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 almsgiving 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 in … [Read more…]
Introduction Our readings this week continue the healing theme. Moses says to shun the leper for the sake of community safety. But Christ in the gospel heals a leper, changing the law of exclusion to one of inclusion. Lets pray that we may reach out to the sick and excluded in our midst and lets … [Read more…]
Introduction Todays readings feature healing. We see Job anguished at life’s suffering. Paul, in the second reading gives us the remedy, blessed rest in Christ. We see that Lord in the gospel healing suffering all around him. Lets confess ways we doubt his healing presence or fail to be his healing hands to others.. Homily … [Read more…]
Introduction Readings today deal with true and false spiritual authority. The first reading affirms the authority of true prophets against those who invoke God for worldly ways. The celibacy ideal is under attack today; Paul in the second reading says that God is well served by it. Christ in the gospel teaches with authority and … [Read more…]
Introduction Readings this Sunday anticipate lent. The story of Jonah in the first reading sees the prophet demanding repentance of a corrupt city. Paul in the second reading reminds us that our time is short, the world as we know it is passing away. This sets the scene for the gospel where Christ central message … [Read more…]
Introduction Its back to ordinary time now when the gospels outline Christ’s public ministry. The first reading invites us to say with Samuel: “Speak Lord you servant is listening”. And Paul says to use our bodies for God’s glory as modern apostles. Like them, let’s be faithful to Christ’s church, and confess our failures in … [Read more…]
Introduction: Today we finish the Christmas period of feasting with the feast of the Epiphany or little Christmas as we knew it in Ireland, Nollaig na mBan. On that day all the women who’d done the work over Christmas sat down and men served. We pray that we’ll all help in this way; we ask … [Read more…]
Introduction: We sometimes forget that just as we’ve a mother on earth we’ve a mother also in heaven. For Christ gave Mary to be our mother on the cross. We pray to that holy mother today for all mothers and we express our sorrow for any failure in our parental care.. Homily The hand that … [Read more…]
Introduction: The Family is under siege today, with breakdown common. So we might listen to the wise advice for parents and children in the first reading, to practice mutual respect, love and kindness. As Paul says, let the message of Christ in all its richness find a place in our homes. Like the Holy family … [Read more…]