We spend most of our lives running from death and the daily moments that feel deathly. We do our best to avoid such uncomfortable realities and expend time, energy and resources trying to avoid anything that hints at death…(Read More)
There is one moment in the year when Christians around the world gather at the same hour, 3.00pm on Good Friday for the celebration of the Lord’s Passion. This is one of the best attended liturgies in the year and it surprises and encourages me that people continue to come to this liturgy…(Read More)
These three days, from Holy Thursday evening until the Saturday evening Vigil of Easter, are at the heart of our life as Christians and therefore the core of our human existence. An Invitation I find it helpful to live these three days, the Triduum, as days of retreat. You will probably be fully occupied…(Read More)
The depths of human pain, suffering and grief can produce some of the most exquisite beauty in art. The suffering and death of Jesus is an example, and one of the most beautiful works ever composed is Mozart’s Ave Verum. Hail, true body born of the Virgin Mary, Who truly suffered, sacrificed on the…(Read More)
This evening I plan to be at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament choir and orchestra performance of Bach’s St. John’s Passion. Details below. But before then, at 3.00pm in Hawarden, I will unite with Christians around the world for the solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. This liturgy seems to…(Read More)
This Holy Triduum beginning with this evening’s Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper is at the heart of our Christian faith, and therefore at the centre of our human existence. So often we struggle to make sense of the joys, griefs, hopes and anxieties of every day, and in our confusion we…(Read More)
This Good Friday morning, in the Good Shepherd Hurunui parish, and around NZ as in other parts of the world, Christians of all denominations gather to carry the cross in procession and to pray at the cross. In some cities, the procession of the cross attractions tens of thousands of people and requires authorities to…(Read More)
The liturgy of Good Friday gives us an opportunity to face our greatest fear, the fear of death…(Read More)
Some of the most beautiful music ever written is inspired by the suffering and death of Jesus. Perhaps the most beautiful is Mozart’s Ave Verum. You might appreciate a moment savouring the dying face of Jesus while listening to the hymn. The crucifix was designed by Charles Thomas (Christchurch architect). His choice was to…(Read More)
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