This week's news

A prayer for all receiving results during August and for their paths ahead to be positive.

"Loving God, we thank you for all who are graduating and receiving results at this time of the year. You have blessed them during their years in education with wisdom, friendships, and skills. You continue to challenge them to make this world a better place because of their education.
Help them to look forward to their next steps: continuing in their education or entering the work world. Particularly help those who are seeking employment to find a job suitable to their education.
Give them faith and a sense of purpose in their next steps.
Show them how to serve others in effective ways.
And may they be always be aware in everything they do that they will find fulfilment in doing your will, that you will be with them always, and that you will bring to completion the good work you have begun in them.
Amen."

*Thank you to Marquette University for the prayer

Thanks to Deacon Vincent for your Reflections for Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

1st Reading from the book of Joshua 24: 1-2, 15-17, 18.
The Hebrew Joshua, when translated into Greek is “Jesus”; so, it was a bit of a shock for Christians, when they read it in Greek. Joshua is the main character in this book, we need to remember that Moses had to leave the people of Israel as soon as they saw the land of Canaan; Joshua is their new leader under God’s guidance and the theme of the book is the story of the children of Israel entering and slowly conquering Canaan. It can be a bit of a cultural shock, reading this book in the light of our revised thinking on the rules of warfare and treatment of prisoners, but it is worth keeping on reading. The selection for us today is set at the virtual annexation of the land of Canaan. There was a temptation amongst the people to be seduced by the fertility cults prevalent in the land. Joshua states his case for following the Lord and the people respond likewise, they decide they will follow the Lord who had brought them out of the Land of Egypt, from slavery to freedom. They make this strong decision that will bind them henceforth, to the Lord.

Psalm 33: 2-3, 16-23.
This week continues the song of “Thanksgiving” to the Spirit of God. It might well have been the song of the Israelites upon eventually finding their homeland, under God’s guidance.

2nd Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians 5: 21-32.
This week Paul concludes his guidance for Christian behaviour concentrating on the family. He thinks we should model our relationships, twixt husband and wife on Christ’s relationship with his bride; The “Church.” Although not very tactfully phrased if we read it carefully, it turns out that husbands and wives should treat each other with love and compassion regarding each other as equals. As Paul rightly states at the conclusion, “This mystery has many implications”, but his prime motivation is applying it to “Christ and the Church.”

The Holy Gospel according to John 6:60-69.

In the Gospel of John and the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus always brings division. Some accept him, but he horrifies others. Those who disagree with him find the “Word” too harsh for them, but Jesus does not retreat one inch. Jesus insists that he is from above, “What if you should see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before?” Jesus knew those who would leave him, for many of the disciples no longer went with him. Although he knew they would leave him it was still a body blow for him. “Do you want to go away too?” He asks of the Apostles. It is Peter who gives that wonderful statement,” Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know you are the Holy One of God.” How many times have we hit that brick wall of doubt and had to make the same choice as Peter. We don’t always understand or cope with following the Word; but where can we go? Jesus really is the Holy One of God; no substitute can lift us up when we fall or love us into continuing the journey to an encounter with God the Father.
God give us the Courage and Faith to continue the Journey with Jesus. Deacon Vincent.

*I fully acknowledge the assist given me by Nicholas King’s Study Bible in this and all my reflections. For his insight into the books and writings of the Holy Bible. He has been my inspiration and insight into the wonders of Holy Scripture. *

Inclusion for all - are hosting a conference on Saturday 19th October for those who would like to attend and get involved in the discussions.
See poster for details and registration.