8 Feb – Memorial for St. Jerome Emiliani; Memorial for St. Josephine Bakhita, virgin St. Jerome (1481–1537) was born wealthy, the son of Angelo and Eleanor Mauroceni Emiliani. His father died when Jerome was a teenager, and he ran away from home at age 15. After a dissolute youth, he became a soldier in Venice... Continue Reading →
7 February, Tuesday — Honour Thy Father
Tuesday of Week 5 in Ordinary Time Gen 1:20-2:4 Mk 7:1-13 “How ingeniously you get round the commandment of God in order to preserve your own tradition!” During this season of Chinese New Year, I am usually reminded (by my parents at least) of all the traditions that come with the festivities. For instance, having... Continue Reading →
6 February, Monday — Hearing God’s Voice
6 Feb – Memorial for Sts. Paul Miki and Companions, martyrs (in Japan) St. Paul Miki (1562-1597) was one of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan. He was born into a rich family and educated by Jesuits in Azuchi and Takatsuki. He joined the Society of Jesus and preached the gospel for his fellow citizens. The... Continue Reading →
5 February, Sunday — Of use
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Isa 58:7-101 Cor 2:1-5Mt 5:13-16 “It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men.” Sometime after my wife’s baptism, her sister, who had not yet met Jesus, remarked to me that her sister is different. She said “She isn’t as hot tempered... Continue Reading →
4 February, Saturday — Is God truly your shepherd?
Saturday of Week 4 in Ordinary Time Heb 13:1-8Mk 6:14-29 …to become the Great Shepherd of the sheep by the blood that sealed an eternal covenant… Today, we read one of the church’s favourite Psalms – Psalm 23, The Lord is Our Shepherd. But when worries and troubles and doubts arise, do we treat God... Continue Reading →
3 February, Friday — Blessing our Throats
3 Feb – Memorial for St. Blaise, bishop and martyr; Memorial for St. Ansgar, bishop St. Blaise (d. 316) was a physician and Bishop of Sebaste, Armenia. He lived in a cave on Mount Argeus. He was a healer of men and animals. According to legend, sick animals would come to him on their own... Continue Reading →
2 February, Thursday – Contented to Go in Peace
2 Feb – Feast of the Presentation of the Lord; World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life This feast celebrates an early episode in the life of Jesus. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Presentation is the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, it is one of the twelve Great... Continue Reading →
1 February, Wednesday — “Give Thanks. Always.”
Wednesday of Week 4 in Ordinary Time Heb 12:4-7,11-15Mk 6:1-6 “My soul, give thanks to the Lord all my being, bless his holy name.My soul, give thanks to the Lord and never forget all his blessings.” Almost everyone that has attended the Conversion Experience Retreat (CER) would know and love this song: “Bless the Lord,... Continue Reading →
OXYGEN 