Holy Family of Bordeaux Province of Britain and Ireland

Prayer

Irene — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 16:09:28 +0000

This time Jesus’ behaviour puzzles John’s didciples so they question his disciples about fasting. They are caught up in the penetential ritual of fasting and the they miss the core meaning that the coming of the Messiah is the meaning of the rite. Jesus explains that when the Bridegroom is present there is no need for fasting. He has come to give new wine and new wine requires new skins if it is to be preserved.

Prayer

Irene — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:58:53 +0000

On seeing Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners the Pharisees find fault with him, as it was something they themsleves would never do. Thet ask the disciples for an explanation of this strange behaviour of Jesus. Perhaps they too are lost for words but not so Jesus. His reply is that the healthy do not need the doctor but the sick do. He gave no other explaanation.

Jesus we are all differnt but we make up the one family of humanity where there are the healthy and the sick as you saw them in your earthly life. Teach us to respect the difference in our brothers and sisters. Let us acknowledge the difference and accept it also. Let us be open to others as you were.

Prayer

Irene — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:51:26 +0000

These words of Jesus spoken to the paralytic cause fierce criticism of Jesus.. The scribes cannot understand and do not want to understand the divinity of Jesus. Jesus seeing their unbelief proves to them he can forgive sins for he also cures the paralytic before their very eyes.The crowd understands and pour out their praises to God but the scribes still do not understand.

Jesus teaches us that the best place to take our troubles is to His heart. There there is no need for words. We can lay them all before you and trust in your goodness and power..

Prayer

Irene — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 15:34:05 +0000

Here the demoniacs recognise Jesus for who he is. They acknowledge he has power over the evil one. Once the demons entered the pigs and they rushed into the sea the people become fearful and beg Jesus to leave.

Our fear can cripple our growth in faith. It is the evil one we should fear for as Peter says “he goes around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.”

Prayer

Irene — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:28:44 +0000

Here we meet Thomas who refuses to believe the others that Jesus is risen. He is looking for proof. Jesus takes him at his word and in front of witnesses speaks to Thomas and offers the proof that he asked for.Overcome by the proof Thomas says to Jesus “My Lord and my God.” He is won over immediately.

Prayer

Irene — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:23:39 +0000

Here come two potential disciples of Jesus but each one is wrapped up in his own idea of how best to follow Jesus. Jesus asks them for their trust in him. They find that hard. We too are often set in our ways. Jesus who is the architect knows us better than we know ourselves. All he asks for is complete trust in his handiwork. We place our selves in his hands and trust him.

Prayer

Irene — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 15:00:10 +0000

No sooner has Jesus aarrived by the lakeside then he is approached by a Synagogue official who comes to seek a miracle for his little sick girl. On his way to the man’s house a woman with a blood disorder but with a strong faith touches the hem of his garment. Instantly she is cured. Meanwhile the liitle girl has died. People think it is too late for Jesus to do anything; but they did not know Jesus. To everyone’s amazement he restores the girl to life.

Prayer

Irene — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 14:26:32 +0000

The theme in today’s Gospel is about worry and anxiety. Worry and anxiety is an ancient and common problem which afflicts most of us in one way or another.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is clearly concerned that his disciples should not give way to excessive worry and anxiety. He assures us that his loving Father will care for us and provide for everything we need. Just as God cares and provides for his creation, even more so will he provide and care for us who are worth more than the lilies of the fields and the birds of the air. It makes little sense that if God feeds the birds, surely he will not let us go hungry.

The answer to worry is to seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness. Through God’s grace we can grow in our understanding of his love and become more conscious that he cares for us. The German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote: “Our hearts have room for only one all embracing devotion, and we can only cleave to one Lord.”

Prayer

Irene — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:37:54 +0000

The meaning of treasure is given by Jesus in today’s Gospel; it is where our heart is. A treasure can be any material possession. The choice that Jesus gives us; “For or against God” invites us to make a decision between God and eartly wealth. Jesus warns us not to cling too tightly to the things of this world, and to store up treasures in Heaven instead of on earth.

There are two reasons why we should lay up treasure in Heaven. Firstly, it is a secure investment, and secondly our hearts will follow our treasure. God’s ways are not our ways, but grace is available to us, in abundance through the Holy Spirit. May we focus ourselves more completely on God’s loving purposes for us through prayer, reading scripture and celebrating the Eucharist.

Today is the feast of Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More. They are stirring witnesses of the choice of love for God above all other loves. Both had risen to high positions in the court of Henry VIII. Despite enjoying much prestige and the pomp of the court, they refused to agree with Henry’s divorce. Preferring to love Christ, they chose the hard way of martyrdom. Both were beheaded in 1535.