The Feast of the Assumption
of Our Lady

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)
It’s such a natural scene: the very pregnant Elizabeth meets with the newly pregnant Mary, her teenager cousin from Nazareth. The air is full of blessings and joy as is normal for these occasions. Something new and wonderful is happening in both these women’s lives and they have so much to share!
1.  Recall some joyful aspect surrounding the birth of a child, perhaps your own child. If it does not make you smile just thinking about it, it’s not suitable. Share it in your group if you belong to one.
2.  No one has got closer to the God in Jesus than Mary – such a unique relationship!
Find a Madonna and child picture that appeals to you and write down why. Share if you like.
3.  Today’s feast is about Jesus reunited with his mum… This week make contact with your mum in whatever way seems right for you. Whatever your history together, I hope you are able to tell her you love her still, because of or in spite of, everything.
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: Matthew 16: 13-20
You are Peter and I will give you the keys...

Here are some suggested questions you may find helpful.

Peter is usually pictured carrying keys and all papal insignia reproduce this idea. What power Peter is given - whatever he decides on earth will be copied in heaven! – and we believe that this power is handed down to Pope Francis.
1.  Thinking of church tradition, what part of it would you like Pope Francis to “bind” (to strengthen) and what part would you like him to loosen (to relax)?

Jesus chooses Peter as a leader because he recognises the influence of the Father in Peter’s words. All the apostles followed in that belief and became leaders too. Leadership for Jesus means service not control.
2.   Do you see yourself as a leader? In what ways might you lead the cluster by serving it?
End of Prayer resource