LITURGY

Scripture Readings For The Sundays Of June

12th Sunday of Ordinary Time 21st June 2009

Readings !st Readings Job 38:1, 8-11 Psalm Ps 106 2nd Reading 2 Cor 5:14-17 Gospel Mark 4:35-41 Sometimes it is hard to sit quietly. We have too much going on, preoccupations, anger, not understanding what is happening or why. Job was like that and the Lord spoke to him from the heart of the tempest. Perhaps to Job’s irritation, God does not give him direct answers, but rather sets things in perspective. Importantley, God tells Job that there are limits: come thus far and no further, in much the same way as a parent sets limits for a child to learn, to play, to be safe. So, when we are in turmoil and question where is God, recall that God has set the boundaries and that he will calm the waves and the wind. Put it all in his hands- and then let go.

St Peter and St Paul 28th June 2009

Readings Vigil 1st Reading Acts 3:1-10 Psalm 18 2nd Reading Galatians 1:11-20 Gospel John 21:15-19. Morning !st Readings Acts 12:1-11 Psalm Ps 33 2nd Reading 2nd Timothy 4:6-8:, 17-18 Gospel Matthew 16:13-19 Reminding ourselves of the examples Peter and Paul give to us is an exercise in which our call to mission is made loud and clear. Even though Peter had denied Christ three times and Paul had set out to persecute the followers of Christ, the strength of Christ’s love and the power of his message restored and renewed the outlook on life both men had and empowered them to become his heralds of the gospel. Even though we may be worried by our own failings and weaknesses, we can also become transformed to become heralds of the Good News when we take the time to become present to the grace of God calling to us each day.

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time 5th July 2009

Readings !st Readings Ezekiel 2:2-5 Psalm Ps 122 2nd Reading 2 Cor:12:7-10 Gospel Mark 6:1-6 A prophet is only despised in his own country among his own relations and in his own house. It is hard being right! When we know something and have it ridiculed, it hurts, especially when the diminution is at the hands of loved ones. We are called to be prophets, to witness in a world which is stubborn and defiant whether people listen or not, and, when we are ridiculed for the sake of the gospel, to remember that ours is the kingdom of heaven.

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time 12th July 2009

Readings !st Readings Amos 7:12-15 Psalm Ps 84 2nd Reading Ephesians 1;3-14 Gospel Mark 6:7-13 Yes, there are times when we wander from God’s path, follow a false trail, yet the Lord calls us back, with a voice that speaks of peace. In God mercy and faithfulness have met such that even though we fail, God will always take us back.

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time 19th July 2009

Readings !st Readings jeremiah 23:1-6 Psalm Ps 22 2nd Reading Ephesians 2:13-18 Gospel Mark 6:30-34 As the disciples come back from their mission they are told to come away to a quiet place all by yourselves and rest. How often do you truly rest? Just sit and be with the Lord, still and at peace; choose to put your Martha like rush to one side and be Mary like at one with God. We all need rest and recharging; otherwise when will we truly listen to God’s voice, calling?