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…]
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 Today’s 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 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…]