SOCL, 20C

Sunday August 17, 2025

See

The famous reflection of Teilhard de Chardin suggests itself: The day will come when, after harnessing the ether, the winds, the tides, gravitation, we shall harness for God the energies of love. And, on that day, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire. The uncertainties of today are evident, political, economic and environmental. What can we as people of faith contribute? Again in the words of Teilhard, “there is something wonderful afoot in the universe.” The eyes of faith see the deeper pattern.

Listen

Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10; Ps 40 (39); Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53

Reflect

(Luke 12:49-53)

The commitment of Jesus to his mission is shown in his desire to undergo the baptism that awaits him. Have there been times when there was something you greatly hoped for, even though you knew there would be a baptism of fire along the way? What was it like for you to undergo such a baptism of fire and then arrive at what you desired?

Jesus recognized that the message he proclaimed would meet with a mixed reception. This did not hold him back from proclaiming the Reign of God. When have you seen this kind of courage in yourself, or in others?

Jesus challenged those listening to him to commit themselves to discipleship, despite opposition from those close to them, even family members. When have you found that being true to yourself and to your beliefs required such courage? What was it like for you when you were able to follow that courageous road?

Pray

To set the earth ablaze, O God, your Son submitted to a baptism unto death, and from his cup of suffering you call the Church to drink. Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and give us strength in time of trial to run the race that lies before us. Amen.

The Word today, 20C

August 18 - August 23, 2025

Monday 18 August

Judges 2:11-19 The book of Judges tells of the intermediate time between the entry into the Land and the setting up of a monarchy. Many, many times, it tells of the people falling into idolatrous practices with disastrous consequences.

Matthew 19:16-22 A failed calling is always tough to listen to. It does remind us that we become disciples not because we choose it but rather the Lord chooses us.

Tuesday 19 August

St John Eudes, priest

Judges 6:11-24 In response to social chaos and religious idolatry, God appoints leaders for his people, called “judges.” Today we hear of the call of Gideon and of his encounter with God, a memorable tale.

Matthew 19:23-30 The question of Peter might seem strange, but riches were regarded as a blessing from God. How could a gift from God hinder us? Thus we see the values of the kingdom are quite “alternative.”

Wednesday 20 August

St Bernard, abbot and doctor

Judges 9:6-15 Our reading today is a justly famous parable from the Old Testament. Using the imagery of trees in a forest looking for a ruler, it warns against setting up a monarchy because only God should be the king over Israel. The shade of the thorn bush offers more than “pleasant coolness in the heat”! Monarchies, we are told, colonise and exploit and therefore be careful in wishing for one.

Matthew 20:1-16 This passage can surprise and even offend still. It is, of course, no basis for labour relations but a great basis for God-relations! Such a relief that we don’t have to merit it or earn it in any way—all is grace.

Thursday 21 August

St Pius X, bishop of Rome

Judges 11:29-39 This “text of terror” is a dreadful warning against losing faith and making foolish oaths. It is not at all a moral story but rather an illustration of terrible consequences when the centre does not hold.

Matthew 22:1-14 To “get” this parable, it is vital to hear it on two levels. There is the level of the historical Jesus, using traditional festal and nuptial imagery for the kingdom. There is the level of church, looking back and what actually happened to Jesus, the messiah and prophet.

Friday 22 August

Our Lady, mother and queen

Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14-16, 22 The wonderful short novel which is the book Ruth begins in a sombre way, with three deaths and three widows. Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law is exemplary. (Not really suitable for weddings, however!!).

Matthew 22:34-40 Asked a penetrating question, Jesus as a good Jew gives two answers. The first is really the Sh’ma Yisrael, recited three times daily by observant Jews. The second great principle comes from a somewhat unlikely source, the book of Leviticus.

Saturday 23 August

St Rose of Lima, virgin; St Eugene, bishop

Ruth 2:1-3,8-11,4:13-17 The women in this story are not without initiative. Of course, Ruth’s reputation of faithfulness is very attractive and, as an extra bonus, a foreigner enters the lineage of the future David. Thus the book counters any exclusionary nationalism.

Matthew 23:1-12 Jesus is hard on the outward display of religion and the piling up of titles. It can still disturb today. Does Jesus have an alternative, another way? Yes—in a word, service.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2025bt, August 17). Twentieth Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081725.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings

One another, 20C

August 17, 2025

Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10; Ps 40 (39); Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53

Friends in Christ, God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers as dear to us as our own needs. Loving our neighbors as ourselves, we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions on behalf of the church and the world:

For the Church: that we may be transformed by the fire of the Spirit into a dynamic community of faith and give witness to God’s abiding presence and action in the world: let us pray to the Lord.

For this community of faith: that the Spirit will raise a sense of urgency within us to share God’s love and mercy with all who have no direction in life: let us pray to the Lord.

For the grace of perseverance: that God will strengthen us in times of conflict and suffering so that we may remain faithful disciples: let us pray to the Lord.

For a renewed inspiration: that as we recall the witness and example of the women and men who have gone before us, we may be inspired to offer witness in our society to the Paschal mystery: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who speak the truth to power: that they may faithfully witness to the truth without succumbing to pride, self-centeredness, or being judgmental: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are suffering for their discipleship: that God give them strength, console them when they are rejected, and help them to respond with love and forgiveness: let us pray to the Lord.

For a spirit of gratitude: that we may appreciate all the gifts that God has given us and become rich in those things that foster life and love: let us pray to the Lord.

For courage: that the Spirit will empower and sustain us even when the fruits of our pursuit of the truth yield division and confusion: let us pray to the Lord.

For families which are divided or in conflict: that God will help them to hear and understand one another and find ways to support each other on life’s journey: let us pray to the Lord.

For all teachers and administrators as they prepare for the coming school year: that God will give them wisdom, patience and understanding for each of the students with whom they will work this year: let us pray to the Lord.

For young people who are heading off to college, particularly those going away for the first time: that God will guide them as they adapt to being on their own and help them to make wise decisions and many new friends: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who work in public safety: that God will guide them in their service and protect them from all harm: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who have been impacted by violence or abuse: that God will heal their wounded spirits and memories, help them find places of safety, and help restore a spirit of trust within them: let us pray to the Lord.

For greater understanding of God’s creation: that God will guide us in understanding the interrelationships of our environment and help us be good stewards of creation: let us pray to the Lord.

For all recovering from storms or floods: that God will comfort them in their loss, give them strength, and open the hearts of many to be generous to them: let us pray to the Lord.

Hear our prayers, God of power, and through the ministry of your Son free us from the grip of the tomb, that we may desire you as the fullness of life and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2025bt, August 17). Twentieth Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081725.cfm

-Cormier, J. (1995). Lord, Hear Our Prayer: Prayer of the Faithful for Sundays, Holy Days, and Ritual Masses.