The image of God as shepherd of his people is strong in both the Old and the New Testament. Indeed, one of the earliest and most loved images of Jesus in the early Church was of him as the Good Shepherd who so loves his sheep that he lays down his life for them.
Blessed to be part of the flock Read More »
Sitting down to a nice meal with family and friends is important in cultures worldwide. Often, a lot of thought and effort goes into the preparation and planning of the menu. In many households, the dishes for significant family gatherings often consist of old favourites.
Sharing a meal with Jesus Read More »
Although Thomas is called the ‘twin’, he might be better named Thomas the ‘realist’. Unlike other disciples, Thomas is not about to believe in something as improbable as Jesus rising from the dead unless he has hard evidence. We might even call him Thomas the ‘sceptic’ who believes only in things he can see and touch. Yet, our ‘doubting Thomas’ has more to teach us than is commonly realised.
Looking for the hard truth Read More »
There was a Russian Cossack, who had two sons in the First World War. Their names were Peter and Gregory. One day the father received a letter from the front. Unable to read he handed it to his daughter.
Soon after a refugee family moved into their new home, they became victims of racial abuse. One morning, as Fariza left the house to walk her two young children to school, they were confronted by a rowdy mob waving placards, shouting obscenities, and smearing the house and front fence with hate-filled graffiti.
Evil doesn’t have the last word Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Today’s gospel tells us of the temptations which Jesus experienced when, in preparation for his public ministry, he’d gone out to the desert wilderness for a time of prayer and fasting. The gospel leaves us in no doubt Jesus knew the reality of temptation. He knew too that we, his followers, would face temptation of various kinds.
Spring-cleaning our minds of temptation Read More »
