Sunday
3rd SEPTEMBER
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Matthew 16:21-27 
Often, we think that having lots of things will bring us happiness. But in Sunday’s gospel, Jesus tells us about another way. If we think of others and don’t get caught up in ourselves, then we will find life. It ‘costs’ to be a Christian.
Gospel Reflection

Monday
4TH SEPTEMBER
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.

Tuesday
5THSEPTEMBER
On 5th September 1997, Mother Teresa died in Calcutta, India.
Her holiness and her love for the poor were known all over the world. Tens of thousands of men and women, who join in her work, are called the Missionaries of Charity. They serve the sick and dying who have no one ever to care for them, bringing God’s love to forgotten corners of crowded cities. Mother Teresa made a solemn promise to give ‘wholehearted and authentic service to the poorest of the poor’. She was canonised as Saint Teresa of Calcutta on 4th September 2016.  
Prayer 
God of love, You call us to be followers of your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to love with all our hearts. May we find joy in remembering the needs of our sisters and brothers. May we learn what will bring us true life. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.   View Saint Teresa of Calcutta’s life on The Biography.com website   

Wednesday
6TH SEPTEMBER
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)

Thursday
7TH SEPTEMBER
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. 

Friday
8TH SEPTEMBER
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.