Monday 9 August

Deuteronomy 10:12-22; Psalm 147; Matthew 17: 22-27

A great sadness came over them

We feel sadness when someone we love is unwell and maybe we receive news that they are dying. All over our world these pandemic months have deepened our sadness. In our gospel Jesus breaks the news that he will be put to death. In noticing their sadness, he responds. I love to think of the story of the fish with a shekel in its mouth as a way Jesus had of lightening their mood. When St Ignatius had a retreatant in a mood of gloom he danced. Jesus is with us in friendship and is always responsive to how we feel.