+ Thurs 21st – Some Scripture and Reflections

21 May 2020

Dear friends –

The image on the cover of our Parish Blog reflects a theme of the Mass prayers that I thought I’d focus on today. This Parish Blog post is not the full Mass (see Wednesday for full Mass) – but has the readings of the day for each of us to reflect on with a brief recording to say hello before them. And as I’ve done at different times over these seeks, I’m just highlighting one part of the regular Mass prayers for a focus. And so below, you’ll see those two blessing prayers (often prayed quietly) as the bread and wine are prepared at the altar. Blessings for your own reflections on these readings and themes – and wishing you an encouraging day.

GREETING AND SPECIAL INTENTIONS – FROM FR PAUL

>>>Click the triangle play button to hear the voice recording<<<

FIRST READING

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (18:1-8)

Paul left Athens and went to Corinth, where he met a Jew called Aquila whose family came from Pontus. He and his wife Priscilla had recently left Italy because an edict of Claudius had expelled all the Jews from Rome. Paul went to visit them, and when he found they were tentmakers, of the same trade as himself, he lodged with them, and they worked together. Every sabbath he used to hold debates in the synagogues, trying to convert Jews as well as Greeks.

After Silas and Timothy had arrived from Macedonia, Paul devoted all his time to preaching, declaring to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. When they turned against him and started to insult him, he took his cloak and shook it out in front of them, saying, ‘Your blood be on your own heads; from now on I can go to the pagans with a clear conscience.’ Then he left the synagogue and moved to the house next door that belonged to a worshipper of God called Justus. Crispus, president of the synagogue, and his whole household, all became believers in the Lord. A great many Corinthians who had heard him became believers and were baptised.

The word of the Lord.

(image credit: Unsplash collection) – Choices of today’s images will make more sense in light of the voice recording below

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 112(113):1-8

Response> Alleluia

Sing a new song to the Lord

for he has worked wonders.

His right hand and his holy arm

have brought salvation.

R> Alleluia

The Lord has made known his salvation;

has shown his justice to the nations.

He has remembered his truth and love

for the house of Israel.

R> Alleluia

All the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation of our God.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth,

ring out your joy.

R> Alleluia

(image credit: Unsplash collection) – Choices of today’s images will make more sense in light of the voice recording below

Gospel Acclamation (cf John 14:18)

Alleluia, alleluia!

The Lord said: I will not leave you orphans.

I will come back to you, and your hearts will rejoice.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL

A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (16:16-20)

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘In a short time you will no longer see me,

and then a short time later you will see me again.’

Then some of his disciples said to one another, ‘What does he mean, “In a short time you will no longer see me, and then a short time later you will see me again” and, “I am going to the Father”? What is this “short time”? We do not know what he means.’ Jesus knew that they wanted to question him, so he said, ‘You are asking one another what I meant by saying: In a short time you will no longer see me, and then a short time later you will see me again.

‘I tell you most solemnly,

you will be weeping and wailing

while the world will rejoice;

you will be sorrowful,

but your sorrow will turn to joy.’

The Gospel of the Lord.