You have heard me comment about Fr. Robert Barron’s wordonfire.com website, and his inspiring Youtube clips on a variety of contemporary topics. A few weeks ago I was...
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kids or cats & dogs
At his early morning Mass (for Vatican workers & others) Pope Francis often uses vivid images in his preaching. Here's an example from his encouragement yesterday...
cousins
I arrived in the United States yesterday for a few days break before beginning another stint of study at the Liturgical Institute of Mundelein University. While in New...
up up and away?
A couple of years ago I led a retreat for priests in a beautiful part of the Australian countryside. I had a few hours in Sydney on the way over from Christchurch so I...
Ascension
This weekend in New Zealand, and in many other parts of the world, we celebrate the feast of the Ascension of the Lord. In some other places the feast is still marked...
goodnight kiwi
For twenty years until the advent of 24 hour TV in the early 1990's, the New Zealand TV day concluded with a one minute animation of a kiwi preparing for bed. It was...
Dante and beer
What could a fourteenth century Italian have to offer citizens of a twenty-first century world? In a conversation at last weekend's retreat I heard of John Kinder's...
food from francis
Today is the last day of Pope Francis' weekend pilgrimage to the Holy Land. His reflections in these days give us solid food for faith. The Rome Reports website gives...
eager running
It has been an inspiration and a privilege in recent weeks to spend time reflecting on the reality of the resurrection of Jesus with several different groups. For too...
haircut
Getting a haircut is not one of my favourite things to do, but last week the need was pressing and the opportunity presented. Always the hairdresser begins by asking...
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wonder-full
A few years ago I was walking across the North Quad of the Christchurch Arts Centre as a mother was hurrying her toddler pulling him by the hand as he resisted and gazed into the sky.
finding faith
Without a doubt one of the greatest highlights of the year for me has been finding faith in the most unexpected of places and in people who say they have no faith or very weak faith.
busy ?
In the midst of the extra demands of this month, the Season of Advent beginning today offers a timely way to stay happy and centred when everything else threatens to steal our healthy perspective.
Advent online
FFF’s Advent Online daily email reflections begin Sunday morning 1 December, the first day of Advent. Make sure you’re signed up, and share this invitation with anyone you think might be interested.
easily pleased
It’s 56 years today since CS Lewis died. One of my favourite Lewis quotes is about the boy making mud-pies: “…We are far too easily pleased”