25 Jan – Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul St. Paul (3-65) was a Jewish Talmudic student and a Pharisee. He was a tent-maker by trade. Saul the Jew hated and persecuted Christians as heretical, even assisting at the stoning of St. Stephen the Martyr. On his way to Damascus to arrest another group... Continue Reading →
24 January, Wednesday — True Friendship
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 →
16 January, Tuesday — Don’t just look in the mirror
Tuesday of Week 2 in Ordinary Time 1 Sam 16:1-13Mk 2:23-28 “God does not see as man sees…” King Saul disobeyed God. He kept the spoils of war against the Amalekites instead of destroying everything that belonged to them. When confronted by Samuel, he tried to justify his actions instead of repenting. That was enough.... Continue Reading →
15 January, Monday — Change & Blessings
Monday of Week 2 in Ordinary Time 1 Sam 15:16-23Mk 2:18-22 “Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of fasting while the bridegroom is still with them?” I am a lifelong Manchester United fan. Since Alex Fergerson retired as manager in 2012, the club’s football achievements have been mediocre. It also bought many overrated and... Continue Reading →
9 January, Tuesday — Hannah and Eli
Tuesday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time 1 Sam 1:9-20Mk 1:21-28 …for she was speaking under her breath; her lips were moving but her voice could not be heard. He therefore supposed that she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to be in this drunken state? Rid yourself of your... Continue Reading →
31 December, Sunday — The Model Family
Dec 31 – Feast of The Holy Family The Holy Family consists of the Child Jesus, the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. The subject became popular in art from the 1490s on, but veneration of the Holy Family was formally begun in the 17th century by Saint François de Laval, the first bishop of New France, who founded a confraternity. The Gospels speak little of the life... Continue Reading →
29 December, Friday — Seek humility in Our Lady and Saint Joseph
5th day within the Octave of Christmas 1 Jn 2:3-11Lk 2:22-35 “Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord.” On this joyous fifth day within the octave of Christmas, we celebrate the presentation of Jesus at the temple. As devout Jewish parents, Our Lady and St Joseph presented baby Jesus to consecrate Him to... Continue Reading →
25 December, Monday — He is the reason
Christmas Day – Mass during the Day Isa 52:7-10Heb 1:1-6Jn 1:1-18 “The Word was the true light, that enlightens all men; and he was coming into the world.” Merry Christmas, brothers and sisters! I love Christmas. As a child, it was because of all the presents I used to receive, and the festive feasting at... Continue Reading →
23 December, Saturday — Me Before You: Faith
Dec 23 – Memorial for St. John of Kanty, presbyter St. John of Kanty (1390-1473) was a Polish country lad. A brilliant student at the University of Krakow, Poland, he became a priest and professor of theology at the University of Krakow, where he was falsely accused and ousted by university rivals. At the age... Continue Reading →
20 December, Wednesday — ‘If’ and ‘How’
20 December Is 7:10-14Lk 1:26-38 Mary said to the angel, “But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?” Not possible Gabe, not possible…no way, Jose! Both you and me would conclude that this was some sort of weird dream, or perhaps the outcome of some sort of psychological disorder. Dreaming perhaps? Or... Continue Reading →
OXYGEN 