It is a matter of priorities. The woman was healed on a Sabbath - a day when no work should be done. Except - the Torah, the holy law of the jews, has many exceptions and caring for the sick is certainly one of those exceptions! The over zealous application of rules was leading to the woman being denied the help she needed - Jesus clearly has other priorities!

In our time we also have choices to make, setting priorities in life. For example, if taking part in a sports activity clashes with a first holy communion class, then which should we choose? And, if we a re making that choice for our children - is making the right choice harder? No - it should be easier. Ask yourself - what would Jesus have done in this situation? Then ask yourself - what do I know is the right choice? And finally, say a prayer, and ask the questions again - and then make your choice.

Don't let human 'should / should not' trump Gods call to do the right thing!

Accidents do happen, and people every day die as a result. The Tower of Siloam mentioned in today's Gospel by Jesus, can still be identified in the ruins of Jerusalem, the very large stones from its base remaining. But no other historical record of the event exists. The way Jesus talks about it suggests that it was not that long before that the event happened and assumes that his audience would know about it. The Galileans who died were probably in Jerusalem for a religious festival - making the tragedy worse.

The stories serve to remind us that the date and time of our deaths are not known to us. We might imagine that we will all live to a ripe old age and die normal, comfortable deaths - but that is not promised to us and God may need us in heaven sooner, for some unknown reason to us. Young saints, such as Carlo Acutis (died at 24) may well now be reaching many more people and inspiring them to find the love of God than they could have done in their 'natural' lifespan.

We do not know, but must trust God to organise things for the greater good.

The readings today teach us about the real world difficulties of following what we know to be right, in a community where other behaviour is the norm. For example: Our country permits abortion which we know to be an objective wrong - but if we try to say this, we are likely to be accused of denying basic human rights.

When we are given the opportunity, we should make the case for what we know to be right - but do it in a way that does not cause pain or anger, as that in itself would be a wrong. The Lord will give us the right words to say, if we deliberately place ourselves under his command as we go into the conversation.

Who will deliver me,Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

As I write storm Benjamin is beating (more gently than expected) on my window. The Autumn leaves that have given joy walking through them are now a soggy slippery menace as I cycle to town. The horizontal rain seems able to drive into every gap in my waterproof outer layer.

Yet I rejoice, as the Lord has promised that he will be there for us through every storm in our lives!

If you do not read the Tablet magazine, then you will be missing a brilliant letter on this kind of topic from a former prison inmate. This is timely as this is prisons week. The author makes it clear that the great majority of inmates are not persons of bad character - they are victims of abuse, addiction or oppressive poverty. We need to remember them, as at least we are able to get outdoors and enjoy the freedom of the wind blowing where it will. In their lives, the winds have rather blown them 'where you would rather not be taken'.

Heavenly Father, I bring before You those who are imprisoned and struggling with guilt and shame. Lord, draw them to repentance and reveal Your love and mercy to them. Let them experience the cleansing power of Your forgiveness and embrace the salvation You offer. Give them a new beginning and help them walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Another of Luke's parables - one of the main ways that Jesus taught.

The pope (the role, not the person!) sets us a great example in his title - the servant of the servants of the people of God. Our Lord is telling us directly, that if we are ready when he comes, God himself will do so - will serve at our table, at our feet. No other religion, no other deity makes that offer. God wants us to be happy, and to feel loved - his very being is about that.

We can and should rejoice in this!

Luke combines two thoughts into the gospel reading today: Does God care about your desires to possess things? And, when you die, will you take anything with you beyond the grave?

Of course not - God is concerned with what we do with the possessions that we have, and indeed the skills and knowledge we might have. We never know when we shall be asked to account for our stewardship of the things we have been given in life. We therefore should live each moment in the way Jesus taught us.

Do not be jealous of another's inheritance or possessions: think only of what we can do with what we have.