Today's gospel, 23 October: On fire with God's love

 Please scroll down for notes and notices.



Come, Holy Spirit, 

fill the hearts of your faithful people, 

and kindle in us the fire of your love; 

through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 





Luke 12:49-53

[Jesus said] ‘I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptised, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided:

father against son
   and son against father,
mother against daughter
   and daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
   and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’



Comment 

What is the "fire" that Jesus wanted to kindle on the earth? We find a clue and answer  in Matthew chapter 3, where John the Baptist says of Jesus, 

‘I baptise you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.' 

The "fire" that Jesus wanted (and wants) to kindle on the earth is the "fire" of the Holy Spirit who cleanses and purifies us and ignites in us the power of God (who is love) to do good and share the good news of the kingdom and ways of God. 


Come, Holy Spirit, 

fill the hearts of your faithful people, 

and kindle in us the fire of your love; 

through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen



Sacred Space

You can find a gentle prayer guide and a short reflection on the gospel here:

https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-10-23/



Christian Art

https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-12-49-53-2025-2/





Friday 24 Oct at 8pm, sung Compline in St Mary's Westport


This weekend: 

  • Friday 24 Oct at 8pm, Compline in St Mary's Church, South Mall, Westport, sung by Sandford and St Philip's Choral Union (Dublin)
  • Inishbiggle Harvest Thanksgiving, Sat 25 Oct (weather permitting), 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. 


Services on Sat and Sunday:

Sat, 7pm in Turlough, Holy Communion
Sun, 10am in Castlebar, Morning Prayer
Sun 12 noon in St Mary's Westport (for Holy Trinity) - details below
Sun 3.30pm in Dugirt, Achill, Evening Prayer -  details below




A Special Weekend of Sacred Music: 24-26 October, in Westport and on Achill

The Choir of Sandford and St Philip's, Dublin 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, Conductor John Dexter, Organist David O'Shea. 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 Gyles, Rector of Sandford and St Philip's, Dublin

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






Pastoral care and enquiries:  

Revd Suzanne Cousins, Rector  
Email: aughaval@tuam.anglican.org  
Tel. 083 800 3233  
Aughaval Parishes' Website aughaval.tlk.ie
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AughavalParishes 


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