Here in New Zealand, today marks the end of the tax year. While a number of businesses start and finish their year at other times, 31 March looms large as an annual moment of accountability when financial successes and failures are measured. I heard recently the story of the Mexican fisherman who rose early and […]
ATTRACTION & RESISTANCE In every moment, any human is motivated by attraction, or by resistance. Those who are beginners in life’s journey simply go with attraction and act against whatever they consider to be distasteful. The prisoner of this behaviour lives compulsively by the motto: if it feels good, do it, if it feels bad, avoid it. […]
A number of people have commented that this “Monastery Bells” Food For Faith clip (first published a few months ago) is one of their favourite FFF posts. It is one of my favourites as well and was written on my return from a weekend retreat in a monastery near Manila. The bells at this Augustinian […]
I have been thinking a bit about pilgrimages in recent weeks. Pilgrimages to significant holy places were once an essential part of the life of the Christian. In the early Christian centuries every Christian was encouraged (and even expected) to journey to Jerusalem. A few centuries later when Holy Land pilgrimages were impossible because of the Muslim […]
We all carry burdens, anxieties, and concerns for those we love. We worry about ourselves and our future. Have you ever thought of carrying something that actually helps you? Pope Francis gives some good advice on this.
CAN I LIVE WITHOUT CHRIST IN MY GAZE? It seems obvious to answer this question with a ‘yes’. We all know many people who would say they do not believe in Christ and yet they are still breathing. They are alive. OR, IS CHRIST ESSENTIAL FOR LIFE? The question is a bit deeper than you […]
t’s the feast of the Annunciation today – the day on which Jesus’ human life began and therefore nine months until Christmas. Take a moment to appreciate this Millet masterpiece. Even if you have never seen the image before, you will guess that these peasants are praying. When the one who commissioned this painting in the mid- […]
Many methods have been offered for the tradition of “divine reading” of the scriptures. Too often this beautiful form of prayer is complicated by well-intentioned teachers. It is really very simple. In a few minutes of prayer pick up a gospel passage. A search of “daily readings” will take you the US Bishops’ Conference website where […]
A central part of the daily ministry of the life of any priest is ministry to those who have little or no contact with the Church. The most inspiring of these encounters are with people who are no longer satisfied with what relationships, possessions and projects can provide. The secular world of ambition and advertising […]
I can tell the full story some other time, but the punch line is: “remember that the most important thing, is to always keep the most important thing, as the most important thing.” Sometimes a punch line is enough. I appreciated this wisdom again at a recent retreat. All of us who had gathered were people […]
The great challenge at the heart of human life is the discernment of what will lead us to greater intimacy with God, and what will lead us away from this life-giving relationship. Of course most people don’t use “God language” to speak of this. So let’s re-word this great challenge: the decisions of each day […]
Every day, every one of us makes decisions. Some of these are small and easy choices. Many are more difficult and complex. I offer this brief video clip as an encouragement to all of us. I am suggesting that decision making is more simple than we usually think. It’s called DISCERNMENT, and becomes a very […]
I took this picture a few years ago at Los Angeles Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. The carving is of St. Joseph with a young Jesus. It is a rare and powerful portrayal of a delightful moment in this father-son relationship. On March 19 we would usually celebrate the feast of St. Joseph, husband […]
For many people Friday brings the end of the work and study week. The weekend brings a great diversity of activities which is why the most interesting conversation starter on a Monday morning is “what did you get up to at the weekend?” Earlier this afternoon I began a retreat with the Christchurch postulants for […]
Most people who celebrate on St. Patrick’s day today think of wearing green and enjoying good Irish music, Guinness and dancing at an Irish pub. Others who appreciate Patrick as a saint might think only of the myth about him freeing Ireland from snakes. The green beer and Irish dancing celebrations are great fun. I enjoy the music and Guinness even […]
