Today's gospel: On using well the gifts and graces we have been given

 Please scroll down for notes and notices, and for a link to this evening's Online Prayer and Bible Reading. 


Admiring Christ Church's rare and special clock,  

Castlebar

 

Today's gospel    Luke 12:39-48

[Jesus said] ‘But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.’

Peter said, ‘Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for everyone?’  

And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and prudent manager whom his master will put in charge of his slaves, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. But if that slave says to himself, “My master is delayed in coming”, and if he begins to beat the other slaves, men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and put him with the unfaithful. That slave who knew what his master wanted, but did not prepare himself or do what was wanted, will receive a severe beating. But one who did not know and did what deserved a beating will receive a light beating. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.


Comment

Today’s gospel reading is difficult for us to comprehend, with its references to slavery and violence (beatings) in the parable. It makes us uncomfortable, and perhaps it is meant to. Jesus certainly did not espouse such violent acts. We will discuss this at this evening’s online gathering!


Sacred Space

You can find a gentle prayer guide here:

https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-10-22/



Notices 

(Subject to change)

  • Wed 22 October, 10.30am, Midweek Holy Communion in Westport, in St Mary's side chapel, with Blessing of the Marriage of the Revd Alan and Esther Melbourne. Service followed by coffee and cake in the Clew Bay Hotel from 11am. All welcome to join the celebration. (There will be lots of cake!)

St Mary's RC Church continues kindly to accommodate Holy Trinity Westport services while HTW is closed for safety repairs.   

  • Wed 22 October, 8pm, Online Prayer and Bible reading. Link below. ID and Passcodes on request.



This coming 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. 

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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