Introduction We begin the most solemn week of the church year. We follow Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, his institution of the Eucharist, his suffering on the cross and his resurrection. To prepare for this holiest time of the Christian year, let confess our sins… Homily People are fickle. One minute they’re all about you. Then … [Read more…]
Michael (an imagined description of the Archangel Michael’s presence at the cross) “The devil left him, to return at the appointed time” (Lk. 4:13) I was there when my blessed lord, Hung on the tree. Oh! The torment his suffering brought to me And all the prophets of antiquity. All the souls he was about … [Read more…]
Dear readers, I am back, and so happy to offer you again. We are beginning with a new title, and I offer you also some poems about the crucifixion from my new collection, Poems from Heartlands in the next post; and below little illustrated poems from my notebooks that you might enjoy reading, as I … [Read more…]
Introduction We call Jesus Lord because at his resurrection God gave him all power in heaven and earth; he must be king, scripture says until he puts all things under his feet. But our gospel reminds us that Christ is not a worldly king lording it over people but a king of love on the … [Read more…]
Introduction Fittingly, scripture on the last Sunday feature the apocalypse, the end of the world and Christ’s second coming in judgement. The first reading talks of evil-doers being burnt like stubble then but also the sun of righteousness shining out with healing in its rays. Christ says to endure in faith to the end whatever … [Read more…]
Introduction “For you there can be no resurrection”, brothers being martyred say to the cruel pagan king. In the same way Christ points out in the Gospel, that God is lord of the living not the dead. Lets confess ways we fail to appreciate the importance of this. Homily Light is precious this time of … [Read more…]
Introduction Scripture this Sunday continues the theme of sin and humble repentance. We have the beautiful story of Zacchaeus who is changed by the entrance of Christ into his house. Lets confess ways we refuse to let Christ into our homes to change our lives. Homily. “Will the circle be unbroken by and by, Lord, … [Read more…]
Introduction Our Scripture praised the humble tax collector’s confession of sin as against the proud self-righteousness of the Pharisee. Lets confess any refusal to humbly acknowledge our sins.. Homily Why does God hate sin? The answer is because he loves us and knows it is bad for us; the commandments were given to the Jews … [Read more…]
Introduction “Pray continually..never lose heart”. We may not realize what a great glory prayer is. It heals the world, nourishes our inner life and unites us with God; lets confess any neglect of prayer. Homily I read once about an orthodox saint in Russia. He travelled all over Europe asking people how to pray all … [Read more…]
Introduction Our scripture continues the theme of faith but faith associated with healing and giving thanks. Naaman is healed in the first reading by Elisha’s faith. And Christ heals the lepers, though only came back to thank him. Lets confess ways we fail to give thanks for the healing power of faith in our lives.. … [Read more…]