Monday of Week 29 in Ordinary Time Eph 2:1-10Lk 12:13-21 But God loved us with so much love that he was generous with his mercy: when we were dead through our sins, he brought us to life with Christ... When I was asked to write the reflection for today, my immediate reaction was ‘oh no,... Continue Reading →
20 October, Sunday — Exercising Servant Leadership
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Isa 53:10-11Heb 4:14-16Mk 10:35-45 "For the Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve..." Today’s Gospel challenges us to examine our own desires for recognition and authority. In contrast to the world where leaders are glorified with power and authority, Jesus’ call to greatness is... Continue Reading →
19 October, Saturday — Let our conversations be guided by the Holy Spirit
Oct 19 – Memorial for Sts. John de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, martyrs; Memorial for St. Paul of the Cross, Priest St. John de Brebeuf (1593–1649) was a French Jesuit. He wanted to enter the priesthood since young, but his health was so bad there were doubts he could make it. His posting... Continue Reading →
18 October, Friday — Being unprepared for the journey
Oct 18 – Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist St. Luke (d. 74) was born to pagan Greek parents, and possibly a slave. He was one of the earliest converts, and a physician studying in Antioch and Tarsus. He probably travelled as a ship’s doctor, and many charitable societies of physicians are named after him.... Continue Reading →
17 October, Thursday — Saying ‘Yes!’
Oct 17 – Memorial for St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr St. Ignatius (c. 50–107) was a convert from paganism to Christianity. He succeeded Peter as bishop of Antioch, Syria. He served during persecution of Domitian. During the persecution of Trajan, he was ordered to be taken to Rome to be killed by wild... Continue Reading →
16 October, Wednesday — Cultivating the inner self
Oct 16 – Memorial for St. Hedwig, Religious; Memorial for St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin St. Hedwig (1174–1243) was the daughter of the Duke of Croatia, and aunt of St. Elizabeth of Hungary. She married Prince Henry I of Silesia and Poland in 1186 at the age of 12, and became the mother of seven.... Continue Reading →
15 October, Tuesday — Appreciating the importance of unity
Oct 15 – Memorial for St. Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor Also known as Teresa of Avila, Teresa of Jesus (1515–1582) was born to the Spanish nobility, the daughter of Don Alonso Sanchez de Cepeda and Dona Beatriz. She grew up reading the lives of the saints, and playing at ‘hermit’ in the garden.... Continue Reading →
14 October, Monday — The sign of Jonah
Oct 14 – Memorial for St. Callistus I, Pope and Martyr St. Callistus (d. 223) was born a slave, owned by Carpophorus, a Christian in the household of Caesar. His master entrusted a large sum to Callistus to open a bank, which took in several deposits, made several loans to people who refused to pay... Continue Reading →
13 October, Sunday — Possible Impossible Task
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Wis 7:7-11Heb 4:12-13Mk 10:17-30 “For men...it is impossible, but not for God: because everything is possible for God.” Many of us are familiar with the Gospel reading today. It speaks of a wealthy young man begging Jesus for the secret to eternal life. At first, Jesus spoke to the young... Continue Reading →
12 October, Saturday — That Time When Our Power Got Cut…
Saturday of Week 27 in Ordinary Time Gal 3:22-29Lk 11:27-28 …and you are, all of you, sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. The power utility ‘de-energized’ our home two weeks ago. Out of the blue, a warning arrived by email, and two days later, another confirmed the electricity would be disconnected indefinitely while... Continue Reading →