Mark 4:35-41 'Even the wind and the sea obey him'.


With the coming of evening, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let us cross over to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd behind they took him, just as he was, in the boat; and there were other boats with him. Then it began to blow a gale and the waves were breaking into the boat so that it was almost swamped. But he was in the stern, his head on the cushion, asleep. They woke him and said to him, ‘Master, do you not care? We are going down!’ And he woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Quiet now! Be calm!’ And the wind dropped, and all was calm again. Then he said to them, ‘Why are you so frightened? How is it that you have no faith?’ They were filled with awe and said to one another, ‘Who can this be? Even the wind and the sea obey him.

This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings

Copyright © 1996-2021 Universalis Publishing Limited: see www.universalis.com.

Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible are published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.

Text of the Psalms: Copyright © 1963, The Grail (England). All rights reserved

Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.
If you are interested  in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us.         cluster.alpha@outlook.com

Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

With seasoned fishermen on board, they still think they will perish.

Jesus sleeps - not even the wildest storm can trouble his faith that God will look after him.

Jesus sleeps child-like: snug in the loving protection of a parent-Father.


  1. As you fall asleep this week, put aside your worries and nestle into the arms of your God.
  2. When has the Lord calmed the stormy seas of your life?*

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center

Prayers of Intercession

 

We pray for Pope Francis that his message of wise and loving decision making, which upholds human dignity and diversity will be acted on by all leaders and those who use artificial intelligence which will affect the lives of millions.

Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.


We ask our heavenly Father to open the hearts and minds of our leaders and political activists as we approach a general election, that they will choose a vision to enrich and enable all people in our country to live in dignity and in peace with their neighbours.

Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.


There are many places where fear and poverty damage and diminish people’s lives, may we who are living in comfort and safety recognise the face of Christ in those who suffer and actively seek to alleviate suffering and injustice effectively. We bring before our Lord, asking for a just peace in the conflicts in the Holy Land, Ukraine and Russia, the famine in Sudan, for peace and justice for the women and men of Afghanistan and for conflicts we do not hear of in the news.

Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.


We give thanks for those who give of their time in activity and prayer for the building up and growth of our faith communities and that all in our community will be open to listen to what the Spirit is saying to us and so act together to bring Christ to others.

Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.


For those who are burdened by mental and physical ill health, and those who care for them, that they will experience the prayerful and practical support of our faith communities so they do not lose hope in their suffering but find peace, consolation and companionship. We remember especially those named by the Prayer Foundation.

Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.


For those in our parishes, communities and families who have passed away recently and
those whose anniversaries are at this time , that they will rest in peace in the love of God.
We ask that their loved ones be comforted by God’s Holy Spirit. We remember especially
Helen Barratt.

Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.


Let us now say together our prayer to be missionary disciples.

Lord continue to bless our community
in this time of transition.
Help us on our journey
to grow from a maintenance church
to a missionary church.
Give us the courage
to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough
to receive all who need
human love and fellowship;
narrow enough to shut out
all envy, pride and prejudice.
Kindle in us the fire of your love
that all who come here
will find joy, peace and love.
Make this a house of prayer
and a gateway to your kingdom.
AMEN

Preparing for next week -  Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul

Matthew 16:13-19   'You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church'


When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.’

This is the gospel of the Lord.

Copyright © 1996-2021 Universalis Publishing Limited: see www.universalis.com.

Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible are published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.

Text of the Psalms: Copyright © 1963, The Grail (England). All rights reserved


Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)


Interesting that two such great leaders of the church share the same day: Peter the institutional head (maintenance) and Paul the visionary and outreach apostle (missionary)

  1. Reflect on your Christian beliefs: what has changed and what hasn’t changed in your life?
  2. If you were asked, how would you explain Jesus to a person who had not heard of him? *

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center