Here is a teaching that is new

 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) 31st January 2021

Gospel Mark 1: 21–28

Jesus and his disciples went as far as Capernaum, and as soon as the sabbath came, he went to the synagogue and began to teach. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.

In their synagogue just then there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit and it shouted, ‘What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus said sharply, ‘Be quiet! Come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him. The people were so astonished that they started asking each other what it all meant. ‘Here is a teaching that is new,’ they said, ‘and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him.’ And his reputation rapidly spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.

Christ the Teacher monasteryicons.com

Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

I settle in my chosen place of prayer, and let myself become still. In the

quiet of the moment I feel God’s loving gaze and let his presence enfold me.

I read the text of the Gospel. Perhaps I can imagine myself sitting there in

the synagogue listening to Jesus.

Although I don’t have the words that Jesus uses, I notice how he speaks.

What strikes me most about Jesus here? Perhaps his conviction ... his quiet authority ... or something else?

As I look around the synagogue, what do I see reflected in the faces of those with me? How do I feel as the power of this teaching touches me?

What do I find myself thinking and feeling as the mood changes and I watch the scene unfold?

When I am ready, I look back on the scene and ponder what it means for me to acknowledge Jesus as the ‘Holy One of God’.

What difference does this make to me?

In what ways do those around me recognise the message of Jesus in the way I live my life?

I share with the Lord what is in my heart, and offer my prayer that God will continue to deepen his life in me.

Bringing my time of prayer to a close, I thank the Lord for the gift of his love, and ask that I may see him more clearly, love him more dearly and follow him more nearly, day by day.

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

Follow me

 Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (The Sunday of the Word of God) Year B - 24th January 2021

The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time marks the Sunday of the Word of God, instituted by Pope Francis in 2019 as an annual celebration of the gift of Scripture. It encourages us to grow in our knowledge and love of the Scriptures and of the risen Lord, shaping how we are called to live and to relate to each other.

In the same way, the readings for this Sunday call us to follow the Lord’s ways. This may involve some change of priorities and direction for us as we seek to move towards the Kingdom of God ourselves.

Gospel Mark 1: 14–20

After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come’, he said, ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.’

As he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you into fishers of people’. And at once they left their nets and followed him.

Going on a little further, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they too were in their boat, mending their nets. He called them at once and, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the men he employed, they went after him.

Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

As I come to pray this Gospel, I take time to notice how I am feeling.

I slowly read and re-read the text. Jesus is beginning his public life and ministry, telling the people to believe in the Good News. It is Christ himself telling me about the kingdom of God.

I stay with any word, phrase or image that touches me. I allow myself to be drawn to what moves me.

Maybe I notice how quickly the disciples respond to Jesus’s call? I marvel at their trust.

If I find it helpful, I may like to place myself in the scene, perhaps as one of the main characters or as an onlooker.

I hear Jesus calling me – how does his voice sound?

How do I wish to respond? Can I place myself entirely into the Lord’s hands? Maybe I ponder if there is anything holding me back ... anxieties, fears, personal attachments or ambitions ...?

I can talk it through with Jesus, speaking deeply from my heart, just as I would with a dear friend.

I listen to what Jesus may have to say to me.

When I am ready, I express my thanks for this time spent with the Lord, and end with Our Father ...

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

‘Come and see’

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) 17th January 2021

Gospel John 1: 35–42

As John stood with two of his disciples, Jesus passed, and John stared hard at him and said, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God.’ Hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. Jesus turned round, saw them following and said, ‘What do you want?’ They answered, ‘Rabbi,’ – which means Teacher – ‘where do you live?’ ‘Come and see’, he replied; so they went and saw where he lived, and stayed with him the rest of that day. It was about the tenth hour.

One of these two who became followers of Jesus after hearing what John had said was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. Early next morning, Andrew met his brother and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ – which means the Christ – and he took Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked hard at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John; you are to be called Cephas’ – meaning Rock.

"Come and see..."

Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

As I come to prayer, I slow down my inner and outer being in my own way. I become aware of the God who desires me and seeks my company right now ... conscious of his loving gaze on me in this moment.

I invite the Holy Spirit to deepen my attention on Jesus.

When I am ready, I read the text a few times, slowly, receptively.

It may help to imagine the scene ... joining John as he ‘looks hard’ at the Lord. What do I myself notice about Jesus ... and about my own reaction to the sight of him ...?

How do I feel as Jesus looks at me lovingly, asking ‘What do you want ...?’

I wonder what I desire most deeply from my friendship with Jesus ...? Perhaps Jesus, too, wants to share with me what he himself wants from our relationship? I linger in his loving attention ...

I read the text again. Perhaps I join the disciples in spending the rest of the day with Jesus ... savouring his hospitality, his presence, as we come to know one another better. I may speak to him about my calling, my discipleship ... asking how I can work with him to share his Good News ...

Like Andrew, do I (could I?) reveal my knowledge of the Lord to others, whether through my words, my actions, my relationships, my prayers ...?

I share whatever has arisen in my prayer with my Lord.

As I come to the end of this time, I sit quietly in Jesus’s presence, allowing his rich hospitality to flow through me.

I end with a prayer of praise to my God ...

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

He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit

 The Baptism of the Lord (Year B) - 10th January 2021

Gospel Mark 1: 7–11

In the course of his preaching John the Baptist said, ‘After me is coming someone who is more powerful than me, and I am not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his sandals. I have baptised you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.’

It was at this time that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised in the Jordan by John. And at once, as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit, like a dove, descending on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.’

Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

I become still, using my preferred and practised method, as I open myself to really listen to the Gospel. I do not rush this.

At his baptism, Jesus takes his first prophetic action. He is the pilgrim from heaven who comes to accompany us on our pilgrimage to heaven. Though sinless, Jesus joins fully his sinful people – he is truly one of us.

Somebody once said, ‘I need a God with a skin, one I can touch and feel’ – though Isaiah, in the First Reading, tells us that God’s ways and thoughts are far above my own.

So how do I feel about this ‘pilgrim God’ who journeys to me to enter fully into my life?

I may have been bap sed as a child or as an adult. What does baptism – my baptism – mean for me?

Do I feel a partner of Jesus, as he is partner to me?

Do I invite him, daily, to fully enter my life with all the fullness of his life?

Jesus’s relationship with his family and townsfolk, and his solidarity with the world was a very real one. How do I myself respond to the demands of care and love, especially in these times?

In what ways do I feel called to be prophetic?

I spend some time with the Lord ... listening to him, letting my soul come alive. If I want, I could ask him about his word and will for me, that will not return empty-handed.

Perhaps I might like to end by really thanking him from the heart. Glory be ...

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

He chose us in Christ

NB I'm following the dating of the Prego material from St Beuno's Outreach so that the Reflection will match the reading. However, most of us will be celebrating the Solemnity of The Most Holy Name of Jesus this Sunday, for which the readings are:

Numbers 6:22-27; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21

Second Sunday after Christmas (3 January 2021)

Second Reading Ephesians 1: 3–6, 15–18

Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all the spiritual blessings of heaven in Christ. Before the world was made, he chose us, chose us in Christ, to be holy and spotless, and to live through love in his presence, determining that we should become his adopted children, through Jesus Christ for his own kind purposes, to make us praise the glory of his grace, his free gift to us in the Beloved.

That will explain why I, having once heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus, and the love that you show towards all the saints, have never failed to remember you in my prayers and to thank God for you. May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit of wisdom and perception of what is revealed, to bring you to full knowledge of him. May he enlighten the eyes of your mind so that you can see what hope his call holds for you, what rich glories he has promised the saints will inherit.

See what hope his call holds for you

Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

As I come to pray today, I take a deep breath and slowly release it acknowledging how I feel and slowly relaxing into the moment.

I then read the text above several times. Perhaps I need to stop and reflect after each section. It may be that for now, I can only focus on one paragraph.

How do I feel when I ponder on having been chosen to be God’s adopted child? How great is my faith and how much love do I show towards others?

Maybe I, too, want to ask the Lord for a spirit of wisdom and perception so I can support, heal and forgive others in the hope that they too can have a share in the Christmas spirit of love.

Before concluding my prayer I tell him about my particular needs just now and I listen. I thank him for his presence and help.

God’s favour was with him

 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph - Sunday in the Octave of Christmas
(27 December 2020)

Gospel Luke 2: 22, 38–40

And when the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him.

Christ in the House of His Parents (‘The Carpenter’s Shop’) by John Everett Millais, in Tate Britain. You can read about this painting here.

Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

Even though Christmas was only two days ago, I may be able to get back to my ‘usual’ Sunday routine today – whatever that has become in recent times. So I settle down to pray. Perhaps I have a favourite object with me, a candle or some Christmas cards which are particularly dear to me.

When I feel relaxed and quiet, I read this short passage and let my imagination wander.

I see Joseph, Mary and Jesus, law-abiding Jews, intent on fulfilling the Law of Moses.

I reflect on my own attitude to the law of the land, the law of the Church. Do I follow it dutifully or do I exercise my own judgement?

What motivates me? The greater good, my personal needs or desires, a fear of being caught, or something else ...?

How do I feel towards those who find they cannot obey the law?

Perhaps I am drawn to reflect on the young child Jesus as he grows up, sustained by the love of his parents and of God.

Who are the people around me whom I can love and support, even in small ways, so they can feel it’s ‘Christmas every day’?

I ask the Lord to help me grow in wisdom, and thank him for being with me during this time of prayer.

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

‘I am the handmaid of the Lord’

 Fourth Sunday of Advent Year B - 20th December 2020

Gospel Luke 1: 26–38

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid: you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you,’ the angel answered, ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God.’ ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary, ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.

Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

Amidst the busyness of these last few days before Christmas, I find some precious time in a comfortable place to spend with the Lord. I become still and slowly settle into prayer. I note how I am feeling. Is there anything in particular I am bringing with me into my prayer today..? Fears, joys, anxieties, consolations..?

I entrust any concerns to the Lord for now, so that I can focus my attention on this time with him. Maybe I sense the warmth of his loving gaze, and his delight in my desire to spend time with him.

In time, I read this familiar Gospel prayerfully, pausing wherever I feel drawn. Perhaps I place myself in the scene, noticing what Mary is doing in her house ... the expression on her face and eyes as she sees the angel.

Gabriel’s first word is ‘Rejoice’. I ponder those things that bring me joy, or the ways in which I am, or have been, a joy to others.

What comes to mind as I hear the words ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour’? I bring to the Lord any fears or doubts troubling me, or any grace I feel I need. I speak freely from my heart.

Maybe I hear Gabriel giving God’s message to me now. How would I like to respond?

I may choose to stay with Mary and speak with her about her inner strength and trust in God. Or perhaps I talk to Jesus, asking him for the grace of Mary’s courage and faith, so that I may respond even more deeply to his call.

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

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