Take a moment to read the opening verses of today's gospel reading : Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees have taken...
john oconnor
in every age
Something a bit different today from the life of a country priest. Yesterday morning we celebrated the Sunday 10.00am Amberley Mass in the meeting room behind the...
earth & heaven
Mountain tops are significant places in the Bible. In the Old Testament God was thought to dwell in the distant heavens therefore if you wanted to get close to God you...
gift of the law
Most of us are not too keen on rules. Something in us fears that laws will limit our liberty and therefore we will be less happy. The underlying thought is that we will...
from the pit
Catholicism is a communal faith and Catholicism is also about personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In different eras of Christian history one has sometimes been...
seven years on
Today, February 22, marks seven years since the devastating 2011 earthquake which brought tragic loss of life to our city of Christchurch where we continue the long and...
jumper leads
The daily scriptures from the Liturgy of the Church give me plenty of material for reflection. But when I am open and expectant the people of the events of every day...
love forgives
Over the two thousand years of Christian history the life-giving teachings of Jesus have too often been misrepresented and misunderstood. Some zealous Christians have...
law & the poor
It was a great joy for me yesterday morning to be in Murupara, a small and isolated Bay of Plenty town on the banks of the Rangitaiki River, to celebrate with Brother...
tempted ?
You might have heard the one about the Abbot who asked the novice if he had been entertaining temptations. "No" the novice replied, "I haven't been entertaining...
Latest Posts
you will be found
I was reminded today of a wonderful (virtual) gathering that I was privileged to be a part of twelve months ago this week.
studio & homily
A half-hour podcast considering the scriptures for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
God remembers
Take courage and comfort remembering that God is remembering you and protecting you.
what do YOU say ?
Take a moment to savour the image above. It’s Peter on his way to the tomb of Jesus on the morning of the resurrection.
from the past
If you want to know the extent to which you are dependant on God, just take a moment to find your pulse.