Always telling the story
Some thoughts on the readings Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B). God wants friends, not robots Why do so “many disciples,” as St John puts it, decide to stop following our Lord after His explanation of the Eucharist as the “living bread,” while at the same time the Twelve stay with Him? This question … Read more
Some reflections on the readings for the Eucharist for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B): 1 Kings 19:4–8; Psalm 34:2-9; Ephesians 4:30–5:2; St John 5:41–51. The Eucharist nourishes eternal life Our Lord Jesus Christ packs three momentous lessons into this discoures on the Eucharist in today’s Gospel reading. Firstly, He points out the … Read more
Some thoughts based on the Readings for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B): Exodus 16:2–4, 12–15; Psalm 78:3–4, 23–25, 54; Ephesians 4:17, 20–24; St John 6:24–35. Christians work for a life, not just for a living. Last Sunday we read that Jesus peformed the multiplication of the loaves, and heard that all the … Read more
A reflection on the readings for the principal service for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. Christ’s heart yearns for our friendship Today St Mark gives us one of the most amazing phrases in his entire Gospel. When Our Lord Jesus Christ gets off the boat and sees the crowd, St Mark tells … Read more
A reflection on the readings for the principal service for the Sunday between 10th and 16th July, Year B. Chosen to Be Truly Rich and Sent to Share The Wealth The readings today remind us that we, just like the apostles and prophets, have been chosen and sent into the world to share the Gospel. … Read more
A reflection on the readings for the Eucharist for the Sunday between 3rd and 9th July, Year B. God permits thorns for a reason Like all saints, St Paul was not perfect. They, like us, are human beings who had to face problems, hardship, suffering, and temptations. They did not live carefree lives; in fact, … Read more
The clue is in the name of the town, Monasterevin, or as Gaeilge, Mainistir Eimhín, of Monastery of Evan. There is clearly a link to monasticism in this place. But what is this link? Early Irish monasticism From the time of St Patrick there were monastic houses all over the island. It is said that … Read more
This morning’s service from the Church of St John the Evangelist, Monasterevin, in Portarlington Union of Parishes had music that was played (by me) using plainsong hymns from Hymns of Prayer and Praise (published for The Panel of Monastic Musicians by The Canterbury Press Norwich). The choice of hymns from this book was to assist … Read more
Due to recent changes in marriage registration in England, the Church of England’s clergy will no longer issue the legal marriage certificate following a wedding at which they officiate. That will be done by the civil authorities. However, many clergy will want to give the couple a certificate from the church as well. Over on … Read more
A couple of weeks ago, a small group of parishioners gathered in the Church of St John the Evangelist in Monasterevin to record a Carol Service for this year. We had to keep it small because of the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. And although we could listen to carols, we weren’t able to sing them. You … Read more