Jews in general, follow the tradition of the elders and never eat without washing their arms as far as the elbow; and on returning from the market place they never eat without first sprinkling themselves. There are also many other observances which have been handed down to them concerning the washing of cups and pots and bronze dishes. So the Pharisees and scribes asked him, ‘Why do your disciples not respect the tradition of the elders but eat their food with unclean hands?’ He answered, ‘It was of you hypocrites that Isaiah so rightly prophesied in this passage of scripture: “This people honours me only with lip-service, while their hearts are far from me. The worship they offer me is worthless, the doctrines they teach are only human regulations.” You put aside the commandment of God to cling to human traditions.’

He called the people to him again and said, ‘Listen to me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that goes into you from outside can make you unclean. For it is from within, from your hearts, that evil intentions emerge: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, malice, deceit, indecency, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within and make you unclean.’

Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

As I settle to pray, I pause, and become aware of God’s loving gaze on me.

I read through the text, perhaps imagining myself in the scene. If a phrase or an action particularly strikes me, I pause, staying with it to explore what has drawn me. I watch the scene unfold ... what strikes me about the insistence of the Pharisees that traditions must be respected?

How important are traditions in my own life? How does my adherence to them influence the way I relate to others?

I may want to ask the Lord to help me understand.

How do I feel when I hear Jesus say it is from within that evil intentions arise?

Though I may not be guilty of the most damaging sins of which Jesus speaks, perhaps I recognise where I am in need of forgiveness when I consider the way I live and my relationships with others ...?

I speak to the Lord from the depth of my heart, tell him of my sorrow, and offer my deep gratitude for the mercy he shows me.

You have the message of eternal life

 Twenty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B - 22nd August 2021

Gospel John 6: 60–69

After hearing his doctrine many of the followers of Jesus said, ‘This is intolerable language. How could anyone accept it?’ Jesus was aware that his followers were complaining about it and said, ‘Does this upset you? What if you should see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before?

‘It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.’

For Jesus knew from the outset those who did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. He went on, ‘This is why I told you that no one could come to me unless the Father allows them.’ After this, many of his disciples left him and stopped going with him.

Then Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘What about you, do you want to go away too?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God.’

You have the message of eternal life

Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

I bring compassionate attention to how I sit, stand or lie, so that my body can be alert, yet comfortable, and ready to listen to the Lord.

After taking a couple of deeper, settling breaths, I let my breath find its own soothing rhythm. I gently encourage my mind to slow down and settle as I prepare to pray.

Now I turn to the text and slowly read it through as many times as I need to become familiar with it.

I imagine being part of the crowd of followers, or one of The Twelve.

I hear Jesus describing himself as the Bread of Life, and how we must eat of his flesh. Can I imagine what it would be like hearing this for the first time? What can this really mean ... ? Am I shocked too?

What questions do I have for Jesus?

Thinking of my own faith journey, have there ever been times when I have struggled to understand this ...? Or are there other teachings that I find upsetting?

I imagine Jesus turning to me and saying, ‘Do you (my name) want to go away too?’ Where else can I go? How do I answer Jesus?

I tell Jesus what words of his are ‘spirit and life’ for me.

I then share all that has arisen for me in my time of prayer, and together with Jesus pray ‘Our Father ...’

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord

 The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Year B - 15th August 2021

Gospel Luke 1: 39–56

Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leaped for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’ And Mary said:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord

and my spirit exults in God my saviour;

because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid.

Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed,

for the Almighty has done great things for me.

Holy is his name,

and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him.

He has shown the power of his arm, he has routed the proud of heart.

He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away.

He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his mercy – according to the promise he made to our ancestors –

of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’

Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back home.

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Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

I settle myself, and prayerfully read this very familiar Gospel passage. Perhaps in my imagination I watch as Mary travels to see Elizabeth.

How does she seem? Strong, excited, confident, scared ...?

How do they celebrate as they meet? By embracing, laughing, dancing ...? Maybe I notice Elizabeth’s expression as her son, John, jumps in her womb. As I listen, I hear her burst into praise, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed’... and then Mary’s response in her own hymn of praise, Magnificat. Again I stay with any phrase or word that speaks to me.

As I look back over my own history, I recall God’s goodness to me: his protective presence, his faithfulness in my life. How have I celebrated this? Perhaps I want to sing my own praises for what God has done for me and the people around me.

I talk from my heart to Jesus, or perhaps to Mary herself, about what I can do

to help those in need: the poor, the hungry, the weak ...

In time, I bring my prayer to an end, perhaps saying Hail Mary ...

The living bread

 Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B - 8th August 2021

Gospel John 6: 41–51

The Jews were complaining to each other about Jesus, because he had said, ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven.’

‘Surely this is Jesus son of Joseph,’ they said. ‘We know his father and mother. How can he now say, “I have come down from heaven”?’ Jesus said in reply, ‘Stop complaining to each other.

‘No one can come to me unless they are drawn by the Father who sent me, and I will raise them up on the last day. It is written in the prophets: They will all be taught by God, and to hear the teaching of the Father, and learn from it, is to come to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father, except the one who comes from God: He has seen the Father.

I tell you most solemnly, everybody who believes has eternal life.

I am the bread of life. Your forebears ate the manna in the desert and they are dead; but this is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that someone may eat it and not die. I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever, and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.’

Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever

Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

I freely come to prayer. I allow myself to be found by God ... aware that I am responding to the Father’s invitation who draws me into relationship with Jesus. I come to rest in my own way.

When I am ready, I slowly read this rich, yet demanding, text a few times. Can I allow ‘the teaching of the Father’ to find a home deeper within me? I ponder Jesus’s profound revelation, and try to absorb it.

As I meditate on the passage, can I hear Jesus calling me to come to him for sustenance and strength ...? I pray to rely on him and his spiritual nourishment, rather than on my own strength.

Perhaps I equate my human frailty and vulnerability with failure, as Elijah did in today’s First Reading ... or like the Jews, maybe I feel like complaining?

What questions does all this stir within me on my own journey of life and faith?

I remain in contemplative silence as long as I need, while I consider Jesus’s words.

I share whatever arises with my life-giving Lord.

Our Father ...

Click here to read or listen to a one-minute homily on this Sunday's readings!