25th Sunday of the Year A

The following resources are in the form of a video presentation
  • The readings for the day
    (a useful commentary on these readings here    )
  • A Gospel Reflection by Fr Alex and Fr Mike
  • Prayers of Intercession
  • Final Blessing
  • Closing reflective music
After you have watched our Prayer Resources we would encourage you to sit and reflect quietly on what the Word of God is saying to you this weekend. The questions below are simply suggestions but if you find them helpful then use them.

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)
Here are some suggested questions you may find helpful.
You’ve probably been in a situation where three or four of you have worked together – to do with the parish, at work, a family get-together. Then when it comes to the vote of thanks, and you notice that someone is taking all of the credit when they hardly did any of the work. Doesn’t seem fair does it?
1.    God is not interested in tit-for-tat justice and fairness. Last week it was unconditional forgiveness; this week it is unconditional generosity. You just know the world is going to take advantage of such naivety, so what keeps you striving to follow the message of the gospel? (You might want to share this in a group)
2.    When it comes to generosity, what is the hardest thing for you to give to other people: Money? Time? A listening ear? A commitment to a project?
Since lockdown, have you considered new ways of using your skills and talents for others? 
Preparing for next week
For those who would like to start reflecting on next week's gospel, the text can be found here.
Preparing for next week’s gospel: Matt 21:28-32    He thought better of it and went. Tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you.

Here are some suggested questions for you to consider.
1. Close your eyes and picture Jesus speaking to a modern crowd: "There are those who know my message well but don't act on it; and there are those who've never heard of me that unconsciously follow in my footsteps. You won't get into heaven because of what you believe; you'll be judged on what you've done because of those beliefs. Your actions tell me what you really believe to be important."
Since we've not been able to meet in full assembly for months, has there been any change in your religious beliefs or practices? What have you learned from this?

2. "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." As a cluster, we shared our dreams to be missionary disciples and we formed a vision statement to help us get there.
Try to put into practice this week just one aspect of our vision statement.

We dare to experience the friendship and love of Jesus
as a family where all belong and care,
where all are needed and share their gifts. 
We are on a journey,
accompanying each other as we grow
and are transformed by the Spirit. 
Our Mission is to go out,
bringing Christ to others and
together build God’s Kingdom.

3. Say a prayer this week for those starting the Alpha course, that they will gain the insight, courage and commitment to follow where the Spirit leads them.
End of Prayer resource