The liturgy for this Sunday invites us to be transformed by the Bread of Life, made flesh in Jesus, and present in the word of God…
The readings this week focus on the generosity of the Lord who feeds his children ‘till they want no more’, both physically and spiritually. In the First Reading, Elisha, the man of God, feeds…
The shepherding care of God is a central theme of today’s readings. This divine shepherding brings reconciliation and ends false separation. Jeremiah in the First Reading shows…
Our readings this week invite us to reflect on the wonder of being chosen to be part of God’s plan. In the First Reading, we hear how Amos, a shepherd, responds to God’s call to bear witness. Despite not being welcomed, he stands his ground, knowing that he has been given his mission by the Lord..…
Today’s readings encourage us to place our whole trust in God’s grace, for God’s power is at its strongest even when we are most weak.…
Central to today’s readings is Christ the giver of life. We are encouraged to have faith in the Lord and in the life that the Lord brings – not just here on earth, but also in heaven.…
Today’s readings provide an opportunity to focus on our trust in God with great courage and hope. Three of the texts demonstrate the Lord’s power over the sea, and his care for…
Our readings this week are full of hope and confidence. May we grow in joyful hope as we pray and ponder them. The theme of growth, seeds, and trees winds in and out of these readings. So does the notion of universality: God’s kingdom is for the whole of humanity…
WITH THE LORD THERE IS MERCY
The readings this week reflect on our severing ourselves from the love of God through our sins, and on the mercy and forgiveness that is always available to us when we turn to the Lord.
In the First Reading, we see Adam and Eve wilfully disobeying God and refusing to acknowledge their error. Their blaming each other separates them from God. The verses of the Psalm tell of a contrite person longing and waiting for the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness.
In the Second Reading, St Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, tells them that the raising of the Lord Jesus will in turn also raise us believers, so that we can be united with God and live close to him. Finally, the Gospel shows us a Jesus pressed by the crowds and by his relatives, who do not understand what he is about. Doing the will of God will make us part of his family.
This week, we might pray for all those who do not fully appreciate the mercy and forgiveness the Lord is offering. We may also want to pray for all those, who for whatever reason, do not seek to do the will of God.
Source: Excerpted from the Scripture reflection courtesy of St Beuno’s Outreach in the Diocese of Wrexham, available at www.australiancatholics.com.au. Image from Liturgy Help.
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