Today’s gospel, 22 Aug: The "noble task" of humanity

 

Today’s gospel


"Humanity has a noble task, that of prayer and love."

(John Vianney, 1786-1859, quoted in Sacred Space, link below)




 Matthew 22:32-46

“I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”? He is God not of the dead, but of the living.’ And when the crowd heard it, they were astounded at his teaching.

When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. ‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘ “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment.And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’

Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: ‘What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?’ They said to him, ‘The son of David.’ He said to them, ‘How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying,
“The Lord said to my Lord,
‘Sit at my right hand,
   until I put your enemies under your feet’ ”?
If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?’ No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.


"You [already] know the commandments..." (Luke 18:20).


Sacred Space

Reflecting on this gospel reading, St Augustine is said to have used the phrase “Love God and then do what you want.” You can read a short reflection at this link to find out what he meant. 

https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-08-22/ 



Christian Art





Notices for next weekend, 23-24 August

Sat 23 August 

Return to Inishbiggle. Gathering at Dorian's Point, Ballycroy, at 9.30am for 10am departure by currach (open boat) to the island. Returning around 2.30 or 3pm. 
Please note that the church will be closed on this occasion on account of work that is being undertaken. The service will be either on the beach or in the old school, depending on weather.
To book or for more information, please contact us at the number or email address below, and please bring a packed lunch on the day and water. 



Sat 23 August 

7pm in Turlough Church, Service of Holy Communion



Sunday 24 August 
  • 10am, Morning Prayer in Christ Church Castlebar
  • 12 noon, Service of Holy Communion (for Holy Trinity Westport congregation and visitors) in St Mary's Church, Westport (South Mall). 
  • 3 - 5pm, Aughaval Group All Parishes' Afternoon Out, meeting in Turlough at the National Museum of Ireland carpark. Please bring a picnic for you and your family, and perhaps a little to spare for anyone who may come without. Thank you. Everyone is welcome, including friends and family members. 
  • 3pm in St Thomas's Dugort, Achill - Evening Prayer


Sunday Club will recommence in Westport on 7 September, starting in the 12 noon service in St Mary's RC Church on the Mall, and moving next door to Carrowbeg House. For more information, please contact us (083 800 3233). 


Paul, Steffi and Shirley, Sunday Club Leaders




HARVEST services in Castlebar and Westport will be on Sunday 14 September:
  • 10am in Christ Church Castlebar 
  • 12 noon, for Holy Trinity Westport and friends, in St Mary's Church, South Mall, Westport

HARVEST services for Turlough and Achill - details to be confirmed ('tbc')




Regular Service Pattern 


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. (However, please see note below re. August.)
  • Online Prayer and Bible Study, Wednesdays at 8pm. (However, please see note below re. August.)

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



Pastoral care and enquiries:  

083 800 3233    

Email  aughaval@tuam.anglican.org        

Aughaval Parishes' Website   aughaval.tlk.ie


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