Diocese of Paisley Spiritual Reflections

Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, honouring the two great apostles who helped lay the foundations of the Church.  In this reflection, we imagine a conversation between Peter and Paul in Antioch as they reflect on their mission, their differences, and their shared faith in Christ.

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life. Watch our reflection about Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist.

The Solemnity of Pentecost marks the end of the Easter season. Listen to our Pentecost reflection on the power of God’s presence in our lives.  Come, Holy Spirit.

Today is a Holy day of obligation as we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord. Join us in this reflection as we celebrate this holy day. 🙏 #catholicchurch #dioceseofpaisley #Jesus #ascension #holydayofobligation

We rejoice in the victory of the Risen Lord. Do take a moment to watch this reflection from Bishop John on the joy of Easter. See the video version of this reflection on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8GDLuddMuJ4 .

Happy Easter from everyone in the Communications Commission! He is Risen, Alleluia! See the video version of this reflection on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/UVSYt_1r7oU .

On this Holy Saturday, the Church waits in stillness. Watch this reflection as we enter into this day of silence, waiting, and hope. See the video version of this reflection on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/XR0HjPkm67w .

In this Good Friday reflection, we contemplate the mystery of the Cross which we venerate with gratitude, remembering that through His sacrifice, we are never alone in our own suffering. See the video version of this reflection on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/BzG7C4muyO8 .

In this Holy Thursday reflection, we encounter Christ in His humanity, sorrowful, afraid, and in deep anguish as He prays in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Gethsemane reminds us that prayer is not a sign of weakness, but the source of our strength. See the video version of this reflection on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/DVJzQGPGyys .

In this seventh reflection on the Seven Last Words of Christ, we hear Jesus say: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." In these final words, Jesus entrusts Himself completely to the Father. They are not spoken in fear or despair, but in trust, obedience, and peace. See the video version of this reflection on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/qoXXPNvrcv8 .

In this sixth reflection on the Seven Last Words of Christ, we hear Jesus say: "It is finished." These words do not speak of defeat, but of fulfilment. Jesus completes the mission entrusted to Him by the Father. This Lent, we are invited to reflect on our own calling, and to ask for the grace to remain faithful in the tasks entrusted to us, even in the face of difficulty. See the video version of...

In this fifth reflection on the Seven Last Words of Christ, we hear Jesus say: "I thirst." Jesus does not hide from His pain, but enters it completely, showing the full reality of His humanity. This thirst speaks of more than physical need. It points to a deeper longing: a thirst for God, for truth, and for salvation. This Lent, we are invited to reflect on our own longing for God, and how we resp...

In this fourth reflection on the Seven Last Words of Christ, we hear Jesus cry out from the cross: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?". In this moment, Jesus enters fully into the depth of human suffering. This Lent, may we take comfort in knowing that Christ meets us in our darkest moments, and that even our cries can become prayer. See the video version of this reflection on our YouTube...

In this third reflection on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Jesus entrusts His mother to the beloved disciple: "Woman, behold your son…behold your Mother." At the foot of the cross, Mary’s love remains steadfast in the face of suffering. We are invited to entrust ourselves to her care and to reflect on how we are called to love one another with the same faithfulness. See the video version of this...

In this second reflection on the Seven Last Words of Christ, we hear Jesus’ promise to the good thief: "Today you will be with me in paradise." In this moment, Christ reveals that salvation is given as a gift of grace. This reflection invites us to trust in God’s mercy, even in our weakness, and to recognise that it is never too late to turn to Him.  See the video version of this reflection on our...

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." We begin a seven-part Lenten devotion with Bishop John, reflecting on the Seven Last Words of Christ. In this first part, we are invited to contemplate the depth of Christ’s mercy, even in the midst of suffering, and to consider how we are called to forgive in our own lives. See the video version of this reflection on our YouTube channel here...

Join us in prayer as we journey through the Stations of the Cross, reflecting on the Passion and death of Jesus Christ. Led by Bishop John Keenan, each station invites us into a moment of stillness, contemplation, and prayer. Through scripture, reflection, and sacred imagery, we walk the path to the cross together. May this time of prayer draw you closer to Christ, deepen your faith, and open your...

"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word from the mouth of God." View the video for this reflection on the Diocese of Paisley YouTube channel .

During Lent we are called to spend time in prayer with the Lord. Watch this reflection with Father Ryan and think about some of the simple ways you can make time for prayer this Lent.

Sharing our sorrow with God isn’t new, and it isn’t a failure of faith. Join Bishop John for a Lenten reflection on lament in Scripture and what it means to cry out to the Lord. View the video for this reflection on the Diocese of Paisley YouTube channel .

Reflection with Father Ryan Black: When we receive ashes and hear the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” we are reminded in the simplest way of our need for God and His mercy. View the video for this reflection on the Diocese of Paisley YouTube channel .

On this solemnity of the Epiphany, we celebrate the arrival of the Magi to the Christ Child. As you watch this reflection, ask yourself, what star is God using to draw us closer to Him? View the video for this reflection on the Diocese of Paisley YouTube channel .

Our series concludes with Bishop John reflecting on Christmas.

Join Bishop John as he explores the Advent theme of love and what it means to love others with generosity and compassion.