This parable in this reading is all about hearing, about really listening, about responding and about bearing fruit. What kind of reception are we providing for God’s word? Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
Gospel Reflections
‘Come to me, all you who labour and I will give you rest’
Jesus’ words in this reading show that the Messiah comes not to dominate and control but humbly to offer new life and strength. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it’
In this reading Jesus challenges all of us to put no other person before our faith in him. And we hear that how we treat others in this life, particularly the ‘little ones’, will bring us close to Jesus and to the one who sent him. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘What I say to you in the dark, tell in the daylight’
This gospel reading invites us to ponder on the thousands of Christians who have spoken up for their faith at the risk of losing their lives. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘You received without charge, give without charge’
The compassion that motivated Jesus must be our motivation too in offering the good news to others. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘I am the living bread which has come down from heaven’
In this week’s reading, Jesus focuses on the Eucharist, in which we receive repeatedly the once-and-for-all gift of the Bread of Life. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son’
This week’s reading challenges us to embrace what is good and shun what is bad, telling us that if we reject goodness, it is not God who condemns us: we condemn ourselves. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘As the Father sent me, so am I sending you’
In this reading, Jesus demonstrates the power of the Spirit, relating it to the preaching of forgiveness and the possibility of new life for those who ask for it. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Glorify your Son so that your Son may glorify you’
In this reading Jesus asks his Father to let him give eternal life to all those entrusted to him. He prays not for the world but for those who believe. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘I will not leave you orphans’
In this reading Jesus assures his disciples that the bond between them will endure after his departure, and will be maintained by the Spirit. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.