Tuesday 16 June 2026 - Pray for those who persecute you

Wednesday 1 July 2026 - Seek good and not evil

Wednesday 1 July 2026 Today is Wednesday the 1st of July, in the 13th week of Ordinary Time. The choir of Portsmouth Cathedral sing Psalm 85 – Lord thou art become gracious unto Thy Land, thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob. Lord, thou art become gracious unto thy land; thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob. Thou hast forgiven the offence of thy people, and covered all their sins. Thou hast taken away all thy displeasure, and turned thyself from thy wrathful indignation. Turn us then, O God our Saviour, and let thine anger cease from us. Wilt thou be displeased at us for ever? and wilt thou stretch out thy wrath from one generation to another? Wilt thou not turn again, and quicken us, that thy people may rejoice in thee? Show us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation. I will hearken what the Lord God will say; for he shall speak peace unto his people, and to his saints, that they turn not again unto foolishness. For his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together: righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall flourish out of the earth, and righteousness hath looked down from heaven. Yea, the Lord shall show loving-kindness; and our land shall give her increase. Righteousness shall go before him, and shall direct his going in the way. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Today’s reading is from the Prophet Amos. Amos 5:14-15, 21-24 Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt-offerings and grain-offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. God's words in today’s passage may sound harsh. But hear them come out of love; love for all the world, love especially for the poor and the vulnerable. When God sees his children exploited and impoverished, there is no ritual observance, no pious sacrifice, that can appease. What is it that stops you from sharing in God’s love for the outcast and those on the edges of society? Do you find yourself just accepting that the world is unjust? Or perhaps the injustice and poverty of so many overwhelms you... How is God with you in these movements of your heart? As you hear those words of God again, remember that God challenges those He loves; he wants us to grow and to share in his joy and love. The passion of his anger is also the passion of his forgiveness. As you listen, allow that passion to stir in your heart. Amos 5:14-15, 21-24 Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt-offerings and grain-offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Today, can you let these words touch you? Speak to God out of your feelings – or your lack of feelings. Tell him what is in your heart. Ask for the help of his grace. 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 30 June 2026 - Why are you afraid?

Tuesday 30 June 2026 Today is Tuesday the 30th of June, in the 13th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing, Nada te turbe: ‘Let nothing trouble you or make you afraid. Those who have God will lack nothing. God alone is enough.’ Nada te turbe, nada te espante Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta Nada te turbe, nada te espante Solo Dios basta Nada te turbe, nada te espante Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta Todo se pasa, Dios no se muda (Nada te turbe, nada te espante) La paciencia todo lo alcanza (Solo Dios basta) Nada te turbe, nada te espante Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta Nada te turbe, nada te espante Solo Dios basta En Cristo mi confianza (Nada te turbe, nada te espante) Y de Él solo mi asimiento (Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta) En sus cansancios mi aliento (Nada te turbe, nada te espante) Y en su imitación mi holganza (Solo Dios basta) Aquí estriba mi firmeza (Nada te turbe, nada te espante) Aquí mi seguridad (Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta) La prueba de mi verdad (Nada te turbe, nada te espante) La muestra de mi firmeza (Solo Dios basta) Nada te turbe, nada te espante Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta Nada te turbe, nada te espante Solo Dios basta Nada te turbe, nada te espante Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta Ya no durmáis, no durmáis (Nada te turbe, nada te espante) Pues que no hay paz en la Tierra (Solo Dios basta) No haya ningún cobarde (Nada te turbe, nada te espante) Aventuremos la vida (Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta) No hay que temer, no durmáis (Nada te turbe, nada te espante) Aventuremos la vida (Solo Dios basta) Nada te turbe, nada te espante Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta Nada te turbe, nada te espante Solo Dios basta Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 8:23-27 And when [Jesus] got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A gale arose on the lake, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?’ Jesus’s reaction in this story is hard to understand. He doesn’t seem that bothered about the storm raging on the sea. But he’s really surprised by the terror and panic of his friends. How come they don’t see that they are totally safe with him around? The sea could be seen as a symbol of the chaos out of which God creates the world, the disorder the world often reverts to. How do you react to the little “chaoses” that come into your life? Do you panic like the disciples? Put up defences? Resign yourself to the inevitable? Or do you put all your trust in the Lord? Now imagine yourself in that situation which threatened you, as you listen to the reading again. Jesus is there with you this time. Tell him, “Lord, save me, I am going down.” Listen to what he says, see what he does. Matthew 8:23-27 And when [Jesus] got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A gale arose on the lake, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?’ Notice where you’ve felt drawn to the Lord in this prayer... Perhaps you felt drawn to the God who will not let you be lost? You might want to speak to Jesus, hand over some of your worries and insecurities... And give Him thanks for all He is to you. 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 30 June 2026 - Lord, save us

Tuesday 30 June 2026 Today is Tuesday the 30th of June, in the 13th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing 'Nada te turbe': Let nothing trouble you or make you afraid. Those who have God will lack nothing. God alone is enough. Nada te turbe, nada te espante Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta Nada te turbe, nada te espante Solo Dios basta Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 8:23-27 And when [Jesus] got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A gale arose on the lake, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?’ Jesus’s reaction in this story is hard to understand. He doesn’t seem that bothered about the storm raging on the sea. But he’s really surprised by the terror and panic of his friends. How come they don’t see that they are totally safe with him around? The sea could be seen as a symbol of the chaos out of which God creates the world, the disorder the world often reverts to. How do you react to the little “chaoses” that come into your life? Do you panic like the disciples? Put up defences? Resign yourself to the inevitable? Or do you put all your trust in the Lord? Now imagine yourself in that situation which threatened you, as you listen to the reading again. Jesus is there with you this time. Tell him, “Lord, save me, I am going down.” Now listen to what he says. See what he does. Matthew 8:23-27 And when [Jesus] got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A gale arose on the lake, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?’ Notice where you’ve felt drawn to the Lord in this prayer... Perhaps you felt drawn to the God who will not let you be lost? You might want to speak to Jesus, hand over some of your worries and insecurities... And give Him thanks for all He is to you. 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 29 June 2026 - I will follow you

Monday 29 July 2026 Today is Monday the 29th of June, in the 13th week of Ordinary Time. In today’s reflection, we will pray with the idea of what it costs to follow Jesus. As you listen to Jon Guerra singing, ‘Take Up Your Cross’, become aware of Jesus’ loving presence with you. If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me Whoever would save his life Will lose it Whoever loses his life for me Will find it If anyone claims to worship God Let him give all away Take up his cross Follow me Whoever would save his life Will lose it Whoever loses his life for me Will find it What would it profit a man If he gains the whole world And forfeits his soul What would it profit a man at all What would it profit a man If he dies with a barn full of silver and gold What would it profit a man at all If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 8:18-22 Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. A scribe then approached and said, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ Another of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.’ In our passage today, Jesus speaks of the “cost of following”. When the scribe declares that he will follow Jesus wherever he goes, we might have expected Jesus to respond with a lighter tone, some congratulatory remarks, or even a pat on the back. Instead, Jesus responds by saying, “follow me, and I promise it will be tough.” How do you feel about this challenging invitation? If Jesus was inviting you to follow him here, what would be the first thing that you would want to “sort out” before feeling free to fully join him? Are you able to give that up? As this short passage is read again, imagine the scene, with you in it, perhaps in the place of the scribe – share what it feels like to speak these words to Jesus, and to hear his reply. Matthew 8:18-22 Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. A scribe then approached and said, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ Another of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.’ "I will follow you wherever you go." Are these words you want to speak to Jesus now, in response to his challenge? Perhaps you would choose different words. Whatever it is you want to say, speak to the Lord who is listening to you now. 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 28 June 2026 - The Lord has sent his angel

Sunday 28 June 2026 Today is Sunday the 28th of June, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, beginning the 13th week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach, Jessica Fox and iAmSon sing ‘Bless the Lord’. What are the great things the Lord has done for you? Bless the Lord O my soul And all that is within me Bless His holy name For he has done great things Bless His holy name Bless the Lord O my soul And all that is within me Bless His holy name For he has done great things Bless His holy name Bless the Lord O my soul And all that is within me Bless His holy name For he has done great things Alleluia Bless His holy name Today’s reading is from the Book of Acts. Acts 12:1-11 About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword. After he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (This was during the festival of Unleavened Bread.) When he had seized him, he put him in prison and handed him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him. The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ And the chains fell off his wrists. The angel said to him, ‘Fasten your belt and put on your sandals.’ He did so. Then he said to him, ‘Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.’ Peter went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel’s help was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, ‘Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hands of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.’ In today’s reading we hear of the killing of James the brother of John by Herod, then move on quickly to hear the story of Peter’s release from prison. We take a moment to acknowledge the stark difference in outcome for these two beloved followers of Jesus. We hear that when Peter was imprisoned and four squads of soldiers were sent to guard him, the church was fervently praying for him. How and when have you been supported in prayer? And what difference did this make to you? As you listen to the reading again, in your imagination, keep company with Peter as he awakes and follows the angel. The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ And the chains fell off his wrists. The angel said to him, ‘Fasten your belt and put on your sandals.’ He did so. Then he said to him, ‘Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.’ Peter went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel’s help was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, ‘Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hands of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.’ As we approach the end of this prayer time, we remember how the church was praying earnestly for Peter in prison. Who perhaps needs your earnest prayer in their current situation? Pray for them now as you come to the end of this time. 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