Today's gospel, Thurs 17 July: Come to me, all you who are weary
The gospel Matthew 11:28-30
‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’
The Breakdown
ca. 1940-1941
William H. Johnson
Oil on plywood
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967
About this painting
"The Breakdown shows a scene familiar to Americans after years of drought and economic depression, but the title also refers to the moments of despair that punctuate African American blues music. A rattling jalopy piled with furniture strands a couple in search of a better life. A hood ornament – shaped like a cross and silhouetted against the rays of the sun – suggests the faith that sustains husband and wife through their troubles. But the two are not passively awaiting salvation. She improvises a roadside cookfire while he works to repair their car. Other paintings in this series show families with children, but here, the couple make their way with only one another to rely on. When William H. Johnson painted this canvas, he and his Danish wife had spent years traveling together. In 1938 they fled the crisis growing in Europe and returned to the United States, where Johnson adopted a self-consciously "primitive" style and dedicated himself to recording aspects of African American life."
A Hymn: Come unto Me, ye weary
by English clergyman, John Bacchus Dykes
'Come unto Me, ye weary, and I will give you rest.'
O blessed voice of Jesus, which comes to hearts oppressed!
It tells of benediction, of pardon, grace and peace,
Of joy that hath no ending, of love which cannot cease.
'Come unto Me, ye wanderers, and I will give you light.'
O loving voice of Jesus, which comes to cheer the night!
Our hearts were filled with sadness, and we had lost our way;
But morning brings us gladness, and songs the break of day.
'Come unto Me, ye fainting, and I will give you life.'
O peaceful voice of Jesus, which comes to end our strife!
The foe is stern and eager, the fight is fierce and long;
But Thou hast made us mighty, and stronger than the strong.
'And whosoever cometh, I will not cast him out.'
O patient voice of Jesus, which drives away our doubt,
Which calls us, very sinners, unworthy though we be
Of love so free and boundless, to come, dear Lord, to Thee!
'Come unto Me, ye weary, and I will give you rest.'
O blessed voice of Jesus, which comes to hearts oppressed!
It tells of benediction, of pardon, grace and peace,
Of joy that hath no ending, of love which cannot cease.
'Come unto Me, ye wanderers, and I will give you light.'
O loving voice of Jesus, which comes to cheer the night!
Our hearts were filled with sadness, and we had lost our way;
But morning brings us gladness, and songs the break of day.
'Come unto Me, ye fainting, and I will give you life.'
O peaceful voice of Jesus, which comes to end our strife!
The foe is stern and eager, the fight is fierce and long;
But Thou hast made us mighty, and stronger than the strong.
'And whosoever cometh, I will not cast him out.'
O patient voice of Jesus, which drives away our doubt,
Which calls us, very sinners, unworthy though we be
Of love so free and boundless, to come, dear Lord, to Thee!
Sacred Space
You can find a gentle prayer guide and reflection on the gospel reading here:
https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-07-17/
You can find a gentle prayer guide and reflection on the gospel reading here:
https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-07-17/
Christian Art
A recommended reflection on this gospel can be found here:
Events this weekend
Friday 18 July, Outdoor Prayer and Praise at Knappagh
7pm in the churchyard of St Thomas's Church, Knappagh. This short service in this beautiful setting is for anyone and everyone who wishes to join in worship.
Please note that there is no parking at the church and please take care on this often busy road.
Sunday 20 July, Mini-pilgrimage on Achill, starting at St Thomas's Dugort at 3pm.
Regular Service Pattern
for the Aughaval Group of Parishes
- Turlough Parish Church: Saturdays weekly at 7pm. Holy Communion on 2nd and 4th of month; Evening Prayer on 1st and 3rd Sundays.
- Christ Church Castlebar: Sundays weekly at 10am. Holy Communion on 1st and 3rd of month; Morning Prayer, 2nd and 4th, followed by tea.
- Holy Trinity Westport: Sundays weekly, currently in St Mary's Church, South Mall, at 12 noon, followed by tea/coffee in Carrowbeg House.
- St Thomas's Dugort, Achill: Sundays weekly (April to Sept incl.) at 3pm
- Midweek Holy Communion, Wednesdays at 10.30am in St Mary’s Church, South Mall, Westport, followed by coffee in Clew Bay Hotel (from 11.05 am).
- Open Church Weekly Drop-in, Christ Church Castlebar, Fridays 11am -1pm.
Pastoral care and enquiries:
Revd Suzanne Cousins
Phone 083 800 3233
Email aughaval@tuam.anglican.org
Website aughaval.tlk.ie
Please see also the Aughaval Parishes Facebook page.
