Today is Friday the 21st of February in the 6th week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sing, ‘Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross’. In the cross, in the cross Be my glory ever 'Til at last soul shall find Rest beyond the river Jesus, keep me near the cross There a precious fountain Free to all, a healing stream Flows from Calvary's mountain In the cross, in the cross Be my glory ever 'Til at last soul shall find Rest beyond the river Near the cross, O Lamb of God Bring its scenes before me Help me wa...
Feb 21, 2025•12 min
6th week in Ordinary Time Today is Thursday the 20th of February in the 6th week of Ordinary Time. Harpa Dei sing the Te Deum: ‘We praise you, O God, we acknowledge you to be the Lord.’ As I enter into prayer now, can I begin by acknowledging the Lord? - by recognising the greatness of the One, True, Eternal God, the Holy One in whose presence I stand, right now? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 8:27-33 Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on...
Feb 20, 2025•13 min
6th week of Ordinary Time Today is Wednesday the 19th of February in the 6th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing Da Pacem Cordium: “Give peace to our hearts”. As I listen, I might join in this prayer, asking the Lord for peace in my heart, asking God to help me still myself for a moment, so I can listen to his gentle voice, speaking to my heart. Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis. Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22 At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had...
Feb 19, 2025•13 min
6th week of Ordinary Time Today is Tuesday the 18th of February in the 6th week of Ordinary Time. Oculi mei ad Dominum Deum: My eyes are on the Lord God. Wherever you are right now, on the way to work, walking in the park, sitting at home… what can you see? What can you see around you? Pause and remember for a moment, that all of this has been made by God, and is loved by God, that God holds you, and all of this, in the palm of God’s hand. Oculi mei ad Dominum Deum Like the deer that yearns for ...
Feb 18, 2025•12 min
6th week of Ordinary Time Today is Monday the 17th of February in the 6th week of Ordinary Time. Eliza King sings, ‘A Thousand Different Ways’. As you listen, bring to mind the ways Jesus has met with you over the years... Nothing is unseen For You have walked the worst of it with me At times I almost didn't make it through Jesus if it hadn't been for You Still only You and I know all the places You've met me in Your mercy, in Your kindness You've saved my life a thousand times In a thousand dif...
Feb 17, 2025•12 min
6th week in Ordinary Time Today is Sunday the 16th of February, beginning the 6th week of Ordinary Time. Nóirín Ní Riain, with the monks of Glenstal Abbey, sings the Beatitudes. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 6:17, 20-26 [Jesus] came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. Then he looked up at his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, f...
Feb 16, 2025•13 min
5th week in Ordinary Time Welcome to the Saturday Examen. This week, we have heard of some wonderful encounters; even when life is difficult, God is there, part of all we are. Today is the feast day of St Claude La Colombière, a Jesuit priest and spiritual director who had a deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Through the Examen we seek to follow his profound trust in divine providence and love. Take a few moments today to see the past week with the Lord’s guidance. Prepare yourself for ...
Feb 15, 2025•11 min
5th week in Ordinary Time Today is Friday the 14th of February, the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, in the 5th week of Ordinary Time. Juliano Ravanello sings ‘Kyrie Eleison’. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy. Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis. Genesis 3:1-8 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God say, “You shall not eat from any tree in the garden”?’ The woman said to the ...
Feb 14, 2025•12 min
5th week in Ordinary Time Today is Thursday the 13th of February in the 5th week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘I Need Thee Every Hour’. I need Thee every hour Most gracious Lord No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford I need Thee oh I need Thee Every hour I need Thee Oh bless me now my Saviour I come to Thee Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 7:24-30 From there [Jesus] set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know ...
Feb 13, 2025•13 min
5th week in Ordinary Time Today is Wednesday the 12th of February in the 5th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing Toi, tu nous aimes. “You love us, Lord, source of life.” As I listen, I remind myself that I am in the presence of God right now, that God is looking on me now with love. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 7:14-23 Then [Jesus] called the crowd again and said to them, ‘Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going...
Feb 12, 2025•13 min
5th week in Ordinary Time Today is Tuesday the 11th of February in the 5th week of Ordinary Time. The Porter’s Gate with Molly Parden and Jonathan Ogden sing, ‘The Promise’; a song that speaks of creation coming to life through love. How does this song speak to you today? This gift you gave from the beginning Warm light, dry land, blue water brimming And more, from the earth there came a growing From seed to bloom, all the while you were sowing It was love, love given in the water And peace, God...
Feb 11, 2025•13 min
5th week in Ordinary Time Today is Monday the 10th of February, the feast of Saint Scholastica, in the 5th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Psalm 90: You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” As I listen, I become aware that I, too – and all the people around me – live in the shelter of the Almighty. And as I enter into prayer I, too, place my trust in...
Feb 10, 2025•13 min
Today is Sunday the 9th of February, beginning the 5th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Domine praevenisti eum. ‘Lord, you advanced to meet him with rich blessings’. As you listen, can you ponder for a moment the blessings the Lord bestows on you, all the things for which you want to give thanks to God? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 5:1-11 Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word...
Feb 09, 2025•13 min
Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Today is an opportunity to reflect on our time with the Lord during the past week. In some of the readings this week, we’ve imagined that we’ve been following Jesus as one of his disciples. We might also remember that during the week, Jesus has also been near to us, perhaps following us as a close friend. Try to picture the Lord with you now, as you begin to recall the week that has passed. What do you most want to share with him about your week? Imagine now, that...
Feb 08, 2025•8 min
Today is Friday the 7th of February in the 4th week of Ordinary Time. The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Walk With Me’. Let us lead with patience, with a gentle word Bearing every burden, laying down the old hurt When our feet are stumbling and the climb is steep All you people of good will, would you walk with me Would you walk with me through the wilderness When we cannot see through our differences When the dust has settled and the votes are cast Would you walk with me? Let us lead with kindness, with...
Feb 07, 2025•13 min
Today is Thursday the 6th of February, the feast of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, in the 4th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing: Seigneur, tu gardes mon âme. ‘Lord, you watch over my soul. You know my heart. Lead me on the road to eternity.’ Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 6:7-13 [Jesus] called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no ...
Feb 06, 2025•12 min
Today is Wednesday the 5th of February, the feast of Saint Agatha, in the 4th week of Ordinary Time. IAMSON, with Paul Zach and Jessica Fox, sings ‘Just a closer walk with Thee’. I am weak, but thou art strong Jesus, keep me from all wrong I'll be satisfied as long As I walk, let me walk close to Thee Just a closer walk with Thee Grant it, Jesus, is my plea Daily walking close to Thee Let it be, dear Lord, let it be Through this world of toil and snares If I falter, Lord, who cares? Who with me ...
Feb 05, 2025•12 min
Today is Tuesday the 4th of February in the 4th week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘It Is Well With My Soul’. As we prepare to follow Jesus through scripture today, place yourself in His presence now… Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul My sin - oh, the bliss of this glorious thought My sin, not in part but the whole Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! It is well with my soul It is wel...
Feb 04, 2025•13 min
Today is Monday the 3rd of February in the 4th week of Ordinary Time. The Kyiv Chamber Choir sing the Creed: “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” As I start this prayer today, can I join in with this strong, almost exuberant expression of faith? Can I begin by declaring my faith in my God, my creator, my heavenly Father? Today’s reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews 11:32-40 And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Ba...
Feb 03, 2025•14 min
Today is Sunday the 2nd of February, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, beginning the 4th week of Ordinary Time. Tenebrae, directed by Nigel Short, sing the Nunc Dimittis from Rachmaninov’s Vespers, the song of Simeon: “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples”. As I listen, can I become aware that I am in God’s presence now, that I too am God’s servant, and t...
Feb 02, 2025•13 min
Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Take some time to become still, becoming aware of your body and your breathing. The examen prayer is not so much about self-analysis or introspection but rather a time to approach the mystery of God and, in its light, to grow in awareness about one's life. Begin by becoming aware of Jesus, imagining His gaze upon you. Next, take some time to recall what happened to you this week, noticing any events or conversations which stand out. Can you think of something spec...
Feb 01, 2025•7 min
Today is Friday the 31st of January, the feast of St John Bosco, in the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. Ex Cathedra, directed by Jeffrey Skidmore, sing Hanaq Pachap Kusikuynin, a hymn in the Quechua language of South America, a beautiful prayer which I might make my own as I listen now: “Bliss of heaven: a thousand times I adore you. Tree of uncountable fruits. Hope of the peoples. Pillar of the weak. Listen to my prayer.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 4:26-34 [Jesus] also said, ‘T...
Jan 31, 2025•13 min
Today is Thursday the 30th of January in the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. The Brilliance sings, ‘May You Find A Light’. As you listen, reflect on the light of Christ in your life… can you locate it? Lost and weary traveler Searching for the way to go Stranger, heavy-hearted Longing for someone you know May you find a light May you find a light May you find a light to guide you home There are weary travellers Searching everywhere you go Strangers, who are searching Longing deeply to be known May yo...
Jan 30, 2025•12 min
Today is Wednesday the 29th of January in the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. The University of Johannesburg Choir sing the Kyrie: ‘Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy’. These imploring words, which have been sung for centuries, are a reminder of the inexhaustible mercy of God, of God’s unfailing compassion and forgiveness. As I listen, I might think for a moment about my need for that forgiveness, and the need, too, for me to show that same forgiveness to others. Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Today...
Jan 29, 2025•12 min
Today is Tuesday the 28th of January, the feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas, in the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Ecce quam bonum: “How good and how pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in unity! It is like precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 3:31-35 Then [Jesus’] mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, th...
Jan 28, 2025•10 min
Today is Monday the 27th of January in the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing Jésus le Christ: ‘Jesus Christ, inner light, do not let my darkness speak to me. Jesus Christ, inner light, let me welcome your love.’ Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, ne laisse pas mes ténèbres me parler. Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, donne-moi d'accueillir ton amour. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 3:22-30 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, ‘He has Beelz...
Jan 27, 2025•12 min
Today is Sunday the 26th of January, beginning the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. The Choir of Royal Holloway sings, ‘One In Christ’ by George Arthur. When we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living you declared your love and opened the gate of glory. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it...
Jan 26, 2025•12 min
Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Every Saturday, we reflect on the week past to see where God has been moving. As you enter this time of reflection, take time to arrive and stop. Become aware of your surroundings. Take slow breath in…and a slow breath out. Be aware of the presence of God all around you and within you. Ask God to illuminate this time. Cast your mind over the last week. What has been life-giving? Give thanks for this. Where have you struggled to believe and have hope? Bring these t...
Jan 25, 2025•7 min
Today is Friday the 24th of January, the feast of Saint Francis de Sales, in the 2nd week of Ordinary Time. The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Walk With Me’. As you listen, you might like to ask Jesus to walk with you during this prayer time today… Let us lead with patience, with a gentle word Bearing every burden, laying down the old hurt When our feet are stumbling and the climb is steep All you people of good will, would you walk with me? Would you walk with me through the wilderness When we cannot se...
Jan 24, 2025•12 min
Today is Thursday the 23rd of January in the 2nd week of Ordinary Time. Juliano Ravanello sings, Santo É O Senhor Nosso Deus: ‘Holy is the Lord Our God’. Today’s reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews 7:25-8:2 Consequently he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Un...
Jan 23, 2025•13 min
