Reflections

  I will always remember the first time I had to preach to a Sunday Mass congregation.   All the prayers at Mass were then in Latin which very few understood, and the priest had his back to the people most of the time.   I turned around to face the people for the sermon.  The Gospel…

  Sharing in Christ’s Mission When Jesus sent out the apostles to extend his mission, he said more about their lifestyle than what they might say (Mark 7: 7-13).  As St. Francis put it, preach at all times, sometimes using words.  We are so bombarded today by advertising pressure, slogans and biased media that people…

Ordinary Little Nazareth When Jesus returned to his hometown, Nazareth, his reception was disappointing to say the least (Mark 6: 1-6).   People had heard about extraordinary things he did in other towns.  He was invited to speak in the local synagogue and initially most of the people were astonished when they heard him. But soon…

Tempest of the Heart About ten years ago we celebrated the Year of Faith and the logo chosen as a symbol of the times was the boat tossed about in a storm, today’s Gospel, Mark 4:35-41.   In this series of Sunday Reflections, we have already referred to the problems of the Church on several occasions,…

The Power of Little Seeds There are many priests, teachers and parents who feel totally inadequate in the face of today’s society.  The answers of yesterday seem to have no relationship with the questions of today.  Many people are finding it hard to hold on to any faith in the Church.   They struggle to see…

The Body and Blood of Christ The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ is a celebration of the presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Eucharist.  It is an astounding belief.  We would not dare to hold this belief except that it is based on the very words of Jesus himself.  “I am…

The Ascension of the Lord Some of the doors that have kept people locked in have been opened in recent days.  But there is still a long wait until all doors will be opened.   Religion has a huge role to play in sustaining hope by remembering the bigger picture of life. We are celebrating the…

Greater days ahead Our Gospel today, John 15:9-17, is a continuation of the statement of Jesus, “I am the vine, you are the branches.”   The context is the discourse of Jesus with the disciples at the Last Supper.   He has been telling them that his days among them in a physical presence are numbered.  However,…

Vocation of all Christians The Fourth Sunday of Easter each year is known as known as Vocations Sunday.  The Gospel is about Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calling his flock, leading them to pasture and protecting them.  We are encouraged to pray for vocations this Sunday. I have to admit that in more than fifty years…