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, Thursday — On Narratives
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 →
17 May, Saturday — Trust The Process…Maybe
Saturday of the 4th Week of Eastertide Acts 13:44-52Jn 14:7-14 “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?” As I write this, the Catholic Church is celebrating a successful conclave. We have a new Pope! And the process seems to have worked, despite Hollywood’s depiction of a... Continue Reading →
16 May, Friday — Notes from England
Friday of the 4th Week of Eastertide Acts 13:26-33Jn 14: 1-6 There are many rooms in my Father’s house... Last week, I was in England, and while I was there, I took the opportunity to attend Mass. This is one of the best things about our faith -- that I can walk in from off... Continue Reading →
16 April, Wednesday — On Alternate Versions of the Truth
Wednesday of Holy Week Isa 50:4-9Mt 26:14-25 Morning after morning, he opens my ear that I may hear “Surely it is not I, Lord?... Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Subjective truth -- the version of events that we tell ourselves, so we can sleep at night. A man cheats on his wife, but in... Continue Reading →
15 April, Tuesday — On Losers
Tuesday of Holy Week Isa 49:1-6Jn 13:21-33,36-38 …my reward with my God. I was honoured in the eyes of the Lord... Relationships are always more difficult during Lent, most especially with members of one’s family. Maybe it is the proximity that breeds contempt, and foments disrespect. Those in our closest circle, are often the most... Continue Reading →
26 March, Wednesday — Bucket Lists
Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent Deu 4:1,5-9Mt 5: 17-19 “…observe them, and they will demonstrate to your peoples your wisdom and understanding.” It’s very ‘on trend’ to talk about ‘happiness’ it seems. All the young are doing it. It’s become all about ‘speaking my truth’, pursuing ‘my happiness’, letting go of ‘what no... Continue Reading →
6 February, Thursday — What Matters Most
6 Feb – Memorial for Sts. Paul Miki and Companions, martyrs (in Japan) St. Paul Miki (1562-1597) was one of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan. He was born into a rich family and educated by Jesuits in Azuchi and Takatsuki. He joined the Society of Jesus and preached the gospel for his fellow citizens. The... Continue Reading →
5 February, Wednesday — Homecomings
5 Feb – Memorial for St. Agatha, virgin and martyr We have little reliable information about this martyr who has been honoured since ancient times, and whose name is included in the canon of the Mass. Young, beautiful and rich, Agatha (d.250) lived a life consecrated to God. When Decius announced the edicts against Christians,... Continue Reading →
26 November, Tuesday — In the Run Up to Thanksgiving…
Tuesday of Week 34 in Ordinary Time Apo 14:14-19Lk 21:5-11 “All these things you are staring at now -- the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.” We’re heading into the final stretch of Thanksgiving. By now, the pros would’ve already completed most of the... Continue Reading →
OXYGEN 