The SS102fm team makes a return to the airwaves this week after a couple of weeks break as well as some delays due to technical difficulties at WL102fm HQ in Newcastle West. We hope that our readers and listeners found some time and opportunity to have some "down time" over the summer to recharge the batteries.
On this weeks programme John and Lorraine reflect on prayer and the different types of prayer. We have our regular reflection on the Sunday gospel and some other liturgical odds and ends.
Reflecting on Prayer
"Lord teach us to pray" was the cry of the apostles and sometimes it can be a difficult thing to do - or rather we can make it a difficult thing to do! St Teresa of Avila is often quoted as saying that "prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us". John and Lorraine reflect on prayer on this weeks programme.
You can listen to this section of the programme excerpted HERE.
Gospel - Matthew 16: 13-20 - "Who do you say I AM?"
"Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesare'a Philip'pi, he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Eli'jah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ."
From Limerick Diocese weekly newsletter:
It is important to know what the church teaches, what society says, what is news and what is everlasting. All these things inform us. In fact, Jesus begins his teaching today by asking this - who do 'people' say I am? Whats the general opinion? whats the consensus? ... Then he takes it to the next level:
‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’
After all the words, all the information, all the noise and opinions ... what do you believe? where do you stand? Do you have an answer? I wonder if any of the apostles felt a little shocked or upset at the question? They were following him, wasn't that enough! Why did they have to articulate it like this?
We live in a world full of noise and information and ideas. We are easily manipulated into agreeing or disagreeing with the prevailing stories. We are advertised to, preached at, entertained. Sometimes its hard to slow down and know what is really our opinion, our belief.
Jesus challenges us today with this question "Who do you say I am?". He does not ask it because he is unsure, he asks because he wants to know what you've learnt, how you're developing in faith.
Heres your homework this week then: In one paragraph, with only your own words and no quotes, answer Jesus question. Then bring that answer to some fellow Christians and share your thoughts. Don't be afraid to struggle with the question - its a sign you're going deeper. Ask Gods help in prayer, that God might reveal to you what is true and good and divine.
You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Alleluia, Amen.
Other reflections on this weeks gospel:
Sunday Reflections
Word on Fire
English Dominicans
Centre for Liturgy
Liturgical odds and ends
Saints of the Week
25th August - St Louis of France
27th August - St Monica
28th August - St Augustine
29th August - The Beheading of St John the Baptist
30th August - St Fiacre
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.