Monday 22 June 2026 - Songs of joy

Monday 22 June 2026 - Songs of joy

Monday 22 June 2026 Today is Monday the 22nd of June, the feast of Saint John Fisher and Saint Thomas More, in the 12th week of Ordinary Time. The Porter’s Gate sing, ‘Do With It What You Will’. This song is based on the Suscipe, a prayer by St Ignatius of Loyola. Can you make these words your own today? You have given all to me To you O Lord I return it Everything I have is yours Do with it what you will You will gather all of me Every gift, every burden Every day and every hour Do with it what you will I lift it up, I lay it down You have given all to me To you O Lord I return it Everything I have is yours Do with it what you will Today’s reading is from Psalm 126. When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Our reading today is part of a Psalm of Ascent, a song that would have been sung as a community was returning home after captivity or a long absence. Take a moment to picture yourself within a community of pilgrims, slowly walking, step by step, with shouts of joy. ‘We were like those who dream’ writes the psalmist. What feelings does this journey evoke within you? ‘We were like those in a dream.’ This was a journey that had been imagined and longed for over a long period of time. What is it that you most long for? Speak with the Lord about this longing. As you listen to the psalm again, notice, in particular, the last three verses: the psalmist’s desire for the restoration of their community. When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. ‘May those who sow in tears, reap with shouts of joy.’ Who or what comes to mind when you hear this? Perhaps you know of someone who feels as if they are sowing in tears. Bring them before the Lord now, as you end your prayer. 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

Sunday 21 June 2026 - Sing to the Lord

Sunday 21 June 2026 Today is Sunday the 21st of June, beginning the 12th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing Psalm 90: You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, say to the Lord, ‘my refuge, my stronghold, my god in whom I trust.’ … Under his wings you will find refuge. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day…. Upon you no evil shall fall…. For you he has commanded his angels, to keep you in all your ways. Today’s reading is from the Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 20:10-13 For I hear many whispering: ‘Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’ All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. ‘Perhaps he can be enticed, and we can prevail against him, and take our revenge on him.’ But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they will not prevail. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonour will never be forgotten. O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous, you see the heart and the mind; let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause. Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. In the Old Testament reading for today, we encounter Jeremiah the prophet, weary and misunderstood. He hears whispers of betrayal and accusation. “Terror is all around,” he says. How does Jeremiah’s experience speak to you? What voices have followed you this week? Has a sense of fear or feelings of doubt made you feel vulnerable? “But,” Jeremiah says, “the Lord is with me like a dread warrior.” Jeremiah knows that the Lord is with him, and that his persecutors will not have their way. For Jeremiah, God is a God of justice and truth - a God who is always on the side of the needy. Jeremiah understands that God may seem to be testing him, but the Lord’s very presence is a reassurance of God’s care. Take a moment to reflect: where might you feel under pressure? Where are you seeking reassurance? As you listen to the reading again, notice how Jeremiah’s confidence in the Lord grows through prayer. It is perhaps not the ending we - or Jeremiah - expected. Jeremiah 20:10-13 For I hear many whispering: ‘Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’ All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. ‘Perhaps he can be enticed, and we can prevail against him, and take our revenge on him.’ But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they will not prevail. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonour will never be forgotten. O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous, you see the heart and the mind; let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause. Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. “Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord.” The Sabbath gives us time for vulnerability, and to remember where God has been present, even in times of uncertainty. As this prayer draws to a close, remain with the image of God standing beside you - always faithful. 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

Saturday 20 June 2026 - God's loving presence

Saturday 20 June 2026 Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Today’s feast day asks us to be mindful of St Alban, who came to know God through relationship, hospitality, and courage. His faith grew through encounter, and he chose to remain faithful no matter the cost. We are reminded that our relationship with God grows through the everyday moments of our lives. In the Gospel this week, Jesus calls people personally and lovingly, inviting them into deeper relationship and trust. Take a few moments now to place yourself in God’s presence. Prepare yourself for prayer by focussing on your breath…take a few deep breaths in…and then a few releasing breaths out. As you look back over the past week, invite God to walk with you through your memories. Where have you noticed moments of connection with God - in prayer, in acts of kindness, in conversations, or in quiet reflection? Where have you experienced God through others, through community, or by being attentive to those in need, as St Alban once was? Is there a particular moment that God is drawing your attention to - a time of grace, courage, or invitation? Now notice any moments of difficulty. Where did you experience tension, confusion, fear, or distance - from God, from others, or within yourself? Bring these moments honestly to God, trusting in God’s patience and mercy. Where have you felt drawn closer to God, or been challenged to deepen your relationship? Is there something God may be asking of you? What strength, courage, or guidance do you need, inspired by the example of St Alban? Rest for a moment in God’s loving presence, and end with thanks for the gift of faith — a relationship that continues to grow in both the ordinary and the challenging moments of life. 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

Friday 19 June 2026 - Treasures in heaven

Friday 19 June 2026 Today is Friday the 19th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing Tu sei sorgente viva. “You are the living spring. You are fire, you are love. Come, Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 6:19-23 ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!’ In today’s reading, Jesus speaks these words: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Take a moment to turn inward and to notice how your heart is today. What is occupying your heart most at this moment? Jesus challenges us to consider the value of much that we might consider desirable in everyday life. His simple observation reminds us of how easily worldly wealth can become worthless. Take a moment to consider: what do you truly treasure? What do you value most – hold onto, protect, or depend on for meaning and security? Hold these treasures honestly before the Lord. Jesus goes on to say that the eye is the lamp of the body. Where our attention is, what we take in, doesn’t just inform our physical or intellectual awareness – it shapes our inner life – our sense of who we are. It can lead us toward light — or draw us into shadows. Consider how the things you focus on help you to see more clearly, love more freely, trust more deeply? Or do they? As you listen to the reading once more, allow these questions to remain with you. Matthew 6:19-23 ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!’ “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” In this time of prayer, turn to Jesus and rest in the light of the Lord’s presence. 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 18 June 2026 - Give us this day our daily bread

Thursday 18 June 2026 Today is Thursday the 18th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time. The Kyiv Chamber Choir sings The Lord’s Prayer. As you listen, begin this time today by praying the Lord’s Prayer in whatever language is most natural to you. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 6:7-15 ‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ‘Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.' In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus teaches his friends to pray. We have taken from this the prayer we now know as the Lord’s Prayer. It has become the prayer that many turn to when we don’t know how else to pray. Reflect on the place of the Lord’s Prayer in your life... “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do.’ Jesus’ prayer does not contain empty phrases, nevertheless, there are times when prayer becomes hurried or driven by a need to say something rather than trust that God knows our heart. When you pray, what do you hope prayer will do? As you listen to the passage again, take time to join with the disciples and to offer this prayer from the heart. Notice where each line or word speaks to you and take time to share this with the Lord. Matthew 6:7-15 ‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ‘Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.' “For your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Now, in your own words speak with God simply and in trust, as to a loving parent. 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