Reflection –
The beginning of sermon three of five in Matthew. It comes right in the middle of the set, and consists of parables – seven of them. In Biblical writings, seven always denotes completion, perfection, so these parables of the kingdom, right in the centre of Matthew, denote a complete teaching about the kingdom of heaven. First up: the parable of the sower, pondering why some people hear the word of God and some do not.
Mass readings.
15th Sunday of the Year – A, July 11th & 12th 2026
1st Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11
Responsorial Psalm. Some seed fell into good soil and yielded its fruit
Second Reading: Romans 8:15-23
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia…The seed is the word of God, Christ the sower; all who find him will live forever. ………… Alleluia
Gospel: Matthew 13:1-23
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:
Sea Sunday – Sea Sunday is today and the Church encourages us to support Stella Maris, a Catholic charity helping seafarers in need, including at port destinations in our Archdiocese. There will be a special collection at all Masses. Read more about its work at: archedinburgh.org/news. If you prefer to donate online please scan the QR code.
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. Please state the church you want mass said and the date. A week’s notice is advised.
Monthly Standing Orders – There are still a small number of parishioners paying a monthly standing order to the Bank of Scotland. As this account is closing this year, it’s important that you transfer your standing order across to the church’s Royal Bank of Scotland account. If you don’t have the details, please contact George, Parish Administrator on office.stcuthbertsedinburgh@staned.org.uk.
Coffee Morning – Please note that there will be teas & coffee after Mass, today, Sunday 12th July.
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.
ARCHDIOCESAN UPDATES
National Youth Pilgrimage – The National Youth Pilgrimage (for ages 18–35) will take place on Saturday 26 September 2026 at Pluscarden Abbey. This year’s pilgrimage will focus 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 or enquire, please contact youth.office@staned.org.uk.
Altar Servers – The Annual Day for Altar Servers takes place on Saturday 5 September from 10:30am to 3:00pm at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. Please speak to Fr [NAME] for details.
March for Life – travel offer – Travel to the March for Life in London for just £40 return. March for Life is the UK’s largest pro-life event, bringing together thousands of people for Mass, inspiring speakers, family and youth activities, and a peaceful march through central London. The Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office is offering a limited number of big-discount return train tickets to this year’s event on Saturday 5 September. Book early to secure your discounted ticket. Go to bit.ly/archtravel
Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage – This year’s pilgrimage takes place on Sunday 20 September at St Patrick’s Church in The Cowgate, Edinburgh. It’s the annual opportunity to come together to pray for the Beatification of the Venerable Margaret Sinclair, entombed in the Sacred Heart chapel at St Patrick’s. 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).
World Youth Day 2027 – World Youth Day takes place in Seoul, South Korea, from 1-9 August 2027. Young adults are invited to travel with the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh: Departure 1 August and return on 9 August 2027. For more information email youth.office@staned.org.uk
Music for the Homeless Jesus – On Monday 17 August with the Schola Cantorum choir of St Mary’s Cathedral. This concert is inspired by Timothy Schmlaz’s ‘Homeless Jesus’ sculpture, located outside St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral. Part of Edinburgh Festival of the Sacred Arts, the evening will contemplate homelessness and marginalisation through a programme of choral music that speaks of mercy, compassion, and hope. Tickets are £15 (£10 child) — book at bit.ly/4wttcCd
Brecbannoch Pilgrimage 2026 – A pilgrimage to pray for the renewal of the Faith in Scotland, from 31 July to 3 August, with a walk across the Isle of Mull, returning the relics of St Columba to Iona. Discounts are available for students and under-22s, and under-5s go free. Visit brecbannoch.co.uk
Season of Creation Conference – A day of inspiration, reflection and practical action to celebrate the Season of Creation. Saturday 5 September 2026, 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
Archdiocesan events – Events are listed at archedinburgh.org/events
Our Lady’s Offertory Collections.
Last Sunday’s collection: £140
Month total collections (Bank & Cash) £140
Special Collections: £228
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, July 15th, 10.00am
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Friday July 17th, 10.00am
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Sunday, July 19th, 11.30am
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Blessings to you, your families and those who are dear to you in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Imagine a sower going out to sow
Matthew 13:1-9
Jesus left the house and sat by the lakeside, but such large crowds gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat there. The people all stood on the beach, and he told them many things in parables.
He said, ‘Imagine a sower going out to sow. As he sowed, some seeds fell on the edge of the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Others fell on patches of rock where they found little soil and sprang up straight away, because there was no depth of earth; but as soon as the sun came up they were scorched and, not having any roots, they withered away. Others fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Others fell on rich soil and produced their crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Listen, anyone who has ears!’
Reflection on the painting
What I like about today’s painting is the artist’s focus on the actual seeds rather than the fields or the sower. The painting emphasises the seeds as they fall from Christ’s hand, drawing our attention directly to the act of planting. This choice of illustrating highlights the significance of the seeds, which symbolise the Word of God, rather than risking the viewer’s distraction by any of the surrounding elements.
In Christ’s parable, the seeds represent the Word of God and the ground symbolises the hearts of those who hear it. For our hearts to be fertile soil, we must make room for the Word of God. If our hearts are hard like stone, the seeds will not take root and will be eaten by birds, failing to produce any fruit. The artist includes subtle touches, such as the symbol of the fish among the sown seeds, reminding us that once we embrace the Word, we must also become fishers and sowers, spreading the good news of Christ.
Seeds need to germinate and be nurtured to produce fruit, and similarly, the Word of God requires time and patience to grow within us. For a seed to take root, it must shed its shell and expose itself to the richness of the soil. This takes time. The reading highlights the importance of cultivating a receptive and fertile heart for the Word of God to take root and flourish.
