Churches of the Day
Pictorial Thought for Today
Jan 25 - The Conversion of St Paul (4 BC - 64 AD)
Summary: Conversion of Paul, persecutor, Apostle. This date was first linked with the conversion of Saint Paul when in the so-called Martyrdom of Jerome (c. 431), became established in the liturgy of Gaul. It celebrates the work of God's grace at a major turning point in the life of Paul himself and in the history of the infant Church.
Patrick Duffy recalls his conversion and his career as an apostle.
St Paul : the Apostles of the Gentiles.
Most of what we know about Paul comes from the Acts of the Apostles and from the letters he wrote to the communities he had evangelised or was in contact with.
He was a native of Tarsus in Cilicia (present-day south-east Turkey) and he trained as a Jewish rabbi under the distinguished teacher Gamaliel, probably in Jerusalem. He also learned the trade of tent-maker and was a Roman citizen.
Conversion
On his way from Jerusalem to Damascus in a campaign to stamp out the Christian movement, Paul was thrown from his horse (<<image left) is from St Paul's Missionary Seminary, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria) and had a sudden and radical conversion experience. This caused him to withdraw to Arabia for three years. He returned to Damascus, where he received instruction from the Christians he had gone there to harm. He then went briefly to Jerusalem to meet with Peter and James. This gave him initial recognition and he went back for some time to his home town of Tarsus.
First Missionary Journey
Paul then moved to Antioch in Syria from where he and Barnabas went to Cyprus and Asia Minor on a missionary journey (Acts 13-14). It was as a result of their experience on this journey that the controversy arose about having Gentiles circumcised on their conversion to Christianity. Paul maintained there was no need for this and refused to have Titus, who was a Gentile, circumcised. The issue was finally resolved at the Council of Jerusalem, with a decision not to impose circumcision on Gentile converts (Acts 15).
Second Missionary Journey
Paul's second missionary journey was with Silas and Timothy through Galatia, Troas, Philippi, Athens and Corinth and back through Ephesus to Jerusalem (Acts 16-18:22).
Third Missionary Journey
The third journey would have brought Paul again through Galatia to Ephesus and Troas and again into Greece passing back via Ephesus to Jerusalem (Acts 18:23-21:26).
Journey to Rome
It was at Jerusalem that some Jews from Asia Minor saw Paul and stirred up the crowd against him so that the Roman soldiers had to take him into protective custody. They brought him to the Roman governor Felix at Caesarea. Here he was kept for two years, until a new governor, Festus, took over. When the Jews again pressed Festus, who was inclined to favour the Jews, for Paul to be brought to Jerusalem, Paul appealed to Caesar and so was put aboard a ship to Rome. After shipwreck in Malta, they eventually reached Rome where he seems to have lived for some time - possibly up to two years - under house arrest (Acts 21:27-end). He may at this time have gone back to the churches in Greece and Asia Minor or even to Spain.
Execution and Death
The events surrounding Paul's death are uncertain. Kept under house arrest and then released, the tradition is that he was eventually beheaded at Tre Fontane in 64 or 65 AD near where the Basilica of St Paul outside the Walls in Rome now stands.
In 2006, Vatican archaeologists discovered a sarcophagus believed to be his under the altar in the basilica, further investigations are pending.
Paul's Vision of Christianity
Two central aspects Paul's vision of Christianity can be seen from:
his refusal against the Judaising party to force new converts from paganism to be circumcised; he wanted to ensure that Christianity would be a universalist not an exclusivist religion;
and
his vision of how the religious world was changed through Jesus: justification comes through faith in Jesus and not through adherence the Mosaic Code or human good works.
These radical views gave Paul a standing and a boldness that enabled him to stand up to and correct even Peter when he was, as Paul said, "manifestly in the wrong" (pussyfooting with exclusivism - Galatians 2:1-14) and to bring his mission through Asia Minor, Greece and Rome.
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Patrick Duffy recalls his conversion and his career as an apostle.
St Paul : the Apostles of the Gentiles.
Most of what we know about Paul comes from the Acts of the Apostles and from the letters he wrote to the communities he had evangelised or was in contact with.
He was a native of Tarsus in Cilicia (present-day south-east Turkey) and he trained as a Jewish rabbi under the distinguished teacher Gamaliel, probably in Jerusalem. He also learned the trade of tent-maker and was a Roman citizen.
Conversion
On his way from Jerusalem to Damascus in a campaign to stamp out the Christian movement, Paul was thrown from his horse (<<image left) is from St Paul's Missionary Seminary, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria) and had a sudden and radical conversion experience. This caused him to withdraw to Arabia for three years. He returned to Damascus, where he received instruction from the Christians he had gone there to harm. He then went briefly to Jerusalem to meet with Peter and James. This gave him initial recognition and he went back for some time to his home town of Tarsus.First Missionary Journey
Paul then moved to Antioch in Syria from where he and Barnabas went to Cyprus and Asia Minor on a missionary journey (Acts 13-14). It was as a result of their experience on this journey that the controversy arose about having Gentiles circumcised on their conversion to Christianity. Paul maintained there was no need for this and refused to have Titus, who was a Gentile, circumcised. The issue was finally resolved at the Council of Jerusalem, with a decision not to impose circumcision on Gentile converts (Acts 15).Second Missionary Journey
Paul's second missionary journey was with Silas and Timothy through Galatia, Troas, Philippi, Athens and Corinth and back through Ephesus to Jerusalem (Acts 16-18:22).
Third Missionary Journey
The third journey would have brought Paul again through Galatia to Ephesus and Troas and again into Greece passing back via Ephesus to Jerusalem (Acts 18:23-21:26).
Journey to Rome
It was at Jerusalem that some Jews from Asia Minor saw Paul and stirred up the crowd against him so that the Roman soldiers had to take him into protective custody. They brought him to the Roman governor Felix at Caesarea. Here he was kept for two years, until a new governor, Festus, took over. When the Jews again pressed Festus, who was inclined to favour the Jews, for Paul to be brought to Jerusalem, Paul appealed to Caesar and so was put aboard a ship to Rome. After shipwreck in Malta, they eventually reached Rome where he seems to have lived for some time - possibly up to two years - under house arrest (Acts 21:27-end). He may at this time have gone back to the churches in Greece and Asia Minor or even to Spain.
Execution and DeathThe events surrounding Paul's death are uncertain. Kept under house arrest and then released, the tradition is that he was eventually beheaded at Tre Fontane in 64 or 65 AD near where the Basilica of St Paul outside the Walls in Rome now stands.
In 2006, Vatican archaeologists discovered a sarcophagus believed to be his under the altar in the basilica, further investigations are pending.
Paul's Vision of Christianity
Two central aspects Paul's vision of Christianity can be seen from:
his refusal against the Judaising party to force new converts from paganism to be circumcised; he wanted to ensure that Christianity would be a universalist not an exclusivist religion;
and
his vision of how the religious world was changed through Jesus: justification comes through faith in Jesus and not through adherence the Mosaic Code or human good works.
These radical views gave Paul a standing and a boldness that enabled him to stand up to and correct even Peter when he was, as Paul said, "manifestly in the wrong" (pussyfooting with exclusivism - Galatians 2:1-14) and to bring his mission through Asia Minor, Greece and Rome.
He deserves his title: "Apostle of the Gentiles".
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Memorable words for today
W e are converted many times in our lives,
and this endless series of conversions and inner revolutions
leads to our transformation.
~ Thomas Merton ~
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Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 25th January, 2026
- 25th Jan 2026 -
Third Sunday of Ordinary Time: Year A ; St Matthew
Sunday of the Word of God
Catholic Schools Week begins today.
The semi-continuous reading of St Matthew's Gospel begins this Sunday and deals with the call of the first disciples by Jesus. The scriptures are fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus. His call to repentance is urgent because the Kingdom of heaven is close at hand.
FIRST READING
A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah 8:23-9:3
In Galilee of the nations the people have seen a great light.
In days past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in days to come he will confer glory on the Way of the Sea on the far side of Jordan, province of the nations.
The people that walked in darkness has seen a great light; on those who live in a land of deep shadow a light has shone.
You have made their gladness greater, you have made their joy increase; they rejoice in your presence as men rejoice at harvest time, as men are happy when they are dividing the spoils.
For the yoke that was weighing on him, the bar across his shoulders,
the rod of his oppressor, these you break as on the day of Midian.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Responsorial Psalm Ps 26:1, 4, 13-14. R/v 1
Response The Lord is my light and my help.
1. The Lord is my light and my help; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; before whom shall I shrink? Response
2. There is one thing I ask of the Lord, for this I long,
to live in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life,
to savour the sweetness of the Lord, to behold his temple. Response
3. I am sure I shall see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living.
Hope in him, hold firm and take heart. Hope in the Lord! Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to Corinthians 1:10-13. 17
Make up the difference between you instead of disagreeing among yourselves.
I appeal to you, brothers, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, to make up the differences between you, and instead of disagreeing among yourselves, to be united again in your belief and practice. From what Chloe's people have been telling me, my dear brothers, it is clear that there are serious differences among you. What I mean are all these slogans that you have, like: 'I am for Paul,' 'I am for Apollos,' 'I am for Cephas,' 'I am for Christ'. Has Christ been parcelled out? Was it Paul that was crucified for you? Were you baptised in the name of Paul?
For Christ did not send me to baptise, but to preach the Good News, and not to preach that in the terms of philosophy in which the crucifixion of Christ cannot be expressed.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Gospel Acclamation Mt 4:23
Alleluia, alleluia!
Jesus proclaimed the Good News of the kingdom,
and cured all kinds of sickness among the people.
Alleluia!
or Jn 1:14
Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessings on the King who comes, in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens!
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew 4:12-23 Glory to you, O Lord
Jesus went and settled in Capernaum: in this way the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled.
Hearing that John had been arrested Jesus went back to Galilee, and leaving Nazareth he went and settled in Capernaum, a lakeside town on the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali. In this way the prophecy of Isaiah was to be fulfilled: 'Land of Zebulun! Land of Naphtali! Way of the Sea on the far side of Jordan, Galilee of the nations! The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light; on those who dwell in the land and shadow of death a light has dawned.'
From that moment Jesus began his preaching with the message,
'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.'
As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast in the lake with their net, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, 'Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.' And they left their nets at once and followed him. Going on from there he saw another pair of brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they were in their boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. At once, leaving the boat and their father, they followed him.
Going on from there he saw another pair of brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they were in their boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. At once leaving the boat and their father, they followed him.
He went round the whole of Galilee teaching in their synagogue proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing all kinds diseases and sickness among the people.
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
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Shorter form of the GOSPEL
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew 4:12-23
Theme: Jesus went and settled in Capernaum: in this way the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled
Hearing that John had been arrested Jesus went back to Galilee,
and leaving Nazareth he went and settled in Capernaum, a lakeside town on the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali. In this way the prophecy of Isaiah was to be fulfilled:'Land of Zebulun! Land of Naphtali! Way of the sea on the far side of Jordan, Galilee of the nations! The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light; on those who dwell in the land and shadow of death a light has dawned.'
From that moment Jesus began his preaching with the message, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand'.
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
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The scripture readings are taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and used with permission of the publishers.
For homily resources for this Sunday's Gospel click here: https://www.catholicireland.net/sunday-homily/
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Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 25th January, 2026
CÉAD LÉACHTSliocht as an Leabhar Íseáia, fáidh 8:23-9:3
I nGailíl na gciníocha chonaic an pobal solas mór.
San am atá thart thug sé béim síos do thír Zabúlun agus do thír Naftáilí, ach san amatá ag teacht ardóidh sé bealach na farraige, an taobh thall den Iordáin, Gailíl nagciníocha.
An pobal a bhí ag siúl sa dorchadas, chonaic siad solas mór;agus ar mhuintir na tíre gruama tá solas ag lonrú.
Chuir tú go mór lena n-áthas, mheadaigh tú ar a lúcháir;
tá siad ag déanamh gairdis os do chomhair,
mar a dhéanann in aimsir an fhómhair,
amhail an gairdeas lena roinntear an chreach.
Óir an chuing a bhí anuas orthu, an choirb ar a nguaillí,
agus slat an aintiarna, déanann tú smionagar díobh mar a rinne tú lá Midian
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 26; 1, 4, 13-14. R/v 1
Freagra Is é an Tiarna mo sholas is mo shlánú.
1. Is é an Tiarna mo sholas is mo shlánú.: cé a chuirfidh eagla orm?
Is é an Tiarna dúnáras me bheatha: cé a chuirfidh ar crith me? Freagra
2. Aon ní amhain a iarraim ar an Tiarna, eilím é seo:
bheith i mo chónaí i dteach an Tiarna fad a bheidh mé beo,
chun go mblaisfinn aoibhneas an Tiarna agus go bhfeicfinn a theampall. Freagra
3. Creidim go bhfeicfidh mé maitheas an Tiarna, i dtír na mbeo.
Fan leis an Tiarna; bí cróga; bíodh do chroí go tréan is fan leis an Tiarna. Freagra
DARA LÉACHT
Sliocht as céad Litir Naomh Pól chuig na Coirintigh 1:10-13. 17
Impím oraibh, a bhráithre, in ainm ár dTiarna Íosa Críost, sibh go léir a bheith ar aon fhocal agus gan aon siosmaí a bheith eadraibh, ach sibh a bheith dlúite le chéile ar aon aigne agus ar aon intinn. Mar tá sé curtha ar mo shúile dom ag muintir Chlóé, a bhráithre, go mbíonn sibh in achrann le chéile. Is é atá i gceist agam go mbíonn gach duine agaibh á rá:
“leanaimse Pól,” nó “leanaimse Apollós,” nó “leanaimse Céafas,” nó “leanaimse Críost.”
An amhlaidh atá Críost roinnte ina choda? An é Pól a céasadh ar an gcrois ar bhur son?
An in ainm Phóil a baisteadh sibh?
Mar ní ag baisteadh a chuir Críost uaidh mé ach ag fógairt an dea-scéil agus é a dhéanamh gan dul i muinín
eagna urlabhra ar eagla cros Chríost a choilleadh.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Alleluia Véarsa Mth 4: 23
Alleluia, alleluia!
D'fógair Íosa Dea-Scéal na ríochta, agus leigheas sé gach galar
agus gach éagruas i measc an phobail.
Alleluia!
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha 4:12-23 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Chuir sé faoi i gCafarnáum chun go gcomhlíonfaí a ndúradh trí Íseáia fáidh.
Nuair a chuala Íosa go raibh Eoin tugtha ar láimh, chuaigh sé i leataobh go dtí an Ghailíl. D’fhág sé Nazarat agus chuir faoi i gCafarnáum cois na farraige, i gcríocha Zabúlun agus Naftáilím chun go gcomhlíonfaí a ndúradh trí Íseáia fáidh:
“Talamh Zabúlun, talamh Naftáilím, bóthar na farraige, an taobh eile den Iordáin,
Gailíl na gciníocha, an pobal a bhí ina suí sa dorchadas, chonaic siad solas mór,
an mhuintir a chónaigh i dtír scáilmhear an bháis, d’éirigh solas chucu.”
Ón am sin amach, thosaigh Íosa ag seanmóir agus ag rá:“Déanaigí aithrí, mar tá ríocht na bhflaitheas in achmaireacht.”
Ag siúl dó cois farraige na Gailíle, chonaic sé beirt dearthár, Síomón ar a dtugtar Peadar agus Aindrias a dheartháir, ag caitheamh eangacha san fharraige, mar iascairí a bhí iontu. Labhair sé leo:
“Tagaigí i mo dhiaidh, agus déanfaidh mé iascairí ar dhaoine díbh.”
D’fhág siad na líonta láithreach agus lean siad é.
Bhuail sé ar aghaidh, agus chonaic sé beirt dearthár eile, Séamas mac Zeibidé agus Eoin a dheartháir: bhí siad sa bhád in éineacht lena n-athair, Zeibidé, ag cóiriú a gcuid líonta; agus ghlaoigh sé iad.
D’fhág siad an bád agus a n-athair láithreach agus lean siad é.
Agus ghabh Íosa ar fud na Gailíle go léir, ag teagasc sna sionagóga, ag fógairt
dea-scéil na ríochta, agus ag leigheas gach galar agus gach éagruas i measc an phobail.
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
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Malairt SOISCÉAL gearr
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha 4:12-17
Chuir sé faoi i gCafarnáum chun go gcomhlíonfaí a ndúradh trí Íseáia fáidh.
Nuair a chuala Íosa go raibh Eoin tugtha ar láimh, chuaigh sé i leataobh go dtí an Ghailíl. D’fhág sé Nazarat agus chuir faoi i gCafarnáum cois na farraige, i gcríocha Zabúlun agus Naftáilím chun go gcomhlíonfaí a ndúradh trí Íseáia fáidh:
“Talamh Zabúlun, talamh Naftáilím,
bóthar na farraige, an taobh eile den Iordáin, Gailíl na gciníocha,an pobal a bhí ina suí sa dorchadas, chonaic siad solas mór,
an mhuintir a chónaigh i dtír scáilmhear an bháis, d’éirigh solas chucu.”
Ón am sin amach, thosaigh Íosa ag seanmóir agus ag rá:
“Déanaigí aithrí, mar tá ríocht na bhflaitheas in achmaireacht.”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 1st February, 2026
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Jesus revealed the Beatitudes himself as his and his Father's, secret of happiness.
Jesus invites us to watch they was lived out in his life.
Saint of the Day, in Ireland, Feb 1 St Brigid, Abbess, Secondary Patron of Ireland
C/f A short life of this saint can be found below todays' Readings and Reflection.
FIRST READING
A reading from the book of the Prophet Zephaniah 2:3. 3:12-13
In your midst I will leave a humble and lowly people.
Seek the Lord, all you, the humble of the earth, who obey his commands.
Seek integrity, seek humility: you may perhaps find shelter
on the day of the anger of the Lord.
In your midst I will leave a humble and lowly people, and those who are left in Israel will seek refuge in the name of the Lord.
They will do no wrong, will tell no lies; and the perjured tongue will no longer be found in their mouths.
But they will be able to graze and rest with no one to disturb them.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 145: 7-10 R/v Mat 5:3
Response How happy are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
1. It is the Lord who keeps faith for ever, who is just to those who are oppressed.
It is he who gives bread to the hungry, the Lord, who sets prisoners free. Response
2. It is the Lord who gives sight to the blind, who raises up those who are bowed down,
the Lord, who protects the stranger and upholds the widow and orphan. Response
3. It is the Lord who loves the just but thwarts the path of the wicked.
The Lord will reign for ever, Zion's God, from age to age. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians 1:26-31
God chose what is foolish by human reckoning.
Take yourselves, brothers, at the time when you were called: how many of you were wise in the ordinary sense of the word, how many were influential people, or came from noble families? No, it was to shame the wise that God chose what is foolish by human reckoning, and to shame what is strong that he chose what is weak by human reckoning; those whom the world thinks common and contemptible are the ones that God has chosen - those who are nothing at all to show up those who are everything. The human race has nothing to boast about to God, but you, God have made members of Christ Jesus and by God's doing he has become our wisdom, and our virtue, and our holiness, and our freedom.
As scripture says: 'If anyone wants to boast, let him boast about the Lord.'
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation Mt 11:25
Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to mere children.
Alleluia!
or Mt 5: 12
Alleluia, alleluia!
Rejoice and be glad: your reward will be great in Heaven.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew 5:1-12 Glory to you, O Lord
'How happy are the poor in spirit.
Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples.
Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:
'How blessed are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the gentle: they shall have the earth for their heritage.
Blessed are those who mourn: they shall be comforted.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for what is right: they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them.
Blessed are the pure in heart: they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted in the cause of right: theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
'Blessed are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven; this is how they persecuted the prophets before you.
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
The scripture readings are taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and used with permission of the publishers.
For homily resources for this Sunday's Gospel click here: https://www.catholicireland.net/sunday-homily/
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Saint of the Day, Feb 1 St Brigid, Abbess, Secondary Patron of Ireland
C/f A short life of this saint can be found below todays' Readings and Reflection.
Bridget patroness of those who have a care for the earth, for justice, equality and peace and also model for contemplative prayer.
Brigidine Sister Rita Minehan profiles St Brigid here as a model for contemplative prayer.
A great resurgence of interest in all aspects of our Celtic heritage is leading many individuals and groups to rediscover - and draw inspiration from - the lives of the early Irish saints. St Brigid, the patroness of Ireland, is emerging as one whose life has relevance and inspiration for us as we try to face the issues that confront our country and our world at this time. When we look at the life of Brigid and at some of these issues we can see more clearly why she continues to be relevant to us today. (The image left is of Brigid with lepers, taken from the mosaic in Armagh Cathedral.)Carer of the Earth
The feast of St Brigid on the 1st of February is a celebration of the wonderful springing back of the earth from its winter sleep. It is the season when we celebrate new beginnings and new life on earth. The sod is turned. The day lengthens. Seeds are sown and sails are hoisted.
Many of the stories about Brigid tell of her milking the cows, churning the milk, making up the firkins of butter, shepherding her flocks of sheep, helping with the harvest and even brewing the ale! Brigid, in keeping with her Celtic traditions, was wonderfully attuned to the seasons and cycles of nature. She valued the elements of nature: earth, air, fire and water.
Light the Fire
Today, we are becoming more aware of the fragility of our planet. Lands are becoming barren, skies fouled, waters poisoned. Many individuals and groups concerned about the environment draw inspiration from the reverence and respect which Brigid had for the land. She is often referred to as the' Saint of Agriculture.' In a new hymn, composed by Fr Liam Lawton, Brigid is invoked 'to heal our wounds and green our earth again.'
"A Life of Brigid" (Vita Brigitae), composed by Cogitosus about 650 AD, places great emphasis on Brigid's faith, her healing powers, her hospitality, her generosity, her great skill with animals, and her compassion for the poor and the oppressed. Twenty three of the thirty two chapters tell of her extraordinary concern for the poor. One of the Brigidine legends illustrates this very effectively.
Woman of Compassion
One day when Brigid was on a long journey she stopped to rest by the wayside. A rich lady heard about this and brought her a beautiful basket of choice apples. No sooner had she received them than a group of very poor people came by and begged her for food. Without a moment's hesitation, Brigid gave them the choice apples. The rich lady was utterly disgusted and she complained to Brigid, "I brought those apples for you, not for them." Brigid's reply was: "What is mine is theirs." This Brigidine legend poses a challenge to all of us in terms of our world today, where forty-five thousand people die from hunger and hunger-related diseases every day and where twenty percent of the population own and consume about eighty percent of the earth's resources. The poverty gap continues to widen both within and between countries, as the rich grow richer and the poor grow poorer. This legend challenges us to work for a more equitable distribution of the world's resources.
Model of Equality
It is generally accepted that Brigid established her abbey and church in Kildare around 480 AD, on the site now occupied by St Brigid's Cathedral. Brigid held a unique position in the Irish Church and society of her day. As Abbess, she presided over the local Church of Kildare and was leader of a double monastery for men and women.Tradition suggests that she invited Conleth, a hermit from Old Connell near Newbridge, to assist her in Kildare. Cogitosus tells us that 'they governed their Church by means of a mutually happy alliance.'
What emerges from many of these stories and legends about Brigid is the portrait of a strong and gentle woman, a powerful leader, a good organiser, a skillful healer and a wise spiritual guide. Brigid has become - for men as well as women - a potent symbol of Christian womanhood, showing us in so many different ways the feminine face of God.
Woman of Peace
There was no lack of domestic strife in the Ireland of Brigid's day, where feuds between clans were commonplace. She is often depicted as a peacemaker who intervened in disputes between rival factions and brought healing and reconciliation. Folklorists tell us that in some parts of Ireland a St Brigid's cross was often used as a token of goodwill between neighbours, indicating a desire for peace and friendship after a local quarrel.
One of the best-known stories associated with St Brigid is that of her giving away her father's precious sword to a poor man so that he could barter it for food to feed his family. Thus, a sword, a weapon of war, was transformed into a life-giving instrument. This story offers an important lesson for our world today where every minute thirteen million pounds is being spent on weapons of war. One wonders what links Brigid would make today between the massive expenditure on arms and the welfare of the poor people of the world?
Woman of Contemplation
Brigid emerges as a woman of action in the stories, legends and poems about her. If one, however, were to seek the source from which she drew her strength and energy, one could probably find the answer in this story.
One day, St Brendan the Navigator stood on a cliff top and watched two whales engaging in fierce combat. Suddenly, the smaller whale, in a human voice, cried out for help not to Brendan but to Brigid, who was not even present. The cry was answered immediately, and the combat ceased. Brendan was puzzled as to why he had been ignored. 'Do you always think about God?' asked Brigid, when the two met. 'Yes,' replied Brendan, 'except at times when my boat is caught in a storm at sea and I have to concentrate on keeping it afloat.' 'That's the explanation,' Brigid answered. 'From the moment I first knew God I have never let him out of my mind, and I never shall.'
An old Irish poem, written in the seventh century, speaks of her contemplation of the Trinity:
Deeper than the seas,
Greater than words can express,
Three persons in one only God;
Overflowing with wonder.'
Woman of Inspiration
Even today, poets, writers and artists still find inspiration in the symbols, customs and folklore surrounding Brigid. One writer recently referred to her as 'the woman who, above all others, embodies the spirit of pre-Christian and Christian Ireland'.
In a beautiful leadlight window in Kildare College Chapel, Holden Hill, South Australia, the artist depicts Brigid dancing the dance of the new life of creation, carrying the Spirit of Jesus into the twenty-first century.
Many of the values associated with Brigid are captured in this delightful poem:
Lady, from winters dark,
Star of Imbolc, rise!
Dance around our threshold,
Scattering warm laughter,
Seeds of hospitality,
Tolerance, forgiveness!
Return again to the folk;
You the spring we yearn for!
What a lovely image to carry with us into the future!
This article first appeared in The Messenger (February 2002), a publication of the Irish Jesuits. c/f c/f www.messenger.ie/bookshop/
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Memorable Irish Proverbs for today
I should like a great lake of ale, for the King of Kings.
I should like the family of heaven to be drinking it through time eternal.
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 1st February, 2026
CÉAD LÉACHT Sliocht as an Leabhar Sófania, fáidh. 2:3. 3:12-13
Fágfaidh mé pobal bocht uiríseal i do lár.
Lorgaigí an Tiarna, sibhse uile, a dhaoine uirísle na tíre, a chomhlíonann a reacht.
Lorgaigí an fhíréantacht, lorgaigí an uirísle;
b’fhéidir go bhfaigheadh sibh dídean ar lá dhíbheirg an Tiarna.
Fágfaidh mé pobal bocht uiríseal i do lár agus lorgfaidh fuílleach Iosrael dídean in ainm an Tiarna.
Ní dhéanfaidh siad aon éigeart, ní mó ná a inseoidh siad bréaga,
agus ní bhfaighfear teanga chealgach ina mbéal.
Is ea, iníorfaidh siad agus ligfidh siad a scíth, agus ní chuirfidh aon duine isteach orthu feasta.”
Salm le Freagra Sm 145: 7-10 R/v Mat 5:3
Freagra Is méanar dóibh seo atá bocht ó spiorad, óir is leo ríocht na bhflaitheas.
I. An té a sheasann lena bhriathar de shíor, agus a dhéanann ceart don drong atá faoi chois,
is é a thugann bia don ocrach: is é an Tiarna a scaoileann na braighdeanaigh. Freagra
2. Osclaíonn sé súile na ndall, tógann sé suas an dream atá crom.
Cumhdaíonn an Tiarna an coimhthíoch, déanann tacaíocht don dílleachta is don bhaintreach. Freagra
3. Tugann an Tiarna grá don fhíréan, ach cuireann sé slí na bpeacach trí chéile.
Beidh an Tiarna i réim go brách, ina Dhia, a Síón, ó ghlúin go glúin. Freagra
DARA LÉACHT
Sliocht as céad Litir Naomh Pól chuig na Coirintigh 1:26-31
Thogh Dia nithe laga an tsaoil chun na nithe láidre a náiriú.
Breathnaígí ar bhur nglao, a bhráithre, agus a laghad agaibh a bhí eagnaí de réir chaighdeán an tsaoil, ná ceannasach ná uasal. Ach thogh Dia nithe díchéillí an tsaoil chun lucht na heagna a náiriú. Thogh Dia nithe laga an tsaoil chun na nithe láidre a náiriú. Thogh Dia nithe uirísle agus nithe suaracha an tsaoil agus nithe nach bhfuil ann chun na nithe atá ann a chur ar neamhní, ionas nach ndéanfadh daonnaí ar bith maíomh I bhfianaise Dé. Eisean a bheir daoibhse bheith in Íosa Críost an té a ndearna Dia eagna de dúinne, agus fíréantacht agus naofacht agus fuascailt. Dá réir sin, mar atá scríofa: “An té a bhfuil mórtas air, bíodh a mhórtas as an Tiarna aige.”Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Alleluia Véarsa Eo 15: 15
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thug mé cairde oraibh, a deir an Tiarna,
óir gach a gcuala ó m’Athair, chuir mé in iúl daoibh é.
Alleluia!
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha, 5:1-12 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Is méanar dóibh seo atá bocht ó spiorad.
Nuair a chonaic sé na sluaite, chuaigh sé an sliabh suas. Shuigh Íosa síos agus tháinig a
dheisceabail chuige. Thosaigh sé ag caint leo á dteagasc agus dúirt:
“Is méanar dóibh seo atá bocht ó spiorad, óir is leo ríocht na bhflaitheas.
“Is méanar do lucht an dobróin, óir sólásófar iad.
“Is méanar dóibh seo atá ceansa, óir gheobhaidh siad an talamh mar oidhreacht.
“Is méanar dóibh seo a bhfuil ocras agus tart chun na fíréantachta orthu, óir sásófar iad.
“Is méanar do lucht na trócaire, óir déanfar trócaire orthu.
“Is méanar dóibh seo atá glan ó chroí, óir feicfidh siad Dia.
“Is méanar do lucht síochána a dhéanamh, óir glaofar clann Dé orthu.
“Is méanar dóibh seo a d’fhulaing géarleanúint mar gheall ar an bhfíréantacht, óir is leo ríocht na bhflaitheas.
“Is méanar daoibh féin nuair a thabharfar aithis daoibh agus a ghéarleanfar sibh, agus nuair a chuirfear gach sórt drochrud in bhur leith go bréagach mar gheall ormsa.
“Bíodh áthas oraibh agus gairdeas, mar is mór é bhur dtuarastal ar neamh; óir is mar sin a rinneadh géarleanúint ar na fáithe a chuaigh romhaibh.
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
