The Lectionary for Sunday liturgy used by Catholics and many other Christian denominations gives us the opportunity to be united in prayer and to be nourished by the same scripture selections in worship each week. This Sunday, New Year’s Day, the first reading is the well known blessing from the Testament book of Numbers. This is […]
One of the most inspiring sights at Christmas Masses is to see families gathered from all over for one purpose, to be together for Christmas. I use the term “families” in the fullest sense. Artificial ideals of families are often presented. A century ago a husband and wife might have a dozen children. When I was a […]
In a couple of days we will be in a new year and for many people this is a time for making resolutions. Perhaps you used to make resolutions but have failed to keep these and now have given up? I know the feeling and the frustration. It might be that our problem is not […]
Surrounded by presents and tinsel, peaceful nativity scenes and Christmas goodwill, it is easy to forget the full reality of the Christmas event. December 28, the feast of the Holy Innocents confronts us with the harsh environment that the child Jesus was born into. While this year the Sunday feast of the Holy Family overtakes that of […]
A few days ago I had a call from Tim Wilson of Newstalk ZB asking for a Christmas interview with a country pastor. I was happy to share a thought or two and this morning the station played the full 15 minute interview. You can listen below Part One at this link – jump to […]
We can no longer assume that people know the meaning of Christmas. A child recently asked about the significance of Christmas replied: “it is when Santa Claus was born.” The child is right about the birth part, and birth is always a moment of rejoicing and wonder. Shepherds and kings were captivated by the helpless […]
Take a moment in the midst of this pre-Christmas busyness to focus again on the heart of the feast. You might find this brief video clip helpful.
Yesterday I had to make the return journey between Amberley and Kaikoura. For five weeks since the mid-November earthquakes the main State Highway One has been closed, and for the past two weeks only the longer inland route has been passable. Before then there was no access to Kaikoura from south or north. Now, from […]
If I were to give this Sunday the Fourth Sunday of Advent a name, I would designate it as Angelus Sunday. Here’s why:
I have spent the weekend in the Philippines (Manila and Cebu) and today head home to NZ. The brief visit was an opportunity to meet with friends in both cities and to journey together in faith. The simple purpose of the visit: friendship, the kind of friendship without which life is not possible. Fifteen hours of flying […]
Just after midnight on Monday morning 14 November a significant earthquake shook us awake. As dawn broke significant damage was revealed across the Hurunui and further north to Kaikoura. Following immediately after two years of devastating drought, the earthquake and those that followed have destroyed homes and livelihoods of some and shaken the stability of all […]
