Sep 30 – Memorial for St. Jerome, Priest and Doctor St. Jerome (347-419) led a misspent youth. He later converted in theory, being baptised in 365, and then had a true conversion when he studied theology. He was a monk, and revised the Latin text of the Bible. The result of his 30 years of... Continue Reading →
29 September, Monday — To Light and Guard
Sep 29 – Feast of the Holy Archangels, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael You should be aware that the word ‘angel’ denotes a function rather than a nature. Those holy spirits of heaven have indeed always been spirits. They can only be called angels when they deliver some message. Moreover, those who deliver messages of lesser importance... Continue Reading →
28 September, Sunday — Don’t get too comfortable
26th Sunday in Ordinary TimeAmo 6:1,4-71 Tim 6:11-16Lk 16:19-31 “Woe to those ensconced so snugly…” At first glance, this Sunday’s readings seem to once again contrast woe to the rich with blessed are the poor. The first reading from Amos warns those who live complacently and securely in their comforts, that their revelry will soon end. The Gospel... Continue Reading →
27 September, Saturday — The Value of Suffering
Sep 27 – Memorial for St. Vincent de Paul, Priest St. Vincent (1581-1660) spent four years with the Franciscan friars getting an education. He was taken captive by Turkish pirates and sold into slavery, then freed when he converted one of his owners to Christianity. He started organisations to help the poor, nursed the sick,... Continue Reading →
26 September, Friday — Who Do You Say You Are?
Sep 26 – Memorial for Sts. Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs Sts. Cosmas and Damian were twin brothers, physicians who accepted no payment. Their charity brought many to Christ. Although they were tortured during the persecutions of Diocletian, the two suffered no injury. Patron Saint Index Hag 1:15,2:9Lk 9:18-22 “But you,” he said “who do you... Continue Reading →
25 September, Thursday — The Gaze I Fear, the Face I Seek
Thursday of Week 25 in Ordinary Time Hag 1:1-8Lk 9:7-9 And he was anxious to see Jesus. Herod was a powerful man. He had soldiers, wealth, influence. Yet, Luke tells us he was anxious to see Jesus (Lk 9:9). That word ‘anxious’ is striking. It suggests restlessness, urgency, even discomfort. Why would someone like Herod,... Continue Reading →
24 September, Wednesday — Travelling Light: Trusting God on the Journey
Wednesday of Week 25 in Ordinary Time Ez 9:5-9Lk 9:1-6 “Take nothing for the journey…” Every time I plan for a holiday, I find myself thinking carefully about my outfits, how to pair them, and where I will stay. I enjoy planning and like to be sure that my accommodation is comfortable and convenient. And... Continue Reading →
23 September, Tuesday — To Be His Mother and Brothers
Sep 23 – Memorial for St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), Priest St. Pio (1887-1968) was ordained when he was 22. He founded the House for the Relief of Suffering in 1956, a hospital that serves 60,000 a year. In the 1920s he started a series of prayer groups that continue today with over 400,000... Continue Reading →
22 September, Monday — God lighting up my life
Monday of Week 25 in Ordinary Time Ez 1:1-6Lk 8:16-18 "No one lights a lamp to cover it with a bowl or to put it under a bed." In my more than 20 years here in Singapore, there was only one time that there was a power outage. Light has always been accessible to me,... Continue Reading →
21 September, Sunday — Networking for God’s Kingdom
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Amo 8:4-71 Tim 2:1-8Lk 16:1-13 “You cannot be the slave both of God and of money.” When I first read this parable as a child, I was confused. I thought, “Why would Jesus tell a story where a steward is rewarded for morally questionable actions?” More than a decade later,... Continue Reading →