The Feast of St Catherine of Siena | Friday 29 April 2022

Today is Friday the 29th of April, the feast of St Catherine of Siena, in the second week of Easter.
Steffany Gretzinger and Melissa Helser sing, ‘Give Thanks’. As you listen, can you bring to mind anything you would like to give thanks to the Lord for today?

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given
Jesus Christ, His Son


Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given
Jesus Christ, His Son


And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich"
Because of what the Lord has done for us
Give thanks


Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given
Jesus Christ, His Son


Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given
Jesus Christ, His Son


And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich"
Because of what the Lord has done for us
And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich"
Because of what the Lord has done for us
Give thanks
Look at what You've done (look at what You've done)
Oh, we give thanks (oh, we give thanks)
Look at all that You've done (pour it out on You, God)
We give thanks


Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.
Matthew 11:25-30
At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

Our passage today begins with Jesus thanking God the Father. What exactly do think he is thanking his Father for? What will you thank God for today?
“You that are weary and carrying burdens”. Who does this refer to? Could it refer to you today?

Now listen as the passage is read once more, and answer this question: who might find life and inspiration from these words? Could that include you?
You might like to offer your own weariness, your own burdens or perhaps you might like to offer further thanks to the Lord in these last few moments now…

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.