Friday of Week 23 in Ordinary Time 1 Cor 9:16-19,22-27Lk 6:39-42 “Hypocrite! Take the plank out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly…” My father-in-law has lost the battle with cancer and dementia. We are gathered as a family, to witness his last few days, and pray for him as he... Continue Reading →
10 September, Thursday — On Death
Thursday of Week 23 in Ordinary Time 1 Cor 8:1-7,11-13Lk 6:27-38 “…for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate.” My father-in-law is dying. He has been declining since Christmas, battling first dementia and more recently, cancer. I think we were all in denial, which is... Continue Reading →
6 August, Thursday — Transfigured
Aug 6 – Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord Today we celebrate the occasion on which Christ revealed Himself in shining splendour to Peter, James, and John. Moses and Elijah were present, and are taken to signify the Law and the Prophets. They testify to Jesus as the promised Messiah. God the Father also... Continue Reading →
5 August, Wednesday — The Vineyard
Aug 5 – Memorial for Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome First raised at the order of Pope Liberius in the mid-fourth century, the Liberian Basilica was rebuilt by Pope Sixtus III shortly after the Council of Ephesus affirmed Mary’s title as Mother of God in 431. Re-dedicated at that time... Continue Reading →
7 July, Tuesday — On Disunity
Tuesday of Week 14 in Ordinary Time Hos 8:4-7,11-13Mt 9:32-37 And when he saw the crowds he felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. The Book of Hosea is a difficult read. The premise of Hosea is of a prophet who continues to love and forgive... Continue Reading →
4 July, Saturday — On Turning 250
Jul 4 – Memorial for St. Elizabeth of Portugal Elizabeth (1271-1336) was a princess with a pious upbringing who became Queen of Portugal before she was a teenager. Elizabeth suffered through years of her husband’s abuse and adultery, praying all the while for his conversion, and working with the poor and sick. She rode onto... Continue Reading →
3 July, Friday — Faith, Doubt, Grief
Jul 3 – Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle Thomas (d. 72) was ready to die with Jesus when Christ went to Jerusalem, but he is best remembered for doubting the Resurrection until allowed to touch Christ’s wounds. He preached in Parthia, Persia and India, though he was so reluctant to start the mission that he... Continue Reading →
25 April, Saturday — On Mission
25 Apr – Feast of St. Mark, evangelist St. Mark is believed to be the young man who ran away when Jesus was arrested (Mark 14:51-52), and the “John whose other name was Mark” (Acts 12:25). He was a disciple of St. Peter who travelled with him to Rome, and was referred to as “my... Continue Reading →
24 April, Friday — A Small Pause
24 Apr – Memorial for St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest & martyr St. Fidelis Sigmaringen (1577-1622) was a lawyer and teacher of philosophy. Disgusted by the greed, corruption, and lack of interest in justice by his fellow lawyers, Mark Rey abandoned the law, became a priest and a Franciscan friar with his brother George. He... Continue Reading →
26 March, Thursday — On Dementia
Thursday of the 5th Week of Lent Gen 17:3-9Jn 8:51-59 “Who are you claiming to be?... My father-in-law is battling dementia. The speed at which he is slipping, is terrifying. He was fine, and in full control of his faculties only 3 months ago. But he had a fall, and now, seems lost and confused,... Continue Reading →
OXYGEN 