Reflections

Let us Dream Pope Francis, with the assistance of Austen Ivereigh, recently published a book entitled “Let us Dream.”  In describing his ideals for the world, he was not the first dreamer.  He is following his Master.  Jesus began his public mission by proclaiming his dream: he called it the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:15-20). …

Come and See If you have access to a streamed Mass this Sunday you will notice that we have returned to the green vestments of Ordinary Time.  Green is the colour of growth and we can call it the default colour of the year when our journey is inspired by the teaching and events of…

Baptism: Beginning of Ministry The baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan marks the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus.  He came out of the years of hidden life.  There was no need for Jesus, being without sin, to participate in the ceremonial washing that John the Baptist offered people.  But by submitting to…

The Joy of Believing Our journey through Advent has highlighted hope, the virtue that keeps us going through darkness and coldness.  We are going through a winter under the restrictions of coping with the Covid virus.  It is a severe winter for the homeless and for people who have lost their jobs.  Hope keeps us…

Well Done, Keep Going The Gospel for this Sunday (Matt 25:14-30) is a parable encouraging us to use whatever talents we have, no matter how small or trivial they might seem.  While we are still on Level 5 of the battle against Covid 19, we need all the encouragement we can get.  We accept restrictions…

Purgatory: Therapy of Divine Love Purgatory is not specifically mentioned in the bible but the doctrine of purgatory is a beautiful development which holds in unity two ideas that might seem to be contradictory. The doctrine of God’s holiness reminds us of God’s unique otherness, glory and light, far beyond anything we might deserve.  The…

Light for November Many of us will be familiar with the opening lines of Thomas Hood’s delightful poem, “I remember, I remember the house where I was born, The little window where the sun peeped in at morn.” Less familiar and less cheerful are his lines about November, “No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no…

The Greatest Commandment It was an attempt to start an argument with Jesus, to disconcert him when one of the Pharisees asked for his opinion on the greatest commandment.  Jesus cut through all their commentaries and debates with a simple and challenging answer.  “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with…

Sun28A God’s Invitation to us Today’s Gospel (Matt 22:1-14) is a parable about an invitation to a wedding, not just any wedding, but the royal wedding of the king’s son.   In Michelangelo’s famous fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, the finger of God is reaching towards Adam drawing him into life.  It is…