...Even if someone should rise from the dead

 Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C - 25th September 2022

Gospel Luke 16: 19–31 (abridged)

Jesus said to the Pharisees: ‘There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day. And at his gate there lay a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to fill himself with the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even came and licked his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.

‘In his torment in Hades he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off with Lazarus in his bosom. So he cried out, “Father Abraham, pity me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames”. “My son,” Abraham replied, “remember that during your life good things came your way, just as bad things came the way of Lazarus. Now he is being comforted here while you are in agony.’ ... The rich man answered, “Father, I beg you then to send Lazarus to my father’s house, since I have five brothers, to give them warning so that they do not come to this place of torment too.” “They have Moses and the prophets,” said Abraham, “let them listen to them.” “Ah no, father Abraham,” said the rich man, “but if someone comes to them from the dead, they will repent.” Then Abraham said to him, “If they will not listen either to Moses or the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead.”’

Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

As I settle for prayer, I trust that God is here, around me, within me, in every breath I take. I pause ... then focus my attention on my breathing, following each in and out breath, deepening my awareness of God’s life- giving presence.

When I am still enough for prayer, I read the Gospel passage slowly, a few times, until I become familiar with it.

I imagine hearing Jesus share this parable with me as if for the first time. What compassionate message does Jesus want me to hear?

What do I feel as I listen to his teaching?

Where do I see injustice in my own life, and how am I responding to it? Is God inviting me to do more?

I talk to Jesus as I would to a trusted friend, and ask him for the grace to always act with justice and compassion in all that I do.

I close my prayer by praying with Jesus, Our Father ...

Click here to read or listen to an One-Minute Homily on today's Gospel from the Jesuit Post

No servant can be the slave of two masters

Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord
And let light perpetual shine upon her.

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C - 18th September 2022

Gospel Luke 16: 1–13 (part)

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Those who can be trusted in little things can be trusted in great; those who are dishonest in little things will be dishonest in great. If then you cannot be trusted with money, that tainted thing, who will trust you with genuine riches? And if you cannot be trusted with what is not yours, who will give you what is your very own?

‘No servant can be the slave of two masters: they will either hate the first and love the second, or treat the first with respect and the second with scorn. You cannot be the slave both of God and of money.’

Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

As I come to this time of prayer, I ask for God’s blessing. I may use my own words, or perhaps I pray, ‘Lord, I ask your blessing on my wounds and my distractions ... your blessing to help me become more deeply present to you in my prayer  me, and more aware of you through this day.’

Once I have slowed down enough to allow God to speak to me, I read this challenging text slowly (whether this short extract or the full version).

I take time to allow my faith to be nurtured through this contact with scripture and the teaching of Jesus.

As I read the passage again, perhaps I ponder what wise, prudent use of money and material possessions means in my own life.

What is my relationship with money?

Where is my attachment to it and where is my freedom?

I ask for the grace to deepen my self-awareness, and the personal freedom to make wise choices in the great and little things of my own life.

I speak with Jesus about whatever feelings and insights arise.

I pray to wake up to the genuine riches that Christ is offering me today. Perhaps the courage to see my community, my church more clearly ...? or the humility to depend on and love God even more...?

or the generosity to share all of my gifts more freely...?

Or maybe there are other genuine riches the Lord desires to share with me. I reflect on whatever comes to my awareness.

I may end with a time of quiet contemplation, simply resting in the silent mystery of the Creator. I try to listen with tranquil attention ... yielding to God’s action and presence.

When ready, I slowly end my prayer, glorifying God.

Click here to read or listen to a One-Minute Homily on today's Gospel from the Jesuit Post

 Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time,  Year C - 11th September 2022

Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord
And let light perpetual shine upon her.

Today's Gospel 

Luke 15: 1–32 (part)

The tax collectors and the sinners, meanwhile, were all seeking Jesus’s company to hear what he had to say, and the Pharisees and the scribes complained. ‘This man’, they said, ‘welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he spoke this parable to them:

‘Who among you with a hundred sheep, losing one, would not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the missing one till he found it? And when he found it, would he not joyfully take it on his shoulders and then, when he got home, call together his friends and neighbours? “Rejoice with me,” he would say, “I have found my sheep that was lost.” In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine virtuous men who have no need of repentance.

‘Or again, what woman with ten drachmas would not, if she lost one, light a lamp and sweep out the house and search thoroughly till she found it? And then, when she had found it, call together her friends and neighbours? “Rejoice with me,” she would say “I have found the drachma I lost.” In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one repentant sinner.’

Gospel reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

I take time to become still, feeling the warmth of God’s loving gaze on me as I offer this time in prayer.

I read through the text a couple of times, and then enter into the scene in my imagination. Where do I  find myself? Do I, like the scribes and Pharisees, find it hard to recognise my sinfulness and my need for repentance? Or do I readily accept my place among the sinners, and strive to move closer to Jesus as he relates the two parables?

What does Jesus want me to hear? The parables both describe searching for and  finding things that have been lost. What things in my life are so precious that I’d go to such lengths to find them? What am I striving for? For what do I need to ask God’s help? ... guidance? ... light?

Am I bringing the realities of my life to the Lord in my prayer, trusting totally in God and letting the Lord work through me, or are there aspects that I avoid facing up to?

I listen to Jesus describe the joy of finding what is lost. and I ponder what it is that brings joy to my life.

I share my thoughts and feelings with the Lord, and close with the prayer I am most drawn to.

Click here for a One-Minute Homily on today's Gospel from the Jesuit Post

If anyone comes to me...

 Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time,  Year C - 4th September 2022

Gospel Luke 14: 25–33

Great crowds accompanied Jesus on his way and he turned and spoke to them.

‘If anyone comes to me without hating their father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and their own life too, they cannot be my disciple. Anyone who does not carry their cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

‘And indeed, which of you here intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if you had enough to complete it? Otherwise, if you had laid the foundation and then found yourself unable to finish the work, the onlookers would all start making fun of you, saying, “Here is someone who started to build and was unable to finish.” Or again, what king marching to war against another king would not first sit down and consider whether with ten thousand he could stand up to the other who advanced against him with twenty thousand? If not, then while the other king was still a long way off, he would send envoys to sue for peace. So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple unless you give up all your possessions.’

Intending to build a tower...
Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay 

Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

I come to my place of prayer and take the time to relax, to breathe gently; aware of being in God’s presence. I ask for God’s Spirit to pray within me and give me the courage to enter into this Gospel.

Jesus is spelling out the cost of discipleship. How do I receive his words?

Do they discourage me, or can I think of occasions when his grace has carried me through tough times?

Or perhaps I recall situations when he has sent others to give me support? I speak to him, maybe asking him to fill me with his love, so that I can respond. What do I feel is his response?

I consider that the Lord calls me every day. What is my great passion in life?

How do the two parables throw light on my commitments?

I remind myself that Jesus invites me to follow him and wishes me to be fully aware of the radical demands of discipleship. I spend time asking him to show me the way, in freedom of heart.

I end my prayer thanking the Lord for showing his great love by taking the way of the cross for me.

Click here to read or listen to a One-Minute Homily on today's Gospel from the Jesuit Post

They watched him closely

 Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C - 28th August 2022

Gospel Luke 10: 1, 7–14

On a Sabbath day Jesus had gone for a meal to the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely. He then told the guests a parable, because he had noticed how they picked the places of honour. He said this, ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take your seat in the place of honour. A more distinguished person than you may have been invited, and the person who invited you both may come and say, “Give up your place to this person.” And then, to your embarrassment, you would have to go and take the lowest place. No; when you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there, so that, when your host comes, they may say, “My friend, move up higher.” In that way, everyone with you at table will see you honoured. For everyone who exalts themself will be humbled, and the one who humbles themself will be exalted.’

Then he said to his host, ‘When you give a lunch or dinner, do not ask your friends, brothers, relations or rich neighbours, for fear they repay your courtesy by inviting you in return. No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; that they cannot pay you back means that you are fortunate, because repayment will be made to you when the virtuous rise again.’

Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay 

Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

Settling into stillness, I set aside anything that may be troubling me, entrusting it into God’s safe hands for now.

I read the Gospel slowly and carefully, pausing wherever I am drawn. Perhaps I picture Jesus seated at the table. I notice what’s going on, just as the Pharisees are watching Jesus. The guests, full of their own self- importance, are jostling for the places of honour.

What feelings or memories does this stir within me?

Have there been times when I’ve felt embarrassed or humiliated?

Have there been times when I’ve felt the need to gain the approval of others ... or am I able to be my authentic self, placing my trust in God?

I think with gratitude of times when I’ve been guided by others, and of those who’ve helped me.

I ponder Jesus looking upon me with love, noticing the course of my life.

I speak to him from my heart about any feelings or emotions that arise, and listen carefully to what he might be saying to me.

When ready, I end my prayer with a slow, prayerful sign of the cross, thanking Jesus for this time together.

Click here to read or listen to a One-Minute Homily on today's Gospel from the Jesuit Post

Enter by the narrow door

 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C - 21st August 2022

Gospel Luke 13: 22–30

Through towns and villages Jesus went teaching, making his way to Jerusalem. Someone said to him, “Sir, will there be only a few saved?” He said to them, “ Try your best to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and not succeed.

“Once the master of the house has got up and locked the door, you may find yourself knocking on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ but he will answer, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will find yourself saying, ‘We once ate and drank in your company; you taught in our streets,’ but he will reply, ‘I do not know where you come from. Away from me, all you wicked ones!’

“Then there will be weeping and grinding of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves turned outside. And those from east and west, from north and south, will come to take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.

Gospel Reflection from  St Beuno's Outreach

I enter very gently into this time of prayer. As I read the text a few times, what am I noticing? What is drawing me? Am I struggling with anything? I pause to ponder why.

Like this Sunday's earlier reading, the theme here is of universality. Jesus is revealing a kingdom where status and assumptions are turned on their heads. The Father’s reign is one that is freely open to all, but not one that can be earned or claimed by any.

I ponder the priorities of the Lord. Who are the ones invited by God? Who does God open the door to, to gather in?

Do I feel part of this group?

I pause to talk with the Lord about this.

Then, am I open and invitational in response? As I look over my week, have there been occasions when I have felt excluded ... or excluded someone? What are (or who are) my priorities?

I remain with the Lord, getting to know him more deeply, hearing him say in return, ‘I do know you’.

I end with a slow sign of the cross.

Click here to read or listen to a One-Minute Homily on today's Gospel from the Jesuit Post

Blessed is she who believed

 The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Year C - 14th August 2022

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.

The Visitation, Giotto di Bondone

Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

I take time in my preparations for prayer. I place before the Lord all the concerns that I have been carrying with me today.

Once I have settled myself for prayer, I slowly read through the Gospel passage as many times as I need.

I use my imagination to visualise Mary and Elizabeth greeting each other. What do I notice about their joyous meeting?

Can I recall a time when I have had a joyful encounter with a dear friend or family member?

Has there been a time in my own life when I have been anticipating a profound life-giving change?

When I recall those times, how do I feel?

How does God speak to me through such moments?

Perhaps I focus my prayer on Mary’s song of joy. I imagine praying these words with the young Mary. Which phrases bring me hope and joy today?

I share with the Lord how this time of prayer has touched me today, and close my prayer with my own words of thanks.

Click here to read or listen to a One-Minute Homily on today's Gospel from the Jesuit Post