To begin Lent with the story of the fall of our first parents who disobeyed the word of God by eating the forbidden fruit, should make us aware of our own sinfulness.  Greater than anything lost by Adam’s disobedience is the new life won by the obedience of Christ who shared in our weakness so […]

The Gospel reveals the ugly side of human nature and shows us up for what we are – people who are full of petty jealousies, hatreds and spites.  One of the greatest challenges in Christ’s teaching is to love those who hate and harm us.  And even though we are very much aware that a […]

One of the main criticisms levelled at church-goers is that their Sunday worship has little influence on their weekday lives.  Jesus in the gospel today is telling us that getting by within the letter of the law is not what he has in mind for his followers and spells out clearly what he expects of […]

When friends compliment us on our goodness and reliability, stating that we are the salt of the earth, they are paying us a great tribute.  Today’s gospel reminds us of our noble calling of bringing Jesus into the world.  Christ has placed his gospel into our hands and it depends on whether or not it […]

This feast commemorates the presentation of the Infant Jesus by Mary and Joseph to God in the Temple in Jerusalem.  This is another ‘epiphany’ celebration insofar as the Christ Child is revealed as the Messiah through the canticle and words of Simeon and the testimony of Anna the prophetess.  The Feast of the Presentation of […]

Matthew compares the arrival of Jesus on the scene to the coming of a great light to a people who had been living in deep darkness.  He saw Jesus as fulfilling the great prophecy of Isaiah: ‘The people that lived in darkness have seen a great light; on those who dwell in the land and […]

The Invitation of Jesus to Peter and Andrew, James and John is direct and simple, “Come, follow me” with no hint as to where they are going or what is in store for them.  Nothing is promised.  There is no suggestion of any hesitation or regret on their part at letting go or leaving their […]

A solemn moment in the history of salvation is recorded with the incredible scene of Jesus joining the queue of sinners who flocked to the banks of the Jordan to be baptized by John. He had arrived to leave behind the private life at Nazareth and begin his public ministry. Not surprisingly, John was slightly […]

The story of the Epiphany captures the imagination with its rich mixture of mystery and intrigue.  The story of the Magi is so colourful we may overlook its significance and fail to see its deeper meaning. The journey of the Magi through desert and mountain following a star reflects our search for purpose and meaning […]

Within days of the great Christmas festival we are reminded that the child who was God, grew up as a member of a human family.  Anyone who reads the gospel carefully will see that the Holy Family had their share of troubles and difficulties which caused them great worry.  The most elementary Christian community of […]