Aug 9 – Memorial for St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), martyr After witnessing the strength of faith of Catholic friends, Teresa (1891-1942), originally a Jew, became interested in Catholicism and studied a catechism on her own, and she eventually ended up ‘reading herself into’ the Faith. She became a Carmelite nun, teaching... Continue Reading →
11 June, Wednesday — The Courage to Encourage
Jun 11 – Feast of St. Barnabas, apostle St. Barnabas (martyred 61) founded the Church in Antioch. He was a Levite Jewish convert, coming to the faith soon after Pentecost. Barnabas is mentioned frequently in the Acts of the Apostles, and is included among the prophets and doctors at Antioch. Like Paul, Barnabas believed in... Continue Reading →
8 April, Tuesday — Can we be open to His Word?
Tuesday of the 5th Week of Lent Num 21:4-9Jn 8:21-30 As he was saying this, many came to believe in him. I am a huge fan of good homilies. During the entrance procession, as the priest professes into the church, I tip-toe to see who the celebrant is. Many, many times, I’ve turned to my... Continue Reading →
16 March, Sunday — “Look at the stars, see how they shine for you…”
2nd Sunday of Lent Gen 15:5-12,17-18 Phi 3:17-4:1Lk 9:28-36 “Look towards heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” The stars have always held a fascination for us humans. Explorers use them to navigate through treacherous seas, set the direction for their destinations; and some even believe that the stars are... Continue Reading →
4 January, Saturday — A Child’s Simple Wish to Choose Jesus
4 January 1 Jn 3:7-10Jn 1:35-42 “No one who has been begotten by God sins; because God’s seed remains inside him.” I am re-writing this reflection a second time today, because I carelessly overlooked saving my draft which I accidentally over-wrote with another file. I was so frustrated that I wanted to give up. But... Continue Reading →
4 November, Monday — Use Me, Lord
Nov 4 – Memorial for St. Charles Borromeo, bishop St. Charles (1538-1584) was born to a wealthy, noble family, the third of six children, and the son of Count Giberto II Borromeo and Marghertita de’ Medici. He was the nephew of Pope Pius IV. He suffered from a speech impediment, but studied in Milan, and... Continue Reading →
8 September, Sunday — A Holistic Faith
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Isa 35:4-7Jas 2:1-5Mk 7:31-37 “Ephphatha!”, that is, “Be opened!”” Normally, the first reading and the Gospel are linked -- it is especially clear this week, as Isaiah talks about the blind, deaf, lame and mute being healed and streams bursting forth in the desert. He precedes this prophecy of healing... Continue Reading →
3 September, Tuesday — Recognising God’s Hand
Sep 3 – Memorial for St. Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor St. Gregory (540-590) collected the melodies and plain chants so associated with him, that they are now known as Gregorian Chants. He was elected by unanimous acclamation for pope. Incidentally, he was also the first monk to be pope. Before his papacy, he... Continue Reading →
19 August, Monday — A Richer Exchange
Aug 19 – Memorial for St. John Eudes, priest, religious founder John Eudes (1601-1680) established seminaries, and founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary Eudists to promote virtuous secular parochial clergy not bound by vows, but dedicated to improving the clergy through seminaries and missions. He also founded the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity... Continue Reading →
8 July, Monday — In Faith through Courage
Monday of Week 14 in Ordinary Time Hos 2:16,17-18,21-22Mt 9:18-26 “Courage…your faith has restored you to health.” Today’s gospel speaks of the healing of two women – one who was cured of haemorrhage and the other who was brought back to life from the dead. To the woman whom Jesus cured of haemorrhage, the words... Continue Reading →
OXYGEN 