Rev Michael Cavanagh +353 (0)87 160 6312
Praying Together 30th August 2026

Praying Together 30th August 2026

So the commandment is a challenge. To love those who betray you. Those who jeer. Those who wield the whips embedded with flint, hammer in the nails, pierce your side.

Trinity 13

Collect

Almighty God, who called your Church to bear witness that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself: Help us to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may be drawn to you; through him who was lifted up on the cross, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Romans 12: 9-12

9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. 11Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly;* do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God;* for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ 20No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Matthew 16: 21-28

21 From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.’ 23But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?

27 ‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. 28Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’

Reflection

Today’s Gospel reading follows the developing story of Jesus’ ministry and teaching. Immediately before this Jesus has asked the disciples the question “Who do they say that I am?” – followed by another question to Peter “…and who do you say that I am?”

Peter answers – “You are the Christ, the son of the living God”.

Then the future plan begins to unfold as Jesus declares – “you are Peter, the rock, and upon you I will build my church”. Turning to the others he warns them to tell no one that is the Christ.

Just as the seasons change….there’s a clear change taking place here.

All good things turn to an end – seemingly?

Jesus has given Peter the shock of his life. Perhaps he was hearing things – how could his leader, teacher and closest friend possibly contemplate the journey into Jerusalem. Immediately Peter challenges him not to make that journey – it would end in tears. But Peter is in for an even bigger shock when Jesus rebukes him – “get away from me Satan – get behind me. This has to be done. You’re fixing your mind on things of this world and not on God’s Kingdom”.

Peter isn’t alone in his response – we all fall into that trap – albeit unintentionally. When we’re facing something that seems bigger than us – things we have no idea how to deal with – a sudden shock or change in our ‘ordered’ lives. When we feel out of control.

Let’s try to imagine how Jesus felt – or how Peter dealt with the shock-response following that unexpected and angry rebuke. The mixed emotions of the rest of that group of friends and followers.

Life’s like that from time to time for each one of us. Fear steals in; our faith is shaken. Yet not one of us has had to deal with what lay ahead for our Saviour. He too was human – tempted to take an easier route perhaps…

Yet, obedient to his Father he turned his face to Jerusalem. We need no reminder of the events that took place from this moment. A tragic story of humiliation, torture and death alongside a bunch of criminals. An innocent man who never told a lie went willingly to that cruel cross – willingly.

We know the joy of that Easter morning too – and the joy that filled the hearts of Jesus’ friends and followers as they began to understand the promises he had made.

That joy is ours – there for ever until we see him face-to-face.

BUT – just like those early disciples and apostles there’s an important work to continue. You and I are part of that bunch of followers – ordinary people – let’s keep that in mind – as we reach out to others, each and every day of our lives.

Praying Together 31st May 2026

Praying Together 31st May 2026

Throughout the world, greeting one another with a kiss is a standard way of greeting – once, twice or more (four times in some regions of of France.) In our less demonstrative culture, we perhaps tend to ‘Share the peace’ by means of a nod, wave, handshake a hug or sometimes even a kiss itself in order to respect what we understand as the boundaries of a person’s ‘personal space’.

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So the commandment is a challenge. To love those who betray you. Those who jeer. Those who wield the whips embedded with flint, hammer in the nails, pierce your side.

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Praying Together 31st May 2026

Praying Together 31st May 2026

Throughout the world, greeting one another with a kiss is a standard way of greeting – once, twice or more (four times in some regions of of France.) In our less demonstrative culture, we perhaps tend to ‘Share the peace’ by means of a nod, wave, handshake a hug or sometimes even a kiss itself in order to respect what we understand as the boundaries of a person’s ‘personal space’.

read more
Praying Together 23rd August 2026

Praying Together 23rd August 2026

So the commandment is a challenge. To love those who betray you. Those who jeer. Those who wield the whips embedded with flint, hammer in the nails, pierce your side.

Trinity 12

Romans 12: 1-18

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgement, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, 5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. 6We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; 7ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; 8the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

Do not be conformed to this world – it’s in a whole lotta trouble

Be a transformer instead

Reflection

Cambridge dictionary definition: ‘Conform’ – to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour that are expected by a group or society.

So what are the world’s standards of behaviour? Perhaps we should look to the current behaviour of our world and its leaders, and measure them against the will of God as illustrated and expected by the Commandments, summarised by Jesus as ‘Love God and Love your neighbour.’ If God sent a team of angels to do an audit on current world leadership, what would they find?

  • Billionaires using social media to maximise profit by targeting children.
  • Reckless destruction of the environment – fossil fuels, deforestation, overfishing.
  • Ongoing economic and physical violence against any ‘tribes’ whose values/ traditions/ cultures/ religions differ.
  • Fundamentalist and/or populist political leadership telling barefaced lies without shame.
  • Deployment of technologies without assessing consequence – weaponised AI, ultra-processed food, uncontrollable Internet.
  • Increasing domestic and gender-based violence exacerbated by childhood exposure to adult examples.

So in rejecting these, what would the angelic report offer as alternative non-conforming and positive transformations?

You.

Yes you, with all the baggage you brought and left at the foot of the cross, as you accepted forgiveness and resolved to start again with The Holy Spirit as your guide. All that is needed to put the Commandment to love God and Neighbour into daily practice is for you to commit to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with Him in your life, and the Victory is sure.

Walking with you, He has overcome the World.

Open your eyes but don’t let go of His hand…

Praying Together 31st May 2026

Praying Together 31st May 2026

Throughout the world, greeting one another with a kiss is a standard way of greeting – once, twice or more (four times in some regions of of France.) In our less demonstrative culture, we perhaps tend to ‘Share the peace’ by means of a nod, wave, handshake a hug or sometimes even a kiss itself in order to respect what we understand as the boundaries of a person’s ‘personal space’.

read more
Praying Together 16th August 2026

Praying Together 16th August 2026

So the commandment is a challenge. To love those who betray you. Those who jeer. Those who wield the whips embedded with flint, hammer in the nails, pierce your side.

Collect for Trinity 11

O God, you declare your almighty power most chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Mercifully grant to us such a measure of your grace, that we, running the way of your commandments, may receive your gracious promises, and be made partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 11: 1-2a, 29-32

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? 29for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, 31so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now* receive mercy. 32For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.

Matthew 15: 21-28

21 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.’ 23But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.’ 24He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ 25But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ 26He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ 27She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ 28Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.

Reflection

Tribe Definition:

A group of people, sharing the same language, culture, belief and history.

In a recent documentary, using examples from the Troubles in the north of the country, Ex-USofA President Bill Clinton discussed our common humanity, accepting that we all live in ‘tribes’. He introduced the concept of ‘inclusive tribalism’, where people from different backgrounds, cultures and traditions live and work together successfully having reached an accommodation of their beliefs on economics, social policy, politics and religion.

He compared this with ‘divisive tribalism’, where powerful tribal leaders engender conflict between those whose beliefs are different from theirs.

In the former environment, we talk about being ‘us’ – in the latter, we reject those we call ‘them’.

This is not a new state of affairs – believe it or not, in fact today we probably enjoy the most inclusive tribalism in history. However, we are still a long way from the ideal, with many people still stirring up prejudice and barriers along the way – usually to their own advantage.

In Jesus’ day, even within Judaism itself, there were many divided tribes each asserting their own superiority – albeit usually agreeing with the inferiority of the tribe of women.
So when Jesus (after making sure He isn’t being set up by asking some questions about the sincerity of her request) heals the daughter of a Canaanite woman, the watching divisive tribalists are both amazed and horrified at His blasphemy.

But

“In Christ there is no east or west, In him no south or north” (Galatians 3:28 paraphrase)

We are often members of many tribes according to politics, language, history – especially football team! – but we are one in Christ. He said so, and challenges us to ‘make disciples of all Nations’ (Matthew 28:19)

Taking that to its conclusion, though, begs a question – do we have to crusade against other tribes and insist they join our tribe, by force if necessary? Or do we have to accept them even if we believe their actions to be dangerous or sinful? A current example from last night’s TV News would be the Taliban treatment of women and girls. Clearly, the answer is no. But we have to look at the plank in our own eye before we confront the speck in another. While Christianity is divided in itself, allowing fundamentalist sects of all extremes to claim exclusive ownership of Gospel truth, we have no right to preach to others let alone attempt to subdue them by force. Evangelisation does not happen through violent subjection, but by offering an example of living as the Body of Christ.

Again from last nights’ news: A flag “calling for police officers and Protestants to be killed” was erected near a bonfire in Londonderry. On the other hand, increasingly, we see Far-right fundamentalist ‘pastors’ and politicians claim exclusivity of the Cross and use it as their justification to incite racist, sexist, anti-Catholic, misogynistic and anti-LGBT violence.

We share the shame of both if we fail to address the divisive hatred within our own purportedly Christian ‘tribe’ before condemning others. For Scripture also says Judge not lest ye yourself be judged (Matthew 7:1). Jesus Himself makes it clear that hypocrisy has no place in a Kingdom founded upon love.

Praying Together 31st May 2026

Praying Together 31st May 2026

Throughout the world, greeting one another with a kiss is a standard way of greeting – once, twice or more (four times in some regions of of France.) In our less demonstrative culture, we perhaps tend to ‘Share the peace’ by means of a nod, wave, handshake a hug or sometimes even a kiss itself in order to respect what we understand as the boundaries of a person’s ‘personal space’.

read more

Praying Together 9th August 2026

Praying Together 9th August 2026

So the commandment is a challenge. To love those who betray you. Those who jeer. Those who wield the whips embedded with flint, hammer in the nails, pierce your side.

Collect for Trinity 10

Let your merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of your humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 11: 26-39

11The scripture says, ‘No one who believes in him will be put to shame.’ 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

14 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’

Romans 11: 26-39

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’

28 Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ 29He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

Reflection

They were far from land. The wind was against them. And as if that wasn’t scary enough, Jesus comes to them walking on the water. They aren’t sure if they are really seeing Jesus or some sort of apparition. Peter decides to test what he sees, and Jesus commands him with authority – ‘Come’. And Peter does – at least for a few steps, then as he realises what he is doing, his faith deserts him and he starts to sink. He cries out in fear to Jesus – and is lifted up to safety. Jesus offers a (mild) rebuke as the wind ceases and the sun comes out. In the face of clear evidence, the disciples in the boat proclaim Jesus as the Christ – any past doubt is left behind.

Now read the story again, but substitute your own name instead of Peter. You often feel that the call to live the Christian life is too challenging. You pray, and (provided you listen) you hear God’s answer. You resolve to stride out in faith but your initial confidence starts to weaken as you realise what you’re doing. You feel that you have bitten off more than you can chew and you cry out for help as you start to sink. But instead of drowning you are picked up by the scruff of your neck, and hear Jesus telling you to get out of the boat again, but next time be aware that He is walking alongside.

Trusting Jesus and obeying His call takes commitment, it takes faith, it takes the courage to face antagonism, discomfort and sometimes suffering. But if we’re afraid of risking our beautiful feet getting wet, and hoping someone else will, there’s no point in us praying ‘Thy Kingdom come’ – ‘cos it won’t.

Praying Together 31st May 2026

Praying Together 31st May 2026

Throughout the world, greeting one another with a kiss is a standard way of greeting – once, twice or more (four times in some regions of of France.) In our less demonstrative culture, we perhaps tend to ‘Share the peace’ by means of a nod, wave, handshake a hug or sometimes even a kiss itself in order to respect what we understand as the boundaries of a person’s ‘personal space’.

read more