One of the disadvantages of living at the front of the world (first to see the sun each day) is that we are reminded of anniversary and celebration days by our European...
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parish war or peace
a reflection based on the readings for Sunday 7 September 2014. Readings at this link. It is remarkable that eighteen months after his election, Pope Francis remains...
extinct religion ?
In recent months I have had the opportunity to be with many people of faith in several different countries: New Zealand, Australia, Asia, United States and Europe....
with Pope Francis
This morning I was at Mass in a little church in the heart of Rome. I think I was the only visitor to Rome present, all the others looked like regulars. After Mass I...
time – the recipe
Much of the time, I feel as though there is not enough time for me to do the many things I need to do and the many more things that I want to do. When I was younger I...
Carmelite insight
This mornings's Press gives an inspiring and welcome insight into the life of the Carmelite Sisters of Christchurch. The online Press page gives an interactive view at...
distracted ?
In yesterday's post I mentioned that prayer is not our work but is always the work of God. Of course in prayer we desire to co-operate with the activity of God in our...
in a heartbeat
I often hear people comment that they find it difficult to pray. When I ask what they mean by difficulty with prayer they speak about an inability to concentrate and...
holiday
You might have noticed that I haven't posted here for a few days. For the week from last Saturday I have been on vacation in the Dolomite mountains. For the past...
missing the point
Each day I receive by email a couple of commentaries on the scriptures of the day. Sometimes these inspirations and encouragements come from the saint of the day as in...
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Aquinas
Today, let’s pray for students who are returning to school for the new year, especially those who might be worried by a lack of academic ability.
Australia Day
I’m a New Zealander living in New Zealand writing an Australia Day reflection. Our two nations are united by generations of friendship through good times and bad.
Word of God Sunday
Pope Francis has named this Sunday, the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, as Word of God Sunday.
beauty
In gratitude to Roger Scruton for his work, and as a prayer for his eternal experience of the fulness of beauty, I share one of his best-known video teachings.
a cathedral teaches
There is an old adage that we build our buildings and then our buildings build us. This is most true of a Catholic church