A small boy once asked me what has been the most pertinent question I’ve ever been asked in my more than 50 years as a priest. The children were being prepared for Easter and reflecting on the events of Holy Week when the boy suddenly launched into a second question:
Sickness is not just a disorder of the body, but affects the mind, heart, attitudes and emotions as well. It brings people face to face with personal limitations and the frustration of their longings for endless life, meaning and well-being. It also tends to disrupt relationships, including one’s connection with God. Sickness, then, is wide-ranging in its effects, both on the sick themselves and on all others who make up their social world.
Anointing the sick Read More »
Friday is the World Day of the Sick where we pay tribute to the great work of Catholic health institutions in Australia and around the world.
Praise for health workers and the sick Read More »
According to the book, Life of Francis Assisi, Francis once invited a young monk to join him on a trip to town to preach. Honoured to receive the invitation, the monk readily accepted. All day long he and Francis walked through the streets, byways, and alleys. They rubbed shoulders with hundreds of people.
Preaching as we walk Read More »
There is deep concern regarding acts that advocate religious hatred and, thereby, undermine the spirit of tolerance and respect for diversity, especially at a time when the world continues to confront the crisis caused by COVID-19, which requires a global response based on unity, solidarity and renewed multilateral cooperation.
Celebrating human fraternity – peace and cooperation Read More »
Friday February 4 is World Cancer Day. There aren’t many people who don’t know of a loved one or a friend who hasn’t suffered from cancer. This is a story about a cancer experience shared between friends.
Supporting a friend with cancer Read More »
Today’s gospel follows John the Baptist’s preparation of the people of Israel for the coming of the Messiah. John’s mission is to communicate as clearly as possible that God’s people are in feeble spiritual health. John knows that God’s chosen one is coming to offer a new way of knowing and relating to God.
Repentance clears the way for hope Read More »
Of all Jesus’ miracles, we might think his turning water into wine is the least significant. However, for John, this miracle at the wedding feast of Cana takes pride of place as the first of the ‘signs’ given by Jesus.
Drinking the new wine Read More »
Today marks a turning point in the liturgical year when we move out of the Christmas festive season into Ordinary Time.
Inspired by the baptism of fire Read More »
What’s being revealed to us twelve days after Christmas, because this is what Epiphany means: something is shown, or revealed to us. We’re all in holiday mode and then these Magi, these wise men appear, following a star.
The child is revealed Read More »