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 →
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 →
31 January, Tuesday — “Catholic? Who? Me?…”
31 Jan – Memorial for St. John Bosco, priest St. John Bosco (1815-1888) was the son of Venerable Margaret Bosco. His father died when he was just two years old, and as soon as he was old enough to do odd jobs, he did so for extra money for his family. Bosco would go to... Continue Reading →
30 January, Monday — “I am with you always…”
Monday of Week 4 in Ordinary Time Heb 11:32-40 Mk 5:1-20 “Go home to your people and tell them all that the Lord in his mercy has done for you.” As we approach the end of the first month of the year, have we made any resolutions? And have we taken steps to keep them?... Continue Reading →
27 January, Friday – Telling Life Stories
27 Jan – Memorial for St. Angela Merici, virgin St. Angela Merici (1474-1540) became a Franciscan tertiary at the age of 15. She received a vision telling her that she would inspire devout women in their vocation. In Crete, during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, she was struck blind. Her friends wanted to return... Continue Reading →
26 January, Thursday – More than Just You and Me
26 Jan – Memorial for Sts. Timothy and Titus, bishops St. Timothy (d. 97) was the son of a Greek gentile, his mother Eunice was Jewish. He was converted to Christianity by St. Paul around the year 47. He was a partner, assistant and close friend of Paul. He was a missionary as well, and... Continue Reading →
24 January, Tuesday – Sitting with foes
24 Jan – Memorial for St. Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) was born in a castle to a well-placed family. His parents intended him to become a lawyer, enter politics, and carry on the family line and power. He studied at La Roche, Annecy, Clermont College... Continue Reading →
15 January, Sunday — Bearing Witness
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Isa 49:3,5-61 Cor 1:1-3Jn 1:29-34 “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send you grace and peace.” Amidst the festivities of Christmastide and merrymaking of ushering in the New Year, some of us may have made new year resolutions. This annual tradition helps us take stock of what... Continue Reading →