Rev Michael Cavanagh +353 (0)858 533 173
Praying Together 7th April 2024

Praying Together 7th April 2024

a woman walking towards a golden light the end of a tunnel

Easter 2

Collect for Easter 2

Almighty Father, you have given your only Son to die for our sins
and to rise again for our justification: Grant us so to put away the leaven
of malice and wickedness that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth;
through the merits of your Son.

1 John 1: 1-4

John 20: 19-29

Witnesses to the resurrection

Mary Magdalene in the garden John 20:18 ‘I have seen the Lord’

Disciples on the road to Emmaus Luke 24:31 ‘Their eyes were opened and they recognised Him’

Disciples on the beach. John 21:7 ‘It is the Lord’

In the locked upper room John 20: 20 ‘ On seeing the Lord, the disciples were overjoyed’

Thomas 20:28 ‘My Lord and my God’

On the road to Damascus Acts 9:4,5 Saul fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ He asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The reply came, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.’

Stephen the martyr (Acts 7:56): But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’

You and me: John 20:29 ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

We can take lessons from Thomas and Stephen

From Thomas: to see the Lord on our own terms – what proof do we need in order to believe?

From Stephen: after the Resurrection, in the Power of the Spirit

We are challenged to decide what we need to ‘see’ to believe – and then to seek it in the power of the Holy Spirit. And when we have seen, ‘to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that He has commanded us. And remember, He is with us always, to the end of the age.’ Matthew 28:19, 20

Previous Posts

Praying Together 31st March 2024 Easter Day

Praying Together 31st March 2024 Easter Day

hands resting on palm leaves

Easter Day

Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!

Collects

Almighty God, through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ

you have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life:

Grant that, just as by your grace going before us

you put into our minds good desires, so by your continual help may we bring them to good effect; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

1 Corinthians 15: 1-11

Mark 16: 1-8 – The empty tomb

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.’ So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

‘They were afraid’. So they didn’t do what they were told. At least, at first they didn’t. Frankly, I’d be afraid too. And I certainly wouldn’t be the one who told anyone that I’d been talking to an angel, who said that Jesus – whose death they had personally witnessed – had risen from the dead. You wouldn’t blame people for thinking that Mary had lost all sense of reality.

John’s Gospel picks up the story: John 20:1-9

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

But eventually, Mary couldn’t keep quiet any longer. She told Peter and John about the empty tomb. They ran to see for themselves – and the tomb was indeed empty.  They didn’t yet know the prophecy that the Messiah would rise from the dead; like the women who first saw the stone rolled away, they were confused and, in their uncertainty, went home.

But Mary didn’t – and was rewarded to be the first to know the truth.

John 20: 10-18 Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means My Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” 

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

“I have seen the Lord”. It is difficult to imagine her emotions. She has seen the Lord! She doesn’t yet understand fully – but her eyes have seen Him. Her life is changed for ever, and she doesn’t care who knows it.

And what of us? Can we say the same? And if not, have we ever looked?

Previous Posts

Praying Together 24th March 2024

Praying Together 24th March 2024

hands resting on palm leaves

Lent 6 – Palm Sunday

Collects

Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: Grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross, we may triumph in the power of his victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Philippians 2: 5-11

Mark 14: 1-15: 47

Today’s Palm Sunday reading is not the usual one from Luke’s Gospel describing Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the accompaniment of people shouting ‘Hosanna’ and waving palm branches. The reading from Matthew is much darker – and although in retrospect we know that it does describe the first act of a triumphal drama, that victory will not be understood for some days later.

Jesus is under threat – life-threatening conspiracy to kill Him being discussed by the religious hierarchies. Even His disciples are annoyed with Him as He accepts the woman’s act as one of anointing, whereas they see it as a wasteful and over-the-top demonstration of what they regard as hero-worship. One of them is so disturbed that he decides that Jesus must be prevented from demonstrating against the Temple authorities during the Passover Festival. It may even be that Judas sees the betrayal as for Jesus’ own good – we don’t know whether he knew that Jesus would be killed or simply incarcerated until after the celebration was over.

But Jesus is aware of what He will have to endure in order to fulfil His mission of salvation – and He sets the necessary elements in motion. He accepts the woman’s gift for what it is (she may indeed have been Spirit-driven to be aware of the significance of what she was doing). He knows that Judas goes to betray Him unto death. He sends two of His disciples to acquire a room in which He will institute the eucharistic act and give His final teaching. Yes, He will certainly ride into Jerusalem to the accompaniment of cheering crowds, but in the light of the knowledge that those same crowds will call for Bar-Abbas to be released and demand His crucifixion.

But for my sake, and the sake of all those He loves – even those who do not love Him in return – He offers Himself as the final redemptive sacrifice. Hallelujah. What love. What a saviour.

Previous Posts

Praying Together 17th March 2024

Praying Together 17th March 2024

St Patrick depicted on stained glass

Lent 5 – St Patrick

Collects

Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: Grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross, we may triumph in the power of his victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Almighty God, in your providence you chose your servant Patrick to be the apostle to the Irish people, to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the true light and knowledge of you: Grant us so to walk in that way that we may come at last to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 5: 5-10

Matthew 28:16-20

The Anglican Church of Ireland has produced an excellent example of the way in which St Patrick’s life embodies the Five marks of Mission – a real cause for celebration and a model for us to follow (And by the way, St. Patrick’s flag colour is blue, not green.)

TELL – proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom.
TEACH – teach, baptise and nurture new believers.
TEND – respond to human need by loving service.
TRANSFORM – transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation.
TREASURE – strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of earth

Intercessions inspired by St Patrick’s life.

TELL – ST PATRICK CAME TO IRELAND TO TELL PEOPLE ABOUT THE LOVE OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS.

Thank you Father for sending your Son to die on the cross in our place, so that we can draw near to him. In the cross you have revealed to us your unfathomable love, mercy and forgiveness. Help us to follow the obedience of your Son by taking up our cross, so we may become ambassadors of your sacrificial and reconciling love in the world, in Jesus’ name.

God of Mission, hear our prayers.

TEACH – ST PATRICK TAUGHT THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND ABOUT THE GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. Thank you for those who faithfully teach others about you in churches, theological colleges and communities across the world today. We pray for those teaching in challenging circumstances – places where there is conflict, hunger or persecution. We ask you for safety for Bible teachers and those who want to learn.

God of Mission, hear our prayers.

TEND – ST PATRICK LEFT HIS FAMILY AND COUNTRY TO FOLLOW GOD’S CALL TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND. Lord Jesus, help us not to see things through economic lenses, but the way you do. We are amazed at the price you paid and how valuable that makes us. Give us your heart for people and to value everyone you put across our path. May we find ways to serve others in our daily lives;

God of Mission, hear our prayers.

TRANSFORM – ST PATRICK WAS CAPTURED AND TRAFFICKED TO IRELAND AS A SLAVE. Almighty God, please give us opportunities to challenge ourselves about the issue of human trafficking and modern day slavery. Move us to act for those who are victims of this dreadful crime. Prompt us to make changes, and speak up, where we need to so that the way we live doesn’t harm other people. Let our hearts be stirred about this issue.

God of Mission, hear our prayers.

TREASURE – ST PATRICK WAS A SHEPHERD AND TAUGHT PEOPLE ABOUT GOD USING NATURE – TRADITION TELLS US THAT HE USED THE TINY SHAMROCK TO TEACH PEOPLE ABOUT THE TRINITY. Creator God, thank you for the beauty of the earth you created. Thank you that many nations including our own have recognised their responsibility towards climate change. We recognise that it is often the poorest of our world that suffer most from the effects of climate change. We pray that our government will urgently implement policies to reduce emissions and help people adapt to the problem. We ask you to help us find ways to live more sustainable lives.

God of Mission, hear our prayers.

Previous Posts

Praying Together 10th March 2024

Praying Together 10th March 2024

a mother and child hugging

Lent 4 – Mothering Sunday

Collect

God of compassion, whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary, shared the life of a home in Nazareth, and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself: Strengthen us in our daily living that in joy and in sorrow we may know the power of your presence to bind together and to heal; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Colossians 3: 12-17

Luke 2: 25-35

‘a sword will pierce your own soul too.’

Mothering Sunday. Not Mother’s Day. Although there’s nothing wrong with buying your Mum some flowers or (and) a box of chocolates, you shouldn’t need a once-a-year prompt to do so. Mother’s Day is an essentially a made-up Hallmark holiday – a business opportunity. And don’t get me started on Father’s Day, Grandparents Day or be nice to your Budgerigar Day.

Mothering Sunday is a different thing altogether. It’s a day of being aware of, and thankful for, the caring and loving relationships that exist within family and friends. Certainly, in most cases (but sadly not all), the role of a Mother epitomises those relationships. She is the one to whom we turn in times of desperate need. There are many stories of young people feeling newly independent as they proudly march off to war, but later in a field hospital screaming out and calling for their Mother in their semi-conscious extreme pain. And there are few Mothers who do not carry a deep worry and concern for their children in their heart throughout their life no matter how grown up they are. The mothering love is always there.

In the joy of the Angel-promised birth of her Son, Mary lives her life in the knowledge of Simeon’s prophecy. The words burn in her memory. But even in the anguish and the pain of His crucufixion, she stays with Him unto the end. And He experinces the pain not just of the nails but of seeing his Mother’s heartbreaking suffering as she watches at the foot of His cross.

He is comforted by the the love she has for Him – in turn, He shows His care for her, even in His pain. He asks that she be taken into John’s family. We too will watch Him die – to save us. Amazing love. Or, you might say, the Mothering love of the Son for us, His children.

Previous Posts

Praying Together 3rd March 2024

Praying Together 3rd March 2024

boy with angry facial expression

Lent 3

Collects

Merciful Lord, Grant your people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1: 18-25

John 2: 13-22

Is anger ever justifiable? Clearly it must be – we have Jesus’ example in today’s Gospel – anger at those who have turned religious adherence into a business opportunity, selling animals for sacrifice and changing money, taking profit from the exchange. Jesus’ angry response prompts the onlookers to think again and validate or reject His action.

Unfortunately, in most cases, anger is a negative and unhelpful; allowing the emotion to surface results in distress and hurt. How can we differentiate between positive and negative reactions? To understand why we are angry, we need to look at its cause – its ‘triggers’ – aggression, jealousy, frustration, insecurity, guilt, threat and many others among them. When Jesus sees what is happening in the Temple courtyard, He sees corruption taking the place of worship; human values taking the place of the values of the Kingdom. There is no love in the place from which love comes, and He is as wounded as He will be when the nails are hammered into His hands. His anger is driven by disappointment and grief in the face of the rejection of His Father’s love.

And what of our anger? Is it based on injury to self? Injury to others? Or injury to love, to forgive, to serve? Can we defend it at the foot of the Kingly throne? Ultimately, as in many other situations, we must see through the eyes of Christ – and in them we will know whether our angry response can be justified. Only then can we rationally decide our action – action based on blind anger is unlikely to be the answer. Simple as it may seem, counting to ten is usually a good idea…

Previous Posts