Saturday 25 July 2026 - A deeper relationship

Saturday 25 July 2026 - A deeper relationship

Saturday 25 July 2026 Welcome to the Saturday Examen. During this week, you have reflected on how the scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments invite you into a deeper relationship with the living God. You have been reminded of God’s faithful love and mercy, and of Jesus’ call to grow in discipleship and bear the fruits of the Spirit. Begin by looking back over the week. Which passage, or passages, have stayed with you? Why have they remained with you? What did you notice or experience? What has brought you joy this week? What has surprised you? Give thanks to God for signs of God’s presence and grace. Now, notice where you have felt uncomfortable or resistant to God? What has challenged, stretched or unsettled you? Tell God about these times, too. As you look ahead to the coming week, ask for the grace to recognise and receive all that God desires to give you. Pray for openness to the Spirit, who leads you deeper into the truth and love of Jesus Christ. Rest for a moment in God’s presence, trusting that you are held in love. 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 24 July 2026 - The parable of the sower

Friday 24 July 2026 Today is Friday the 24th of July, in the 16th week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra and Sandra McCracken sing, ‘The Kingdom of Jesus’. To what shall we compare the Kingdom of Jesus if not a seed? It's small, it's sown, it's tended and grown and it's stirred in you and me Its branches never break and its fruit never withers His Kingdom is not of this world or of any Kingdom whose ruler's face is on a penny He comes to make all things bright and put a new wine in us He's chosen the small things to outlast the great The meek and the merciful to shine through the hate Though it seems some days that Hell and its gates are prevailing Oh, say can you see the kingdom within us Is the Kingdom of Jesus? To what shall we compare the spirit of the hour if not a sword? It frees us, unites us, enslaves and divides us and violence, help us Lord His Kingdom is not of this world or of any Kingdom whose ruler's face is on a penny He comes to make all things bright and put a new wine in us He's chosen the small things to outlast the great The meek and the merciful to shine through the hate Though it seems some days that Hell and its gates are prevailing Oh say can't you see we have one allegiance? It's to the Kingdom of Jesus He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world He who is in us is greater and He's overcome the world Oh His Kingdom is not one of slander or rage But one that is ruled by the Lamb who was slain And is worthy of wisdom and honour and glory and strength No pain, no division, no public disgrace Will compare with seeing the smile on His face As He welcomes the poor as children with places at the table Not a death, nor threat, nor power can ever separate us From the love of God forever in Christ Jesus Everything shall pass away but not the Word that's within us It's the Kingdom of Jesus Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 13:18-23 ‘Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’ In the parable of the sower, Jesus encourages us to explore how faith grows in our lives. He shows how the conditions need to be right for faith to grow, mature and bear fruit. Are there ways in which God’s word struggles to take root in you? Now recall where your faith has borne fruit. Where have you seen love, patience or hope grow? Who has benefited from this fruit? Give thanks for the good soil that is enabling this flourishing. As you listen to the parable again, imagine your heart as good soil – open, deep and receptive. Picture God’s word taking root, growing and bearing fruit in abundance, just as Jesus promises. Matthew 13:18-23 ‘Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’ As this time of prayer comes to an end, ask Jesus to cultivate more good soil in your life and the life of your community so that God’s word may flourish and lead to an abundant harvest. 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 23 July 2026 - Abide in me

Thursday 23 July 2026 Today is Thursday the 23rd of July, the feast of Saint Bridget of Sweden, in the 16th week of Ordinary Time. The Singers of Christ Church, Oxford sing, ‘Abide with Me’. Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide; When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness; Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me. Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies; Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 15:1-8 ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.' Jesus uses the image of the vine to describe himself, his relationship with God the Creator, and his living, sustaining connection with us, his disciples. Jesus invites us to ‘abide in me as I abide in you’. Stay with these words. What does it mean for you to abide in Jesus? Jesus also reminds us that every branch needs to be pruned to be fruitful. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what in your life may need to be cut back or let go, so that you may grow closer to God. You might like to ask for the grace to let go of something that is keeping you from bearing fruit for God. Jesus speaks, too, of the fruit that will come by remaining in him. Where do you see signs of fruit in your life? Take a moment to give thanks for these positive signs of new life. Now, as the scripture is read again, imagine yourself as a branch, held in Jesus, the vine. Draw life, strength and nourishment from this image. John 15:1-8 ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.' In these final moments of peace and stillness, recognise yourself resting in Jesus the vine. With confidence and humility, ask for your heart’s desire. 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 22 July 2026 - I have seen the Lord

Wednesday 22 July 2026 Today is Wednesday the 22nd of July, the feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, in the 16th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Laetetur cor quaerentium: ‘Let the heart of those who seek the Lord rejoice; seek the Lord and be strengthened, seek his face always.’ Entering into prayer today, I too am seeking the Lord, seeking his face, looking for the signs of his presence in my life, gently guiding me in truth and peace and love. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 20:1-2, 11-18 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her. In the darkness of early morning, Mary Magdalene visits the tomb of Jesus. What she encounters there causes her anxiety and confusion. Her world feels broken. It seems that Jesus has been taken from her. What are the moments in life today that leave you feeling lost or distant from Jesus? What small thing might you do to reach out to someone who needs hope, reassurance or faith? Only when Jesus speaks her name does Mary recognise him. Imagine Jesus speaking your name. How does he say it? Is his voice loud or soft, challenging or tender – or something else? As you hear the passage again, stand with Mary and experience meeting the risen Christ with her. John 20:1-2, 11-18 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her. As this time of prayer comes to a close, give thanks for Mary Magdalene and ask God to fill you with courage and faith to say boldly: ‘I have seen the Lord.’ 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 21 July 2026 - Shepherd your people

Tuesday 21 July 2026 Today is Tuesday the 21st of July, in the 16th week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘God is Nothing but Love’. Are these words you could say about God? God is nothing but love God is nothing but love Dare to give all for love Give yourself without fear God is nothing but love Today’s reading is from the Prophet Micah. Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock that belongs to you, which lives alone in a forest in the midst of a garden land; let them feed in Bashan and Gilead as in the days of old. As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, show us marvellous things. Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of your possession? He does not retain his anger for ever, because he delights in showing clemency. He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities under foot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. You will show faithfulness to Jacob and unswerving loyalty to Abraham, as you have sworn to our ancestors from the days of old. The prophet Micah recalls the way God rescues, leads, guides and cares for God’s people. Here is a God of compassion and mercy, who walks faithfully with us through life’s joys and sorrows. How do you experience God guiding and caring for you and your community? What ‘marvellous things’ have you seen the Lord do? Recall moments when God has surprised you with unexpected grace, provision or love. Micah recalls that God delights in exercising forgiveness and mercy. God casts our sins into the depths of the sea. From what do you need to be released? Humbly offer this to God. Imagine God carrying this burden for you and taking it far away. Accept the release, forgiveness and love God offers you. As you hear the words of scripture read again, ponder what it means to live as one who is forgiven. Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock that belongs to you, which lives alone in a forest in the midst of a garden land; let them feed in Bashan and Gilead as in the days of old. As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, show us marvellous things. Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of your possession? He does not retain his anger for ever, because he delights in showing clemency. He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities under foot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. You will show faithfulness to Jacob and unswerving loyalty to Abraham, as you have sworn to our ancestors from the days of old. As this prayer time comes to a close, rest securely in the truth of God’s faithfulness and love for you. Know that God will never let you go. 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