St Matthew Chapters 1-4: The birth and early life of Jesus

The Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah

Fr Tim Swinglehurst, Episcopal Vicar for Education

The Birth of Jesus the Messiah

Lucy Höllerer, Pupil at St Bede’s & St Joseph’s College, Bradford

The Visit of the Wise Men

Rhiannon Matthews, Student at Leeds Trinity University

The Escape to Egypt

Oliver Connor, Pupil at St Wilfrid’s School, Featherstone

The Massacre of the Infants

Anne Pennock, Parish of St Joseph’s, Wetherby

The Return from Egypt

Charmain Thackray Carr, Parish of Mother of Unfailing Help, Leeds (Cathedral and Holy Rosary)

The Proclamation of John the Baptist
Alison Park, Parish of Mary Mother of God, Bradford

The Baptism of Jesus
Deacon Nick Shields, West Yorkshire Churches Together Coordinator

The Temptation of Jesus
Lizzie Murphy, Pupil at St Wilfrid’s School, Featherstone

Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee
Patrick Ganley, Parish of St Austin’s and English Martyrs, Wakefield

Jesus Calls the First Disciples
Sophie McMullen, Mount St Mary’s School, Leeds

Jesus Ministers to Crowds of People
Jessica Wilkinson, Diocese of Leeds Youth Team

Our Readers reflect …

Lucy Höllerer on The Birth of Jesus (1:18-25)

Who or what in the passage draws your attention?

Joseph had faith that his dream really was a message from God and that he subsequently let it alter his life decisions even though he may’ve faced judgement for doing so.

What do you find most challenging in this passage? 

How willing Joseph was to sacrifice his pride and place his trust completely in Mary.

Which part of this passage brings you encouragement, comfort, or hope? 

If Joseph can find the strength to do God’s will so faithfully, then so can we.

Rhiannon Matthews on the Journey of the Wise Men (2:1-11)

Who or what in the passage draws your attention?

The fear which King Herod has towards the infant Jesus and the lengths he is planning on going to, to get to Him.

What do you find most challenging in this passage? 

I find Herod’s fear quite difficult to understand as how can anyone be so afraid of a baby or be so afraid of Jesus the son of God!

Which part of this passage brings you encouragement, comfort, or hope? 

Once the Wise Men had encountered the infant Jesus, they were just filled with so much joy! It is so important to remember especially in challenging times that we too can experience this joy of Jesus and we too can be completely overwhelmed in this joy and this love through our various encounters with him through prayer and worship.

Nick Shields on Jesus’ Baptism (3:13-17)

Who or what in the passage draws your attention?

Jesus, who takes control of the situation.

What do you find most challenging in this passage? 

The disagreement between Jesus and John, which Jesus decides, but is unresolved:  “let it be so for now…”.

Which part of this passage brings you encouragement, comfort, or hope? 

The appearance of the dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit, breath and messenger of God, and Comforter: who will always remain with us as Paraclete or Counsellor: this must give us hope.