50 years ago I was ordained a priest, by archbishop John Charles McQuaid. The half century since 1966 has seen many changes, and challenges too, both in society and in our church, but also many blessings for which to be thankful. I admire the tireless work of the diocesan clergy, but appreciate the support of…
1st Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10 The dying Jacob predicts future glory for the tribe of Judah Jacob called his sons and said to them: “Assemble and hear, O sons of Jacob; listen to Israel your father. Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons…
First Reading: Isaiah 56:1-3, 6-8 God gathers the outcasts into his merciful salvation Thus says the Lord: Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed. Happy is the mortal who does this, the one who holds it fast, who keeps the sabbath, not profaning it,…
First Reading: Isaiah 54:1-10 The future reversal, when those now abandoned will find God’s favour Sing, O barren one who did not bear; burst into song and shout, you who have not been in labour! For the children of the desolate woman will be more than the children of her that is married, says the…
Saint John of the Cross 1st Reading: Isaiah 45:6-8 The living God, creator of all, than whom there is no other They shall know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is no one besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create…
Saint Lucy 1st Reading: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 The people’s future conversion: the humble shall seek refuge in the Lord Ah, soiled, defiled, oppressing city! It has listened to no voice; it has accepted no correction. It has not trusted in the Lord; it has not drawn near to its God. At that time I will…
Saint Finnian; Our Lady of Guadalupe 1st Reading. Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17 Balaam predicts the Age of the Messiah Balaam looked up and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. Then the spirit of God came upon him, and he uttered his oracle, saying: “The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose…
Songs for today’s Mass (Suggestions) O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; Rejoice in the Lord always; Wait for the Lord (Taizé); Christ, be our Light. Opening Comment Traditionally, this Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘a day for rejoicing’. Advent is about half over, and the day of the Lord’s coming is nearer. We worship…
How hard it is for those in authority to tolerate dissent… and people (or “whistle-blowers”) who dare to criticise the powers-that-be can expect to be harshly treated. At great risk to his life, John the Baptist castigated the authorities of his day. Only by doing so could he prepare his people for the coming of…
1st Reading. Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 Lyrical praise of prophet Elijah, whose word burned like a torch Then Elijah arose, a prophet like fire, and his word burned like a torch. He brought a famine upon them, and by his zeal he made them few in number. By the word of the Lord he shut up…
Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlotoatzin 1st Reading. Isaiah 48:17-19 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you for your own good, who leads you in the way you should go. O that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your prosperity would have…
Our preparations for Christmas always include Mary, the Mother of God. Today’s feast celebrates her conception free from sin, a miracle that displays God’s power for believers. We worship the God of Mercy, for whom everything is posssible.
1st Reading. Genesis 3:9-15, 20 The enmity between the serpent and the woman, between its offspring and hers But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid…
Saint Ambrose of Milan 1st Reading. Isaiah 40:25-31 Encouragement for the weary people of God, who gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings…
Saint Nicholas of Bari 1st Reading. Isaiah 40:1-11 “Comfort ye my people!” – the beginning of Second Isaiah, the joyful return from exile in Babylon Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has…
1st Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10 The exiles shall return in joy to their own land The desert and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel…
Songs at Mass (Suggestions) O Come O Come Emmanuel; The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor; The Lord Will Heal the Broken Heart; Christ be our Light. Opening Comment John the Baptist is the focus of the Gospel reading on the Second Sunday of Advent each year. His words challenge and inspire. We worship…
Help with the Homily Notes? Homily Notes for all this month are now online. Access @ Calendar (right >>). Homilists can read ahead … & send me now stories, insights etc. Welcome! Fr. Pat Rogers (rogers @ mountargus.ie) Saint John Damascene John the Baptist’s life work was preparing the way for Christ. Once the Messiah…
Saint Francis Xavier 1st Reading. Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 The coming days of enlightenment, when the people turn aside from idolatry Truly, O people in Zion, inhabitants of Jerusalem, you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you. Though…
1st Reading. Isaiah 29:17-24 A promise of good times, when deaf shall hear and blind shall see – and all will accept instruction Shall not Lebanon in a very little while become a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be regarded as a forest? On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a…
