Today's gospel, 16 October

 

Please scroll down for notes and notices. 



Westport Estate, Co Mayo
September 2025


Today's gospel    Luke 11:47-54

[Jesus continued]  Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your ancestors killed. So you are witnesses and approve of the deeds of your ancestors; for they killed them, and you build their tombs. Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, “I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute”, so that this generation may be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be charged against this generation.  

Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.’

When he went outside, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be very hostile towards him and to cross-examine him about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say.


Sacred Space

You can find a helpful prayer guide and inspirational reflection on this gospel here:

https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-10-16/


Christian Art

https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-11-47-54-2025/


Comment

In the gospels Jesus rarely lambasts people but this is one of those occasions when he does. He has earlier been challenging the religious leaders for their hypocrisy. Here again Jesus criticises them for their double standards. He lambasts them for making life difficult for the people they should be caring for and making it difficult for the people to know and enter the kingdom of God. 

Jesus meets with increased hostility from this time forward. 



Notices 

(Subject to change)

  • Diocesan Synod, Sat 18 October, at Hotel Woodstock, Ennis, Co Clare. 
  • Inishbiggle Harvest Thanksgiving, Sat 25 October, followed by tea in the school. 
Please let us know if you wish to book a place in the currach. Gather at Doran's Point, Ballycroy, at 9.30 for 10am departure. Returning around 2.30pm. Recommended to bring: A packed lunch, water, sturdy footwear, weather-proof clothes, and 10 euros towards ferry cost. 
        This will be an extra-special occasion, as, (1), we plan to welcome Chris Gibbs as a newly-licensed 'LLLM' (= Parish Reader), and (2), we will celebrate (belatedly) our good friend Jeremy Holt's 80th birthday (with cake!).  


A Special Weekend of Sacred Music

24-26 October, in Westport and on Achill  


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

    - Compline on Friday 24 Oct at 8pm, in St Mary's Church, South Mall, Westport

    - Faure's Requiem, Sat 25 Oct at 4pm in St Mary's Church, a fundraising concert towards repairs to Holy Trinity Church. Entry free. Donations welcome. 

    - Service of Holy Communion, Sunday 26 Oct, 12 noon in St Mary's Church. Guest preacher, Revd Canon Sonia Giles

   -  Compline, Sunday 26 Oct at 3.30pm in St Thomas's Dugort, Achill.  Rehearsal from 3pm. You are welcome to come early, observe and enjoy. 

Please save the dates and spread the word. Thank you!


Faure's Requiem, Sat 25 Oct at 4pm in St Mary's Church, listen here for a taster.... https://www.facebook.com/reel/606799709092837


Also.... Advent and Christmas are coming!

Christmas musical event, Friday 5 Dec, 8pm - A special evening of Christmas music by the Roscommon Solstice Choir, with guests appearances including Eriko Hopkinson and the Westport Children's Choir, in St Mary's Church Westport. 

This is another wonderful fundraising event in aid of repairs to Holy Trinity Church, Westport. Please save the date and spread the word. Thank you!


 

Regular Service Pattern in the Aughaval Group of Parishes:

Turlough    

Saturdays Weekly at 7pm:  

Holy Communion on 2nd and 4th Saturday (/Sunday) 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 month. Morning Prayer on 2nd and 4th.

Open church in Castlebar every Friday from 11am - 1pm. 

"Drop in, say hello, say a prayer, have a look around."


* Christ Church Castlebar is a registered charity: 

Registered Charity Number  20206867


Westport    

Sundays Weekly at 12 noon. Wednesdays at 10.30am. 

Services are in St Mary's RC Church, South Mall, Westport, 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


Inishbiggle:

As announced and advertised. 


 

Pastoral care and enquiries:  

Revd Suzanne Cousins, Rector  

Tel. 083 800 3233  

Email: aughaval@tuam.anglican.org

Aughaval Parishes' Website  aughaval.tlk.ie

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AughavalParishes  






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