Today's gospel, 2 August

 

Today's gospel 

Today's gospel tells the desperately sad story of the murder of John, cousin of Jesus, nicknamed "the Baptiser" or Baptist". John prepared the way for Christ's ministry and was privileged to baptise him. There are many artistic depictions of the beheading of John but we choose rather to honour him with this famous painting by Titian.

The story speaks to us of integrity, of the need for self-awareness, and of the follies especially  of vanity, pride and egotism. 



Saint John the Baptist
Titian, circa 1540-1542
Public domain via Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_John_the_Baptist_(Titian)





Matthew 14:1-12

At that time Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus; and he said to his servants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been telling him, ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’ Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. 

But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.’ The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. 

His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus.



Sacred Space

You can find a helpful prayer guide here:

https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-08-02/


Christian Art

https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-14-1-12-2025/



Aughaval Grouped Parishes' Notices

Sunday 10 August, 3pm

Bishop Michael TLK will celebrate the Eucharist at St Thomas's, Dugort. Please plan to join and encourage him if you are able, thank you. There will be tea after the service in St Thomas's Hall.


Sunday 17 August, 12 noon

Holy Baptism

Please save this date and take note of the change of arrangements:

There will be no Holy Trinity Westport service in St Mary’s Church on Sunday 17 August. Rather, we will all gather at Knappagh for a Service of Holy Baptism in the open air.







Regular Service Pattern for the Aughaval 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
  • Open Church Weekly Drop-in, Christ Church Castlebar, Fridays 11am -1pm.
  • Midweek Holy Communion, Wednesdays at 10.30am in St Mary’s Church, Westport, followed by coffee in Clew Bay Hotel (from 11.05 am).
  • Online Prayer and Bible Study, Weds at 8pm.

Please note that during August there will be no Midweek Holy Communion services and no Online Prayer meetings. 



Pastoral care and enquiries:  


Revd Suzanne Cousins, 083 800 3233    

Email  aughaval@tuam.anglican.org        

Website   aughaval.tlk.ie

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