Reflection –
From Rock and keeper of the keys, to ‘Satan! When Peter tries to end Jesus’ talk of dying, he forgets disciples are to follow Jesus – not lead him! ‘Get behind me’ is another translation of how Jesus first called Peter – ‘follow me’. Jesus’ rebuke is also a renewed call to discipleship. Peter is called Satan, because had he succeeded here, he would have done what Satan failed to do at Jesus’ testing in Mathhew 4:1-11.
Mass readings.
22nd Sunday of the Year -Year A, 29th & 30th August 2026
1st Reading: Jeremiah 20:7-9
Responsorial Psalm. For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord, my God.
Second Reading: Romans 12:1-2
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia, May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, enlighten the eyes of our hearts, so that we may know the hope to which he has called us.………… Alleluia
Gospel: Matthew 16:21-27
Important Note: Please scroll within the below window to have access to daily readings for the Holy Catholic Mass. To keep scrolling down Our Lady’s newsletter, just scroll outside the window.
PARISH UPDATES:
Mass Bookings. We invite mass bookings for special intentions, wedding anniversaries, Birthdays, Death anniversaries of our loved ones and general prayers. The mass stipends (Donations) are part of our contribution towards the good of the church and support of our priest. Please use the envelopes at the back of the church and fill out all detals. A minimum of one week’s notice is advised, earlier if possible so we can include in the weekly newsletter on time.
Artwork – The image for today’s newsletter was drawn by parishioner Jorge Kerr. If you would be interested in providing your own artwork for future newsletters appropriate to the reading for a particular week, please get in touch with the communications group at the office e-mail, office.stcuthbertsedinburgh@staned .org.uk
Catechesis – Parents with children who don’t attend catholic school and would like them to receive the sacraments during school term times 2026/27, please register them for catechesis asap using the form at the back of the church. This is applicable to P3 children for Reconciliation, P4 for First Communion, and P7 for Confirmation.
Catechism classes will start soon on Saturdays afternoon, according to demand. Also, if you’d like to join the catechist team please let us know on office.stcuthbertsedinburgh@staned.org.uk.
Publications – There are some back copies of the International Catholic Weekly, (The Tablet) in the porch. Feel free to help yourself to a copy. There are also a small number of Mass cards in the porch for sale.
Archdiocese Updates
Beginning Experience – The Beginning Experience are holding a weekend for those that find themselves suffering bereavement through divorce, separation or widowhood. The weekend will take place from 16th-18th October 2026 at Conforti Centre, Coatbridge. For details, contact Maggie on 07786 687631 or e-mail: beginningexperiencescotland2@gmail.com. Completed applications must be returned by 2nd October 2026.
National Pilgrimage to Whithorn – Mass will be celebrated on the beach on Sunday 30 August at 4:00pm by Bishop Frank Dougan (Galloway Diocese). For those unable to walk to the beach, there will be Mass at 4:45pm in St Martin and St Ninian’s Church, Whithorn, celebrated by Bishop Joseph Toal (Motherwell Diocese).
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – Are you interested in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and want to learn more? Enquire about our training day for assistants on Tuesday 1 September, 10:00am-3:00pm, at St Columba’s, 9 Upper Gray Street, Edinburgh, EH9 1SN – a day to prepare volunteers to be involved prior to undertaking the full training course. Register your interest here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/8RU6YraThh
Altar Servers’ Day – The Annual Day for Altar Servers takes place on Saturday 5 September from 10:30am-3:00pm at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. Please speak to Fr Francis for details.
Season of Creation Conference – A day of inspiration, reflection and practical action to celebrate the Season of Creation. Saturday 5 September, 10:00am – 3:00pm, Eyre Hall, Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4JY. The keynote speaker is Lorna Gold, Executive Director of the Laudato Si’ Movement. Register: bit.ly/SeasonofCreation26
National Pilgrimage to Carfin – Holy Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop William Nolan, joined by Bishops, Priests, Religious and Faithful from across the country. Together we will gather in prayer before Our Lady, asking her intercession for our families, our communities, our nation, and for peace throughout the world. Sunday 6 September at 3:00pm.
Children’s Liturgy Leaders’ Morning – A morning of prayer and reflection for Children’s Liturgy leaders will be held on Saturday 12 September, from 9:00am-midday, at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1EE. The event will begin with Mass in St Margaret’s Chapel, celebrated by Fr Adrian Porter SJ, followed by sessions on reading and reflecting on the Gospels and on personal prayer. Register now at bit.ly/kidliturgyevent
Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage – This year’s pilgrimage takes place on Sunday 20 September at St Patrick’s Church in The Cowgate, Edinburgh. Schedule: 12:30pm – Sale of candles & goods, refreshments; 1:30pm – Holy Hour (exposition and benediction); 3:00pm – Reflection from Canon Jock Dalrymple; 4:30pm – Mass celebrated by Archbishop Cushley (Homilist: Fr Michael John Galbraith).
National Youth Pilgrimage – The National Youth Pilgrimage (for ages 18–35) will take place on Saturday 26 September at Pluscarden Abbey. This year’s focus is on religious and monastic life and will include a tour of the Abbey, a Q&A with the monks, talks on vocation, and a Vigil Mass with Archbishop Cushley. Young people are invited to travel with the Archdiocese. To register please contact youth.office@staned.org.uk.
Poverty in Scotland – can we do more? – An event to dive into the reality of poverty in Scotland. We’ll hear from a range of speakers working on the frontline, discuss what’s being done and explore ways we can do more to help. It’s a chance to connect, share ideas, and spark change. It takes place on Saturday 3 October, 10:30am-4:00pm at, The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Register at bit.ly/povertyinscotland
Archdiocesan events – Events are listed at archedinburgh.org/events
Our Lady’s Offertory Collections.
Last Sunday’s collection: £169
Month total collections (Bank & Cash) £865
Special Collections: £248
Bank Total (month) £812
Mass Bookings.
We are reminded that the booking of mass for our special intentions, wedding anniversaries, Birthday thanksgiving, Death anniversaries of our loved ones and general prayers is highly recommended. The mass stipends (Donations) are part of our contribution towards the good of the church and support of our priest.
MASS TIMINGS
MASS INTENTIONS
MASS DONOR
Wednesday, September 2nd, 10.00am
- Allen Nichols
- Ida Dudgeon
Friday September 4th, 10.00am
- Tom Johnson - RIP
- Frank
Sunday, September 6th, 11.30am
- Per Sviedquist
- John Allan - 2nd Anniversary RIP
- Theresa Scott - Angela Allan
Blessings to you, your families and those who are dear to you in Jesus’ name, Amen.
‘Get behind me, Satan!’
Matthew 16:21-27
Jesus began to make it clear to his disciples that he was destined to go to Jerusalem and suffer grievously at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, to be put to death and to be raised up on the third day. Then, taking him aside, Peter started to remonstrate with him. ‘Heaven preserve you, Lord;’ he said ‘this must not happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my path, because the way you think is not God’s way but man’s.’
Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it. What, then, will a man gain if he wins the whole world and ruins his life? Or what has a man to offer in exchange for his life?
‘For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and, when he does, he will reward each one according to his behaviour.’
Reflection on the painting
‘Get behind me, Satan!’… Probably some of the strongest words Jesus spoke in the Gospels. And he addressed these words to Peter. Just imagine Jesus saying these words to you or to me. We would simply be shocked and absolutely mortified.
So in order to understand what he meant, we need to look a little closer at the context in which Jesus said these words. At the beginning of our Gospel reading, Jesus was outlining what would happen to him: to be put to death and to rise again on the third day. Jesus knew his destiny. Peter, not wanting to see his friend die, was suggesting that Jesus could take an alternative course of action, other than the one that he was destined to fulfil. What Peter was suggesting was for Jesus to go against the will of the Father. Of course Peter did not say this intentionally. It was just his enthusiastic spontaneity getting him into trouble again!
But Jesus took the words of Peter for what they were: suggesting that he should not fulfil his destiny the way it was planned. He therefore took the words of Peter as coming from an ‘adversary’ of God. Again, I have no doubt that Peter didn’t fully understand what he was suggesting. Nonetheless, Peter’s suggestion was in direct opposition to the will of God. The word ‘Satan’ literally means ‘an adversary’. It shows how focussed and accepting Jesus was about what was to happen to him… accepting death on a cross….
Our painting by Carl Bloch shows this resolve and focus of Jesus, casting away Satan. Truly nothing could keep Jesus from fulfilling his mission.