Monday of Week 22 in Ordinary Time 1 Cor 2:1-5Lk 4:16-30 I came among you...there were none of the arguments that belong to philosophy; only a demonstration of the power of the Spirit. And I did this so that your faith should not depend on human philosophy but on the power of God. How beautiful... Continue Reading →
30 August, Sunday — A Discerning Heart
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Jer 20:7-9Rm 12:1-2Mt 16:21-27 “Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you, but let your behaviour change, modelled by your new mind. This is the only way to discover the will of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is... Continue Reading →
29 August, Saturday — Finding Strength in God
Aug 29 – Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist To endure temporal agonies for the sake of the truth was not a heavy burden for such men as John; rather it was easily borne and even desirable, for he knew eternal joy would be his reward. Since death was ever at hand, such men considered it... Continue Reading →
28 August, Friday — Wayward Hearts on Fire
Aug 28 – Memorial for St. Augustine, bishop, doctor After investigating and experimenting with several philosophies, Augustine (354-430) became a Manichaean for several years; it taught of a great struggle between good and evil, and featured a lax moral code. A summation of his thinking at the time comes from his Confessions: “God, give me chastity and... Continue Reading →
27 August, Thursday — Black Swans and White Angels
Aug 27 – Memorial for St. Monica, married woman St. Monica was distressed to learn that her son had accepted a heresy and was living an immoral life. For a while, she refused to let him eat or sleep in her house. Then one night, she had a vision that assured her Augustine would return to the... Continue Reading →
26 August, Wednesday — My choices define my life
Wednesday of Week 21 in Ordinary Time 2 Thes 3:6-10,16-18Mt 23:27-32 You know how you are supposed to imitate us Since Sunday, our readings and gospels have been so full. One central theme can be captured in these two verses: “His judgments are insearchable…” – we are so far removed from knowing or understanding God. “…for... Continue Reading →
25 August, Tuesday — Will you wash the feet?
Aug 25 – Memorial for St. Louis of France, married man; Memorial for St. Joseph Calasanz, priest, religious founder As king of France, Louis (1214-1270) made numerous judicial and legislative reforms. He promoted Christianity in France; established religious foundations, aided mendicant orders, propagated synodal decrees of the Church, built leper hospitals, and collected relics. “In prosperity, give thanks... Continue Reading →
24 August, Monday — Good prevails
Aug 24 – Feast of St. Bartholomew, apostle St. Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles. He was probably a close friend of St. Philip, as his name is always mentioned in the gospels in connection with Philip, and it was Philip who brought Bartholomew to Jesus. He may have written a gospel, now lost, as... Continue Reading →
23 August, Sunday — The hands, the feet, the eyes of Christ, will you say ‘YES’?
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Isa 22:19-23Rm 11:33-36Mt 16:13-20 "But you, who do you say I am?" When asked, “Who do men say that the Son of Man is?” Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit answers correctly. My answer, due to my prayer life and our Catholic faith, has certainly grown and deepened over the... Continue Reading →
22 August, Saturday — Teach me!
Aug 22 – Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary Whoever, therefore, reverences the Queen of heaven and earth – and let no one consider himself exempt from this tribute of a grateful and loving soul – let him invoke the most effective of Queens, the Mediatrix of Peace; let him respect and preserve peace, which... Continue Reading →