Today’s gospel, 30 Sept. Jesus and the Sons of Thunder

 



The Calling of Saint James and Saint John
James Tissot, 1850 
Brooklyn Museum 
Public domain, 
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10195838




Today’s gospel    Luke 9:51-56

When the days drew near for him [Jesus] to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.



Saints James and John, Sons of Thunder
from Armenian Hymnal, 
completed in Constantinople on August 15, 1678 [AE 1127], 
by the priest Yakob Pēligratc‘i.
Walters Art Museum Illuminated Manuscripts. 
Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hymnal,_Sts._John_and_James,_Sons_of_Thunder,_Walters_Manuscript_W.547,_fol._40r.jpg


Comment on the gospel 

Early in their discipleship, Jesus had given the brothers James and John, sons of Zebedee, the nickname Boanerges, meaning 'Sons of Thunder'. In this gospel they live up to that name. Affronted by the rejection by a village of their friend and master Jesus, and therefore the rejection of them, James and John become fired up and convinced of their right to condemn and their ability to execute judgement on the villagers. They offer to "command fire to come down from heaven and consume them". Perhaps they had in mind the biblical story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. 

Here in this gospel, Jesus shows a different way of handing difference, insult and rejection, the way of non-violence and of peace, which does not consist of seeking retribution but may, as here, consist simply of walking away, as did Jesus himself, and of leaving the future of others to God, who is their loving heavenly Father as well as ours. While we may be tempted like James and John to judge and condemn, we remember that "God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." 


Sacred Space

You can find a gentle prayer guide and another short reflection here:

https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-09-30/



Notices

  • Funeral Service, Mrs Sonya Noone, Friday 3 October, 11am in Turlough Church
  • Blessing of the Animals, Sat 4 October, 2pm at Murrisk Carpark. This ecumenical event brings to a close the Season of Creation. 



  • Turlough Select Vestry meeting, Sat 11 October, after the 7pm service.
  • Inishbiggle Harvest Thanksgiving, Sat 25 October. Meet at Doran's Point, Ballycroy at 9.30am, for 10am departure. Returning around 2.30pm. Everyone is warmly invited and welcome but please let us know (083 8003233) if you wish to book a seat in the boat (currach) or if you need more information. Recommended: Bring a packed lunch, water, sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothes, and 10 euros towards the ferry cost. 


A Special Weekend of Sacred Music, 24-26 October  (Details amended)

The Choir of St Philip's and Sandford, Dublin, led by Mr David O'Shea, will be with us in Westport for a series of musical events including, all in St Mary's Church, Westport:

    - Compline on Friday 24 Oct at 8pm (please note amended time);
    - Fundraising concert for Holy Trinity Westport on Sat 25 Oct at 4pm;
    - contribution to worship (Holy Communion) on Sunday morning (12 noon);
   -  Sung worship on Sunday 26 Oct at 3.30pm in St Thomas's Dugort, Achill. (Rehersal from 3pm. You are welcome to come early, observe and enjoy.) 





Regular Service Pattern in the Aughaval Group of Parishes:

Turlough
Saturdays Weekly at 7pm:  
Holy Communion on 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month.
Morning Prayer on 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month.

Castlebar
Sundays Weekly at 10am: 
Holy Communion on 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month.
Morning Prayer on 2nd and 4th.

Westport
Sundays Weekly at 12 noon.
Wednesdays at 10.30am. 
Services are n St Mary's RC Church, South Mall, Westport, until further notice while Holy Trinity Church is closed for safety repairs.

Dugort, Achill: October - April inclusive
2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at 3pm. Evening Prayer/ Holy Communion



Pastoral care and enquiries:  

Revd Suzanne Cousins, Rector, Aughaval Group of Parishes 
United Dioceses of Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe, Church of Ireland 

Tel. 083 800 3233  
Email aughaval@tuam.anglican.org
Aughaval Parishes' Website  aughaval.tlk.ie


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