Always telling the story
Prayer matters most At the beginning of today’s Gospel, St Matthew tells us that Jesus went up into the hills by himself to pray. He had just finished a very long day teaching the crowds, healing the sick, and peforming the miracle of the multiplication of the laves. At the beginning of that day he … Read more
Every single day, it is important as Christians to stop and have a conversation with God. Real conversations are not one way. Real conversations, between friends, are very much two-way communication. Taking the time to listen to what he says as well as to bombard God with our petitions and thanksgivings is vital to a … Read more
Some great thoughts about the future of the Church of England. How much can this be applied to the Church in Ireland as well? For the love of God, don’t sacrifice the poor.
[The Eucharist] is not adiaphora. It is not something extra. It is our identity. We are the people who eat together with God. Lest we somehow miss the carnality of this feast, Jesus said, “This is my body.” It is tangible and visceral; hands touch and tongues taste. It happens in human bodies. The value … Read more
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time First Reading: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19. Second Reading: Romans 8:26-27. Gospel: St Matthew 13:24-43. Collect Show favour, O Lord, to your servants and mercifully increase the gifts of your grace, that, made fervent in hope, faith and charity, they may be ever watchful in keeping your command, through Jesus Christ our … Read more
This time of lockdown has given many people opportunities for some extra study. I am pleased to say that I am one of them. I have just completed a five hour course in Liturgical Theology from The Liturgical Institute of the University of St Mary of the Lake, Illinois, USA. The course had five classes: … Read more
All religions are not the same It is common in today’s world to run into people who believe that all religions are basically the same. In fact, it is even becoming common to run into Anglicans or Catholics who have adopted this viewpoint. It is considered the tolerant, open-minded point of view. But in reality, … Read more
The Holy Spirit works quietly We all like spectacular fireworks. They are exciting, impressive, exhilarating. The Church’s first Pentecost had some spectacular fireworks. The Apostles and other Christians were gathered “all together in one place”. Where that was precisely, we do not know. It was probably somewhere inside or near the Temple in Jerusalem as … Read more
Gospel of the Day Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and … Read more
Christ is faithful During these Sundays of Eastertide, the Church takes us back to the Last Supper, giving us a chance to dig deeper into its meaning. We can use our imaginations to picture the scene. Our blessed Lord and the Twelve are in the Upper Room, gathered for the Passover. Our blessed Lord begins … Read more