Gospel for the day - 24th Sunday B

Mark 8:27-35 'You are the Christ. The Son of Man is destined to suffer grievously.'


Then Jesus and his disciples went away to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them "Tell me, who do people say I am?"
"Some say that you are John the Baptist," they answered; "others say that you are Elijah, while others say that you are one of the prophets."
"What about you?" he asked them. "Who do you say I am?"
Peter answered, "You are the Messiah."
Then Jesus ordered them, "Do not tell anyone about me."

Then Jesus began to teach his disciples: "The Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law.
He will be put to death, but three days later he will rise to life." He made this very clear to them. So Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But Jesus turned round, looked at his disciples, and rebuked Peter. "Get away from me, Satan," he said. "Your thoughts don't come from God but from man!"


Then Jesus called the crowd and his disciples to him. "If anyone wants to come with me," he told them, "he must forget self, carry his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his own life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.


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

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)

Jesus tells his disciples openly about his rejection, suffering, death and resurrection. Peter has "a quiet word" but is told in no uncertain terms that his thinking is not God's - despite it's apparent "wisdom".


  1. There can be no "resurrection" without a form of death. Recall such an experience in your life.*


 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center


Prayers of Intercession


For Pope Francis and all leaders in the church, that God will give them wisdom in addressing the wounds in the church and guide them in restoring and renewing the community of faith.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer


We pray for peace that the annual week of Prayer for Peace in Palestine and Israel (next week) will help break the cycle of violence and hate across the face of the earth.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer


For our beautiful and suffering planet Earth, Grant us the grace to protect life and beauty, bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction and share the earth’s resources, justly and sustainably, for all people and future generations.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer


For all who work and volunteer with the various organisations and charities which support those whop are homeless, for migrants who seek safety in Europe and victims of abuse. May they be given strength and courage and not lose hope at the enormity of their task.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer


For ourselves, that the joy of the Gospel will fill the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus, May the Holy Spirit guide each of us to open our hearts to be renewed.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer


For all who are sick or suffering, burdened or bereaved. May they experience God’s healing presence in their pain. We remember especially Evelyn Welsh (for whom this mass is being celebrated) and all on the Prayer Foundation list.

Lord in your mercy.  Hear our prayer.


For those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries fall at this time.

Especially, Mary Dias, Cath Porteous, Aneta Macaulay, Mario Espino Sr.

May the Lord welcome them into everlasting life. 

May they rest in the peace of the Lord.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer. 




We will now say the Prayer to become missionary disciples.

Cluster prayer

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 -  25th Sunday B

Mark 9:30-37  'The Son of Man will be delivered. If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself servant of all.'

Jesus and his disciples left that place and went on through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where he was, because he was teaching his disciples: "The Son of Man will be handed over to men who will kill him. Three days later, however, he will rise to life."


But they did not understand what this teaching meant, and they were afraid to ask him.

They came to Capernaum, and after going indoors Jesus asked his disciples,
"What were you arguing about on the road?"


But they would not answer him, because on the road they had been arguing among themselves about who was the greatest. Jesus sat down, called the twelve disciples, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must place himself last of all and be the servant of all." Then he took a child and made him stand in front of them. He put his arms round him and said to them, "Whoever welcomes in my name one of these children, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes not only me but also the one who sent me."


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

Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)


Having been told that Jesus must suffer, die and rise again, this week the disciples begin arguing about who is the greatest! It's so frighteningly up to date.
We Christians, entangled in a materialist culture, are no better than them at times. We are torn between the challenging gospel message and the constant lure to be richer, prettier, stronger...


  1. How do you stay faithful to Jesus in a culture that is so alien to his message?
  2. What evidence do you see in the world around you that many do not accept Jesus' teaching on power and ambition?


 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center