On Pentecost Sunday, 8th June, local Churches are gathering on the field on Crescent Road for a picnic, party, and prayer-time, 12.30-3pm: Since it is on our doorstep and we are all invited, it would be a pity to miss it. Indeed, it would be good if a few of us responded to the appeal for help preparing, setting up, supervising, making music, and clearing up after: If you are ready to help with any of this, please let Father know.
Month: May 2014
The Word This Week
This Sunday is traditionally called ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’, because of the Gospel references to Jesus as the Good Shepherd. It is also the day of prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood. On this Sunday we hear one of the great ‘I am’ statements of Jesus from Saint John’s Gospel today ‘I am the gate of the sheepfold’. Through Jesus we enter into life and safety, and we ‘go through Jesus, the gate’ by baptism. This image is implied in all today’s readings: the people listening to Peter find this gateway and enter through it: Peter writes to remind us that we have come back to the Good Shepherd, who heals us by his wounds.
Today’s Scripture
(Psalter: Week 4)
Acts 2:14,36–41
Response: Psalm 23: – Hymn Book No. 806
1 Peter 2: 20 – 25.
Acclamation for the Gospel
Alleluia, Alleluia!
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
I know my own sheep and my own know me.
Alleluia!
John 10: 1 – 10
Prayer of the Faithful:R/. Lord, give us life, to the full.
Today’s Readings can be found on Catholic Online.
The Word This Week
During the Season of Easter we walk with the Risen Lord, enjoying his appearing to his disciples. Today’s gospel is one of the loveliest accounts of his appearing – and one especially important for the reader. Jesus appears and teaches the two disciples, by reference to the Scriptures, the meaning of his death. This is very close to the way in which the neophytes (newly baptised) would continue to be taught, through hearing the scriptures, during Easter. The reader should take to herself or himself the words of the Gospel Acclamation: “Lord Jesus, explain the scriptures to us. Make our hearts burn within us as you talk to us.”
Today’s Scripture
Keep me safe, O God, I take refuge in you.
I say to the Lord: ‘You are my God.
My happiness lies in you alone:
my happiness lies in you alone.’
I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel
who even at night directs my heart.
I keep the Lord ever in my sight:
since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.
And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad;
even in safety shall my body rest.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead,
nor let your beloved know decay.
You will show me the path of life,
the fullness of joy in your presence,
at your right hand,
at your right hand happiness for ever.
1 Peter 1: 17 – 21
Acclamation for the Gospel:
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Lord Jesus, explain the scriptures to us.
Make our hearts burn within us as you talk to us.
Allelulia!
Luke 24: 13 – 35
Prayer of the Faithful: R/. Risen Lord, show us the path of life.
