Wednesday 6 August 2025 Today is Wednesday the 6th of August, the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Assumpsit Jesus: ‘Jesus took Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, and he was transfigured in front of them.’ (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 9:28b-36 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and ...
Aug 06, 2025•13 min
Tuesday 5 August 2025 Today is Tuesday the 5th of August, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time. The St Thomas Music Group sing the Prayer of St Theresa by Margaret Rizza. 'Let nothing disturb you, nothing distress you. While all things fade away, God is unchanging. Be patient, for with God in your heart, nothing is lacking. God is enough.' Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 14:22-36 Immediately [Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while...
Aug 05, 2025•13 min
Monday 4 August 2025 Today is Monday the 4th of August, the feast of Saint John Vianney, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time. Luke Parker sings, ‘In Quietness’. How will you meet with the Lord today? When I am down and on my knees You are enough, you're all I need It's here you meet me, so I'll stay In the stillness of your embrace When I am down and on my knees With all that I am surrendering And in this moment face to face In your presence, Lord, I will wait In quietness I wait for you to speak ...
Aug 04, 2025•13 min
Sunday 3 August 2025 Today is Sunday the 3rd of August, beginning the 18th week of Ordinary Time. David Thomas with the Taverner Players, sings Ich Habe Genug from Bach’s Cantata number 82, echoing the words of Simeon: ‘I have enough. I have taken the Saviour, the hope of the Gentiles, into my arms.’ Often when we pray, we ask God for this and for that. And fair enough, we have needs and it is right to bring them before God. But there is something rather beautiful – there is something very beaut...
Aug 03, 2025•13 min
Saturday 2 August 2025 Welcome to the Saturday Examen. During this week we have listened to the parables that Jesus tells his disciples. We’re told that he used parable to reveal God’s mysteries, but the parables are a mystery in themselves. In Matthew’s Gospel Jesus thanks his Father from hiding the mysteries of the Kingdom from the learned and the clever and revealing them to those with simple and child-like faith. Yet many people desire to have faith but struggle to believe. What gifts of fai...
Aug 02, 2025•10 min
Friday 1 August 2025 Today is Friday the 1st of August, the feast of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, in the 17th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Keur Moussa sing: ‘Lord Jesus, we await your coming in faith, more sure of seeing your day than a watchman awaiting the dawn.’ (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 13:54-58 [Jesus] came to his home town and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, ‘Where did this ma...
Aug 01, 2025•10 min
Thursday 31 July 2025 Today is Thursday the 31st of July, the feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, in the 17th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Wherever love is true, God is there. Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor. Exsultemus, et in ipso jucundemur. Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum. Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero. Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Simul ergo cum in unum congregamur: Ne nos mente d...
Jul 31, 2025•11 min
Wednesday 30 July 2025 Today is Wednesday the 30th of July, in the 17th week of Ordinary Time. Steffany Gretzinger sings, ‘Show Me Your Face’. Moses stood on a mountain Waiting for You to pass by You put Your hand over his face So in Your Presence, he wouldn't die And all of Israel saw the glory And it shines down through the age Now You've called me To boldly seek Your Face Show me Your face, Lord Show me Your face And then gird up my legs That I might stand in this holy place Show me Your face...
Jul 30, 2025•13 min
Tuesday 29 July 2025 Today is Tuesday the 29th of July, the feast of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus, in the 17th week of Ordinary Time. The University of Johannesburg Choir sing the Kyrie: Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy. Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 11:19-27 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother [Lazarus]. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Ma...
Jul 29, 2025•13 min
Monday 28 July 2025 Today is Monday the 28th of July, in the 17th week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra sings, ‘The Kingdom of Jesus’. As you listen, notice how you imagine the Kingdom of Jesus...does an image from this song help you? To what shall we compare the Kingdom of Jesus if not a seed? It's small, it's sown, it's tended and grown and it's stirred in you and me Its branches never break and its fruit never withers His Kingdom is not of this world or of any Kingdom whose ruler's face is on a p...
Jul 28, 2025•13 min
Sunday 27 July 2025 Today is Sunday the 27th of July, beginning the 17th week of Ordinary Time. Eliza King sings, ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. God my Holy Father, first your name I seek Trusting like a child, You will meet my need Let Your kingdom come as Your will is done in me Usher into earth all that heaven longs to see What I’m needing daily, You hold in your hands Here I find forgiveness, and grace to forgive Let Your kingdom come as Your will is done in me Usher into earth all that heaven longs t...
Jul 27, 2025•13 min
Saturday 26 July 2025 Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Take a few moments today to see the past week with the Lord’s guidance. Prepare yourself for prayer by focussing on your breath…take a few deep breath... Notice how the change in breath brings stillness and an awareness of God’s presence. We might begin by asking for the wisdom that also weaves throughout the scripture for this week. Cast your mind back over the week… where have you experienced this need of the Lord, a call to witness, a gene...
Jul 26, 2025•10 min
Friday 25 July 2025 Today is Friday the 25th of July, in the 16th week of Ordinary Time. The Kyiv Chamber Choir sing In Thy Kingdom from One Thousand Years Of Ukrainian Sacred Music. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 20:20-28 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favour of him. And he said to her, ‘What do you want?’ She said to him, ‘Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, ...
Jul 25, 2025•13 min
Thursday 24 July 2025 Today is Thursday the 24th of July, in the 16th 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. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 13:10-17 Then the disciples came and asked him, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ He answered, ‘To you it has been g...
Jul 24, 2025•13 min
Wednesday 23 July 2025 Today is Wednesday the 23rd of July, the feast of St Bridget of Sweden, in the 16th week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra and Sandra McCracken with The Porter’s Gate sing, ‘The Kingdom of Jesus’. To what shall we compare the Kingdom of Jesus if not a seed? It's small, it's sown, it's tended and grown and it's stirred in you and me Its branches never break and its fruit never withers His Kingdom is not of this world or of any Kingdom whose ruler's face is on a penny He comes to...
Jul 23, 2025•12 min
Tuesday 22 July 2025 Today is Tuesday the 22nd of July, the feast of Mary Magdalene, in the 16th week of Ordinary Time. Steffany Gretzinger sings, ‘I Love You Lord’. As we prepare to pray with Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the Risen Jesus today, place yourself now in the garden of the resurrection... what catches your attention? The flowers? Any wildlife near you? The stone of the tomb? I love You, Lord And I lift my voice To worship You Oh, my soul rejoice Take joy, my King In what You hear M...
Jul 22, 2025•13 min
Monday 21 July 2025 Today is Monday the 21st of July, in the 16th week of Ordinary Time. The St Thomas Music Group sing the Prayer of St Theresa by Margaret Rizza. 'Let nothing disturb you, nothing distress you. While all things fade away, God is unchanging. Be patient, for with God in your heart, nothing is lacking. God is enough.' Today’s reading is from the Book of Exodus. (Exodus 14:5-18) The Israelites have escaped Egypt but Pharaoh has relented and decided to go after them. The Israelites ...
Jul 21, 2025•13 min
Sunday 20 July 2025 Today is Sunday the 20th of July, beginning the 16th week of Ordinary Time. Josh Garrels sings, ‘Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus’. Turn your eyes upon Jesus Look full in His wonderful face And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of His Glory and Grace Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 10:38-42 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at...
Jul 20, 2025•12 min
Saturday 19 July 2025 Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Wherever you are today, have a look around you...what do you notice? Notice the contrasts between dark and light in your space. Earlier this week, in one of our readings, we encountered God in the wilderness, as he spoke with Moses at the burning bush. Perhaps you can see this moment of prayer with the Lord as a burning bush encounter as you settle into prayer. If you are able, you might like to take off your shoes, to acknowledge this time t...
Jul 19, 2025•10 min
Friday 18 July 2025 Today is Friday the 18th of July, in the 15th week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra sings, ‘I See the Birds’. Can you make these words your own today? Do not be anxious about your life I heard you say to me You dress the lilies You leave the weeds The sower of the seed Am I in charge of my own mind Or is it in charge of me? I see the birds up in the air I know you feed them I know you care So won't you teach me How I mean more to you than them In times of trouble Be my help again...
Jul 18, 2025•13 min
Thursday 17 July 2025 Today is Thursday the 17th of July, in the 15th week of Ordinary Time. One Hope Project sings, ‘Abba Father’. Abba Father, breathe on me Wash me in Your glory When faith is frail You carry me In Your presence I am free Today’s reading is from the Book of Exodus. Exodus 3:13-20 But Moses said to God, ‘If I come to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your ancestors has sent me to you”, and they ask me, “What is his name?” what shall I say to them?’ God said to Moses, ...
Jul 17, 2025•13 min
Wednesday 16 July 2025 Today is Wednesday the 16th of July, in the 15th week of Ordinary Time. Ethel Oppon and Nicky Lathbridge, with Checko Ankrah sing ‘Most Holy’. Oh, most holy We exalt you We exalt you Hallelujah, hallelujah Yes, to the most high God Who is worthy of all power and all praise Hallelujah, hallelujah We give you the highest praise For You are worthy to be praised You are worthy, You are worthy We bless your name, we glorify You You are worthy of the glory, Lord Hallelujah, hall...
Jul 16, 2025•13 min
Tuesday 15 July 2025 Today is Tuesday the 15th of July, the feast of Saint Bonaventure, in the 15th week of Ordinary Time. The Community of Taizé sing Kristus, din Ande: “Jesus, your Spirit in us is a wellspring of everlasting life.” Kristus, din Ande i oss är en källa med porlande vatten. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 11:20-24 Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe t...
Jul 15, 2025•12 min
Monday 14 July 2025 Today is Monday the 14th of July, in the 15th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing 'Venite filii, audite me'. Come, my sons and daughters, listen to me…. Come to the Lord and be enlightened; and your faces will not be put to shame.’ (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 10:34-11:1 ‘Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a...
Jul 14, 2025•13 min
Sunday 13 July 2025 Today is Sunday the 13th of July, beginning the 15th week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra sings, ‘Love Your Enemies’. Give to everyone who asks of you Be good to everybody, no matter who Do to them as you would have them do to you Love your enemies No greater love is there than this I laid down My life, and I would do it again I gave it to you, so give it to them Love your enemies Love, love Love your enemies And be children of your Father in Heaven Children of your Father in He...
Jul 13, 2025•13 min
Saturday 12 July 2025 Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Our prayer this week has looked at a variety of people on a journey. Jesus, his apostles, Jacob and his family and, tomorrow, the Good Samaritan. Let, then, this week’s examen give you a chance to look at where you find yourself on your own journey at the moment. First, ask God to show you more clearly where you are, and how you are, at this stage of your life. If you use the familiar image of your life as an unfolding landscape, how do you s...
Jul 12, 2025•9 min
Friday 11 July 2025 Today is Friday the 11th of July, the feast of Saint Benedict, in the 14th week of Ordinary Time. The Cape Town Camerata sings, Ndikhokhele Bawo; ‘Lead me oh Father, lead me’. Ndikhokhele Bawo, zundikhokhele (Lead me oh Father, lead me) Ndikhokhele mmeli wami ezintsizini, Zalomhlaba Bawo (Lead me my saviour in all the sorrows of this world, Father) Bawo, Bawo, Bawo (Father, Father, Father) Bawo ndiyabonga Ngoba wena usandigcinile (Father I thank you, for you still protect me)...
Jul 11, 2025•13 min
Thursday 10 July 2025 Today is Thursday the 10th of July, in the 14th week of Ordinary Time. 'In our journeying this day, keep us, Father, in your way.' Can you make this your prayer today? We are all on a journey with God. You might like to pray to know God’s closeness, here, right now, and never to lose sight of it. To let yourself be loved, enlivened and guided by God. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 10:7-15 As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has ...
Jul 10, 2025•13 min
Wednesday 9 July 2025 Today is Wednesday the 9th of July, the feast of Saint Leo Ignatius Mangin SJ, Saint Mary Zhu Wu and Companions, in the 14th week of Ordinary Time. The Kyiv Chamber Choir sing In Thy Kingdom from One Thousand Years of Ukrainian Sacred Music. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 10:1-7 Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every si...
Jul 09, 2025•12 min
Tuesday 8 July 2025 Today is Tuesday the 8th of July, in the 14th week of Ordinary Time. 'The Lord is my light, my hope, my salvation. In him I trust.' We rely on many things in our lives. On other people; on our wealth or our possessions; on our power, or reputation, or status; on our own ingenuity and talents. But as you enter into prayer now, can you put all those things aside for a moment, and place all your trust in God, your light, your hope, your salvation? Today’s reading is from the Gos...
Jul 08, 2025•13 min
