Wednesday 8 July 2026 - Jesus has called you by name

Friday 10 July 2026 - Sheep into the midst of wolves

Friday 10 July 2026 Today is Friday the 10th of July, in the 14th week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach with The Porter’s Gate sings a setting of Psalm 46, from Companion Songs. Can you join in with this Psalm? Where can you find some comfort in it? We will not fear, though the earth gives way There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy place where the Most High dwells. We will not fear, though the earth gives way God is within her, she will not fall God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall He lifts his voice, the earth melts. Come and see what the Lord has done The desolations he has brought on the earth He makes wars cease To the ends of the earth. We will not fear, though the earth gives way He breaks the bow and shatters the spear He burns the shields with fire. We will not fear, though the earth gives way He says, ‘Be still, be still, be still and know that I am God’ We will not fear, though the earth gives way Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 10:16-23 ‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.’ Imagine for a moment you are being sent out here by Jesus... How does it sound to hear that you will be like a sheep among wolves? Jesus speaks to his disciples of then but also now, who will be facing persecution. Have you faced persecution, or perhaps you know someone who has? Take a moment to pray for all those facing suffering because of their faith... Spend a few moments now just talking to God about the thoughts and feelings that have awoken in you as you listen to the Gospel again. Matthew 10:16-23 ‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.’ Talk to God now... you might find yourself talking about your own need for the courage and wisdom to respond to the call of discipleship and the cost of following God. Or you may want to simply share with God what is in your heart. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 9 July 2026 - Tenderness and love

Thursday 9 July 2026 Today is Thursday the 9th of July, the feast of Saint Leo Ignatius Mangin, Saint Mary Zhu Wu and Companions, in the 14th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing Psalm 115: “I love the Lord, he hears my cry, he bends down to listen to me when I call” – words which paint a beautiful picture of God bending down to me like a mother or father bending down to their child, full of tenderness and love. As you listen, reflect for a moment on that ‘tender, loving care’ – that love that God has for you… can you also offer this love back to God? Today’s reading is from the Prophet Hosea. Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and offering incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them. How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and no mortal, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath. Imagine you are looking at a mother or a father with a very young child. Perhaps you can see a parent and child in front of you right now. If not, try and imagine it for a moment. That is how Hosea paints the picture of the relationship between God and his people, here called “Israel” or “Ephraim”. God notices, even complains about their unfaithfulness, but that complaint is held in balance by his memories of loving Ephraim as a child. Some people carry a photograph around with them to remind them of someone they love, someone who loves them. Perhaps you do. Which person who loves you, or whom you love, does all this bring to mind? Listen to the reading again; note how in the passage, God both lifts us up to his level and also comes down to our level. Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and offering incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them. How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and no mortal, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath. Can I ask God now to help me grasp, with my mind and with my heart, just how much he loves me? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 8 July 2026 - Jesus has called you by name

Wednesday 8 July 2026 Today is Wednesday the 8th of July, in the 14th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Ego vos elegi: ‘I have chosen you out of the world, so that you might go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last.’ As you listen to this chant, be reminded that God calls you, calls you by your name. However unsuitable or unworthy you might think you are, God has chosen you. Ego vos elegi de mundo, ut eatis, et fructum afferatis: et fructus vester maneat, alleluja. 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 sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-collector; Jamesson of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” As you reflect on this passage from Matthew, is there a word or a phrase that has stood out or has stayed with you? Imagine that! Hearing Jesus who loves you call you by your name. How does it make you feel? As we hear the passage again, know that Jesus has called you by name. Listen to what he invites you to... 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 sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-collector; Jamesson of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Jesus called these twelve followers and then sent them out on a special mission. What is Jesus calling you to do in his name? Maybe there is something you want to say to Jesus now about this... Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 7 July 2026 - Proclaiming the good news

Tuesday 7 July 2026 Today is Tuesday the 7th of July, in the 14th week of Ordinary Time. The University of Johannesburg Choir sings the Kyrie: ‘Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy’. These imploring words, which have been sung for centuries, are a reminder of the inexhaustible mercy of God, of God’s unfailing compassion and forgiveness. As you listen, take a moment to ponder your need for that forgiveness, and the need, too, to show that same forgiveness to others. Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 9:32-38 After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to [Jesus]. And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, ‘Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.’ But the Pharisees said, ‘By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons.’ Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’ Jesus was confronted by human suffering and responded with compassion. Here we see Jesus reaching out to heal those who were on the fringe of his society, at the risk of becoming marginalised himself. How are you moved in similar ways? Do you feel prepared to risk what others think of you in order to help those who are ‘harassed and helpless’? Are there any situations in your life where you feel drawn to speak up for those without a voice and to help those who cannot help themselves? As we listen again to this piece of scripture, we become aware that Jesus wants us to grow in love and compassion for those in need. Allow these feelings of concern to stir in your heart. Matthew 9:32-38 After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to [Jesus]. And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, ‘Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.’ But the Pharisees said, ‘By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons.’ Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’ Jesus understands our feelings of helplessness in the face of suffering. Jesus, however, challenges us to become involved and invites us to share in his ministry. How will you respond to this invitation today? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 6 July 2026 - Take heart

Monday 6 July 2026 Today is Monday the 6th of July, in the 14th week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘I Need Thee Every Hour’. I need Thee every hour Most gracious Lord No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford I need Thee, oh I need Thee Every hour I need Thee Oh bless me now, my Saviour I come to Thee Oh, I need Thee Oh, I need Thee I come to Thee Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 9:18-26 While [Jesus] was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, ‘My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.’ And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.’ Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, ‘Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute-players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, ‘Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district. There are so many things happening in this passage. Let it unfold in your mind: a synagogue leader is kneeling before Jesus...Jesus moves to help the man... on his way a woman reaches out in faith trying to be discreet in approaching Jesus.... a crowd making a cynical commotion... Yet, Jesus has time to be present to everyone at each moment... Let the scene sink in... We could say that three people are healed in this scene: The woman with the haemorrhage, the little girl, and the synagogue leader. Each one is touched by Jesus. Who are you most drawn to, as you reflect today? As we listen again to the passage, stay close to Jesus in the scene... Matthew 9:18-26 While [Jesus] was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, ‘My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.’ And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.’ Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, ‘Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute-players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, ‘Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district. Notice the gestures; the gentle movements of the scene: the kneeling of the leader, the woman’s touching just the fringe of the cloak, Jesus taking the girl’s hand... As this time of prayer draws to a close, what gesture would you offer to Jesus today? And what does Jesus offer in return? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen