31 Jan – Memorial for St. John Bosco, priest St. John Bosco (1815-1888) was the son of Venerable Margaret Bosco. His father died when he was just two years old, and as soon as he was old enough to do odd jobs, he did so for extra money for his family. Bosco would go to... Continue Reading →
30 January, Monday — “I am with you always…”
Monday of Week 4 in Ordinary Time Heb 11:32-40 Mk 5:1-20 “Go home to your people and tell them all that the Lord in his mercy has done for you.” As we approach the end of the first month of the year, have we made any resolutions? And have we taken steps to keep them?... Continue Reading →
29 January, Sunday — Fools for Christ
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Zep 2:3,3:12-131 Cor 1:26-31Mt 5:1-12a ...it was to shame the wise that God chose what is foolish by human reckoning... I once heard a homily where it was shared that the 12 apostles will unlikely qualify for any job in today's age. Each of them had characteristics which would embarrass... Continue Reading →
28 January, Saturday — The humble ox
28 Jan – Memorial for St. Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) was the son of the Count of Aquino. He was born in the family castle in Lombardy near Naples, Italy. He was educated by Benedictine monks at Monte Cassino, and at the University of Naples. He secretly... Continue Reading →
27 January, Friday – Telling Life Stories
27 Jan – Memorial for St. Angela Merici, virgin St. Angela Merici (1474-1540) became a Franciscan tertiary at the age of 15. She received a vision telling her that she would inspire devout women in their vocation. In Crete, during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, she was struck blind. Her friends wanted to return... Continue Reading →
26 January, Thursday – More than Just You and Me
26 Jan – Memorial for Sts. Timothy and Titus, bishops St. Timothy (d. 97) was the son of a Greek gentile, his mother Eunice was Jewish. He was converted to Christianity by St. Paul around the year 47. He was a partner, assistant and close friend of Paul. He was a missionary as well, and... Continue Reading →
25 January, Wednesday — Our God Moment
25 Jan – Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul St. Paul (3-65) was a Jewish Talmudic student and a Pharisee. He was a tent-maker by trade. Saul the Jew hated and persecuted Christians as heretical, even assisting at the stoning of St. Stephen the Martyr. On his way to Damascus to arrest another group... Continue Reading →
24 January, Tuesday – Sitting with foes
24 Jan – Memorial for St. Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) was born in a castle to a well-placed family. His parents intended him to become a lawyer, enter politics, and carry on the family line and power. He studied at La Roche, Annecy, Clermont College... Continue Reading →
23 January, Monday – Caught Up In The Moment
Monday of Week 3 in Ordinary Time Heb 9:15,24-28Mk 3:22-30 ...but let anyone blaspheme against the Holy Spirit and he will never have forgiveness Football is the purest expression of gladiatorial sport in our age. Brute force is pit against battle wits to move a football down to the opponent’s end zone. It is violent.... Continue Reading →
22 January, Sunday — Guided by faith
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Isa 8:23-9:31 Cor 1:10-13,17Mt 4:12-23 At once…they followed him. I was extremely blessed to spend 5 days in Medjugorje just after the New Year. We had travelled there via Istanbul and Dubrovnik and I had been craving some peace and quiet, having gone through a tough, challenging year. Having a... Continue Reading →