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 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…]