Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

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Wednesday 13 August 2025 - Signs and wonders Aug 13, 2025

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Wednesday 13 August 2025

Today is Wednesday the 13th of August, in the 19th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing the Benedictus: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, He has visited his people and redeemed them. As you enter into prayer today, rest for a moment in the confidence that - whatever may seem wrong with the world, or with our lives - God’s love redeems it all: ‘The Lord has visited his people and redeemed them’. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho, and the Lord showed him the whole land: Gilead as far as Dan, all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, the Negeb, and the Plain—that is, the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees—as far as Zoar. The Lord said to him, ‘This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, “I will give it to your descendants”; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.’ Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, at the Lord’s command. He was buried in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but no one knows his burial place to this day. Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigour had not abated. The Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab for thirty days; then the period of mourning for Moses was ended. Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him; and the Israelites obeyed him, doing as the Lord had commanded Moses. Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. He was unequalled for all the signs and wonders that the Lord sent him to perform in the land of Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants and his entire land, and for all the mighty deeds and all the terrifying displays of power that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel. This passage brings us to the final moments of Moses’ life. After leading the Israelites for decades through trials, rebellion, and wilderness, God shows Moses the Promised Land—but he is told he will not enter it. He dies on the mountain, and leadership passes to Joshua, who is filled with the spirit. Moses sees the fulfilment of God's promise—but not for himself. Consider times when you have felt you have been part of a mission whose fruit you may never see? Ask the Spirit to guide your heart to identify a need for outcomes, recognition, or control. Moses was not only a prophet but also a leader. His death suggesting that leadership in the spiritual life is also stewardship. Moses steps aside and blesses the future. Reflect – where are you being invited to let go, trust others, or make space? As we listen to the passage again, consider where, in your relationship with the Lord, have you been aware of God’s faithfulness? The Lord said to him, ‘This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, “I will give it to your descendants”; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.’ Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, at the Lord’s command. He was buried in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but no one knows his burial place to this day. Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigour had not abated. The Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab for thirty days; then the period of mourning for Moses was ended. Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him; and the Israelites obeyed him, doing as the Lord had commanded Moses. Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. He was unequalled for all the signs and wonders that the Lord sent him to perform in the land of Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants and his entire land, and for all the mighty deeds and all the terrifying displays of power that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel. In a time of prayer rest in God’s presence, reflecting back on your journey together. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 12 August 2025 - Be strong and courageous Aug 12, 2025

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Tuesday 12 August 2025

Today is Tuesday the 12th of August, in the 19th week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach sings, ‘Nothing to Fear'. When you pass through the waters I will be with you And the depths of the river shall not overwhelm When you walk through the fire you will not be burned I am the Lord, I am the Lord And there is nothing to fear, nothing to fear There is nothing to fear, nothing to fear For I am with you always In the depths of your sorrow I wept beside you When you walked through the shadow I drew you near And yesterday, today, tomorrow, always the same I am the Lord, I am the Lord And there is nothing to fear, nothing to fear There is nothing to fear, nothing to fear For I am with you always And there is nothing to fear, nothing to fear There is nothing to fear, nothing to fear For I am with you always What can separate you from My perfect Love What can separate you from My perfect Love What can separate you from My perfect Love Do not fear Do not fear Do not fear Today’s reading is from the Book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 31:1-8 When Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, he said to them: ‘I am now a hundred and twenty years old. I am no longer able to get about, and the Lord has told me, “You shall not cross over this Jordan.” The Lord your God himself will cross over before you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua also will cross over before you, as the Lord promised. The Lord will do to them as he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when he destroyed them. The Lord will give them over to you and you shall deal with them in full accord with the command that I have given to you. Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.’ Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel: ‘Be strong and bold, for you are the one who will go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their ancestors to give them; and you will put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’ In this passage, Moses is handing over leadership to Joshua as Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land. Moses reminds the people—and Joshua—that God will go before them. Though Moses himself will not cross over with them, the message is one of reassurance and courage. What is your immediate response to this? Imagine yourself in the crowd, listening to Moses speak. This elderly leader stands before you, his face lined with wisdom and age. Feel the uncertainty of change, the loss of a leader, and the hope for what lies ahead. “Be strong and courageous… it is the Lord who goes before you.” What feelings stirs in your heart? What is your response to knowing that God goes ahead of you in times of transition or fear? Where in your life do you need to hear, "Do not be afraid or dismayed"? Perhaps you have found God in the tension between letting go and moving forward. As you listen to the passage again, take time to reflect on how it would it feel to step forward knowing God has already gone before you... Deuteronomy 31:1-8 When Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, he said to them: ‘I am now a hundred and twenty years old. I am no longer able to get about, and the Lord has told me, “You shall not cross over this Jordan.” The Lord your God himself will cross over before you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua also will cross over before you, as the Lord promised. The Lord will do to them as he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when he destroyed them. The Lord will give them over to you and you shall deal with them in full accord with the command that I have given to you. Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.’ Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel: ‘Be strong and bold, for you are the one who will go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their ancestors to give them; and you will put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’ ‘Do not fear or be dismayed.’ Where, in life, in faith, are you being called to trust? Take time to speak to God with your own words and from the heart of your own thoughts and concerns. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 11 August 2025 - Love and humility Aug 11, 2025

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Monday 11 August 2025

Today is Monday the 11th of August, the feast of Saint Clare, in the 19th week of Ordinary Time. As you enter into prayer today, take a moment to slow down. Right down... and notice where you are. As you hear Sanctus Dominum by Margaret Rizza, notice what is around you... what else can you hear? What can you see? What is nearby? People? Objects? Nature? In all of this, God is present. Right here, right now. God’s presence sanctifies this ordinary place, and these ordinary people, these ordinary things, and makes them holy. Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis. Sanctus. Holy Lord God of hosts. Thy glory fills all heaven and earth. Hosanna in high heaven. Blessed is he who is coming in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in high heaven. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 17:22-27 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.’ And they were greatly distressed. When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?’ He said, ‘Yes, he does.’ And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?’ When Peter said, ‘From others’, Jesus said to him, ‘Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offence to them, go to the lake and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.’ Today is the feast day of Clare of Assisi, friend and follower of Francis. She lived the same spiritual freedom, giving up wealth, family status, and comfort—because love compelled her. In Ignatian terms, she had found the “indifference” the freedom to choose only what leads to God’s greater glory. At the beginning of today’s reading, we seem to hear this same attitude in Jesus’ voice. Feel the tension in the air, the sorrow in the hearts of the disciples. And then, this odd instruction: go fish, and from the mouth of a fish, retrieve a coin. How do you respond to the instruction? Where have you seen God’s providence in the small things of today? Is there a “coin” you might be overlooking? Jesus teaches that, as the Son, He is free from the temple tax. But he chooses to pay it—not from compulsion, but from love and humility. Consider where you are holding on to rights or privileges that you could let go… As you listen to the passage again, take time to reflect on how Jesus might be inviting you to act not out of obligation, but compassion and solidarity... Matthew 17:22-27 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.’ And they were greatly distressed. When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?’ He said, ‘Yes, he does.’ And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?’ When Peter said, ‘From others’, Jesus said to him, ‘Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offence to them, go to the lake and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.’ ‘So that we do not give offence’. Take a moment in this time of prayer to speak honestly with Jesus, opening your heart to him, trusting in his compassion and care for you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Sunday 10 August 2025 - As many as the stars of heaven Aug 10, 2025

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Sunday 10 August 2025

Today is Sunday the 10th of August, beginning the 19th week of Ordinary Time. Eliza King sings, ‘Christ Abides’. In the crowded thoughts, You are an open space And I hear Your voice, calling me to come away Where the eagles fly, You're raising me high with You To heavenly places, heavenly places I have the mind of Christ My portion is His perfect peace For Christ abides with me I'll seek You, Lord, and here in Your shadow hide I won't dread the day, nor fear the terror of the night Though thousands fall, I've been seated all along In heavenly places, in heavenly places I'm with you in heavenly places, in heavenly places I have the mind of Christ My portion is His perfect peace For Christ abides with me He's closer than a friend He takes the weary by the hand And says, "Come abide with me" "Come abide with me For my yoke is easy and my burden light I will raise you up like an eagle into flight You will not grow weary nor will you be faint In your every weakness, I will be your strength" I have the mind of Christ My portion is His perfect peace For Christ abides with me He's closer than a friend He takes the weary by the hand And says, "Come abide with me" Today’s reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-12 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, ‘as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.’ The Letter to the Hebrews is deeply theological, so it is sometimes not easy to understand. Don’t worry too much about that, and just ask God: “what do you want me to learn from this passage?” Here the author is thinking about faith, and what it means. We hear the words: “faith is the assurance of things hoped for”. What does this mean to you? “He set out, not knowing where he was going”. Has God ever asked this of you? If so, was it a disaster or a joy? Now listen as the passage is read for you again. This time, what really stood out for you? Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-12 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, ‘as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.’ Finally, look back over the last few minutes, and just see if there is anything that strikes you about it. Could you perhaps turn all that into a prayer to God? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Saturday 9 August 2025 - A lightness of heart Aug 09, 2025

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Saturday 9 August 2025

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Take a moment to become still and alert, in the presence of God. As you look back over your week of prayer, what really stands out for you? Did you at all feel the presence of God in your prayer this week? Was there one particular scripture passage or verse that really spoke to you this week? What do you think it is saying to you now? Was there a point when you really experienced a lightness of heart, and felt that God was there? Was there a moment when you had no sense at all of the presence of God? Why do you think that might have been? What do you think God is saying to you today in your prayer? How are you going to respond? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Friday 8 August 2025 - The Lord is God in heaven above Aug 08, 2025

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Friday 8 August 2025

Today is Friday the 8th of August, the feast of Saint Dominic, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life. The most important thing for me to do now, as I enter into prayer, is to let go for a moment, to let go of my own concerns, my own worries and fears and reluctance, and let myself be led by God, trusting that God, who loves me, will lead me into life. Today’s reading is from the Book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 4:32-40 For ask now about former ages, long before your own, ever since the day that God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of heaven to the other: has anything so great as this ever happened or has its like ever been heard of? Has any people ever heard the voice of a god speaking out of a fire, as you have heard, and lived? Or has any god ever attempted to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by terrifying displays of power, as the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? To you it was shown so that you would acknowledge that the Lord is God; there is no other besides him. From heaven he made you hear his voice to discipline you. On earth he showed you his great fire, while you heard his words coming out of the fire. And because he loved your ancestors, he chose their descendants after them. He brought you out of Egypt with his own presence, by his great power, driving out before you nations greater and mightier than yourselves, to bring you in, giving you their land for a possession, as it is still today. So acknowledge today and take to heart that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. Keep his statutes and his commandments, which I am commanding you today for your own well-being and that of your descendants after you, so that you may long remain in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for all time. In this passage, Moses is telling the people of God what is going to be expected of them when they cross over the River Jordan into the Promised Land. The first thing he suggests is that they “count their blessings”. Is this something you make a practice of? What has God done for them, all this time? What has God done for you? “The Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.” How might we act in order to show that this is what we believe? Now listen as the passage is read for you again. What really leaps off the page at you? What is the Lord telling you today? Deuteronomy 4:32-40 For ask now about former ages, long before your own, ever since the day that God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of heaven to the other: has anything so great as this ever happened or has its like ever been heard of? Has any people ever heard the voice of a god speaking out of a fire, as you have heard, and lived? Or has any god ever attempted to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by terrifying displays of power, as the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? To you it was shown so that you would acknowledge that the Lord is God; there is no other besides him. From heaven he made you hear his voice to discipline you. On earth he showed you his great fire, while you heard his words coming out of the fire. And because he loved your ancestors, he chose their descendants after them. He brought you out of Egypt with his own presence, by his great power, driving out before you nations greater and mightier than yourselves, to bring you in, giving you their land for a possession, as it is still today. So acknowledge today and take to heart that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. Keep his statutes and his commandments, which I am commanding you today for your own well-being and that of your descendants after you, so that you may long remain in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for all time. Speak with God about anything lingering with you as this prayer comes to a close... perhaps returning to that question: What has God done for you? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 7 August 2025 - ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Aug 07, 2025

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Thursday 7 August 2025

Today is Thursday the 7th of August, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time. Juliano Ravanello sings ‘Santo é o Senhor Nosso Deus’: Holy is the Lord our God. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 16:13-20 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’ Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. In today’s passage, Jesus is asking his disciples how his mission is going, and they come up with various possible answers: like “John the Baptist”, or “Elijah” or “like Jeremiah, or one of the prophets”. What do think is going on here, in Jesus? In the disciples? In Peter? Simon Peter has apparently got it right: what has he seen? Is that what you see in Jesus? As you listen to the passage again, really hear Jesus’ words and notice if anything stands out to you... Matthew 16:13-20 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’ Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. As this time of prayer comes to an end, spend time with Jesus...hear him ask you the question: ‘But who do you say that I am?’ How will you reply? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 6 August 2025 - This is my Son, my Chosen Aug 06, 2025

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Wednesday 6 August 2025

Today is Wednesday the 6th of August, the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Assumpsit Jesus: ‘Jesus took Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, and he was transfigured in front of them.’ (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 9:28b-36 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. Today we celebrate the feast of the Transfiguration, which is the name we give to the event of Jesus’ changed appearance up there on the mountain. Place yourself in this extraordinary scene... Jesus and Moses and Elijah were "talking about his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem”. What do their voices sound like as they speak to one another? How is it to hear them talking about Jesus’ departure? Peter wants to build “three tents”. What do you think prompts him to offer this? Do you think it’s a good idea? As you listen to the passage again, notice what “the cloud” is telling them... what is it saying to you today? Luke 9:28b-36 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. Finally, look back over the last few minutes of prayer and speak to God about what is staying with you most... Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 5 August 2025 - Walking on the lake Aug 05, 2025

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Tuesday 5 August 2025

Today is Tuesday the 5th of August, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time. The St Thomas Music Group sing the Prayer of St Theresa by Margaret Rizza. 'Let nothing disturb you, nothing distress you. While all things fade away, God is unchanging. Be patient, for with God in your heart, nothing is lacking. God is enough.' Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 14:22-36 Immediately [Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Imagine being one of the disciples now, battered by the waves in the boat... Imagine the moment you see something on the water... what makes you all think it is a ghost? Watch as Peter gets out of the boat...What is going on in Peter’s mind, do you think? How do you feel about him getting out to walk towards Jesus? Especially after thinking he was a ghost just a moment ago...! The passage will now be read once more for you. As you listen, continue to place yourself there... notice if anything new catches your attention... Matthew 14:22-36 Immediately [Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Finally, can you look back over the last few minutes, and bring together all the thoughts and feelings that arose in your heart? Can you turn them into a prayer to God? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 4 August 2025 - Five loaves and two fish Aug 04, 2025

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Monday 4 August 2025

Today is Monday the 4th of August, the feast of Saint John Vianney, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time. Luke Parker sings, ‘In Quietness’. How will you meet with the Lord today? When I am down and on my knees You are enough, you're all I need It's here you meet me, so I'll stay In the stillness of your embrace When I am down and on my knees With all that I am surrendering And in this moment face to face In your presence, Lord, I will wait In quietness I wait for you to speak My spirit thirsty, Lord, longing for you And I'll wait, Lord, for more of you My soul thirsts, Lord, for more of you You break the silence Your voice it inspires And I am in awe of your love You bring a newness of life in its fullness Revealing the plans of your heart In quietness I wait for you to speak My spirit thirsty, Lord, longing for you And I'll wait, Lord, for more of you My soul thirsts, Lord, for more of you When I am down and on my knees In this moment, Lord, I will wait Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 14:13-21 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.’ Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ They replied, ‘We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.’ And he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. This story starts with Jesus hearing of the execution of John the Baptist; and we notice that his response is not to challenge Herod, but to seek solitude, perhaps to reflect on what he should do next; but the crowds will not allow him any peace and quiet. The disciples are trying to persuade Jesus to “get rid of them”. Yet we hear that Jesus had compassion on the crowds. Be with Jesus in this moment... what might he want to tell you about His compassion? Jesus “blessed and broke the bread”. What might we remember as we hear these words? Maybe the Last Supper? Or the Road to Emmaus... Stay with Jesus and perhaps speak with Him about what is to come... Now listen as the passage is read once more. Does anything catch your attention? Matthew 14:13-21 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.’ Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ They replied, ‘We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.’ And he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Finally, try to remember all the emotions and feelings that this passage has aroused in you. Do you think that you can turn them into a prayer to God? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

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