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 We focus on Christ’s baptism today and doing so we might reflect on our baptism. Then, as in the first reading, the lord said to us, “I have called you to serve the cause of right”. This call is for all people, for as Paul says in the second reading “all who fear God … [Read more…]
Introduction Today we have the Small Christmas, as the old people called it, which foresees all people eventually coming to Christ. As the first reading says: “nations shall come to your light and kings to you dawning brightness”. The Lord was unknown to many nations in the past but, as Paul says, now the pagans … [Read more…]
Introduction Christmas is about God with us in the flesh. Our first reading puts it beautifully, he has pitched his tent among us. Paul says Jesus brings us, even at his at birth, all the blessings of God. He is the Word made flesh, the “only Son of God full of grace and truth”. Lets … [Read more…]
Introduction After the feast of the Holy Family we celebrate the motherhood of Mary. Its the feast of all mothers. The first reading shows the graciousness of God reflected in Mary. Paul talks of God as daddy, Abba, the title we give to our own beloved fathers. In the Gospel we see Mary and Joseph … [Read more…]
Introduction Our Christmas celebrations are about family. The readings today echo that. First we have God’s third commandment: “honor your Father and your Mother”. Then Paul gives parents and children sound advice, to practice mutual love, gentleness and respect. The Gospel gives us the model in this, the Holy Family. Lets confess ways we fail … [Read more…]
Introduction This week’s readings remind us that our Christian role is to be the light of the world. For, as Peter says, since everything is coming to an end, so we should live good and holy lives as we await the coming of our great Lord and Saviour. John echoes this in our Gospel, “prepare … [Read more…]