Jul 26 – Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of the Virgin Mary By tradition Joachim and Anne are considered to be the names of the parents of Mary, the Mother of God. We have no historical evidence, however, of any elements of their lives, including their names. Any stories about Mary’s father and mother come... Continue Reading →
11 April, Thursday — Remember your purpose in life
11 Apr – St Stanislaus, Bishop, Martyr Stanislaus of Szczepanów (26 July 1030 – 11 April 1079) was Bishop of Kraków known chiefly for having been martyred by the Polish King Bolesław II the Generous. Stanislaus is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church as Saint Stanislaus the Martyr. He was educated at a cathedral school in Gniezno (then the capital of Poland) and later, probably at... Continue Reading →
10 January, Wednesday — In Obedience
Wednesday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time 1 Sam 3:1-10,19-20Mk 1:29-39 “Here I am, since you called me.” I was blessed to have attended a silent retreat in the hills of Cebu, Philippines in early December. Having attended and ministered at such retreats before, I arrived filled with expectant faith and He certainly did not... Continue Reading →
11 September, Monday – A Loving Obedience
Monday of Week 23 in Ordinary Time Col 1:24-2:3Lk 6:6-11 “I put it to you: is it against the law on the sabbath to do good, or to do evil; to save life, or to destroy it?” Is there love in obedience? Why do we obey? Sometimes we obey because we are at the mercy... Continue Reading →
27 April, Thursday — Silence of the lambs
Thursday of the 3rd Week of Easter Acts 8:26-40Jn 6:44-51 …like these he never opens his mouth. How many times have we found ourselves in a situation where in order to ‘preserve the peace’, we don’t speak up or offer others our opinions? Or for those of us who work in organisations where ‘groupthink’ rules... Continue Reading →
20 April, Thursday – Remember your purpose in life
Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter Acts 5:27-33Jn 3:31-36 Obedience to God comes before obedience to men. I have always wondered why there is a need to obey. In this day and age where everybody values freedom, it appears that the need to obey is antiquated and some would say outdated. Yet the readings... Continue Reading →
20 October, Thursday — Knowing the truth
Thursday of Week 29 in Ordinary Time Eph 3:14-21Lk 12:49-53 “I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already!” I have to admit that today’s gospel was quite a challenge to read and reflect on. How could Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and whom the prophets spoke... Continue Reading →
19 October, Wednesday — Knowing God
Oct 19 – Memorial for Sts. John de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, martyrs; Memorial for St. Paul of the Cross, Priest St. John de Brebeuf (1593–1649) was a French Jesuit. He wanted to enter the priesthood since young, but his health was so bad there were doubts he could make it. His posting... Continue Reading →
13 October, Thursday – Saying ‘Yes!’
Thursday of Week 28 in Ordinary Time Eph 1:1-10Lk 11:47-54 He chose us in Christ By the time you read this reflection, I would have celebrated another birthday. Six years ago, my better half threw me a huge surprise birthday party, with the help of some close friends. Quite frankly, I was happy to let... Continue Reading →
3 May, Tuesday – Obedience
May 3 – Feast of Sts. Philip and James, Apostles St. Philip was a disciple of St. John the Baptist, and a convert. He was one of the Twelve Apostles, and brought St. Nathanael to Christ. He was a confidant of Jesus. Little is known about him, but scriptural episodes give the impression of a shy,... Continue Reading →