Skip to main content
Daily Reflections with Canon Philip Gray

Daily Reflections with Canon Philip Gray

By Philip Gray

During the COVID-19 crisis Fr Philip, the Vicar of St Margaret's, Ilkley, will be offering regular reflections via this podcast. This will include considerations of selected Bible passages, as well as thoughts and prayers during this challenging time. Live services will also be streamed on the St Margaret's Ilkley Facebook page. Search for @StMargaretsChurchIlkley.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Episode 57 - The Eighth Sunday After Trinity

Daily Reflections with Canon Philip GrayAug 02, 2020

00:00
09:03
Episode 57 - The Eighth Sunday After Trinity

Episode 57 - The Eighth Sunday After Trinity

Fr Philip preaches on the miracle of the loaves and fishes and its meaning in the gospels and for us today.

Aug 02, 202009:03
Episode 56 - St Mary Magdalene

Episode 56 - St Mary Magdalene

This episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the First Mass for St Mary Magdalene broadcast on Facebook Live on Tuesday 21st July from the temporary chapel in the Vicarage.

Jul 21, 202008:15
Episode 55 - St Margaret's Day

Episode 55 - St Margaret's Day

This episode for St Margaret's Day (our Patronal Festival) comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the Parish Mass for St Margaret's Day on Sunday 19th July 2020. You can find this and all our other services on our YouTube channel and the live-streamed services tab of the Parish Website,

Jul 20, 202010:06
Episode 54 - with Bishop Nicholas Reade

Episode 54 - with Bishop Nicholas Reade

In today's episode, Fr Philip is joined by Bishop Nicholas Reade, the former Bishop of Blackburn to whom he was Chaplain for a number of years. They discuss their time working together and Bishop Nicholas' retirement ministry, especially in light of the pandemic.

Jul 16, 202053:08
Episode 53 - The Fifth Sunday after Trinity

Episode 53 - The Fifth Sunday after Trinity

This episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the Parish Mass for the Fifth Sunday after Trinity. You can watch all our services on our YouTube channel and the Parish Website.

Jul 15, 202007:34
Episode 52 - with Julie Lawler

Episode 52 - with Julie Lawler

In today's episode, Fr Philip talks with Julie Lawler, the activities coordinator at Troutbeck Nursing Home. St Margaret's and Troutbeck have had a close relationship for many years, and we seek to support the residents in whatever ways we can. Julie talks of her work in Troutbeck, especially during the present coronavirus crisis.

Jul 06, 202025:22
Episode 51 - The Fourth Sunday after Trinity

Episode 51 - The Fourth Sunday after Trinity

This episode comprises Fr Philip's homily from the Parish Mass for the Fourth Sunday after Trinity. All the services can be found on our YouTube channel. Search for St Margaret's Ilkley.

Jul 06, 202008:37
Episode 50 - St Thomas, the Apostle

Episode 50 - St Thomas, the Apostle

Today's episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the Mass for St Thomas, the Apostle, streamed on Facebook Live on Friday 3rd July. The service came from the temporary chapel in the Vicarage.

Jul 03, 202006:34
Episode 49 - Ss Peter and Paul

Episode 49 - Ss Peter and Paul

This episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the Mass for Ss Peter and Paul on Monday 29th June 2020 on Facebook Live. You can watch all our services on YouTube as well as on the Parish Website.

Jun 29, 202006:10
Episode 48 - The Third Sunday after Trinity

Episode 48 - The Third Sunday after Trinity

This episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the Parish Mass for the Third Sunday after Trinity premiered on YouTube on Sunday 28th June. You can watch all our services on both YouTube and the Parish Website.

Jun 29, 202008:00
Episode 47 - The Birth of St John the Baptist

Episode 47 - The Birth of St John the Baptist

This episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the First Mass for the Birth of St John the Baptist, broadcast on Facebook Live on Tuesday 23rd June. You can find the full service on the St Margaret's Church website, YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Jun 23, 202005:10
Episode 46 - The Second Sunday after Trinity

Episode 46 - The Second Sunday after Trinity

This episode comprises Catherine Gibson’s homily from the BCP Mass for the Second Sunday after Trinity broadcast on YouTube on Sunday 21st June 2020. Catherine is one of the team of readers at St Margaret’s, as well as the Parish’s Sacristan.

Jun 21, 202007:52
Episode 45 - with Neville Hilton

Episode 45 - with Neville Hilton

In today's episode, Fr Philip talks to Neville Hilton from Preston Minster. The Minster Parish is hosting a Holy Trinity Brompton plant team with two churches of very different liturgical traditions. Neville explores this new initiative in church growth and how they are responding to the very acute social needs of this inner-city Parish.

Jun 18, 202036:45
Episode 44 - with Bishop Tony Parry

Episode 44 - with Bishop Tony Parry

In this episode, Fr Philip talks to Bishop Tony Parry of the Pentecostal Church in our area of Yorkshire. They discuss the recent death of George Floyd and appropriate Christian responses to racism.

Jun 15, 202028:34
Episode 43 - St Barnabas the Apostle

Episode 43 - St Barnabas the Apostle

This episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the Mass for St Barnabas the Apostle streamed on Facebook Live on Friday 12th June 2020. He explores the particular gifts that Barnabas brought to the Church as one of its first Apostles, and the example he can still be for us today.

Jun 12, 202006:41
Episode 42 - Trinity Sunday

Episode 42 - Trinity Sunday

This episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the Parish Mass for Trinity Sunday on Sunday 7th June 2020. You can find videos of all our services from throughout the COVID-19 pandemic on the Parish Website.

Jun 09, 202008:51
Episode 41 - Bishop Toby's Pentecost Homily

Episode 41 - Bishop Toby's Pentecost Homily

In this Daily Reflection, we hear Bishop Toby Howarth (of Bradford) with his homily for Pentecost. He describes how the receiving of the Holy Spirit invites us to reevaluate our priorities under God, both as individuals and as a society.

Jun 04, 202010:41
Episode 40 - The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth

Episode 40 - The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth

This episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the Mass for the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth streamed on Facebook Live on Monday 1st June 2020 from 11am.

Jun 01, 202006:48
Episode 39 - Pentecost

Episode 39 - Pentecost

This episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the Parish Mass for Pentecost. St Margaret's services are available on YouTube throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Search for St Margaret's Ilkley.

Jun 01, 202010:32
Episode 38 - with the Ven. Andy Jolley

Episode 38 - with the Ven. Andy Jolley

In this episode, Fr Philip talk to the Ven. Andy Jolley about his role as Archdeacon of Bradford. As well as learning about Andy himself, they explore major themes around the implications of the present pandemic for the church, and how it may shape its future.

May 28, 202033:45
Episode 37 - from Jonathan Halliwell in Brussels

Episode 37 - from Jonathan Halliwell in Brussels

This episode comes from Jonathan Halliwell in Brussels and is a reflection on the hymn 'New Every Morning is the Love'. Jonathan reflects on John Keble's life, poetry and hymnody. Jonathan is currently preparing for ordination as a Deacon in the Diocese of Europe.

May 22, 202011:07
Episode 36 - with Tom Franks

Episode 36 - with Tom Franks

In this episode, Fr Philip talks to Tom Franks from Ilkley Town Council who is also a member of the congregation at St Margaret's. Tom talks about the background both to his present political service and Christian faith.

May 19, 202033:29
Episode 35 - The Sixth Sunday of Easter

Episode 35 - The Sixth Sunday of Easter

This episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the Mass for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, premiered on YouTube on Sunday 17th May. This was the first service in 8 weeks to come from St Margaret's Church itself. He considers Jesus' promise that we will be given the gift of the Holy Spirit shortly after his ascension.

May 17, 202007:57
Episode 34 - St Matthias

Episode 34 - St Matthias

This episode comprises Fr Philip's homily from the Mass for St Matthias streamed on Facebook Live on Thursday 14th May. He considers St Matthias becoming the new apostle, the timing of his feast day and what his story might mean for us now.

May 14, 202005:34
Episode 33 - with Dr Carmel Ramage

Episode 33 - with Dr Carmel Ramage

In this episode, Fr Philip chats to Dr Carmel Ramage, a consultant from Bradford Royal Infirmary. They discuss her vocation as a gynaecologist as well as a practising Christian, wife and mother.

May 12, 202025:34
Episode 32 - The Fifth Sunday of Easter

Episode 32 - The Fifth Sunday of Easter

This episode comprises Fr Philip's Homily from the Parish Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, streamed on Facebook Live on Sunday 10th May 2020. He considers the Gospel reading for today from St John (14: 1-14) and its frequent use at funerals, alongside an understanding of this passage in the context of our homes or dwelling-places.

May 10, 202009:16
Episode 31 - with Fr Ron Mulligan

Episode 31 - with Fr Ron Mulligan

In this episode, Fr Philip talks to Fr Ron Mulligan, the chaplain of Ilkley's local hospital and emergency department, Airedale. They discuss Fr Ron's work in the hospital in this unprecedented time, the new challenges presented by the pandemic and their impact on both ministries.

May 07, 202035:18
Episode 30 - The Resurrection in Matthew (28: 11-end)

Episode 30 - The Resurrection in Matthew (28: 11-end)

This Daily Reflection was streamed on Facebook Live on Tuesday 5th May at 11am. Fr Philip discusses the passage from the end of chapter 28 of St Matthew's Gospel, as well as considering the relevance of the Old Testament to our modern-day lives, and the importance of the genealogy in the opening of St Matthew's Gospel.

May 05, 202013:43
Episode 29 - The Fourth Sunday of Easter

Episode 29 - The Fourth Sunday of Easter

In today's sermon from the Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Fr Philip considers the first half of St John's Gospel, its pastoral imagery and how this might relate to the pastoral ministry of clergy, community leaders, politicians and us all.

May 03, 202007:24
Episode 28 - St Philip and St James

Episode 28 - St Philip and St James

Today's episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the Mass for Saints Philip and James broadcast on Facebook Live this morning. He describes what we know of these two apostles from the Bible. He focusses on Saint Philip's pivotal role in bringing others to meet and understand Jesus. 

May 01, 202008:14
Episode 27 - with Joe Cooper

Episode 27 - with Joe Cooper

In today's episode, Fr Philip talks to Joe Cooper, who is the Acting Headteacher of All Saints' School in Ilkley. They discuss the challenges of education in our present situation, and also how the Christian ethos of a Church School can contribute to this.

Apr 30, 202035:55
Episode 26 - with the Very Rev'd Nicola Sullivan

Episode 26 - with the Very Rev'd Nicola Sullivan

In today's episode, Fr Philip talks to Nicola Sullivan, the Dean of Southwell Minster in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham. They discuss the impact of the present virus on the life of one of our Cathedrals, and their respective communities.

Apr 28, 202032:25
Episode 25 - The Third Sunday of Easter

Episode 25 - The Third Sunday of Easter

Today's episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the live-streamed Mass for the Third Sunday of Easter. Today, he reflects on the resurrection appearance known as 'The Road to Emmaus'. He explores the idea of accompaniment as being central to discerning God's spirit in our lives.

Apr 26, 202007:44
Episode 24 - St Mark, the Evangelist

Episode 24 - St Mark, the Evangelist

Today's episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the Mass for St Mark, the Evangelist broadcast on Facebook Live on Saturday 25th April 2020. He discusses the use of the literary device of structuring ideas, adjectives and principles in groups of 3, and how this runs through St Mark's Gospel, as well as many of its accounts.

Apr 25, 202010:07
Episode 23 - St George's Day

Episode 23 - St George's Day

Today's episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the live-streamed Mass for St George's Day broadcast on Facebook Live. Today he talks about how the traditions around St George the Martyr can speak into our present situation.

Apr 23, 202007:11
Episode 22 - with Bethan and Horace Muhabuzi

Episode 22 - with Bethan and Horace Muhabuzi

In today's episode, Fr Philip talks to Bethan and Horace Muhabuzi, from JJ Nshumi School and Community College near Kampala, Uganda. Bethan and Horace will be familiar to those at St Margaret's, Ilkley through our Harvest Appeals and outwards giving. Today, they talk about how COVID-19 is affecting life in Uganda, and more specifically, their local school, college and families.

Apr 22, 202032:17
Episode 21 - with Canon Sam Corley

Episode 21 - with Canon Sam Corley

In this episode, Fr Philip welcomes Canon Sam Corley, the Rector of Leeds Minster. They reflect together on how our present situation is shaping their ministries and the new ways in which they are seeking to express the presence and love of God in the midst of profound uncertainty and absence. 

Apr 21, 202029:56
Episode 20 - The Second Sunday of Easter

Episode 20 - The Second Sunday of Easter

This episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the Live Streamed Mass for the Second Sunday of Easter, broadcast on Facebook Live on Sunday 19th April. The service itself can be viewed in its entirety on YouTube and on the St Margaret's Ilkley website. In his sermon, he considers doubting Thomas and whether he might be similar to Eeyore from A. A. Milne's 'Winnie the Pooh'. 

Apr 19, 202008:04
Episode 19 - Jesus' Resurrection John: 21 (Part 2)
Apr 17, 202011:43
Episode 18 - Jesus' Resurrection John: 21 (Part 1)
Apr 16, 202011:09
Episode 17 - Jesus' Resurrection Luke 24: 36-49
Apr 15, 202012:36
Episode 16 - Jesus' Resurrection Mark 16: 1-8
Apr 14, 202012:47
Episode 15 - Easter Day

Episode 15 - Easter Day

This episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the Eucharist for Easter Day broadcast on Facebook Live. You can watch the whole service on YouTube on the St Margaret's Ilkley channel.

Apr 12, 202008:44
Episode 14 - Good Friday

Episode 14 - Good Friday

This episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the Good Friday Liturgy, streamed on Facebook Live. You can watch the full service on the St Margaret's Parish Website. Follow the link on the 'Daily Reflections' anchor.fm page.

Apr 10, 202004:58
Episode 13 - Maundy Thursday

Episode 13 - Maundy Thursday

This episode comprises Fr Philip's sermon from the Maundy Thursday Liturgy broadcast live on Facebook on Thursday 9th April 2020, alongside 4 prayers used during the watch in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

Apr 09, 202014:49
Episode 12 - with Fr Oswin Gartside CR

Episode 12 - with Fr Oswin Gartside CR

In this episode, Fr Philip talks to Fr Oswin Gartside, the superior of the Community of the Resurrection in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. They discuss how a religious community is responding to our present situation. Fr Oswin was due to be the Holy Week guest preacher at St Margaret's Ilkley this year. 

Apr 08, 202028:43
Episode 11 - Being Lifted Up

Episode 11 - Being Lifted Up

This episode is the Live Daily Reflection broadcast on Facebook Live on Tuesday 7th April 2020, the Tuesday of Holy Week. In this episode, Fr Philip discusses how we might understand Jesus' death on a cross in our own present situation.

Apr 07, 202016:22
Episode 10 - The Extravagance of God

Episode 10 - The Extravagance of God

Episode 10 comes from Fr Philip's Daily Reflection on Facebook Live on 6th April, the Monday of Holy Week 2020. He considers the story of Jesus being anointed by Mary six days before the Passover, and how Mary's extravagance symbolises the extravagance of Jesus' love in accepting death for us all. 

Apr 06, 202013:53
Episode 9 - with The Very Rev'd Christopher Armstrong

Episode 9 - with The Very Rev'd Christopher Armstrong

In this episode, Fr Philip is joined by The Very Rev'd Christopher Armstrong, his former training incumbent and for 15 years Dean of Blackburn Cathedral. They share stories and anecdotes of their collective past, and discuss their contrasting ministries within the present Coronavirus Pandemic. 

Apr 03, 202028:29
Episode 8 - The Servant King

Episode 8 - The Servant King

This is the daily reflection broadcast on Facebook Live on Thursday 2nd April. In this episode, Fr Philip discusses a passage from Mark (10: 35-45) for Passiontide, considering the literary devices employed, its message for each of us, and its implications for how we understand and know God.

Apr 02, 202012:40