In today's gospel reading we meet a tax-collector called Matthew, previously known as Levi. I like him. His life before encountering Jesus was probably a bit worldly...
john oconnor
cry for help
I often think that I have the best job in the world, not a job really but a life. As a priest I am very fortunate. I have to add that I love my work because I am...
Ash Wednesday
Whatever season of the year you are living in today, and whatever season of life's journey, today we enter together a spring-time of growth for relationship with God....
mardi gras
Today, the day before Ash Wednesday, is commonly known as ‘shrove‘ or ‘pancake’ Tuesday. This day is more widely known in many parts of the world as Mardi Gras (ie fat...
what star?
Teachers in all New Zealand schools have a tough vocation. Their passion for education of the young has led them to the classroom where they often find themselves...
just ask
This weekend's Sunday Gospel opens with a beggar coming to Jesus. The beggar (begging because he was a leper) kneels down and begs Jesus saying "If you wish, you can...
have your say
There is just over a week before submissions close on the End of Life Choice Bill currently before the New Zealand parliament. I know what it's like, we intend to make...
Month’s Mind
One of the many beautiful traditions in our Catholic funeral rites is the celebration of the Month's Mind Mass, about a month after the death of the one we love. We...
i tenei whenua
Mihi Tēnēi te mihi ki te kaihanga i te timatanga, nāna te rangi e tū nei, nāna te papa e takato nei. Nāna ngā maunga pokapoka kapua, nāna ngā puna waiora, ngā awa, ngā...
culture
Today we mark 178 years since the first signatures were put to the Treaty of Waitangi on Thursday 6 February 1840. Rightly this day is a public holiday in New Zealand,...
Latest Posts
the wounded healer
I’m writing this reflection the evening before you will read it, twenty-five years to the day since Henri Nouwen’s sudden death.
the light
Last night a friend in Auckland spent his lockdown evening with telescope and camera and captured this image of Saturn.
bridge building
I first met Leonie when as a young priest I decided to use spare time in a small rural West Coast parish to study communication
seeding
Jesus help me to be more careful, more aware of the power of my words and actions…
a humble church
The Church of Christ does not seek to dominate consciences and occupy spaces, but rather to be a “wellspring” of hope in people’s lives.