7th day in the Octave of Christmas
John’s small Christian community had been badly shaken by recent events. Their membership has dropped, and no doubt bitter words were exchanged about former members who had turned away and left. But..
6th day in the Octave of Christmas
What distinguishes Anna is her age, eighty four years old, and the fact that she never left the Temple, but remained there, serving God night and day with prayer and fasting…
5th day in the Octave of Christmas
Simeon, a devout elderly Jew, took the child in his arms and blessed God. If every child is fascinating, how much more was the child Jesus? Having held him and gazed at him, Simeon was ready to leave this world and go to God.
The Holy Innocents, martyrs
1st Reading: 1 John 1:5-2:2 Those who walk in darkness, and those who walk in the light Beloved: This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” while we…
Presider’s Page for 27 December (Holy Family)
On this first Sunday after Christmas Day, we honour the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We entrust our families to their patronage, and pray for all who have been part of our families, those still alive and those whom we hope have joined the great family of God in heaven.
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Even though we honour them as the Holy Family, it does not mean they never had problems to face, as every family must. Just as every Christian has a share in the cross of Christ, the Holy Family also experienced life’s crosses…
St. Stephen, the first martyr
Stephen died as Jesus died, “filled with the Holy Spirit.” We have received the same Holy Spirit, inspiring us to live like Jesus and die like Jesus…
Presider’s Page for 25 December (‘Day Mass’)
We celebrate today an amazing mystery — God is born in time. The eternal God shares our nature, he has pitched his tent in the midst of humanity. With joy in our hearts, we contemplate the mystery of the Word made flesh.
Presider’s Page for 25 December (‘Dawn Mass’)
We gather with joy in our hearts to celebrate the birthday of our Saviour. The rising sun of this winter morning reminds us that Jesus, who is born for us, rose from death as our undying light, our hope and our salvation.
The Nativity of the Lord
Let the gloom and darkness, which exemplify the fallen and corrupt nature of the human race, be lifted, ushering in a new age of glory to God and peace on earth. And so an angel of the Lord appeared to some humble shepherds…
Presider’s Page for 24 December (‘Night Mass’)
Opening Comment In the dark of this winter night, we proclaim the new light that has shone on the world: Jesus Christ is born! With the angels, we worship God who saves us — for through the life, death and resurrection of this child Jesus, salvation is ours. Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal) Good…
Thursday in the 4th Week of Advent
Today’s gospel is an attempt, in simple language, to describe what happened on that day, so long ago, when Jesus was born. It was the second of heaven and earth, in the incarnate Word of God …
Wednesday of 4th Week in Advent
The naming of a child is an important decision. People will have different ideas about what is most meaningful. But ultimately, it is the choice of the parents. Their relatives and neighbours expected Zechariah and Elizabeth..
22 December. Tuesday of Advent, Week 3
22 December. Tuesday of Advent, Week 3 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28 Samuel’s mother, Hannah, dedicates her young son to a life of service to God When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. She brought him to…
Monday of 4th Week in Advent
Mary and Elizabeth felt the saving grace of God flowing through their lives and were not afraid to encourage each other by saying so. Many of us were raised on the principle that ‘God helps those who help themselves’…
Presider’s Page for 20 December (Fourth Sunday of Advent)
Advent is drawing to a close; we have just a few days left to prepare for the birth of Christ. On this Sunday, we’re invited to follow Mary’s example and imitate her faith.
4th Sunday of Advent
We like to be the givers, the organizers, the achievers. To let others give to us is to acknowledge our need, our dependence, our limitations, and that does not always come easy…
Saturday in Week 3 of Advent
Luke has annunciation stories to both Zechariah and Mary, which are parallel in various ways. When startled at the angel’s appearance, both are told not to be afraid. Each is promised a child and given a hint of ths child’s future greatness…
Friday in the 3rd Week of Advent
God was doing something new, something extraordinary, in the life of Mary and of Joseph, indeed, in the life of the human race…
Thursday in the 3rd Week of Advent
There is an understandable interest in learning about our family tree; most people want to know their genetic background. “Who are the people who have helped to make me who I am?”