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Home / 2015 / January
Weekday Homily Resources

31st January. Saturday of Week 3.

Don’t you even care?

What a contrast between the calm of Jesus and the alarm of his disciples when that storm breaks out! He was lying in the stern of the boat, asleep, with his head on a cushion. The disciples were panicking and in their panic they woke and rebuked him, “Master, do you not care?…

Read More 31st January. Saturday of Week 3.Continue

Weekday Homily Resources

30th January. Friday of Week 3.

The mystery of growth

The seed growing secretly suggests the mystery of growth. The farmer works hard to sow the seed, but then he has to wait. In a way he does not fully understand, the seed grows of his own accord…

Read More 30th January. Friday of Week 3.Continue

Weekday Homily Resources

29th January. Thursday of Week 3.

Passing through the veil

The life-path Jesus leads us on goes via the cross and on to the heavenly sanctuary. Behind this Hebrews text lies the Old Testament ritual of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when once a year the high priest entered behind the veil into the Holy of Holies. There, amid a smoking cloud of incense, he

Read More 29th January. Thursday of Week 3.Continue

Weekday Homily Resources

28th January. Wednesday of Week 3

The parable of the sower

The religious leaders have accused Jesus and his disciples of breaking the Sabbath, and claimed that Jesus heals by the power of Satan. Jesus’ own relatives have tried to take him in hand because of the general impression that he has lost the run of himself. In that context Jesus draws the attention of the disciples to the farmer sowing seed in Galilee…

Read More 28th January. Wednesday of Week 3Continue

Weekday Homily Resources

27th January. Tuesday of Week 3.

Smaller and Wider Family

Fidelity to God’s will makes a family of all Christians. Jesus identifies the true disciple not by by rank or position, special privileges of birth, talents and financial resources, but by fidelity in the routines of life…

Read More 27th January. Tuesday of Week 3.Continue

Weekday Homily Resources

26th January. Ss Timothy and Titus (Memorial)

Pastoral heroes, models for ministry
Timothy’s role in the Church sounds like a retired foreign missionary who later became guide or bishop to the local Christians in Ephesus. He had the honor of being a fellow worker with Paul… Titus, too …

Read More 26th January. Ss Timothy and Titus (Memorial)Continue

Liturgy | Presider's Page

Presider’s Page for 25 January (Ordinary Time 3)

The calling of Andrew and his brother Peter is described in today’s Gospel. Like those early disciples, we too are called. As believers, we gather here to listen to God’s word, resolving to put it into practice in the coming week.

Read More Presider’s Page for 25 January (Ordinary Time 3)Continue

Sunday Homily Resources

25th January. 3rd Sunday in Year B

Open to Change
We can all become rather set in our ways. We get into certain ways of doing things and it can be easy to stay with those ways and rather difficult to change from them. We develop routines and those routines keep us going. It often takes someone else to broaden our horizons

Read More 25th January. 3rd Sunday in Year BContinue

Weekday Homily Resources

24th January. Saturday in Week 2

Giving himself totally
The heart of Jesus was dedicated to his all-consuming ministry. Mark notes how sometimes he hardly had time to eat. His dealing with the crowds turned out to be so incessant that some of his relatives, when they heard of this, thought him out of his mind.

Read More 24th January. Saturday in Week 2Continue

Weekday Homily Resources

23rd January. Friday in Week 2

The Call to the Covenant :: As Jesus goes up the mountain to summon the twelve he chose as leaders for his followers, it evokes memories of Moses who went up Mount Sinai to receive God’s law and covenant, (Exod 19) Moses pledged the covenant, surrounded by colleagues…

Read More 23rd January. Friday in Week 2Continue

Weekday Homily Resources

22nd January. Thursday in Week 2

They came to him because…:: It was the people who were suffering, who were distressed, who had least going for them, that came to Jesus in the biggest numbers. They sensed that..

Read More 22nd January. Thursday in Week 2Continue

Weekday Homily Resources

21st January. Wednesday in Week 2

Conflict :: Today’s readings raise the theme of conflict and finding solutions. Melchisedek meets Abraham on his way back from a short military excursion against some local chiefs, and blesses him; then in the Gospel we have the conflict between the Pharisees and Jesus..

Read More 21st January. Wednesday in Week 2Continue

Weekday Homily Resources

20th January. Tuesday in Week 2

Ministering life? :: Today’s Epistle alerts us to the possibilities of loving service present in the most ordinary events and people of our everyday contact, especially those of our own household. Routine matters, and familiar people whom we meet each day can hold the key..

Read More 20th January. Tuesday in Week 2Continue

Weekday Homily Resources

19th January. Monday in Week 2

Theology and Common Sense :: Jesus is contrasted to the high priests of the old covenant, who first had to make sin offerings for themselves and then for those of the people. Earlier in the same epistle (Hebrews) the author noted how Jesus can sympathize with our weakness because he was “tempted in every way that we are, yet without sinning.”

Read More 19th January. Monday in Week 2Continue

Liturgy | Presider's Page

Presider’s Page for 18 January (Ordinary Time 2)

Now that the Christmas season is behind us and we are moving into the New Year, the liturgy challenges us to reflect on what following Christ means. We gather as God’s people, called to follow the Lamb of God and we praise God, with thanksgiving.

Read More Presider’s Page for 18 January (Ordinary Time 2)Continue

Sunday Homily Resources

18th January. 2nd Sunday of Year B

Called By Name :: Samuel stands for all the forgotten people. Just a boy, with no high illusions about himself, a servant and apprentice to the old man Eli; he slept at night in a little room like an altar-boys’ sacristy, at the religious shrine of Israel. Suddenly, in the middle of the night, he heard God calling him by name …

Read More 18th January. 2nd Sunday of Year BContinue

Weekday Homily Resources

17th January. Saturday of Week 1

Religious leadership :: When thinking about norms for leadership in the church, the most basic is a desire for sharing faith and love. Leaders ought to recognize and encourage the good qualities in others. Jesus not only calls Matthew but also accepts Matthew’s invitation …

Read More 17th January. Saturday of Week 1Continue

Weekday Homily Resources

16th January. Friday of Week 1

Carrying their friend :: The image of the four men carrying the paralytic to Jesus is a very graphic one. They were so determined to get him to Jesus that they opened a hole in the roof above Jesus when their way through the door was blocked..

Read More 16th January. Friday of Week 1Continue

Weekday Homily Resources

15th January. Thursday of Week 1

True and false fidelity :: “Value today,” advises the psalmist, whose text is quoted in Hebrews, because right here and now God provides the grace and insight we need to live a life of faith, and therefore…

Read More 15th January. Thursday of Week 1Continue

Weekday Homily Resources

14th January. Wednesday of Week 1.

Healing and Praying :: Two quite different activities are reported in today’s gospel. The first is healing… ..The second is going out by himself to a lonely place to pray…

Read More 14th January. Wednesday of Week 1.Continue

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  • 1 comments

    Brendan Hoban: New Pope will build on Francis’ great work     

    May 18 2025
    Joe O'Leary
    He has at least three foundations for his remarkable lucidity: a degree in Mathematics, a doctorate in Canon Law, and familiarity with St Augustine (who is the most lucid and orderly theologian before Aquinas). These are not formulae for popularity, but they are surely what the church needs just now.
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  • 2 comments

    18 May 2025 – 5th Sunday of Easter, Year C

    May 18 2025
    KIPLING AGRAVANTE
    Very nice and full of touching messages..
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  • 2 comments

    18 May 2025 – 5th Sunday of Easter, Year C

    May 18 2025
    Thara Benedicta
    Key Message: Let our love be our loudest Sermon!! Homily: Once, a catechism teacher showed her 10-12 year old students a crucifix and an emperor's crown. Then she asked them, "Do they both belong to Jesus?" Her entire class said, "Only the cross belongs to Jesus". They said, "Jesus suffered on the cross and died to forgive all our sins. If He were only wearing the crown, will our sins be forgiven?" The teacher understood a big lesson from the students that day. We love Jesus so much because of His love, more than His power or throne. Our Lord Jesus says the best way of preaching the Gospel is not by our crucifix or sermons or songs, but by loving everyone as He had loved us. Testimony: "I was feeling guilty that I was not able to love my own family, friends, and peers. My friend asked me, 'Are you able to experience the love of Jesus in your heart? Only if you experience the love of Jesus will you be able to give that love to others.' After that, I started to devote time to speak with my Jesus, just lying down in bed and happily chatting with Him as the first thing in the morning. I felt closer to Him when I started conversing with Him happily, just like chatting with my friends. Then I realised, without my knowledge, I am loving everyone. I want everyone to be happy. I want everyone's needs to be fulfilled. Now I see people longing to be with me." How did our Lord Jesus love? The love of Jesus is kenotic—self-emptying. It is agapic—pure, sacrificial, unconditional. It does not count the cost. It bends low. It carries crosses. It pours itself out entirely. He loved the broken, the outsiders, the poor, the rich, the sinners, the uneducated, and His enemies. And now, Jesus turns to us and says: “Love one another—just like that.” How should we love one another? Jesus does not say, "They will know you are My disciples if you memorize Scripture," or "if you attend every liturgy," or "if you wear a crucifix." But He says: “They will know you are Mine — if you love.” When we forgive the unforgivable, embrace the marginalized, defend the weak, and endure injustice with grace, we are bearing the very identity of Christ to the world. Our credibility as Christians is not found in what we profess, but in how we love. Saint John Chrysostom once said, “If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice.” Did anyone turn to Christ because Christians loved each other? Tertullian, who lived in the 2nd century AD, records what the pagans of his time were saying about the Christians: “See how they love one another and are ready to lay down their lives for each other.” (Apology 39) This kind of testimony has caused many people to turn to Christ for salvation. The final question: How can I live like Jesus? Let us now take a moment of silence… As we sit with the words of our Lord - "Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another…" Ask yourself quietly in your heart: 1. Who is God inviting me to love more deeply today? 2. Is there someone I need to forgive? 3. Is there someone I’ve been avoiding, judging or ignoring? Imagine the face of that person. Now imagine Jesus looking at you both, saying, “As I have loved you… love one another.” The world is waiting to see Jesus, and He has chosen you to be His light. Let the love we share with one another become the loudest sermon we ever preach.
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  • 3 comments

    The Tablet: A pope of communion: Leo XIV and the Francis legacy

    May 16 2025
    Paddy Ferry
    I came across this account of how the conclave developed in an article in the Irish Post. Where would they have got their information? I would be surprised -- and disappointed -- if the Trump appeaser/supporter Dolan of New York had a major influence on the proceedings. FOLLOWING Pope Francis's death on April 21, 2025, the College of Cardinals convened to elect his successor. The conclave began on May 7, 2025, with 133 cardinal electors participating. Two who were eligible to vote did not attend. Those who did take part swore the Oath of secrecy of the conclave once inside the Sistine Chapel prior to the process of choosing the new pope. But we can construct a fairly accurate picture of what went on from reports and rumours. The Vatican is a hotbed of gossip, and secrets don’t stay secret for very long. The favourites IN THE lead-up to the conclave, several prominent cardinals were considered ‘papabili’, or potential popes: Cardinal Pietro Parolin: From the Veneto region, the Vatican Secretary of State was viewed as a leading candidate due to his diplomatic experience. He is, in essence, the flagbearer of the conservative, traditionalist wing of the Church and so appealed to a significant bloc in the curia; Cardinal Matteo Zuppi: Archbishop of Bologna, known for his progressive stance and pastoral approach. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle: From Manila in the Philippines, Cardinal Tagle is Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, representing the Asian Church. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa: From Lombardy, Cardinal Pizzaballa is Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Franciscan leader and seasoned peace broker. A pastoral, pragmatic figure, regarded as moderate rather than strictly conservative within Church circles. He wasn’t considered a frontrunner, but some felt he could have become a compromise choice. Cardinal Kevin Farrell: Dublin-born but long-serving in the US and Vatican, came to prominence as camerlengo, but was not considered a major papal contender. As Prefect for Laity, Family and Life, his administrative skill and moderate reputation were valued. But his limited international profile and lack of curial bloc support meant he was not seen as a favourite, and also at 77 he was probably seen as just on the wrong side of the age window. But it’s possible the Dublin man could have emerged as a dark horse compromise candidate. As it was, his working relationship with Cardinal Dolan probably helped the campaign to get Cardinal Prevost elected. The conclave begins CARDINAL Parolin was long the frontrunner, but concerns arose regarding his health and his role in the Vatican's China policy, which may have diminished his support among some electors. It appears that Cardinal Robert Prevost emerged as a consensus candidate as the cardinals gathered in Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral. It has now been acknowledged that Prevost had performed well during the pre-conclave general congregation meetings among cardinals, gaining the attention of electors of the Americas, of the Roman Curia, as well as Asian cardinals who oriented themselves towards him instead of Luis Tagle of the Philippines. Cardinal Prevost’s background as a missionary in Peru, leadership in the Augustinian order, and role in the Vatican meant he emerged as something of a bridgebuilder. Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan of New York had already been a key supporter in 2013 of Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis, and Robert Prevost seemed, to Cardinal Dolan, the logical successor. This was his mission and he set about it with considerable determination, probably with the help of Cardinal Kevin Farrell. Four rounds of voting The first ballot reportedly saw Parolin ahead, but failing to reach the two thirds majority of 89 votes. His count at this stage has been rumoured to have been around 40 votes, perhaps as many as 50 votes. It is almost certain that as many as six or seven other cardinals also received votes. Second ballot (May 8, Morning): Support for Parolin, according to several reports, stayed steady, but failed to increase. It was by now obvious that Prevost also enjoyed broad support from South American and Anglosphere cardinals (US, England, South Africa, Australia, India). Parolin's support waned, while Prevost gained momentum as electors sought a unifying figure. Third ballot (May 8, Afternoon): Prevost secured at least 89 votes, surpassing the two-thirds threshold. Fourth ballot: A fourth vote was held, with Prevost receiving more than 100 votes, and was elected Pope Leo. Cardinal Parolin, it can be said, was the loser — observers noted his visible disappointment as he stood on the balcony as he stood on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica with Pope Leo and Cardinal Dolan. Who backed whom? The Anglo-American bloc Key figures: Cardinal Timothy Dolan (New York), Cardinal Kevin Farrell (Dublin-born, Vatican-based), Cardinal Wilton Gregory (Washington, D.C.). Influence: Cardinal Dolan is reported to have played a pivotal role in rallying support for Cardinal Robert Prevost, particularly among English-speaking cardinals from countries such as India and South Africa. Cardinal Farrell, as camerlengo and a respected Vatican administrator, likely provided institutional support for Prevost's candidacy. The Latin American and global South coalition Key figures: cardinals from Latin America, Africa, and Asia who were aligned with Pope Francis's vision. Influence: Prevost's extensive missionary work in Peru and his fluency in Spanish endeared him to this group, who saw him as a continuation of Francis's pastoral and inclusive approach. The reformist European wing Key figures: Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (Luxembourg), Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy). Influence: While initially potential candidates themselves, they may have shifted support to Prevost as a unifying figure who could bridge traditional and progressive elements within the Church. The Traditionalist bloc Key figures: Cardinal Raymond Burke (USA), Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea), Cardinal Gerhard Müller (Germany). Influence: This group likely supported candidates like Cardinal Pietro Parolin but ultimately lacked the numbers to influence the final outcome significantly. The Irish and English cardinals Irish cardinals Cardinal Kevin Farrell: Born in Dublin, Farrell's role as camerlengo and his Vatican experience positioned him as a significant figure in the conclave. Cardinal Vincent Nichols (Archbishop of Westminster): As the senior English prelate, Nichols likely played a role in guiding the English cardinals' votes. While specific details are scarce, it's plausible that he supported Prevost as a consensus candidate.
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