19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Wis 18:6-9Heb 11:1-2,8-19Lk 12:32-48 “See that you are dressed for action and have your lamps lit…You too must stand ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Do you ever procrastinate? I am not proud of it, but I am the worst kind... Continue Reading →
16 April, Saturday — Easter Vigil
Dear Readers, The Easter Vigil Mass features a total of nine readings. It is an Oxygen tradition to have a reflection for each of these readings. This Easter, we feature a few of our regular contributors and welcome back Daryl. It is a long read, but we hope you enjoy the reflections and be inspired... Continue Reading →
23 January, Sunday — Moving Forward in God’s Love
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Neh 8:2-6,8-101 Cor 12:12-30Lk 1:1-4,4:14-21 "Do not be sad: the joy of the Lord is your stronghold." As we enter our third year of living with social restrictions in this time of pandemic, most of us probably feel tired by it all. Yet, we move on. It may be slow,... Continue Reading →
3 December, Friday — Time invested in hope in God has His grace as the dividend
Dec 3 – Feast of St. Francis Xavier, presbyter, religious, missionary (Principal Patron of Foreign Missions) St. Francis Xavier (1506-1552) was a nobleman from the Basque region. He studied and taught philosophy at the University of Paris, and planned a career as a professor. He was a friend of St. Ignatius of Loyola, who convinced him... Continue Reading →
23 November, Tuesday — Remembering that all things shall pass
Nov 23 – Memorial for St. Clement I, pope, martyr; Memorial for St. Columban, abbot St. Clement (d. 101) was the fourth pope, and an apostolic Father. The Basilica of St. Clement in Rome is one of the earliest parish churches in the city, and is probably built on the site of Clement’s home. He is... Continue Reading →
21 November, Sunday – Remembering that Christ is our King
Nov 21 – Solemnity of Christ The King Christ The King is a title of Jesus based on several passages of scripture and used by all Christians. The name is found in various forms in scripture: King Eternal (1 Timothy 1:17), King of Israel (John 1:49), King of the Jews (Matthew 27:11), King of kings... Continue Reading →
4 September, Saturday — Unwrapping the gift of Faith
Saturday of Week 22 in Ordinary Time Col 1:21-23Lk 6:1-5 ...as long as you persevere and stand firm on the solid base of faith... The times we live in are indeed very uncertain. The media of today constantly reminds us of the challenges which various countries face. Indeed, it is a struggle for each one... Continue Reading →
9 July, Friday – To Save Our Life
Jul 9 – Memorial for St. Augustine Zhao Rong, priest, & companions Christianity arrived in China by way of Syria in the 600s. Depending on China’s relations with the outside world, Christianity over the centuries was free to grow or was forced to operate secretly. The 120 martyrs in this group died between 1648 and... Continue Reading →
13 June, Sunday – Walking by Faith and not by sight
11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Eze 17:22-242 Cor 5:6-10Mk 4:26-34 And when the crop is ready, he loses no time: he starts to reap because the harvest has come I have had people ask me why I continue to be a Catholic, in light of what has happened to the Church in recent years. These... Continue Reading →
28 January, Thursday – Being in Community
Jan 28 – Memorial for St. Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) was the son of the Count of Aquino. He was born in the family castle in Lombardy near Naples, Italy. He was educated by Benedictine monks at Monte Cassino, and at the University of Naples. He secretly joined... Continue Reading →