Tuesday before Epiphany Sunday 1 Jn 2:29-3:6Jn 1:29-34 A man is coming after me who ranks before me... Sometimes we’re recognized as the best, top ranked, and sometimes we’re not. Chances are we’ve all reported to a person who was unqualified for the job they held. We may have even complained to friends and family, and even... Continue Reading →
21 November, Monday — We only have each other to rely on
Nov 21 – Memorial for the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Today, we commemorate the presentation of the Blessed Virgin as a child in the Temple where, according to tradition, she was educated. The feast originated in the Orient probably about the seventh century, and is found in the constitution of Manuel Comnenus (1166)... Continue Reading →
23 October, Sunday — Signifying nothing…
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Ecc 35:12-14,16-192 Tim 4:6-8,16-18Lk 18:9-14 The humble man’s prayer pierces the clouds… We’ve all encountered this person before – the one who talks incessantly AT you; who doesn’t give you any chance to say anything because they are too busy trying to put their point across; or who simply thinks... Continue Reading →
21 October, Friday — The Spiritual After-Action Review
Friday of Week 29 in Ordinary Time Eph 4: 1-6Lk 12: 54-59 I, the prisoner in the Lord, implore you to to lead a life worthy of your vocation. Bear with one another charitably, in complete selflessness, gentleness and patience. Do all you can to preserve the unity of the spirit by the peace that... Continue Reading →
18 October, Tuesday — Being unprepared for the journey
Oct 18 – Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist St. Luke (d. 74) was born to pagan Greek parents, and possibly a slave. He was one of the earliest converts, and a physician studying in Antioch and Tarsus. He probably travelled as a ship’s doctor, and many charitable societies of physicians are named after him.... Continue Reading →
28 August, Sunday — Pride goes before a fall
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Ecc 3:19-21,30-31Heb 12:18-19,22-24Lk 14:1,7-14 The greater you are, the more you should behave humbly… So if humility is so important, why is it so that people in high positions are so arrogant? Is it because rising to their lofty positions, they feel self-important that they forget where they came from?... Continue Reading →
8 June, Wednesday – Pointing the way or simply pointing fingers?
Wednesday of Week 10 in Ordinary Time 1 Kgs 18:20-39Mt 5:17-19 How long do you mean to hobble first on one leg then on the other? This scripture reading has always filled my imagination with pictures of the greatness of God. The fire raining down and devouring all that is Baal. And that is a picture I... Continue Reading →
12 May, Thursday – God’s plan for us
Thursday of the 4th Week of Eastertide Acts 13:13-25Jn 13:16-20 No servant is greater than his master I have always enjoyed watching period dramas; and the part that always interests me are the 'cloak and dagger' actions of the different subordinates whenever there is a change in the monarch. The power dynamics often shift and... 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 →
25 March, Friday — Sacrifices
25 Mar – Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord The annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary by Gabriel the Archangel, that she was to be the Mother of God (Luke 1), the Word being made flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit. The feast probably originated about the time of the Council of Ephesus... Continue Reading →