21 Jan – Memorial for St. Agnes, virgin and martyr At the age of 12 or 13, St. Agnes was ordered to sacrifice to pagan gods and lose her virginity by rape. She was taken to a Roman temple to Minerva (Athena), and when led to the altar, she made the Sign of the Cross.... Continue Reading →
20 January, Tuesday — God loves us, not our traditions. Love is our master, not tradition.
20 Jan – Memorial for St. Fabian, pope and martyr; Memorial for St. Sebastian, martyr Pope St. Fabian (d. 250) was a layman and a farmer. He came into Rome on a day when a new pope was to be elected. A dove flew in and settled on his head. The gathered clergy and laity... Continue Reading →
19 January, Monday — Curious, Confident & Courageous
Monday of Week 2 in Ordinary Time 1 Sam 15:16-23Mk 2:18-22 “New wine, fresh skins!” In today’s Gospel, Jesus’s words “New wine, fresh skins!” arrive loud and hopeful. They hint at renewal breaking into ordinary time. As the new year began, it was tempting to believe that this was exactly how the year would start... Continue Reading →
18 January, Sunday — Agnus Dei
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Isa 49:3,5-61 Cor 1:1-3Jn 1:29-34 “Look, there is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” John sees Jesus coming towards him and uses the phrase “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” for the first time. This concept would have been... Continue Reading →
17 January, Saturday — Follow or Lead
Jan 17 – Memorial for St. Anthony, abbot Following the death of his parents when he was about 20, St. Anthony (251-356) ensured that his sister completed her education, then sold his house, furniture, and the land he owned, gave the proceeds to the poor, joined the anchorites who lived nearby, and moved into an... Continue Reading →
16 January, Friday — Be Careful What You Ask For
Friday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time 1 Sam 8:4-7,10-22Mk 2:1-12 “When that day comes, you will cry out on account of the king you have chosen for yourselves, but on that day God will not answer you.” Just to switch things up, let’s reflect on today’s First Reading instead of the Gospel, as it... Continue Reading →
15 January, Thursday — Trust and Approach God with Humility
Thursday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time 1 Sam 4:1-11Mk 1:40-45 “If you want to...you can cure me.” As Chinese New Year approaches, I am reminded of the traditions I grew up with — like my father keeping the lights on past 1 am to 'welcome luck' into the new year. Looking back, I realise... Continue Reading →
14 January, Wednesday — Be still in the presence of the Lord
Wednesday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time 1 Sam 3:1-10,19-20Jn 10:27 "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." Good day, my friends. We are almost at mid-January, and I wonder how this New Year has been for you. December, for many of us, is often a whirlwind — holidays, gatherings, and for me, an endless list... Continue Reading →
13 January, Tuesday — Seeing God in the ordinary
13 Jan – Memorial for St. Hilary, bishop and doctor of the Church St. Hilary of Poitiers (315-368) was known as Athanasius of the West. He was born to wealthy polytheistic, pagan nobility. His early life was uneventful as he married, had children (one of whom was St. Abra), and studied on his own. Through... Continue Reading →
12 January, Monday — Hannah’s offering
Monday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time 1 Sam 1:1-8Mk 1:14-20 "...Why so sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” I have always found the story of Hannah in the first reading challenging. How could Hannah have consecrated her son to God just a year after giving birth, especially after enduring the... Continue Reading →
OXYGEN 