The Feast of St James Berthieu SJ | Wednesday 8 June 2022

Today is Wednesday the 8th June, the feast of St James Berthieu SJ.

Madison Cunningham with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Little Things With Great Love’. As you listen, notice if you are drawn to a particular word or part of the song… What could God be saying to you through this?
In the garden of our Savior, no flower grows unseen;
His kindness rains like water on every humble seed.
No simple act of mercy escapes His watchful eye —
for there is One who loves me: His hand is over mine.
In the kingdom of the heavens, no suff’ring is unknown;
each tear that falls is holy, each breaking heart a throne.
There is a song of beauty on ev’ry weeping eye —
for there is One who loves me: His heart, it breaks with mine.
Oh, the deeds forgotten; oh, the works unseen,
every drink of water flowing graciously,
every tender mercy, You’re making glorious.
This You have asked us: do little things with great love,
little things with great love.
At the table of our Savior, no mouth will go unfed;
His children in the shadows stream in and raise their heads.
Oh give us ears to hear them and give us eyes that see —
for there is One who loves them: I am His hands and feet.


Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.
Matthew 5:17-19
‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Today we remember St James Berthieu SJ, a Jesuit martyr. He had lived through many hardships as a missionary in Madagascar at the end of the nineteenth century. Despite challenges, he believed ‘God will give growth in his own time’. Captured by rebels, he died, rather than deny his faith. Are you inspired by the lives of the martyrs? Consider your response to the story of St James.
In this passage, we hear a Jesus we do not often encounter. One who talks about obedience to the law: one who pronounces judgement. What is your response to hearing this?
Perhaps we can return to St James, to a man who found ways to persevere with his mission, maintaining his integrity as a person of faith. Jesus speaks of continuity of God's message.

As you listen to the passage again, be aware of the history and faith tradition that guides you. Thank God for all of those who build you up.
As we draw this prayer time to a close, spend a moment meditating on what this means for you? Talk to Jesus about it…

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.