I know that I, sinful and unforgiving as I can be, if given charge of the gates of heaven for an hour, would throw them wide open, even to those who hate me and create problems for me.
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labyrinthine ways
I like Jonah because he’s a bit like me. I like the way that he recognises the call of God for him, then gets a bit scared and runs in the opposite direction
our
The word OUR is a powerful reminder that when I pray I am not alone. Not only am I in active relationship with God, but I am united with all who share OUR faith in Jesus Christ.
the big picture
We often focus too much on overcoming a particular sin forgetting that our focus must be on Jesus Christ who gives us both the desire and the ability to overcome sin.
our holy longing
While at times we are faced with decisions involving good and evil, most often our choices are between something good, something better, and perhaps a best option.
the beautiful beggar
We regularly hear of good and holy men and women falling from grace and we are shocked and surprised.
choosing life
Our greatest human desire is not to be free of suffering and pain, but to live whatever reality is present in the great company…
a favourable time
Lent is the time to free ourselves from the illusion of chasing after dust. We ask ourselves today: Where do I stand? Do I live for fire or for ash?”
Lectio Divina
There are many different kinds of reading. We read a novel in a way that is different from reading a text book, and an email from a friend is read differently to a...
Lourdes
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.
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A.S.K.
As a child I picked up the idea that it was best to be hesitant to ask for things. Instead, giving was the seen as the ideal, and being able to anticipate the needs of others (without them asking) and to respond appropriately was seen as an ultimate virtue.
something greater
Too often we fall into the trap of trying to be Christian in a pre-Christian kind of way. As I write I’m remembering the old song titled “Old-Time Religion”, a catchy tune with unfortunate lyrics:
“Give me that old-time religion
Give me that old-time religion
Give me that old-time religion
It’s good enough for me”
our & father
Well we’re almost a week into Lent. Think back to the gospel for Ash Wednesday: the good deeds we do for Lent are not to be paraded before others. If we do this we have had our reward since others know the good we have been doing.
the measure
In recent years I have been invited to lead sessions for the parents of children preparing for First Communion local parishes. I love working with these parents. Many have had little contact with Sunday worship for a decade or two or more. Yet their growing faith leads them to ask for a Sacrament of the Church. While our (church) response is always well-intentioned it’s usually pretty unhelpful when it focusses on Mass attendance and parish activity as the ultimate and immediate measure of faith.
airport musing
I’m writing this reflection at Wellington airport after a day with an inspiring group, reflecting together on Pope Francis’ liturgy letter Desiderio Desideravi published in June of last year. It’s my role with the National Liturgy Office that leads me, along with the NLO co-director Catherine Gibbs, to offer these formation sessions across the country.