If you were asked to name ten famous figures in the #Bible, you would probably list a series of well-known male identities, for example, Abraham, Moses, Job, Jesus, Peter, or Paul. Of the 1426 names mentioned in the Bible, 1315 are male. Only 111 women’s names appear in the Sacred Scriptures.
Mercy and compassion above all Read More »
As Christians each of us is called to be a person of prayer and each of us has to discover the kind of prayer —or rather the kind of setting for prayer – that suits us best. What matters is that we pray. The methods we adopt are of secondary importance and depend to a great extent on knowledge of ourselves, of our strengths and weaknesses.
Purposeful prayer Read More »
The parable in today’s gospel tells us about the experience of being loved and forgiven. It is about a father who shares his love equally with his two sons and, as they mature into adulthood, he gives them space to make their own decisions.
A father’s undying love for his sons Read More »
The displacement of thousands of Ukrainians is distressing. Families have fled their homes in terror as Russian bombs reign down and the red tanks roll in.
Morality of War Part 3 Read More »
It may be trite to say that St Patrick was a larger than life figure, and yet, that is what he was. There is Patrick the saint whose life is a guide for living by the spirit and values of the gospel of Jesus; and then there is Patrick of the folk tradition. This article focuses on Patrick of the folk tradition.
St Patrick in Irish folklore Read More »
Last week I wrote about the scandalous attack on Ukraine by Russia (https://majellan.media/morality-of-war-part-one/). The invasion cannot be justified for any reason. As we have witnessed on the daily news feeds, innocent lives have been lost which is appalling and dreadfully sad.
Morality of War Part 2 Read More »
This Sunday is International Day of Happiness and on Monday we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day.
Like any mother and son, Lorna and Paul Castles have a special bond, and after a lifetime living under the same roof their affection for one another runs deep. Lorna is a sprightly 95 and Paul is 52 and lives with Down’s syndrome.
We might understand saying sorry, or an apology, forgiveness, even reconciliation and healing, but often we’re uncertain what part repentance plays in our lives. Yet it’s the very first thing that Jesus calls us to in the gospels and in Lent it’s front and centre.
Where to find repentance Read More »
Mountains play an important role in the bible; often presented as sites of transcendent spiritual experiences and encounters with God. Abraham shows his willingness to sacrifice Isaac and then encounters God on a mountain (Gen 22:1-14).
A spiritual climb to the top Read More »
In this three part series we explore the morality of war in the 21st century. – “When the reports from the Ukraine appear on the television news at night, I have to mute the sound. I can’t bear to watch the suffering. The bombed-out buildings and the swollen, teary eyes of terrified small children.”
Morality of War Part One Read More »