Term 3 Week 28
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2 - 8 SEPTEMBER
ORDINARY TIME |
Sunday
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22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 The response of Jesus has an important lesson for every age, as we endeavour to make Church regulations that are truly life-giving. Today's Gospel reminds us of something important. The German mystic, Eckhart von Hochheim, said: You should bother less about what you ought to do and think more about what you ought to be, because if your being were good then your works would shine forth brightly. What matters more – what we do, or who we are? If we focus on who we are at heart, then hopefully, what we do will then be good. This is very much the wisdom of a good parent, perfect for Father's Day. Gospel Reflection Father’s Day Prayer: God our Father, in your wisdom and love You made all things. Bless these men, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honour them always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Image from Pixabay.com |
Monday
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St Gregory the Great
Pope Saint Gregory I, also known as the Great, was the Pope of the Catholic Church between 590 and 604 AD. Gregory was well educated and excelled in all his studies. He also became an expert in law. Pope Gregory was famous for the emphasis he put on missionary work. He made many changes to the Mass, some of which remain today. The position of the Our Father in the Mass remains where Pope Gregory placed it. He made clear to the priesthood that their duty was to relieve the distress faced by the poor. He is also the patron saint of musicians, singers, students, and teachers. From Catholic Online A Prayer of Blessing God of the poor, bless us with your compassion. God of the bereaved, bless us with your comfort. God of the humble, bless us with gentleness. God of the righteous, bless us with wisdom. God of the merciful, bless us with forgiveness. God of the pure in heart, bless us with kindness. God of the peacemakers, bless us with understanding. God of the persecuted, bless us with courage. Amen. From Ambrose, Baldwin, Harrison and Macnaughton (eds). (2013). Prayer & Prayer Activities, For worship with adults, children and all ages.Canterbury Press. UK Image From Wikipedia Commons |
Tuesday
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In today's Gospel, (Luke 4: 31-37), Jesus heals a man who was possessed by a demon. Interestingly, this miracle is refereed to not as an action, but as a teaching, because there was never a separation between what Jesus said and what he did. His words and actions are the same. Take some time to reflect. Do you do what you say you will do? Are you true to your words? I you believe in honesty, for example, are you always honest?
Prayer Loving God, When we don't know what is right, Help us stay straight and true, Help us stay close to you. Amen From Ambrose, Baldwin, Harrison and Macnaughton (eds). (2013). Prayer & Prayer Activities, For worship with adults, children and all ages.Canterbury Press. UK Image from Pixaby.com |
Wednesday
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Prayer
Lord Jesus, As we travel along our own road of life, Whether it is bumpy, smooth, steep or flat, Help us to choose the right way to travel. Help us to share our prayers, money, time and love with others, In this country, and in the world, Who may find their road difficult, steep and bumpy at times. For the Kingdom belongs to everyone. Amen. From Ambrose, Baldwin, Harrison and Macnaughton (eds). (2013). Prayer & Prayer Activities, For worship with adults, children and all ages.Canterbury Press. UK Image from Pixabay.com |
Thursday
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The Gospel today is the setting for Simon to follow Jesus. Simon was a fisherman.
A Fisherman's prayer for protection Dear God, Be Good to me. The sea is so wide, And my boat is so small. Amen. (From: http://www.beliefnet.com/prayers/catholic/protection/breton-fishermans-prayer.aspx) Image from Pixabay.com |
Friday
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Today is an Ember Day.
The Australian Catholic Bishop's Conference has this to say about Ember Days: Ember Days focus on the environment and the responsibility of our stewardship of the world’s resources. They will help us connect our intercession for favourable conditions with a conversion of heart in relation to our care of the earth. For this reason, the bishops requested that emphasis be placed on doing penance, on fasting and abstaining in connection with these Ember Days. Fasting and abstaining from meat will encourage us to restraint in our exploitation of natural resources. Reflection Take some time to think about something you could give up today, that supports a healthy environment. Use this idea of "fasting" or "abstaining" from something you usually do, as a way to encourage you to think about how you can make changes in your life to help protect our earth and our natural resources. Image from Pixabay.com |
