Holy Innocents - Gospel Archive

22nd Sunday of the Year (Cycle C) 29th August 2010
Contributor: Mary Heady
Luke 14:1.7.14
We none of us feel totally comfortable with the seemingly selfish side of our human impulses. We all know that we enjoy being singled out for preferment and feel humiliation if any choice we make is publicly shown to be wrong. How comforting then to read of Jesus’ understanding and acceptance of our desire to shine before others.
Nothing is hidden from God and all our little foibles, failings and self-indulgence He surely sees as part of our personality.
His gentle advice to us through his admonition of the Pharisees seeks to help us avoid the pitfalls and temptations that await us. Certainly we should remember that ‘importance’ in this life will probably be reversed when we reach heaven.
When addressing the host at the feast, Jesus preaches against the usual practice of always inviting friends and compatible neighbours, but advises entertaining the poor and needy.
How many times do we hear people say, “My family comes first!” It didn’t with Our Lord.
And people often restrict their charitable giving in favour of donations to their grandchildren. Nowadays many folk see grandchildren as the main justification of their own existence, forgetting that we all have to answer for our individual actions and life choices at the Last Judgement.

How we will be judged is made clear by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 25.
We thank almighty God for His guidance and pray for the strength to follow it.

21st Sunday of the Year (Cycle C) 22nd August 2010
Contributor: Branwen Jones
Luke 13: 22-30

There is no indication in this Gospel passage of the identity of the person who asks Jesus, ‘Sir, will there be only a few saved?’ Is it a question designed to trap Jesus into clarifying exactly who will be saved, or one of genuine concern about how to achieve salvation?

According to contemporary Jewish doctrine all the chosen people of Israel had a place in the world to come. They were the ‘few saved’. Simply being a member of the club was a ticket through the turnstile into Paradise. As for the rest of humanity, the Gentiles, they were unimportant.

Our Lord’s reply demonstrates that there is no assurance, the entrance to the afterlife is narrow and requires effort. Many will try and not succeed. We are exhorted not simply to try but ‘Try your best’, in other words, strive to achieve salvation. An active, not a passive, role is required.

Once the door to Heaven is closed, there is no admittance and the master of the house (Jesus) will not recognise those that stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘We once ate and drank in your company; you taught in our streets.’ Judas ate and drank in Christ’s company and so did many others but it was no guarantee of the kingdom of Heaven. At mass we partake in the Eucharist, we eat and drink as at the Last Supper. We listen to Jesus’ teaching in the Gospel readings, but do we respond? There must be dynamic participation in doing God’s will, by acting upon the words of Christ.

Jesus describes the Gentiles as journeying from afar and overcoming many obstacles, just as the Three Wise Men did, to reach the one true God. The physical journey from ‘east and west, from north and south’ represents a spiritual journey, a quest for God. Such tenacity does not go unrewarded.

Once again Jesus turns the accepted Jewish view of the world and the afterlife upside down. For many there will be ‘weeping and grinding of teeth’ but those that were spurned, the Gentiles, will be first at the feast in the kingdom of God.

Acknowledgements: Blue Letter Bible Commentaries

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
15th August 2010
Contributor: Andrew Jones

Luke 1: 39-56
Having been told of Elizabeth’s pregnancy Mary went with haste to Elizabeth’s home in a Judean town in the hill country. It is not surprising that she travelled there quickly, for she must have been quite astonished by the words of the Angel Gabriel who revealed the news of both her own pregnancy and that of her relative Elizabeth. Indeed she may have been driven both by the stunning excitement of the moment and a humble realisation that unique history was being made and that she was playing an important and blessed role in its unveiling.

The Catholic Encyclopedia tells us that nothing certain is known about the Assumption before the 5th Century with the exception that there is an earlier reference in the Greek Orthodox Church. Indeed the scholar Epiphanius d 403 wrote that he knew nothing definite about it. However that comment suggests that he did at least know something about it.

The Catholic Encyclopedia also explains that the feast has a double purpose. First to give Our Lady a happy departure from earthly life and second to present the Assumption of Her body into heaven.

When Mary arrived at the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth and the two women greeted each other, the Bible tells us that the child (St John the Baptist) leapt in her womb and Elizabeth pronounced the words we have come to know as the Hail Mary (Blessed is the fruit of your womb).

Catholics believe that Mary is the Mother of God and so She will share eternity with The Father and The Son and The Holy Spirit in Heaven and so Her Assumption took her to the Family which awaits us.

19th Sunday of the Year.. 8th August 2010 (Cycle C)
Contributor: Bill Smith
Luke 12: 32-48

In the reading today we are reminded of the certainty of death but particularly of its unpredictability. We tend to compartmentalise our lives by separating the secular from the spiritual. In this parable Jesus admonishes us to stay awake and to be always ready for the moment when he will call us. So we cannot, and must not, rely on being given notice! The only way is to integrate the secular and spiritual aspects of life.
In whatever we do God needs to be part, either consciously or subconsciously.

In the Morning Offering we offer to God all that we do or experience in the day ahead and ask him to be with us. We can facilitate this by keeping our lives simple and uncomplicated, remembering the presence of God with us at all times. When we forget about Him He does not forget us. We all carry excess baggage that can get in the way of keeping close to God.

As the saying goes “You cannot take it with you”.

Contributor: Cecilia Skudder (Cjs.) 18th sunday of the year 1st August 2010
Based on Gospel:Luke 12: 13-21
A man was in the crowd, concerned so with his rights.
He had no thought for others, or their personal plights.
So of Jesus he did ask, justice for himself,
that his brother give him share, of his due inherited wealth.
“Who appointed Me your judge, or the arbitrator of your claims?”
The Lord then gave this message, which seeking all hearts it aims.
“Watch be on your guard, of avarice of any kind.
It does not secure a life, this.. a fact that you will find......
....Once there was a rich man, with great harvest on his land.
To store it he was eager, so bigger barns he planned.
‘Soon I will have good things, to keep and much to eat.
I’ll make merry with my friends, and my life will be complete!’
But God he called him fool, for that night his soul was demanded!
For no stores in the world, could a death prevent if commanded!
Who will have your hoard?...then whose will it be?
Thus selfishness will lose, so store treasures in the sight of Me.” Cjs.

Lord You state it always, no ambiguity in Your word.
No excuse for ignorance, for most surely we have heard.
Concerned for our own comfort, hoarding material gains,
caring nought for another, this no integrity sustains.
Money buys not health, and cannot protect from death.
All must follow Your path, until we take last breath. Cjs.

Jesus is not saying it is wrong to have wealth, but to hoard and give nothing to aid others is not to do the work of the Lord. There are many millionaires and multi-millionaires in this world. Some we know do give much to aid their fellow man. Some keep their philanthropy well hidden.
But what they do is not our concern.
It is what we do with whatever we have gained.., and we have only gained it through the Lord. He gave us out talents, He enabled us to learn.
It is not by our efforts alone that we have anything, even if we think it so.
Yes, bills have to be paid, repairs done to homes,
..charity begins at home, but should not end there.

Lord help me to be generous with my time and my money. Amen.

Parishioner’s Gospel 25th July 2010
Contributor: Barbara Davies
Luke 11: 1-13

‘Jesus Teach Us To Pray’

The Jews (disciples) knew how to pray in the synagogue or key times during the day. But seeing Him pray, they knew they wanted to get closer.

We put ourselves in the presence of God:
“Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth
As it is in heaven.”

We immediately have three meditations.

Can we possibly imagine what a joining of our will to God’s will could bring us?

Should we pause here to enjoy the prospect before we hurtle on to our petitions?

“Give us….
Forgive us…
Lead us…..
Lead us…
Deliver us….”

Thank God, God knows us and loves us in spite of………

(3 + 4 = 7 ……….the mystical 7 again)

Parishioner’s Gospel: 18th July 2010
Contributor: Mary Heady

Luke 10: 38-42
Most of us have experienced a bit of resentment at one time or another; a feeling of being hard done by.
Maybe we have put a lot of effort into practical activity, only to feel that it has been undervalued or disregarded.

Why did we bother? Perhaps it would be easier just to sit back and pray!

The lovely scene described in Luke’s Gospel shows Jesus relaxed and comfortable in the household at Bethany, so at home in he company of Mary, Martha and Lazarus.
Sitting at the feet of Jesus, the traditional attitude of the disciple, Mary listens to the Master’s words. Maybe she has a premonition that these wonderful visits will not last much longer, so she makes the most of His presence.

Martha is busy preparing the meal, working and worrying to get everything just right. How often we spend too much time being only concerned with wanting our efforts to result in the perfect good deed, the flawless Church service.

These things are good in themselves but the lesson of the Gospel story is about priority.

Unless we find Jesus first in our daily work, unless we find the time to listen and meditate on God’s will, our efforts may be an empty fulfilment of our own desires and self-satisfaction.
This is not an easy lesson (we all suffer from pride!), but we must always remind ourselves to get things in the right order.

Always, .....God first.

Contributor: Branwen Jones
Luke 10: 25-37,

The lawyer in this Gospel passage is not a lawyer in our modern legal sense; rather he is a scholar, an expert in the interpretation of Mosaic and rabbinical Law. His queries are a deliberate attempt to “disconcert” Jesus, to find some ‘loophole’ in His teaching.

The first question the lawyer puts to Jesus is “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” and, typically, Our Lord responds with another question, “What is written in the Law?” The lawyer is prompt with the answer – to love the Lord God and your neighbour as yourself. Jesus concurs but the lawyer wants to pin Him down and persists, “And who is my neighbour?” He is anxious for a precise definition.

The well-known story of the Good Samaritan follows and implies that anyone in need of our compassion is our neighbour. The Jews listening to this tale would have been horrified that the ‘hero’ is a Samaritan. The Jews and Samaritans despised each other and here Jesus is making a Samaritan an example of love and mercy.

The priest and the Levite, both Jewish religious officials, avoided the man who had been robbed, beaten and left at the roadside “half dead”. They “passed by on the other side” and hastened on their way. The Samaritan, on the other hand, treats the wounded man kindly, tending to him personally at a nearby inn and, upon his departure, paying the innkeeper to look after him. He even promises to foot the bill for “any extra expense” on his return journey. Beyond the call of duty, surely.

So how does this apply to us in modern times? It is rare to encounter anyone so grievously injured and even if we do, we will not have to pay for the hospital care. But there are many, less obvious, occasions when we resist the call to compassion. In this day and age we are all so busy, so committed. We have no time to give to the elderly or lonely, to call in for half an hour’s chat and a cup of tea. We pass by. How often do we ignore the parishioners we find tiresome and tedious? It is just too much effort to be friendly and we simply don’t have the time. We avoid them.

It would appear that nowadays the most precious commodity is not so much money as time. Yet the two are linked. Perhaps if we spent less time acquiring money we would have more time for acts of compassion, for loving our neighbour as ourselves.

Contributor: Andrew Jones 4th July 2010
Luke 10: 1-12, 17-20
Luke begins this reading by explaining that The Lord appointed 72 others and sent them out ahead of him, to all the places he himself was to visit.

This gives us a helpful picture of His early supporters. Next to Jesus were the 12 Apostles, the word coming from the Greek apostello meaning I send, then came the Disciples meaning followers and now in this text we find that there was another selection which we might call the appointed, for the Gospel clearly indicates that Our Lord appointed 72 others to be his front line witnesses.
Their task was to prepare the way for his arrival.

At first when I read this passage it made me reflect on the forthcoming visit to Holy Innocents' of the Irish group promoting the Legion of Mary but it quickly became clear that there are a few differences, though not that many.

For Jesus instructed the 72 to call upon the houses both in the countryside and small towns and always begin with the words Peace be to this house. How ideal it will be if the Irish visitors use the same words when calling on Holy Innocents’ parishioners but the big difference in the current situation is that the Irish will be speaking to committed Christians.

Also it will be interesting to observe whether they arrive in pairs, as the appointed always did. Some scholars have suggested, in the absence of further explanation, that the second chosen in the pair was selected for company and moral support.

For them there would have been no luxury hotels just the accommodation of the local population whom they were sent to visit.

The Gospel continues that the 72 came back to Our Lord rejoicing that even the devils submit to us when we use your name.

Jesus responded…do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.

What a privilege they experienced by being called to visit in Jesus’ name and what a reward they received.

Luke 9:51-62 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time 27th June 2010
Contributor: Bill Smith

Do not look back At the start of this passage comes the surprise rejection of Jesus by the inhabitants of a Samaritan village. He must have been terribly disappointed to be snubbed in this way. Throughout the gospels Samaritans are usually shown as being well disposed towards Jesus. James and John are outraged that he should be treated this way and want to seek revenge but Jesus rebukes them and they move on to another village.

The passage continues with an indication of the cost of following Jesus. Jesus invited individuals to follow him but in turn each gave good reasons for it not being convenient. But Jesus concluded by saying that those whom he calls to be his followers must respond whole-heartedly and not look back. We must not reject him but answer his call without demur.

What a challenge! We too are likely to experience rejection by others and ridicule because of our faith but we have the comfort of knowing that Our Lord knows exactly how this feels because he too experienced it.

In this situation we need to remain faithful to him so that one day we may hear the words “Well done thou good and faithful servant”.

Parishioner’s Gospel 20th June 2010
Contributor: Cecilia Skudder (Cjs)

Based on Gospel Luke 9: 18-24
Jesus asked of His apostles, “Who do you think I am?”
But the Lord He had revealed this, to a simple mortal man.
Peter loved Lord Jesus, and in His path he trod.
Peter gave the answer, “You are the Christ of God!”
Jesus then did tell them, of His grievous fate,
to suffer and to die, from envy and sheer hate.
But death was not to conquer, for Jesus would arise
three days from His cruel killing, to everyone’s surprise.
Then He said a strange thing, hard to understand.
We must take up our cross, this is what was planned!
If we try to save them, (our lives we hold so dear,)
then surely we would lose them, was this message clear?

What is the special meaning, what is it we should know?
The Church will have the answer, and tell us what is so.
If we lose our lives, for Jesus sake... then we..
...as I understand it, would save them? Now I see!
I think this means our selfish,... ploys for number one
Lead us to destruction, so that’s not how it’s done.
We must do it His way, putting others’ lives before.
Show us how dear Jesus, this we do implore.
With guidance from Your Church, we know the path we’ll find.
‘Twill lead the way to heaven, when we leave this world behind. Cjs.

Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit when he proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ of God.
Jesus then told them the manner of His suffering and death.

How strange this must have been for the apostles who knew not what the cross meant.
They could not imagine that their Master would suffer.

He was popular He did good works performed miracles and they could not comprehend that He would be put to death...the people loved Him!

Others before self, Jesus’ way before our own....the only way to save our lives.

Modern day living says... be yourselves ....do as you wish it’s your life...selfishness first and foremost...But this is not Christ’s way.

Dear Jesus, You want me to make use of any talents You have given me, but not for my gratification, but for Your purpose. Help me to follow Your will always. Amen.

Luke: 7: 36-8: 3
Contributor: Barbara Davies

“Pharisee” means “Separated.”

The Pharisees had very clear rules:
Good people v Sinners.

Obeying v Rule breaking

God loves us v God does not love you

God stays away from sinners; Therefore Simon stays away from sinners.

Jesus did not separate Himself from this woman sinner, therefore showing He was not guided by the Spirit of God.

How very confusing for Pharisees who considered themselves living religiously, living by trusted rules, faithfully.
This need for “separate” disregards the wisdom of God and thee reality of the human heart. Jesus knew we need time to realise good v evil and arrive at a mature orientation.
Therefore “Her sins are forgiven “ (v47) contrasts (v42) where great love is the fruit of greater forgiveness. Jesus does not attempt to say which of the two-love-or forgiveness-comes first.
I read “Forgiveness is not earned- It can only be gratefully received.
Forgiveness engenders love.”

What do you think?

Acknowledgements:- Christian Community Bible.

Luke 9: v 11-17
Gospel Contributor: Mary Heady

In all four Gospels we find accounts of the multiplication of leaves to feed the multitude.
In fact the people had begun to associate Jesus, not only with miracles of healing, but also with an occasional distribution of free bread.
For this they were prepared to travel long distances to find him, an indication of their poverty. They reminded him, not very subtly, that Moses had provided their ancestors with manna in the desert.

These accounts are taken as a pre-figuration of the Holy Eucharist, but the leap of faith needed for people to accept Jesus as the living bread from heaven was too much for most.

The gift to us of the Eucharist is a source of constant wonder. The current availability of daily communion is in contrast to the rules and strictures which surrounded its reception just decades ago. However, this ease of access should never blind us to the enormity of the gift and we must take every opportunity to receive the Lord and to worship Him.
Recently the laity has been exhorted to more frequent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament at Exposition, possibly in expiation for clerical abuse – an instruction which has raised many eyebrows!

Never-the-less, Exposition, Adoration and Holy Communion can only enhance our spiritual lives and help us to cope with the daily grind and anxiety of our material world.

“Come to Me.” Said Jesus; and what better way to come than through the sublime gift of the Eucharist?

The Most Holy Trinity 30th May (Cycle C)

John 16: 12-15,
Contributor: Branwen Jones

These few verses form part of a long passage (sometime known as the Final Discourse) taken from Saint John’s Gospel. ‘Final’ because it was Jesus’ last moments of intimacy, of conversation, with His companions prior to His death. It is noteworthy that Jesus felt that the minds of the disciples could not take in any more at that particular moment. ‘I still have many things to say to you but they would be too much for you now.’ In effect Jesus is delegating to the Holy Spirit, ‘the spirit of truth’ who, in the future, will enlighten them further.

The third member of the Holy Trinity is referred to as ‘he’ – a person, but He is also a spirit. For many He may appear to be a vague and shadowy figure – variously made manifest as a dove, a breath of wind, a flame. I can therefore sympathise with the Japanese convert who commented: ‘I understand God the Father, I understand God the Son, but I do not understand the Honourable Bird’. Yet the Holy Spirit is Christ’s great gift to us, someone who will lead us to ‘the complete truth’.

So what is the relationship between Father, Son and Holy Spirit? There is no simple answer.
In this particular instance Jesus states that the Holy Spirit will tell the disciples what He has learnt from Jesus Himself and, in turn, everything Jesus possesses comes from the Father.

‘He [the Holy Spirit] will glorify me, since all he tells you will be taken from what is mine. Everything the Father has is mine; that is why I said: all he tells you will be taken from what is mine.’

We no longer have Jesus present among us in human form, nor do we see the Father. We are a people of the Spirit, just as the apostles were. The Spirit guides us as it guided them.

In the Acts of the Apostles we hear, time and again, of the activity of the Holy Spirit. Here are just 3 examples.

‘The Holy Spirit said, ‘I want Barnabas and Paul set apart for the work to which I have called them.’ (Act 13:2)

‘It has been decided by the Holy Spirit and by ourselves not to impose on you any burden beyond these essentials.’ (Acts 15:28)

‘They travelled through Phrygia and the Galatian country, because they had been told by the Holy Spirit not to preach the word in Asia.’ (Acts 16:6)

Let us pray that we, like the early Church, may be open to the grace and prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Veni creator spiritus

John 14: 15-16. 23-26.
Contributor: Andrew Jones

Jesus said if you love me you will keep my commandments. I shall ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you for ever.

This Gospel reading is chosen for the feast of Pentecost though it comes from the earlier situation of the washing of the disciples’ feet. Jesus is talking of the Holy Spirit which is to come down on the heads of the disciples appearing like tongues of fire. Once more it is evidence of eternal life.

The Holy Trinity is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Yet can we imagine the Father and the Son without the Holy Spirit?
It is the Holy Spirit that links the Father and the Son.

Notice how Jesus says to the disciples I shall ask the Father.
For Our Saviour knew that the Spirit originated with the Father.

When the Virgin mother conceived, it was by the Holy Spirit. When Jesus began his ministry it was inspired by the Holy Spirit.
When the tongues of fire descended, the Holy Spirit was inspiring the beginning of the Christian church.

Jesus continues if anyone loves me he will keep my word.
Some of us may have experienced playing a team sport in the presence of an inspirational player for whom one would use up vast reserves of energy or even risk injury.
The player, often a captain, was a hero who attracted support by his example.

Jesus is the greatest hero and we should respond by keeping his word and much more.

Let us remember that the Holy Spirit, who in the beginning was with God, will be with us for ever.

The Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Cycle C)16th May 2010
Gospel Luke 24: 46-53

Contributor: Bill Smith

Easter marked the accomplishment of Christ’s mission on this earth by his triumph over death.
But for the next forty days he remained in the world appearing to the disciples at various times.
The Ascension was his final manifestation of himself in human form and then he left them going up to his Father in heaven.

Now starts a new way of life for the disciples and the beginning of the life of the church.
They would now be without his human presence but had his promise that he would always be with them and that shortly he would send the Holy Spirit to be the source of all the attributes they were going to need to carry on his mission.

The church today has this mission to continue in our time.
Christ has returned to sit on the right of his Father in heaven leaving us to bring the Good News of salvation to the world.

Et ascendit in caelum: sedet ad dexteram Patris.

Parishioner’s Gospel the 6th Sunday of Easter (Cycle C) 9th May 2010
Contributor: Cecilia Skudder (Cjs.)
Based on Gospel: John 14: 23-29
Jesus said to His disciples:
“If anyone should love Me, he will keep My word.
Then My Father in the heavens, who all things will have heard,
will know and love him too, and We shall come to him.
We’ll make Our home with him, We will be welcome in.
Those who love Me not, and do not keep My word,
will do just as they wish, of others no thoughts incurred.
But My word is not My own, tis from He who sent Me here!
These things I tell you now, which I make so very clear.
Whilst I’m here with you, I emphasise this well.
But an advocate will come, the Holy Spirit who will tell,
all truth which He will teach, to remind you what I’ve taught.
Peace I do bequeath, that without Me can’t be sought.
Do not let your hearts, be troubled or afraid.
I am to go away, but will return to give you aid.
If you loved Me as you should, you would be pleased I go.
For the Father is much greater, this you need to know.
I tell this to you now, before the deed is done.
So you will then believe, that My work has just begun."

Lord we love You so, and try to do Your work.
But the devil drags us down, with evil devious smirk.
You say be not afraid, but we need grace to see us through!
Yes we do believe, in everything You do.
Nothing can we do, without Your guiding hand.
Help us dearest Lord, to live as You have planned. Cjs.

Jesus tells us yet again that to love Him is to obey Him. His word is the Father’s word and the Holy Spirit will come to help us to keep His word.
His work has just begun, we are to continue it and not be troubled or afraid as Jesus is with us to bring us peace.

Without Jesus there is no peace.

Parishioner’s Gospel: 5th Sunday of Easter (Cycle C) 2nd May 2010
Contributor: Barbara Davies
John 13: 31-35
Jesus and his immediate followers encountered conflict with the Jewish authorities.
Jewish Christians were estranged from their Jewish roots. Judaism was regarded as a legal religion within the Roman Empire, while Christianity was not.
Where will Jesus’ followers find their new identity.

“....by this they will know you are Mine.”

“Now I give you a new Commandment ...Love one another, just as I have loved you, you also must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Is it easy to “LOVE ONE ANOTHER.....DO WE UNDERSTAND THE WORD ‘LOVE?’

“Love, which is like God’s love, aims to liberate our neighbour and enable him to fully develop his God –given gifts.” (Denis McBride)
Instead of me loving him, I must help him to love himself.

Did a mystic once say:-
“Love of God is not to feel God, but to feel devotion and affection for God.
To love God may be determined to do what God wishes at each moment of our lives ---
---to render loving service and forgiveness.
God loves me to be my best me.

Would the First Century Jews have recognised the new Christians?

Acknowledged:
Christian Community Bible& ‘Where does the Jesus story begin.’ By Denis McBride.

Contributor: Cecilia Skudder (Cjs)
Based on Gospel: John 10: 27-30
Jesus said;
“Belonging just to Me, My sheep listen to My voice.
This is the way it is, through their individual choice!
Indeed I know them all, they’ll always follow Me.
They never will be lost, no.. this can never be!
And none can e’er succeed in stealing them away.
This gift bestowed on Me, by the One to whom I pray.
These sheep are always Mine, the Father planned this all along!
‘Tis I who tend My sheep, who decides what’s right or wrong.
None is greater than is He, nor can steal the gift He gave.
And He and I are One, Our aim this world to save.”

If we give our lives to Christ, then we become His sheep.
Then whatever life will bring, He will us safely keep.
Jesus never promised, this world would happy be.
Only in the next life, will paradise we see.
Jesus died for us, in a cruel and bitter way.
He gave His life for us, for He values us each day.
To follow in His path, we must speak to Him and ask,
what must we be doing, what is our special task?
Put selfish gains aside; help the poor and needy too.
Let Jesus be our guide, in everything we do. Cjs.

Yes Lord. You lead and I must follow....Your will.. not mine...be done. Amen. Cjs.

John 21: 1-19
Contributor: Branwen Jones

John 21: 1 – 19
Contributor: Branwen Jones

This Gospel passage comprises 2 distinct episodes. The first describes the Risen Christ appearing to the disciples on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias. The second is an account of a personal exchange between Jesus and Simon Peter.

After Jesus’ death, the disciples had returned to their former occupation – fishing, but had met with little success. They had been working at night but had caught nothing. At daybreak Jesus appeared on the shore ‘though the disciples did not realise’ who it was that addressed them as ‘friends’. When He hears of their fruitless labour, He tells them to cast their net on the starboard side. They do so and find they have ‘so many fish that they could not haul it in.’ At this point John recognises Jesus and proclaims ‘It is the Lord’. Without hesitation the impetuous Peter grabs a cloak and jumps over the side of the boat.

It is the details in this Gospel passage that bring it to life. John is precise. ‘This was the third time that Jesus showed himself to the disciples after rising from the dead.’ He also gives the names of the disciples that went fishing with Simon Peter and the exact number of fish caught – 153. Someone must have counted them!

Just as at the Last Supper, Jesus shares a meal with His disciples, in this instance a breakfast of roasted fish and bread. Too much in awe to question Him, the disciples take the food He proffers them.

What is the point of it all? The point is that Jesus had made them fishers of men. Without Him they caught nothing. But once they were obedient to his commands they caught so many fish they could barely lift the net out of the water.

At the end of the meal Jesus turns to Simon Peter and asks him three times whether he loves Him and exhorts him three times to ‘feed my sheep.’ Why three times? Because Peter denied Jesus three times during His trial, insisting that he did not know Him. Now Peter must affirm Jesus three times and carry out His command to look after His flock.

The passage ends with Jesus prophesying the kind of death Peter would undergo. ‘When you grow old you will stretch out your hands, and somebody else will put a belt round you and take you where you would rather not go.’ Tradition has it that Peter was crucified upside down although historical evidence is scant.

Perhaps more importantly, Jesus’ final words in the Gospel passage are simply ‘Follow me’ – an instruction to all of us and not just to Peter.

JOHN 20: 19-31
Contributor: Andrew Jones

This Gospel reading is invaluable because of the variety of its important content.
It begins by showing us that immediately after the Death and Resurrection of Our Lord, His principal group of followers locked themselves away because of their fear of persecution. Yet they were not left alone for suddenly amidst them was the Risen Saviour.

No doubt the group was excited and agitated and Jesus sensing the atmosphere used those calming words which have become our own Christian greeting, peace be with you.

This perplexed gathering is one of the few occasions recorded in the Gospels where Jesus appeared to the disciples after his Resurrection. It is worth noting that the text makes it clear that He showed his wounds to His disciples, members of his wider band of followers, rather than just the chosen Apostles.

Having calmed the gathering and re-assured them He then commissioned them for the tasks ahead; as the Father sent me, so I am sending you and then breathed the Holy Spirit upon them.

Then comes the surprising news that Thomas, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them. This raises the question whether any others could have been missing but we are not told.

What we are told is the great message for future generations; Thomas may have displayed his faith when he was shown Jesus’s wounds but you believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe. That applies to every single Christian today.

Despite this calamitous age in which we live, our faith will be rewarded.

John 20 1-9 Easter Day
Contributor: Bill Smith
This passage surely is the very essence of our religion. Had there been no resurrection of Jesus He would have been nothing more than a fraud and our faith would have no credibility.
Is it significant that the first two people to go early in the morning to Jesus’ tomb were two women, the two Marys? There they find the stone at the entrance to the tomb already rolled way. (Matthew tells of an earthquake). This enabled them and subsequently the other disciples to see that the body of Jesus was no longer there. Mary Magdalene at first assumes that His enemies have removed the body – “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb and we do not know where they have laid Him” – are her words to Peter and John.
What a shock Peter and John must have got at the news. They were probably until then feeling very low and full of grief and despair at the death of their Master. Then they get this news from Mary Magdalene that the body has disappeared. They must have run like madmen to see for themselves, John outrunning Peter and getting to the tomb first and yet too afraid to go in.
What did they see? The cloths in which the body had been wrapped were folded neatly on the ground.

Would this have been so had someone got there first to take away the body?
Other accounts say that the tomb was guarded.
Would they not have taken the body wrapped as it was?

Now they were left in no doubt that Jesus had truly risen from the dead as He had said He would.

Resurrexit sicut dixit, Alleluia!

Luke 22: 14-23, :56
Contributor: Cecilia Skudder
Christ suffered for me
Jesus took His place at table, the Last supper of them all.
Luke tells of these events, so much he does recall.
Jesus tells disciples, how His life will come to end.
How many will desert, leaving Christ without a friend.
The bread and wine He changes, it becomes His flesh and blood.
And all too soon He’ll bleed, precious spill amongst the mud.

In Gethsemane the garden, He begged apostles stay awake,
praying God His Father, from Him the cup would take.
But those men just fell asleep, exhausted from their grief.
As Jesus woke them up, then in an interlude so brief,
a group of men appeared, and Judas kissed Him on the cheek.
And Christ He was arrested, He who championed all the meek!

Then the Passion and the Pain, and the death of Jesus Christ,
was told by Luke in sadness, of how our Lord was sacrificed.
Spices were prepared, the body laid into the tomb.
All were filled with deep foreboding, then they rested in such gloom. Cjs.

How could this be? This gentle caring Jesus, who had cured the sick and lame, made the blind see and the deaf hear. Preaching nothing but love one another.
Now taken like a criminal and falsely accused, given a travesty of a trial, cruel torture and a demeaning death on a cross.
His friends so devastated they deserted Him and then their guilt set in. To them they had let Him down when He needed them most. They did not comprehend that it was the purpose of His coming, so for them it was over, finished.
All the good He had done was for nothing.

But we know He died taking on our sins and washing them away.
Mankind now reconciled with God.
We know He is Risen!
The Apostles and disciples had to remain in torment for three days before they knew what we so often take for granted.

Never let me forget dear Lord of what my sins do to You.

The Cross has become the sign of the greatest love of all.

Holy Innocents' Roman Catholic Church, Orpington

Gospel Archive

Contributor: Bill Smith

Holy Innocents'
Roman Catholic Church, Orpington