Saying yes with our lives

 

Sunday 27 September 2026

Lectio Divina:*

Ezekiel 18:25-28 Psalm 25(24) Philippians 2:1-11 Matthew 21:28-32

Meditatio:

“Which of the two did the will of his father?” (Matthew 21:31)

Commentary:

An old Latin phrase says, dictum meum pactum -  ‘my word is my bond’.  Ideally, a person's word should be trustworthy. Yet experience teaches us that promises are often made in moments of enthusiasm, only to be tested when difficulties arise. Like the seed in Jesus' parable of the Sower, our good intentions can be threatened by worries, trials, distractions, and changing circumstances. Doubts emerge, enthusiasm fades, and the clarity we once possessed can become obscured.

This Sunday’s readings from Ezekiel, Philippians and Matthew invite us to reflect on the relationship between words, actions, repentance and true discipleship.

Discerning God's prompting in our hearts

Sunday 26 July 2026

Lectio Divina:*

1 Kings 3:5-12 Psalm 119(118)

Romans 8:28-30 Matthew 13:44-52

Meditatio:

‘Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?’’  (1 Kings 3:9)

Commentary:

The gift of discernment is something we treasure especially as we learn, hopefully, from successes and mistakes in the course of one’s life.  In the first reading, we hear that God was pleased with his servant, Solomon, ‘because you … have not asked for yourself long life or riches’ but had asked for ‘understanding to discern what is right’. Listening to a moving and inspiring introductory speech by newly appointed Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, on the outside 10 Downing Street the other day prompted me to think about the role of political leadership especially at this time when all that we had taken for granted – democracy, human rights, freedom of the press, rule of law, international solidarity and peace – seem to be very much under attack.