Faith is the assurance of things unseen. Hebrew 11:119th Week in Ordinary Time: Sunday 11th August 2019Wis. 18:6-9; Ps. 33(32):1,12,18-19,20,22; Heb. 11:1-2,8-19; Lk. 12:32-48(35-40) (Ps Wk III) Cynical folks say that faith is silly and is nothing more than unrealistic wishful thinking. Hebrews has a different view: faith is another way of knowing. It is…
Feast of St Lawrence, Deacon & Martyr18th Week in Ordinary Time: Saturday 10th August 20192 Cor. 9:6-10; Ps. 112(111):1-2,5-6,7-8,9; Jn. 12:24-26 (Ps Wk II) St Lawrence was one of seven deacons of the city of Rome who were martyred for their faith. He was martyred in 238 under the emperor Valerian, along with or just…
"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?" Mark 8:3618th Week in Ordinary Time: Friday 9th August 2019Deut. 4:32-40; Ps. 77(76):12-13,14-15,16 and 21; Mt. 16:24-28 (Ps Wk II) When we say we are followers of Jesus Christ, does it mean we live life differently? Jesus says, “If…
St Dominic, Priest18th Week in Ordinary Time: Thursday 8th August 2019Num. 20:1-13; Ps. 95(94):1-2,6-7,8-9; Mt. 16:13-23 (Ps Wk II) Is it mere coincidence that it was near Caesarea Philippi, near that was popularly believed to be the entrance to Hell, that Peter receives the keys to the kingdom of heaven? Jesus asks the disciples a…
SS Xystus II, Pope & Comps. Martyrs18th Week in Ordinary Time: Wednesday 7th August 2019Num. 13:1-2,25; 14:1,26-29,34-35; Ps. 106(105):6-7,13-14,21-22,23; Mt. 15:21-28 (Ps Wk II) Today’s Gospel passage reminds us of the importance of faith in the healing process. The faith and wisdom of the Canaanite woman reflects her profound understanding of the implication of the…
Transfiguration of the Lord Transfiguration : Tuesday 6th August 2019Dan. 7:9-10,13-14 or 2 Pt. 1:16-19; Ps. 97(96):1-2,5-6,9; Lk. 9:28-36 (Ps Wk II) “This is my Son, the Chosen One Listen to Him.” This reveals and confirms the identity of Jesus — Son of God. It reminds us of the special link between this Transfiguration episode…
Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary18th Week in Ordinary Time: Monday 5th August 2019Num 11:4-15; Ps. 81(80)12-13,14-15,16-17; Mt. 14:13-21 (or 14:22-36) (Ps Wk II) Many spiritual traditions teach us that craving gets us in trouble. When we crave something, it overrides our prudence, inner peace, and patience. The Israelites had been complaining ever since…
“Remember, man, that you are dust and unto dust you must return.”18th Week in Ordinary Time: Sunday 4th August 2019Qoh/(Eccl) 1:2; 2:21-23; Ps. 90(89):3-4,5-6, 12-13,17; Col. 3:1-5,9-11; Lk. 12:13-21 (Ps Wk II) Though Qoheleth does not use the word “death” in this short passage from his book, nevertheless he is reflecting on the fact that…
What is your sense of justice? Is it based on love or on human emotions?17th Week in Ordinary Time: Saturday 3rd August 2019Lev. 25:1,8-17; Ps. 67(66):2-3,5,7-8; Mt. 14:1-12 (Ps Wk I) The scripture readings provide us with a contrast between God’s and man’s justice. In the first reading, we read that God asks Moses to…
Heavenly Father we thank you for the gift of Your Son.17th Week in Ordinary Time: Friday 2nd August 2019Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop Lev. 23:1,4-11,15-16,27,34-37; Ps. 81(80): 3,4,5,-6,10-11; Mt. 13:54-58 (Ps Wk I) “I am your God who led you out of the land of Egypt.” These words from Psalm 81, today’s Responsorial Psalm, are…