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 →
16 December, Tuesday — The unwilling sons
Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent Zep 3:1-2,9-13Mt 21:28-32 "Which of the two did the father’s will?” Sometimes, I wonder which son I resemble in the Gospel passage for today – the one who initially refused his father’s request but then later changed his mind? Or the one who initially agreed, but then did... Continue Reading →
15 December, Monday — Learning to trust with eyes veiled
Monday of the 3rd Week of Advent Num 24: 2-7,15-17Mt 21:23–27 He sees what Shaddai makes him see, receives the divine answer, and his eyes are opened. Although I appreciate the hope-filled nature of the readings during Advent, sometimes I find them slightly abstract and removed from our current conflict-ridden world. So I was intrigued... Continue Reading →
25 November, Tuesday — Remembering that all things shall pass
Nov 25 – Memorial for St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin, martyr St. Catherine (d. 305) was a noble who was learned in science and oratory. After receiving a vision, she converted to Christianity. At the age of 18, during the persecution of Maximus, she offered to debate the pagan philosophers. Many were converted by her... Continue Reading →
13 November, Thursday — The Presence of the Kingdom in Unexpected Circumstances
Thursday of Week 32 in Ordinary Time Wis 7:22–8:1Lk 17:20–25 "The coming of the Kingdom of God does not admit of observation and there will be no one to say, 'Look here! Look there!' For, you must know, the kingdom of God is among you.” A few weekends ago, I decided to go for my... Continue Reading →
12 November, Wednesday — On Gratitude
Nov 12 – Memorial for St. Josaphat, bishop, religious, martyr John (1580-1623) had a father who was a municipal counsellor, and a mother who was known for her piety. He was raised in the Orthodox Ruthenian Church which, on 23 Nov 1595, in the Union of Brest, united with the Church of Rome. He was... Continue Reading →
18 October, Saturday — 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 →
14 October, Tuesday — The need to rebuild
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 →
3 September, Wednesday — Learning from Simon’s mother-in-law
Sep 3 – Memorial for St. Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor St. Gregory (540-590) collected the melodies and plain chants so associated with him, that they are now known as Gregorian Chants. He was elected by unanimous acclamation for pope. Incidentally, he was also the first monk to be pope. Before his papacy, he... Continue Reading →
OXYGEN 