26th 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.

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.
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 but 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.

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 21:33-43  He will lease the vineyard to other tenants.
Here are some suggested questions for you to consider.
1.    The first reading and the gospel both refer to the image of a vineyard which produces no fruitful outcome for the owner. In this Season of Creation, we can well ask whether the human race is trashing the earth rather than helping it to bear fruit in a sustainable way.
Read back through the “Justice matters” entries in the Cluster News since September 6th and commit to doing something in the “Act” section.

2.    Read (or re-read) parts of Laudato Si' and reflect on it (with others if in a group)

3.    Continue to pray for those on the Alpha course that the Holy Spirit will guide them to a renewed commitment to the gospel of Jesus.
End of Prayer resource