Introduction: Last night (tonight) we lit the holy fire symbolising the risen Christ as light of the world. That light shines for us still. For as the inscription on the Pascal Candle says, “Christ is yesterday, today and forever; the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of all”. In the light of … [Read more…]
Homily All human life’s here, the News of the World used to say. Certainly that’s true of the crucifixion story. All human life, mainly at its worst, is there: awful Roman cruelty; injustice and barbaric torture of innocence; terrible corruption, envy and vindictiveness among the Jewish authorities; the heartless betrayal of a close friend for … [Read more…]
Introduction. A family meal is holy, it binds parents and children together. Christ’s supper is similar, it binds us to Him and each other. Preparing to eat that supper, we remember our first holy communicants, who like the apostles will share bread with the lord in May, and we welcome the eucharistic ministers about to … [Read more…]
Introduction: as in the liturgy, blessing of the palms. Homily Do you remember the old stations of the cross; they were full of sweat and blood and a sorrowful Saviour rebuking us for our sins. They were both right, and yet at another level mistaken. The cross was hard, yes, but it was also a … [Read more…]
Introduction: “When I am lifted up from the earth I’ll draw all men to myself”. Our Gospel sees Christ anticipating the cross and its result, the universal new covenant Jeremiah foretells in the first reading. On the cross the Christ became for all who obey him the source of salvation. Were called to dedicated service … [Read more…]
Introduction Our scripture this Sunday is about continuing conversion. Jeremiah describes the covenant with God as pure heart commitment and Christ talks of drawing all to himself in newness of life and faith. Lets confess any refusal to be converted in our lives.. Homily I’m sure you know St.Francis’s story. A great figure in Italy, … [Read more…]
Introduction: In our gospel Christ drives out traders who were ripping off poor Temple devotees. Like the present cult of economics, the concern of the Pharisees was with their Temple business. Christ, opposing corruption there, had to be silenced, despite God’s command: “thou shall not kill”. Greed can be as ruthless among us today. Lets … [Read more…]
Introduction: This Sunday we’ve the story of Christ’s transfiguration on Tabor. Usually his divinity was hidden, but there His body became radiant like at the resurrection. The Father appeared and said: “this is my beloved son listen to him”. Lets confess any failure to listen, to allow his light to fulfil our souls…. Homily Rose … [Read more…]
Introduction Today begins lent’s fasting, prayer and almsgiving. The first reading recalls the flood, when people spurned God for an evil which destroyed them. Jesus tells us to repent and believe lest we die too. Lent’s prayer, fasting and almsgiving ensure our soul survival; for it purifies and strengthens us against Satan’s wiles. In its … [Read more…]
Introduction Lent has come round again, and our readings echo the themes of prayer, fasting and alms giving to prepare for Christ’s birth with renewed hearts. Lets confess now any sin as we begin lent.. Homily Welcome to our Special Ash Wednesday mass. You know the story of Lourdes. There was a small girl Bernadette … [Read more…]