Today’s gospel, 16 June

 



By the river, Westport, June 2025



Today’s gospel     Matthew 5:38-42

‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.“



Sacred Space 

You can find a gentle prayer guide and reflection here:

https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-06-16/

"The human race has made slow progress in its understanding of the ways of God. In the primitive understanding of God's people, it was okay for God to get angry and vengeful. But God, who never changes, did not do that. Here, Jesus clearly reveals to us that our God is a God of mercy and love for all;. And Jesus calls us to 'be merciful, as your Heavenly Father is merciful' (Luke 6: 36). 


Christian Art

You can find a reflection on today's gospel and a piece of art here:

https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-5-38-42-2025/



'Turn the other cheek' in art

See, e.g., https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/j-kirk-richards/artwork/turn-the-other-cheek-j-kirk-richards?collection=jesus-christ .



The Collect (the Church’s special prayer for today)


Almighty and everlasting God,

you have given us your servants grace,

by the confession of a true faith,

to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity

and in the power of the divine majesty to worship the Unity:

Keep us steadfast in this faith,

that we may evermore be defended from all adversities;

for you live and reign, one God, for ever and ever.




This coming Saturday: 


Grouped Parishes' event, for everyone:

2-5pm at Turlough Community Centre





Popular posts from this blog

In memoriam: Linda Bourke

Image
  "Safe in the arms of Jesus." It is with great sadness that we share with you the news of the death of our friend and sister in Christ, Linda Bourke, faithful Westport parishioner (Holy Trinity Church), on Sunday 9th March, peacefully in Mayo University Hospital.  May she rest in peace and rise in glory.  Notice and arrangements can also be found here:   https://rip.ie/death-notice/linda-bourke-mayo-westport-587759 The death has occurred of Linda Bourke, Riverside, Clogher, Westport – peacefully.   Predeceased by her parents Alex & Frances & infant sister Elizabeth.   Deeply regretted by her sister Iris, extended family, relatives, neighbours, friends & her Westport Country Market Community.   AT REST   Reposing at McGing's Funeral Home (F28 RX58) on Tuesday (Mar 11th) from 11:30am until 12:30pm. THE PUBLIC QUEUE FOR ENTRY INTO THE FUNERAL HOME WILL NOW BE FROM THE SHOP STREET DIRECTION.   Funeral arriving to Holy Trinity Cemeter...
Read more

Return to Inishbiggle, Sat 15 February 2025

Image
  It was especially joyful for a few of us from mainland Mayo to step foot again on Inishbiggle on 15th February, having been prevented by the weather from sailing on our last attempt at the end of November 2024. While on this occasion it was lashing in Limerick, wet in Westport, and raining cats and dogs in Castlebar, the sun was splitting the clouds gloriously on the approach to beautiful Biggle. Also uplifting was to arrive at the church and on entering to find it looking, if not transfigured, transformed - for example, with its newly-stripped and repolished pews, clean floors, doors, harmonica and walls, and a close-to-spotless vestry into the bargain. Hats off and enormous thanks to the church wardens for the hours of painstaking work - truly a labour of love for this precious and important place of gathering and worship, emanating from a sincere love for God and his people, of all faiths and persuasions. Holy Trinity Inishbiggle conveys the message “Come on in! There’s plenty...
Read more

Summer Pastoral Letter, 2025 (updated 29.6.25)

Image
  St Thomas’s Dugort, Achill, 28 June 2025, where the service was led by Rev’d Caroline Morrow. Photo by Deirdre Maguire, Co Down. Aughaval Parishes, Summer Pastoral Letter, 2025  Mini-pilgrimage on Achill, Sunday 20 July At Turlough National Museum and Country Park, 22 June 2025 Revd Suzanne, Valerie Raitt, Dorothy Shaw, Susie Fry 27 June 2025 Dear Friends, Summer   Summer is now well underway, with exam season over and the children having finished the school year. I trust you are well and able to enjoy the long, bright and warm days. Please take note of the summer events and extra services listed below and come along where you are able and bring friends and family. Included is a planned service on Reek Sunday in the Oratory on the holy mountain, to be led (all-being-well and knees-permitting!) by Bishop Michael and/or myself.  A mini-pilgrimage Please note also the publicity (below) for a mini-pilgrimage on Achill, part of our TLK diocesan Spiritual Tourism mi...
Read more