Term 3 Week 29
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8-14 SEPTEMBER
ORDINARY TIME R U OK? DAY Thursday 12 September |
Sunday
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23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 14:25-33 Gospel Reflection From time to time we should stop and consider how momentous is the decision we have made to be a follower of Jesus. So easily we expect our Christian life to be undisturbed and unchallenged; so that it can become little more than engaging from time to time in consoling practices. We can fail to recognise that we are caught up in nothing less than the life and death struggle of the whole world. The one we are called to follow is the eternal Son of the Father, who became one of us, that through his Paschal Mystery he may lead us out of the world of selfishness and violence we have made, into a new heaven and new earth, where all is shaped by the generous and merciful ways of his Father. Teacher's Background Anyone who does not carry his cross cannot be my disciple Image: uroburos Pixabay License Free for commercial use No attribution required |
Monday
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Saint Peter Claver (1581-1654) – his feast day falls on Saturday 9th September
Peter Claver was born in Spain and went to Colombia in South America as a missionary to serve the African slaves who had been taken there to be sold in the New World. For years he would meet the ships and bring food and medicine to the slaves, who were herded out in chains to be sold like animals. Peter preached to them of their own goodness and of God’s love for them. Not only was Saint Peter Claver’s life built on the solid rock of belief in God’s love, but he passed that on to those he served. He was canonised in 1888 Prayer Dear Jesus, please help those who are currently persecuted to feel and know your love for them. Help me to recognise opportunities to show others your compassion and love. Image: www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=94 |
Tuesday
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Women Heroes in the Bible
There are some very powerful stories about women in both the Old and the New Testaments. Queen Esther, Deborah and Judith were ‘Women of Wisdom’ who were both courageous and faithful. Deborah was one of the judges of Israel and is the only female judge mentioned in the Bible. Judges settled disputes, gave sincere and honest leadership, and commanded armies when it was necessary. Queen Esther saved her people when her people were in danger and begged her husband, the king to spare them. This was a risk to her own life. Prayer Think about the women in your life who are strong, wise and courageous, even in the most unassuming of ways. Offer a prayer of thanks for knowing and learning from such a great human being. Image: judysh Pixabay License Free for commercial use No attribution required |
Wednesday
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Mantra Prayer
(based on Psalm 46:10) This prayer is best said with a pause for contemplation after each line. Be still and know that I am God... (pause) Be still and know that I am...(pause) Be still and know... (pause) Be still... (pause) Be... (pause) Image: Lolame Pixabay License Free for commercial use No attribution required |
Thursday
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The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today we give thanks for the birth of Mary, the mother of our Saviour, Jesus. She is also the mother of all who follow Jesus, so we call her our Blessed Mother. People of every nation and language honour Mary. They have given her many titles of respect. Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s birth; however the Church has celebrated Mary’s birth since at least the sixth century. Prayer Here is a Mary prayer composed of only a few words. 'Mary, Mother of us all, give me strength' (or wisdom, patience, generosity — whatever spiritual gift you need at this time.) Use different titles for Mary such as Gentle Woman, Woman of Faith, Star of the Sea. Image: 12019 Pixabay License Free for commercial use No attribution required |
Friday
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The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
O God, who willed that your Only Begotten Son should undergo the Cross to save the human race, grant, we pray, that we, who have known his mystery on earth, may merit the grace of his redemption in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Image: waza_67 - Pixabay License Free for commercial use No attribution required |