Nov 9 – Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome The Basilica of St. John Lateran is the cathedral of the church of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome, who is the Pope. It is officially named ‘Archbasilica of the Most Holy Saviour, St. John Baptist and... Continue Reading →
14 July, Monday — Not in God’s House
Monday of Week 15 in Ordinary Time Exo 1:8-14,22Mt 10:34-11:1 “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Some time ago, I scurried into church and slid into a pew, just as Mass was about to begin. Traffic in Los Angeles is not to be... Continue Reading →
4 July, Friday — On Norman Rockwell
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 →
OXYGEN 