The Beatitudes are such a familiar part of the gospel that when we hear them read we can easily miss their meaning.  The message they contain may take a lifetime to learn, but unless we take it to heart there will be no entry into the kingdom of heaven.  Following Christ is not meant to […]

The Gospel today presents us with Peter after his faith and perseverance were rewarded, realizing he was in the presence of the almighty Lord.  What happened to Peter is what happens to us.  When we recognize our own sinfulness the power of Christ becomes available to enrich us, so that we can offer ourselves to […]

When Jesus began his public ministry in his home town, the initial reaction of the locals to his preaching was very favourable.  However, as time passed, they felt threatened because they realized that they were being challenged to change their ways.  What he made clear to all was that he was not in the popularity […]

What Jesus proclaimed in the synagogue was a declaration that the moment of salvation had arrived and that he was the long-awaited Messiah. The message of the gospel, first preached in Galilee, is to be spread today through us. The Word of God which first came to birth in our souls at baptism is anxiously […]

The story of God calling Samuel by name is almost magical.  As he is lying asleep, he’s awakened three times by a mysterious voice calling him by name.  In no way does Samuel suspect that the Lord is calling him, but the priest Eli makes it clear that the voice he is hearing is the […]

Baptism was the way in which Jesus presented himself to his people at the outset of his mission.  His baptism in the Jordan by John, marked the beginning of his public ministry and the start of his life as a travelling preacher.  By identifying with us he took upon his shoulders the tremendous burden and […]

Our Christmas celebrations began with the shepherds in the hill country going over to Bethlehem to visit the new born King and ends with the arrival there of the Magi, in all their splendour.  For them, life was never the same after their discovery.  Christ made all the difference to them, transforming their souls, calling […]

Today’s gospel outlines the heartbreaking experience of Mary and Joseph when they were quite certain they had lost Jesus.  He slipped away from the family circle without informing his parents and went off on his own to the Temple. Even Mary and Joseph did not escape the tensions, anxieties and worries which are the ordinary […]

Christmas Eve – 4:00pm, 7:00pm and 10:00pm Christmas Day – 10:30am New Years’ Eve – 4:00pm New Years’ Day – 10:30am

With Christmas just around the corner, the days of Advent waiting are almost over.  On this Fourth Sunday of Advent the readings are alive with excitement about the Saviour who is coming very soon.  And so, it is no surprise that the spotlight is focused on Mary because no one can help us to understand […]