Get behind me Satan! Today’s gospel continues directly from last Sunday’s when Jesus asked his friends who he was for them. Peter responded by saying that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. So far so good. Today Jesus continues the conversation by telling them him that he will suffer grievously, be...

Who do you say I am?  In the gospels, Jesus says many wonderful things. But the questions that he asks are far more challenging. In the gospel today, as Jesus is walking with his followers, he turns and asks them a direct and somewhat strange question; ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man...

Gospel Reflection for 15th and 16th August The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary  Yesterday in Ireland the Feast of Mary’s Assumption was celebrated. However, it is being celebrated in Wales, Scotland and England today! So to honour both, I offer what hopefully is a prayerful reflection on the meaning and relevance of this wonderful...

Fear and Faith In many novels, plays and films there are storms. Characters look to grey skies and warn that a storm is coming. This is not just a weather forecast! In our own daily lives when we face difficult or painful situations we talk about ‘weathering a storm’ or ‘being all at sea.’ These recent...

When a little is enough The gospel today begins with Jesus hearing the news that John the Baptist has been killed. He goes to a lonely place where he can be by himself. He simply needs to time and space so that he can think and pray. There is something very ordinary and human about...

The Hidden and Buried Treasure One of my favourite television programmes is the Antiques Road Show. People bring their prized and personal possessions and have experts look at them to be valued. Some are worth are lot of money. They are, with other antiques often called ‘priceless work of art.’ When countries have collections of...

The tiny mustard seed and the yeast In the gospel last Sunday, Jesus spoke about the seed as the Word of God. Today we continue with this theme and message as Jesus carries on talking about sowing seeds among weeds. He also uses two other very important images; the tiny mustard seed and yeast used...

The seed is the Word of God Jesus was a great story teller. His words and parables astonished those who listened to him. In Mark’s gospel we are told, ‘the people who heard him were amazed at the way he taught… he taught with authority.’ (1.22). To use a modern phrase, he knew his audience...

Come to me all you who are overburdened The main invitation that Jesus offers us is the one to follow him; ‘if anyone wants to come with me, they must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me.’ (Mtt. 16.24). This is simply an invitation, but it is also a very challenging one. In...

The challenge of being a follower of Jesus I share the following simply and honestly. I find it very easy to call myself a follower of Jesus when everything is going well for me. In short, when I am in control and can control what happens to me and around me, as best I can....