Immaculate Conception, Clevedon

04/09/2026

Based on the gospel for
Sunday 6 September,
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Matthew 18:15-20
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

We all have unique qualities and perspectives. God calls each one of us to serve him as part of a wider body, his church. Although God intended to unite us through our differences, it is easy for us to allow this to result in divergence and dispute. Conflicts are made even more challenging when compounded with wrongdoing in the church.

In today’s gospel, Jesus outlines how to handle misconduct in the community. We are called to privately bring attention to the sin, before escalating the matter to a few additional individuals if a resolution is not reached. The wise counsel of the wider community is presented as the final remedy for the wrongdoing.

Maintaining our moral integrity is important. As God’s children we are called to be custodians of his commandments and hold each other accountable with humility and honesty.

How do we react in the face of wrongdoing and injustice? Are our churches and global communities truly safe places of kindness, respect and dignity? Standing up for what is right can be frightening. Let us be courageous and remember that God is always with us, no matter how challenging the circumstance may be.

Dear God, thank you for the gift of your holy church. By your Spirit, please give us the courage to boldly love and support each other as we continue to grow in you. Amen.

Www.cafod.org.uk

28/08/2026

Based on the gospel for
Sunday 30 August (Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Matthew 16:21-27
“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’”

This Sunday we hear Jesus say that if we want to follow him, we have to deny ourselves and take up our cross. And how many times have we felt that this is much easier said than done? A few years ago, this gospel made me ask myself, “In my life, am I following Jesus or am I asking him to follow me?” When I paused and realised that actually I want Jesus to lead me, I wondered: “What are the ways I can deny myself and take up my cross?” This is why I like the idea, put forth by a Benedictine monk, of the cross as “a signpost: it marks the parting of the ways.”

Jesus is asking us to depart from a path driven by worries and self-preoccupation, to choose the path he leads, sustained by compassion and action on behalf of our brothers and sisters. Engaging with CAFOD allows us to step into our global Catholic family and bear witness as we walk the road Christ calls us to travel.

At CAFOD, we work with communities in partnership, believing that a better world needs all of us playing our part. In sharing our time, resources, and hearts with our long-time partners, we walk with Jesus’ cross in solidarity.

We pray:
May we have the courage to leave what we know behind and devote ourselves to knowing God through the Cross of his Son.
Amen.

Www.CAFOD.org.uk

21/08/2026

With her baby daughter, Charlotte, in her arms, the outgoing Miss Universe Canada 2025, Jaime Vandenberg completed her final walk before passing the crown to her successor.

According to the article, the moment was particularly significant because Charlotte had, in a way, ‘already shared one of the biggest stages of her mother’s pageant career.’ (Jaime recently revealed that she was four months pregnant when she represented Canada at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand.)

And yet, the article later says: “VandenBerg was not yet a mother when she competed at Miss Universe, but she was pregnant.”

This contradictory statement reveals a blatant disregard for motherhood before birth and the inconsistent societal narrative surrounding when motherhood begins. We know that motherhood begins at conception. Jaime was a mother when she competed, carrying her daughter on the pageant stage, just in a different way. Birth is a profound moment, but it does not mark the moment a child begins to exist or the moment a woman becomes a mother.

From the very beginning, both lives matter. We recognise and celebrate both times mum and baby walked that catwalk together!

Source: https://www.hola.com/us/celebrities/20260810917313/miss-universe-canada-2025-carries-baby-final-walk/

21/08/2026

Based on the gospel for Sunday 23 August,
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Matthew 16:13-20
“But who do you say that I am?”

Arriving in Caesarea Philippi, Jesus puts a question to his disciples "Who do you say that I am?" The location is significant. It was there that Herod the Great had built a temple dedicated to the Emperor Augustus, the first Emperor of the Roman Empire, who styled himself as “Son of the Divine.”

Against this backdrop of Roman power and might, Peter declares Jesus to be “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” He identifies Jesus as the anointed one, the Messiah, the promised deliverer of God’s people. Jesus, in turn, praises Peter for this recognition, hailing him as the “rock” on which “I will build my Church.”

Yet, Jesus’ messiahship is very different to Caesar’s rule. The true “Son of the living God” walks unarmed into Caesarea Philippi, surrounded by ordinary people. He does not coerce or intimidate, but comes to show the justice, compassion and mercy of God’s kingdom.

The question “But who do you say I am?” is a question that gets to the heart of our faith. When we claim Jesus as Messiah, we seek to follow a King whose throne was a cross and to embrace his way of self-giving love, generosity and peace.

Holy God, as we proclaim that Jesus is the Christ, help us to follow his way of service and love so that our lives may reveal your reign of justice and joy. Amen.

Www.cafod.org.uk

14/08/2026

Based on the gospel for
Sunday 16 August,
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Luke 1:39-56
“He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate.’’

Who is God in today's Gospel? God is the One who lifts up the lowly and remains faithful to every promise. Mary's song, the Magnificat, reveals a God who overturns the world's values: "He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things." (Luke 1:52–53).

In a world where power is too often used for personal gain, where those experiencing poverty are forgotten, those displaced ignored, and creation exploited, Mary's song remains unsettling. It reminds those who have been entrusted with influence, wealth, or authority that privilege is a gift to be shared, not a possession to be guarded. As Jesus teaches elsewhere, " Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required' (Luke 12:48).

Yet Mary's first response to God's favour is not self-importance but service. She goes "with haste" to Elizabeth, carrying Christ to another. True greatness, she shows us, is found not in status but in humble love.

Today, Mary's song asks me: How am I using the gifts God has entrusted to me? Do my choices lift others up or leave them behind? Where am I being called to become a sign of hope in a world longing for justice and compassion?

God of justice and mercy,
give me the humility of Mary, the courage to serve, and the generosity to use every gift you have given me for the good of others. May my life proclaim your greatness and bring hope to those most in need.
Amen.

Www.CAFOD.org.uk

07/08/2026

Based on the gospel for Sunday 9 August,
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 14:22-33
“And in the fourth watch of the night, he came to them, walking on the sea."

Sitting in my son Matthew’s garden, I watch him throwing my toddler grandson in the air. The squeals of joy and laughter echo around the neighbourhood. I cannot help but be mesmerised by the utter trust little Otto has in his daddy. As an air traffic controller, Matthew knows only too well the faith complete strangers must place in the skill and expertise of his team. It is a reminder that faith and trust are central to our daily lives. They allow us to live to the full - bringing joy and opportunity but also causing sadness and desperation when weakened or broken.

This same tension of trust lies at the heart of the story on the Sea of Galilee. We call to mind the words: "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." Peter, the rock, as usual, is first to take steps towards the Lord. But as he panics and begins to lose faith, he needs the outstretched hand of his Master to save him.

Part of our flawed humanity is to lose trust and question our faith when we feel stranded, lost and threatened. "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Jesus questions Peter. There are two very reassuring elements to this. First, in our most challenging moments we have our Lord at our side with outstretched hand. Second, our God is a loving and forgiving Father, ready to welcome us back to his loving arms when our faith falters.

Recognising this love compels us to look beyond ourselves. It calls us to become that outstretched hand for others, actively working to bring God's justice and peace to our wounded world.

God our loving Father, we pray that our faith will strengthen and grow. As we give our support to those who suffer across our world, let them see your goodness in action, and have faith and trust in you. We pray in faith: Stay with us Lord on our journey.
Amen

Www.CAFOD.org.uk

31/07/2026

Based on the gospel for
Sunday 2 August
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 14:13-21
"And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over."

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus feeds five thousand people with only five loaves and two fish, turning an impossibly small amount of food into a feast for the community.

Today, it is easy to believe that what we have is 'not enough'. We may doubt the power of our time and resources to make a difference to others, assuming our contributions are too small to matter.

The words of the gospel remind me of the power of community sharing that offers us not just emotional support but also practical support too. I see this in my own community, through neighbourhood schemes and resource libraries that rely entirely on the kindness of ordinary people. Despite often being under resourced, these spaces offer transformative hope which may simply manifest as a listening ear or someone to talk to.

Jesus shows us we don’t need to have much to make an impact and that sharing what we have freely with others can be satisfying beyond words. Jesus' compassion encourages us to care for one another, remembering that we too may one day rely on the generosity of others.

Dear Lord, empower us to share what little we have with others. Instead of turning people away to fend for themselves, your compassion provided a miracle for the community. Guide us by your example, that we might, through our own small acts, live out this miracle for others.
Amen.

Www.cafod.org.uk

24/07/2026

Based on the gospel for Sunday 26 July, Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 13: 44-52
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field."

In this week's gospel, Jesus uses similes in a series of parables to explain the nature of heaven. Our heavenly inheritance is not a right but a gift, worth more than any form of earthly treasure. Jesus reminds us that if we truly want to join him in heaven, we are called to love and desire God more than anything else.

In a world driven by wealth, power and gain, it is easy to get caught up in an endless cycle of material pursuit. Having less may almost be considered counter-cultural. Nonetheless, how well we love and serve God and our neighbour will determine whether we gain admittance to God's heavenly kingdom.

Instead of focusing on what we are lacking, how often do we thank God for the blessings we already have? Do we ask ourselves what we can do to help those whose lives have been torn apart by war, natural disasters or illness? Are we able to joyfully let go of what we have to give to those in need; be that our money, time or skills?

The people in Jesus' parables found God's kingdom because they were actively looking for it. Let us try to live our lives mindful of what truly matters; a lasting relationship with God.

Dear God, thank you for the gift of eternal life. By your grace, we pray that we will always seek you first so that we may never be separated from you. Amen.

Www.cafod.org.uk

04/07/2026

Based on the gospel for Sunday 5 July,
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Matthew 11:25-30
“Come to me all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

In this passage, Jesus invites us to come to him, promising rest for our souls, but what does this mean for us today?

With all the suffering in the world, Jesus is offering to share the burdens of humanity. In the world today we can see war, conflict, and injustice, but we may ask: where is Christ in these, sharing the burden?

Here, we may find Christ in the work done by CAFOD partners, walking alongside the communities they serve, demonstrating what hope looks like in the most challenging situations. For example, in Sudan where conflict rolls on, Church partners are providing food, safe water and vital support to families forced to flee their homes.

In this passage, Jesus invites us to learn from him and to become lowly in heart. This means choosing to follow Christ in his service to others, wherever and whenever we can.

Lord God, who sent your Son Jesus Christ to give rest to the heavy laden, grant respite to those who labour, food to those who hunger, and drink to those who thirst. Give us the grace to serve our neighbours as ourselves. We pray this in Jesus Christ's name, Amen.

The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and part of Caritas International.

29/05/2026

Based on the gospel for Sunday 31 May, The Most Holy Trinity

John 3:16-18
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."

Raise your hand (I am typing this with one hand as the other is raised) if you have recently judged or condemned someone else.

I am often struck by the use of language around "us" and "them" to describe different groups - people living in poverty, people with disabilities - as well as the prevalence of inaccessibility and unkindness in everyday life. How often are the words "stupid", "idiotic" or "dumb" thrown around when someone doesn't immediately understand what is being said, or holds a different view?

Even the more positive reflections can be dehumanising ones. "They" are acceptable when "they" teach me about joy; "they" are still different from me; "they" are ultimately always separate from me, and so I can't enter into a real relationship with "them".

God, in the Trinity, is pure relationship, pure communion: love between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, which we are called to participate in. In today's gospel, we are shown how Jesus orients himself towards the world and towards others. In this time of increasing conflict and political polarisation, may we pause to reflect on how the small actions we take lean towards either condemnation or community.

Prayer
God of life, one in three,
fill us with your grace,
that we may truly embrace the
special way that God calls each of us
to blossom in the garden of life.
Amen.

www.CAFOD.org.uk