Feast of the Epiphany

 The manifestation of the birth of the Messiah to the Gentiles takes the form of the Magi visiting the Holy Family, who we celebrated last Sunday. This is not unusual in Scripture to effectively have the same thing happen but to different people. We heard before Christmas of the Annunciation to Our Lady as well as the Annunciation to Joseph. In the former it was the archangel Gabriel and, in the latter, it was in the form of a dream.  We have Pentecost to the Jews at the feast of Pentecost and then the bestowal of the Holy Spirit on the God-fearers at the house of Cornelius. The question I have in mind is how about me? When was the Messiah manifested/revealed to me? When and how has Jesus been revealed to me? Perhaps I need to pray for that manifestation? After all, Jesus did promise the Holy Spirit to those who ask for him since God is the best of fathers: "If you then who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him." (Lk 11: 13) 

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God - World Day of Peace

 As the octave of the Nativity of the Lord this feast deepens the insight and implications of the Christmas feast which itself is the fulfilment of Advent. The latter not only anticipated the celebration of the birth of the Messiah but also the return on glory of the Christ when he will be "all in all." (Col 3: 11) Thus, all of these feasts are retrospective and anticipatory of God's action in human history. Reflecting as they do on the Incarnation, we are also drawn into the mystery of the Holy Trinity such that Mary of Nazareth is not only mother of Jesus but also equally Mother of God. We take strength from these mysteries which are: "training us to renounce impiety, and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright and holy...". (Tit 2: 12) As World Day of Peace we recognize the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah that the Messiah will be named: "Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Is 9: 6) Saint Paul writes: "For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that, is, the hostility between us." (Eph 2: 14) Jesus not only does this for the Jews and Gentiles but for the whole world as his power to save is universal. let us seek peace, which is the fruit of justice, in all of our relationships too.

Feast of the Holy Family

 The feast of the Holy Family helps us to deepen the implications of Jesus in his Incarnation. No human being exists in a vacuum. Even though we think of Joseph, Mary and Jesus as the Holy Family of Nazareth on this day we are also mindful elsewhere in the liturgical year of the parents of Mary, hence grandparents of Jesus, in Joachim and Anne. Even today we hear: "Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends." (Lk 2: 44) It is within this matrix of relationships that Jesus: "... increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favour." (Lk 2: 52) As we move on from Christmas day let us be mindful of our families and our obligation to strive for harmony throughout the rest of the year. As we see from the gospel, all families, including the Holy Family, have moments of drama, panic and miscommunication. In doing so, we not only need to be in the Father's house we also need to be like Jesus who, although the Son of Man, was obedient to his parents. 

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

 It is somewhat ironic that one gospel, which does not have infancy narrative, has the best and most succinct description of what Christmas is all about: "And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth." (Jn 1: 14) The great mystery of the Incarnation scandalizes and astonishes us. Many people who struggle to cope with the mystery turn to various forms of Deism or Pantheism. Others, influenced by Arius, believe Jesus to be a human who is ultimately divinized. Secularists and materialists invent their own fairy tales about Santa. The same gospel also sums up the Passion: "He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him" (Jn 1: 11-12) and the Resurrection-Pentecost: "But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of the blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God." (Jn 1: 12-13) No wonder the so-called Last Gospel was prayed after every Mass prior to Vatican II! Let us maintain our focus during this liturgical season on the mysteries of faith all of which are actualized for us in the Holy Eucharist. Without the Incarnation there is no Eucharist. Without the Incarnation there is no Church. The banality of atheistic and secularist ideologies given us an opportunity to put in relief the joy of the Gospel and the richness of the treasures given us in Christ Jesus.

4th Sunday of Advent

 The moment of encounter between Our Lady and Elizabeth is a beautiful expression of the joy of the Gospel that should suffuse our souls at this time of year. Both women praise God for the wonder of new life and the action of grace that has answered their prayers in ways they could not have imagined. Living as we do post-Resurrection, we have a sure and certain hope that God's answer, in Christ Jesus, is always "yes": "For in him (Jesus) every one of God's promises is a 'Yes'. For this reason it is through him that we say 'Amen' to the glory the glory of God." (2 Cor 1: 20). In our greetings and meetings this Christmas let us be mindful of the blessings we have received throughout the year so that our observance of these great liturgical feasts does not restrict itself inside the walls of the church but overflows into our summer holidays to renew our families and communities in faith and love. Then we can say, along with our lady: "My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour." (Lk 1: 46-47)

3rd Sunday of Advent

 If the theme of last Sunday was hope, we can speak of this Sunday being that of joy. I think it is possible to understand joy as the fulfillment of hope. The First Reading speaks of how the exiles will feel when God rescues them: "Rejoice and exult with all your heat, O daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgements against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the Lord is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more." (Zeph 3: 14-15) When John the Baptist appears among the people and speaks of the fiery judgement to come the people are anxious and fearful. They ask: "What should we do?" (Lk 3: 10) I think they were filled with joy when what was being asked of them was not extreme. John teaches them to live upright and moral lives so as to be at peace with one another and prepared for when the Messiah is revealed. For us the Messiah has indeed been revealed and not in a fiery judgement rather in the outpouring of God's mercy. The fruit of the resurrection for Christians is that even in our times of suffering and trial we already experience joy in Christ's victory over sin and death. St Paul, afflicted by beatings, persecution and imprisonment can write: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice." (Phil 4: 4) I encourage all parishioners, as missionary disciples, to locate joy through faith in Christ Jesus this Christmas. Know that in his Incarnation Jesus has fully entered our reality and redeemed it from its slavery to sin. This is the true and enduring source of Christian joy.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

 The feast this year has been shifted to Monday 9 December on account of the Second Sunday of Advent. I invite parishioners to reflect on the opening prayer of the Mass for today which states, in part: "... that, as you (God) preserved her from every stain of sin by virtue of the death of your Son, which you foresaw..." (Roman Missal) It is the death of Jesus that brings about the defeat of sin and the "For the wages of sin is death" (Rm 6: 23) Without Our Lady free from Original Sin and conceiving by the Holy Spirit, Jesus himself was free from Original Sin. Thus, he was the perfect Lamb of sacrifice: "For our sake he (God) made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Cor 5: 21) What are the implications of this mystery? The liturgy tells us in the preface for the day that: "She, the most pure Virgin, was to bring forth a Son, the innocent Lamb who would wipe away our offences, you placed her above all others to be for your people an advocate of grace and a model of holiness." (Roman Missal) Therefore, we not only aspire to imitate her in her holiness but can also ask her mediation in the life of grace to know God's mercy and love.

2nd Sunday of Advent

 Last Sunday we heard of terror at the end of days such that: "People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world." (Lk 21: 26) Today's readings speak of hope. Baruch speaks of an end to exile: "Arise, O Jerusalem, stand upon the height; look toward the east, and see your children gathered from west and east, at the word of the Holy One, rejoicing that God has remembered them." (Bar 5: 5) The gospel also speaks of hope since the voice of prophecy, so long silent, is again heard in the land. John the Baptizer emerges from the wilderness and exhorts the people, suffering under economic and political oppression: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." (Lk 3: 4) Pope Francis has called all missionary disciples to be "pilgrims of hope" in the Jubilee 2025. Let us take his cue and prepare ourselves this Advent to be precisely pilgrims of hope in a world grown stale and tired through the futility of secularism, consumerism and materialism. St Paul assures us that we look for consolation not from the things of this world but in the Kingdom of Heaven: "So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not on what can be seen, for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal." (2 Cor 4: 16-18)

1st Sunday of Advent (Year C)

 The season of Advent is a short but complex theological journey. The first two Sundays speak of the advent (coming) of Jesus Christ, the Universal King, at the end of time. This continues on from last Sunday which was the Feast of Christ the King at the conclusion of Ordinal (Ordinary) Time. The tenor of this period is one of penance as we look to prepare ourselves so that the Lord will find us awake and alert to his triumphal return. We do not wait in fear for the end of time but maintain expectant hope that the Lord will ultimately greet with salvation those who long for his appearing. The Beatitudes tell us that those who long for justice, peace and righteousness will be satisfied, so we trust in the Lord's promise. A change occurs on the Third Sunday of Advent which is also known as Gaudete (Rejoice!) Sunday and is signaled by the colour rose in the liturgy. This is the counterpoint of the other Laetare (Rejoice!) Sunday which is the Fourth Sunday of Lent. From then we turn to waiting with joyful expectation the commemoration of the first advent of Jesus being born at Christmas. The great mystery of God at work in history leading up to Christmas and becoming human in the Incarnation inform this theology. In the one season we celebrate the one Lord who is: Second Person of the Holy Trinity, through whom the Universe was made; the Word made flesh as baby in the manger at Bethlehem; and finally, the victor over sin and death in whom the Universe finds its consummation and fullest realization in the resurrection at the Last Judgment. I encourage all parishioners to enter the spiritual and liturgical significance of this holy season even though we have so many other distractions at the same time. One way we can do this is by coming to reconciliation at rite I or rite II so that we know God's mercy and love at what is for many a time of stress.

Feast of Christ the King - 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 The line absent from the gospel today is the question of Pilate to Jesus: " 'What is truth?' " (Jn 18: 38) In a world where it seems objective truth is more and more seen as unobtainable; we can feel edified that Jesus stood before the might of the Roman Empire and refused to be intimidated. Our faith in Jesus Christ tells us that he is the "Lord of lords and King of kings." (Rev 19: 16) This is both due to his personhood in the Holy Trinity such that all Creation was made through him and his resurrection: "Then comes the end, when he (Jesus) hands over the kingdom to the Father. after he has destroyed every ruler, and every power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death." (1 Cor 15: 24-26) True, our faith is a sure and certain hope in things not seen, but the inbreaking of the Kingdom in our hearts and lives gives us an unshakeable conviction that Jesus and no other power or person rules history and the world and is the ultimate arbiter of truth.

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

 The lectionary introductory verse is a little misleading today when it states: "Jesus began to talk to his disciples." In fact, what is said is part of a conversation initiated by the senior disciples, Peter, James, John and Andrew who ask him privately: " 'Tell us when this will be, and what will be the sign that these things are about to be accomplished.' " (Mk 13: 3-4) We, as missionary disciples, are made privy to this conversation which echoes the revelation of Christ's messianic glory on the Mount of Transfiguration. On this occasion we sit with Jesus on the Mount of Olives which is where the Messiah was thought to appear when the end of time comes about. Jesus prophecies much suffering, but the real spoiler alert is that the prophecy concerning the Son of Man, from the Book of Daniel (Dan 7: 13-14), will be fulfilled. Post resurrection we know that Jesus is the Son of Man and that in his risen glory he holds ultimate power to the future: " 'Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of death and of Hades." (Rev 1: 17-19) This means that even though the timing of the end of the world is known only to the Father (Mk 13: 32) we can be confident that our Lord and Saviour, victor over sin and death, will be there to sustain us with his power on that day: "... so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." (Heb 9: 28)

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

 The words that struck me in today's gospel are: "... but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on." (Mk 12: 41) True faith in God means placing all my trust in him. How many of us see our Catholic faith as a "good to have" or an "optional extra"? I suspect a lot of people think that way, whether they are mindful of it or not, when they attend Church only at Christmas and Easter. Everyone is "busy" and has many obligations or calls on their time. To be a missionary disciple I cannot simply make room or time for faith as if it is on a par with everything else. I need to allow the joy of the Gospel to transform my life so that I re-prioritize to whom and to what I give my attention and resources. To do this I need to admit my need of God and his merciful love. It helps if I recognize my spiritual as well as my material poverty in the face of the immense love of God for me. Gratitude for Christ's sacrifice therefore becomes not a theory or an idea but the motivation for a radical orientation of my life: "for the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore, all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them." (2 Cor 5: 14-15) In this way I can give out of my poverty and, imitating the poor widow, hand over all I have for God's purposes. 

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

 This episode takes place after the cleansing of the Temple by Jesus. In this adversarial and inflamed atmosphere, which leads the High Priest to conclude: "... that it was better to have one person die for the people" (Jn 18: 14) we are surprised by a civil and respectful dialogue between Jesus and a scribe. The scribe asks his question and Jesus replies. Having listened to this the scribe responds: "You are right. Teacher." (Mk 12: 32) Jesus likewise takes in this response and reciprocates by saying: "You are not far from the kingdom of God." (Mk 12: 36) Often it is easier for Catholics to tolerate outsiders than to dialogue with fellow Catholics. Let us listen to Pope Francis who asks us to enact synodality as a principle of Church life. This leads us to listen to the Holy Spirit and to each other, as we accompany one another as missionary disciples in a fearful and polarized world. Synodality requires that we all take co-responsibility for the mission of the Church and live out the vocations and charisms that have been so richly poured out on us by the Holy Spirit. Let us not be distracted by past failures and sins because we have the power of the risen Christ to sustain us: "... but Jesus holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." (Heb 7: 24-25)

Commemoration of All Souls

 The second reading for today concludes with: "The last enemy to be destroyed is death." (1 Cor 15: 26) We also know from St Paul that: "For the wages of sin is death." (Rm 6: 23) The process of purgatory is the completion of the process of death that is the poisonous fruit of sin. We cannot come into the presence of God with death at work in us. St John teaches: "... that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true, But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from sin." (1 Jn 1: 5-7) In his mercy God allows for us to have the darkness purged from us so that we may enter fully and joyfully into his light. Our prayers for the dead are part of our fellowship with them in Christ since as Jesus told the Sadducees: "He is God not of the dead, but of the living; you are quite wrong." (Mk 12: 27) Let us continue to pray for our dearly departed and in doing so affirm our faith and hope in the resurrection when we will meet with them again in fulness of joy and light.

Solemnity of All Saints

 "See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God." (1 Jn 3:1) All of us are called to be saints. St Paul greets the Christians of Rome with: "To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints." (Rm 1:7) This is not easy. Jesus speaks of entering the "narrow gate" (Mtt 7:13) and Catechism teaches us: "The way of perfection passes by way of the Cross. There is no holiness without renunciation and spiritual battle. Spiritual progress entails the ascesis and mortification that gradually lead to living in the peace and joy of the Beatitudes." (CCC2015) The saints are those who fully enjoy this reality. They are not separated from us because they remain as part of the Body of Christ. They are not just role models and witnesses, they are companions in prayer who support us in our trials and exhort us to greater efforts such that when we meet in heaven we can rejoice forever. The image given for this is that of the Book of Revelation: "Then I heard what seemed to be a voice of a great multitude, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty thunderpeals crying out: 'Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and given him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready; to her it has been granted to be clothed with fine linen, bright and pure' - for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints." (Rev 19: 6-8)

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Two details touch me about this episode which do not appear in the other gospels. The first is how Bartimaeus throws off his cloak in order to get to Jesus (Mk 10: 50). If he was homeless, then this would have been his most precious possession to protect him from the elements and keep him warm at night. Vulnerable and needy he comes before the man he has been calling out to as "Jesus, Son of David." (Mk 10: 46 and 48) Certainly, Jesus was descended from the Davidic line (Lk 1: 27) but he was also the son of tradesman and born in humble circumstances. Bartimaeus is taking a tremendous gamble! The second is how Bartimaeus says: "My teacher, let me see again." (Mk 10: 31) We do not know how Bartimaeus lost his sight but the pathos of a man wanting to receive back what he once had tugs at my heart strings. When we apply this, figuratively, to ourselves we can reflect on our own attitude to Jesus. Am I motivated to come before him, emotionally and spiritually, naked and vulnerable? Have I fallen away from my faith and sinned? Am I prepared to ask for God's healing so that I may see him anew with vision cleansed by his grace? For those of us who have not been to the sacrament of reconciliation for years maybe this is a prompt in the Spirit to avail ourselves of the healing which come through Jesus' mercy and love?

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Today Jesus continues to train his Apostles and at the same time, thanks to St Mark who wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he continues to train us. To my mind there are two extremes which Catholic can fall into at this time. The first is an inferiority complex which makes them afraid to identify publicly as Catholic. Believing the propaganda of the mainstream media, scandalized by the sex abuse crisis and drawn in by the slogan "I am spiritual but not religious" they withdraw into their shell. Second, there can be a sort of intellectual and cultural arrogance and superiority. Such Catholics are inclined to mock the hapless situation of non-Catholic Christians who struggle with contemporary moral and social issues. Smugly they revel in the richness of the papal magisterium as well as the artistic and cultural Catholic heritage as they look down on the banal emptiness of atheistic society. This begs the question - what is the Catholic Church for? It is a prolongation of the Incarnation as it mediates sacramental grace to a fallen world and continues the mission of the Master. Thus, the Church is called to serve after the model of its Founder: "For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mk 10: 45) At Vatican II the Church fathers taught: "The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these too are the joys and the hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ." (Gaudium et spes, 1)

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Jesus asks the rich young man in today's gospel to: "... sell what you own and give the money to the poor" (Mk 10: 21). This, on its face, is difficult enough especially for someone who is rich. Jesus goes on to say, in the same verse: "... then come, follow me." As missionary disciples we must be mindful that it is not enough to spend our resources for others and do any number of works of charity. We must follow Christ. This means that we not only dedicate our material goods to the mission and the good of others, but we also conform ourselves to Christ which means taking up our cross each day and following him. This renunciation of self comes about not through duty or fear but through love: "For the love of Christ urges us on." (2 Cor 5: 14) It is through love that we find the relationship with God for which the rich young man longed. St Paul is uncompromising: "If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing." (1 Cor 13: 3) Making Jesus Christ our priority places all of our possessions and concerns in perspective. This calls for a transformation in our understanding of why and for whom we are living. This stands in glaring contrast to the self-obsession of the world: "I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Gal 2: 19-21)

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 When I was a judge for the marriage tribunal, I got a privileged insight into the pain caused by the failure of marriages which started with so much hope and optimism and ended in bitterness, anger and confusion. Jesus, as evidenced by his conversation with the woman at the well (Jn 4: 16-18), was aware of the complexity on human relationships. Nevertheless, his teaching on marriage and therefore sexual morality was strict, especially compared to New Zealand in 2024. The disciples even responded: " If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry'." (Mtt 19: 10) Jesus' teaching was carried on in the Early Church, e.g. Rm 7: 2-3 What is the Catholic Church to do? Should she be conformed to the ways of the world which undermines marriage, family and even sexual identity? Can we solve the challenges of human sexuality by pretending that they do not exist? The answer has been and remains "No." The teaching of Christ and the institutions of marriage and the family need to be upheld. Nevertheless, the Church is mindful of mercy: "... since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Rm 3: 23) I exhort parishioners to strive to be faithful to the teachings of Christ. At the same time as trusting that when they are in a difficult situation with marriages that they can approach the Church to look for a solution in accord with Church law. In doing so they can find a resolution so that they may regularize their marriage relationships and go forward healed and in good conscience as missionary disciples of our loving Master. 

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

  We are accustomed to hearing Jesus warning or telling off the scribes, Pharisees and lawyers, for example, in Matthew 23: 1-36. Yet, today, immediately after the episode in which the disciples had been arguing among themselves as to who was the greatest, Jesus replies sternly to John's question about how to deal with unauthorized exorcisms: " 'Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.' " (Mk 9: 38) My question is, who is "us" in this context? It seems that not only were the disciples arguing among themselves as to who was the greatest, but they also claimed a monopoly on the ministry and name of Jesus.  Jesus replied: " 'Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us.' " (Mk 9: 39-40) All these centuries later that "us" can be applied today to all the baptized and thereby commissioned as missionary disciples. The mission does not belong to us since it is primarily the action of the Holy Spirit working to bring people through Jesus to the Father. Our task is to spread the joy of the Gospel and not to look to our own interests or hold ourselves out as being the saviours. In fact, our actions may both cause ourselves or others to stumble. Such attitudes need to be cut off and discarded, even though it may be painful to do so. After all: " 'We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done.' " (Lk 17: 10) 

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 In the Gospel of Mark there are three predictions of the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. After the first we hear that: "... Peter took him (Jesus) aside and began to rebuke him." (Mk 8: 32) Jesus replies: "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." (Mk 8: 33) Today is the second prediction which leaves the disciples dumbfounded: "But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him." (Mk 9: 32) However, they soon reverted to their worldly ways: "But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest." (Mk 9: 34) After the third foretelling their jealous rivalry is revealed as James and John look to oust Peter: "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one on your left in glory." (Mk 10: 37) I must ask myself - how much of my faith and religion is taken up with worldly considerations? The key to true faith is not to look to my advantage but to serve others as Christ did, especially in the vulnerable since: "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me." (Mk 9: 37)

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Today's gospel is very relevant for a church which is called to be informed by missionary discipleship. In New Zealand the Irish descended and culturally formed church has, or is, dying off. It is no longer a question of maintenance because shortly there will be nothing to maintain. What is going to take its place? It is a church of mission. This church understands that: encounter with Christ, conversion, discipleship. communion and mission, are all essential dimensions of Christian life. To fully, consciously and actively participate in this reality, which is actualized in adult baptism, requires a personal decision to acknowledge Jesus as the risen Saviour, to whom I give my loyalty, obedience and love. St Peter makes such an act of faith when he responds to Jesus' question: " 'You are the Messiah'." (Mk 8: 29) This, of itself, is insufficient. Such adherence can still succumb to temptations to worldly power or prosperity as the individual or collective leverages Jesus' image and power for its own benefit. To this end, the cross is essential. It calls us not only to follow Christ but also to imitate him in his life giving, sacrificial love: "For here we have no lasting city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through him then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Heb 13: 15-16)   

  

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Today has been designated as Social Justice Sunday by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference. The imperative of the gospel to not only proclaim the Good News but to act on its implications in a practical way is always present. To this end the second reading is most relevant. James critiques his congregation for how they show favoritism to the rich. This causes him to think: "... have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?" (Jm 2: 3-4) Last Sunday we also heard the words: "But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves." (Jm 1: 22) Thus, the obligation to work for social justice applies not just to religious and civil institutions. Let us all work for peace and justice in our communities. Such efforts are not political statements rather they reflect the hope we have in the Kingdom of God that God's justice will reign not just in the next world but here and now.

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

 The Gospel of Mark was written for a predominantly Gentile, that is, non-Jewish community. Many, if not all, of the church would never have encountered a Pharisee. Yet, the evangelist records the conflicts and disputes between Jesus and this group of Jews. There were Essenes, Sadducees, Zealots and other factions at that time, yet the Pharisees is the one we hear about. I do not propose that we focus on the historical setting rather we need to look at the message. In this way the critique of the Pharisees can be taken as a stern warning to missionary disciples who obsess with outward appearance or religion while neglecting to strive for the inner transformation that religious practice is meant to achieve. Hence, Pope Francis stress on the joy of the Gospel. Let us be open, therefore, to self-critique. Does my practice of the Catholic faith bring me joy?  Does going to Mass soften my heart such that I can see others as Christ sees them and draw me to love them even when they annoy me? Are my words and/or actions, harsh, judgmental or self-righteous? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes" I am challenged by Christ to invite the Holy Spirit into my heart so that I may be healed, forgiven and ultimately transformed by God's love. May it not be the case, when we stand before the judgement seat of Christ (2 Cor 5: 10), that we hear the words: "This people honours me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me..." (Mk 7: 6)

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

 There is a significant development in this final installment from chapter six of St John's Gospel. Recent weeks relate how the Jews were murmuring and then disputing among themselves as Jesus revealed the full implications of his messianic identity. Their response to his saying "I am the Bread of Life" was to exclaim: "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph..." (Jn 6: 41). The disciples now complain, in response to Jesus telling them that "For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink" by saying: " 'This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?' " (Jn 6: 60) Indeed, who can accept it? If we are dealing solely with the spoken word that would be the case. However, Jesus has shown us with the signs manifested in the rest of the Gospel that his deeds are wondrous and his word is true. He is inviting us to faith. Peter replies, speaking for the Twelve and all subsequent Christians: " 'Lord, to whom can we go? You have the word of eternal life, We have come to believe and know, that you are the Holy One of God'." (Jn 6: 69) Can I make this profession of faith my own? Or am I going to complain as the disciples did?

Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 Today's feast invites us to go deeper into the mysteries of sin, death and the resurrection itself. As human beings, enfleshed spirits, we are not complete without our bodies. The mystery of the resurrection, with Christ as the first fruits from the dead, reveals that Jesus of Nazareth, born of the Virgin, could not be held by the grave. He rose triumphant the revealed in his person the meaning of Creation. The question arises as to what happens to other human beings and the implications of the cosmic event of the resurrection? The answer lies in the feast we celebrate today. God's intention for the human race was always that it would share fully in his divine life which we describe as the Holy Trinity. Yet, our first parents derailed this plan leading to disordered appetites, damaged intellect and death as the state for all human beings from whom they are descended. The remedy for this state of affairs is to be had in proximity and obedience to Christ who fully reveals the Father with them both sending the Holy Spirit. Mary of Nazareth, in perfect trust and obedience, was joined with her Son from the beginning and was present at Pentecost to the revelation of the Church. For this she shares completely in the reality of the resurrection which is the glorification of the whole of her being - body and soul. She is, therefore, able to act as role model, mentor, intercessor, mediatrix, Queen and Mother to those who believe in and follow her divine Son, striving to imitate her virtues. 

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 The gospel narrative today shows us that the group who had followed Jesus has gone from admiring his healing power to murmuring against him and now disputing among themselves. Jesus has been progressively revealing the full implications of his messianic identity. His mission is not only about healing, politics and feeding but also giving his life for the sake of the world. This is most radically revealed in the communion with him through partaking of his flesh and blood: "... for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me and I in them." (Jn 6: 54-56) This is amazing for us even post resurrection and with the evidence of all the Eucharistic miracles even up to the present day. How much more difficult it would have been for Jews in the First Century. the indwelling of Christ through the Holy Eucharist is a mystery that we should never cease to be in awe of. Pope St John Paul II tells us that the Eucharist is a sacrifice-sacrament, a presence-sacrament and a communion-sacrament. In our celebration today let us recommit to opening ourselves to Christ and receiving the fruits of this amazing sacrament so that the joy of the Gospel my truly be manifested in our lives.

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 In this gospel reading we, first of all, hear the response of the people, who looked to recruit Jesus as their worldly king, to his messianic claim: "I am the bread that came down from heaven." (Jn 6: 42) Previously they had asked for a sign that would prove that Jesus was able to verify his statements (Jn 6: 30). Yet, he had been healing, multiplying food and walking on water! What else did they want? Jesus had already told them that they were not really looking for signs rather that he had been able to provide them with bread (Jn 6: 26) As a result, his accusers change tack and deride him for what they perceive as his lowly birth in Nazareth. They simply cannot accept that the Messiah would come from somewhere so ordinary. In other words, they are scandalized by the Incarnation. Instead of backing off or placating the crowd, Jesus declares himself to possess a monopoly on the mediation of grace: "Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God." (Jn 6: 46) Applying this Scripture to us today, the challenge is - are we relativists? Do we think that everything is relative and there are many ways to the truth? If we think that then we deny the divinity of Jesus and therefore the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. There is simply no greater sign of God and mediator than Jesus whose whole mission is to lead us to his heavenly Father. As he says later in this gospel: " 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him'" (Jn 14: 6)

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 In this gospel today we need to remember that last week the crowd tried to make Jesus their king. We can go back into the Old Testament to when the people first asked God for a king and the implications of that choice (1 Sam 8: 1-22).  Even on the road to Emmaus the disciples were still obsessed with worldly kingship (Lk 24: 21). Yet, we do not fight against "enemies of flesh and blood" but against spiritual powers (Eph 6: 12). Thus, Jesus tells the people to work for "food that endures for eternal life." (Jn 6: 27) It is this food we concern ourselves with as we gather for Mass today. In the sacrament we have a glimpse and taste of the immortality that we pray and hope will be ours even as we serve God in this world. Let us not be distracted by the programme of this world from those things that endure.

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Today the Lectionary takes a break from the Gospel of Mark, until the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, leaving space for chapter six of the Gospel of John. This is partly due to the brevity of the Markan Gospel; however, I think there is also a theological motivation. In previous weeks we have heard how Jesus summons, authorizes and sends out the Apostles. Subsequently, the Apostles return, debrief and are taken away for respite. What follows in Mark is the Feeding of the Five Thousand. Chapter six of John's Gospel similarly begins with the multiplication of food in Bethsaida then continues with the Bread of Life discourse in Capernaum. For Catholics all of this is profoundly eucharistic. Thus, it has direct relevance to the Mass we celebrate every Sunday. To put it briefly, the centrality of the Holy Eucharist is crucial to our understanding of our call as missionary disciples. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we read: "The Eucharist is the 'the source and summit of the Christian life' 'The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesial ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, the Pasch.' " (CCC 1324) I invite parishioners to reflect on this mystery in the coming weeks as we reflect on these readings. We cannot separate our environmental, social justice and pastoral activity from the Holy Eucharist which gives shape and meaning to the whole of the mission.

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 In recent years I have stressed in my homilies the imperative of Catholics responding to their call, given us by Vatican II and more precisely Pope Francis, to be missionary disciples. Last week's gospel was ideal for communicating this message and modelling how such disciples are to work. This week we have another lesson for missionary disciples, which was distilled by Saint Benedict in his motto: ora et labora - to pray and to work. We see the apostles, in this reading, returning from their mission and being instructed to: "rest a while" (Mk 6: 31) Missionary disciples are called to share the joy of the Gospel. They are not called to burn out on account of the expectations placed on them by others no matter how worthy. Not only that, but the disciple also remains a disciple who is obedient to the instructions of the Master - Jesus Christ. We are not saviours or messiahs. The Lord is risen. He alone is the Saviour and Messiah. The ultimate fulfilment of salvation is his work in which we are privileged to cooperate. Thus, Jesus lets his followers rest while he takes the burden of teaching the people on himself: "... because they were like sheep without a shepherd." (Mk 6: 34) Fittingly, the Good Shepherd demonstrates to his missionary disciples his compassion and love for all.

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 This Gospel is excellent for reminding us of a key teaching regarding the missionary discipleship of all the baptized advocated by Pope Francis: “Every Christian is challenged, here and now, to be actively engaged in evangelization; indeed, anyone who has truly experienced God’s saving love does not need much time or lengthy training to go out and proclaim that love." (EV 120) Certainly, the disciple is always open to deepening the insight of the Gospel and learning new ways of communicating it. This must not, however, inhibit us from sharing, in opportune moments, the joy of the Gospel and witnessing to the impact that faith in Jesus has had on our lives. Today's Gospel speaks of the urgency with which Jesus exhorts the Apostles as he sends them out. He also encourages them not to be thwarted by negative responses such that they are to: "... shake off the dust from their feet." (Mk 6: 11) Where does the desire to evangelize originate? It emerges from my own experience of receiving the Good News and the knowledge that Jesus died and rose for me:" For the love of Christ urges us on, "because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore, all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them." (2 Cor 5: 14-15) Let us all be open, therefore, to prioritizing evangelization as integral to our lives as Catholics called to love, serve and believe in the Church as sacrament of Christ in the world.

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Often in the gospels the meaning of a passage can be understood in the context of what precedes and/or follows it. The rejection of Jesus in his hometown of Nazareth (Mk 6: 1-6) is followed by the commissioning of the Twelve (Mk 6: 7-13). This is in turn followed by the death of John the Baptist (Mk 6: 14-29). If we take the gospel of Mark as being akin to a handbook for evangelizers, with an emphasis on the Passion of the Lord (approximately one third of the entire text), it strikes me that the Twelve need to be aware that they, like their Master, have to be prepared for rejection and even death. True: "They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them" (Mk 6: 13) yet we have just learnt in the previous verses that despite performing "deeds of power" the people of Nazareth "took offense at him (Jesus)" (Mk 6: 5) Likewise, Herod, knowing John the Baptist to be a "righteous and holy man (Mk 6: 20), ultimately consents to have him beheaded to save his blushes after making extravagant promises. It remains that we are all called to be missionary disciples and spread the joy of the Gospel. Aided by the Holy Spirit we can see the power of God in our own lives and those who are open to the Good News. Nevertheless, we need to be prepared for opposition and to know that the path of the disciple is never easy: "For many are called but few are chosen." (Mtt 22: 14)

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Jesus says to the leader of the synagogue: " 'Do not fear, only believe.' " (Mk 5: 36) This begs the question of each one of us today - what am I afraid of in letting God into my life? Each of us needs healing according to our individual weaknesses and sins. Yet do I turn to God in our need? Do I need to wait until I am truly desperate to avail myself of Jesus' saving power? Why not turn to God now and ask our heavenly Father so that his will may be done in my life? After all he has promised: "Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks the door will be opened" (Lk 11: 9-10) and: "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good things to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Lk 11: 13) If we are afraid and struggle in faith, let us imitate the determination of the leader of the synagogue and the woman with the hemorrhage. Not deterred by the crowd or the laughter of the onlookers these two individuals place their trust on Jesus and strive to come close to him. This opportunity exists for us today in the sacrament we receive today - "Do not fear, only believe."

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 St Paul tells the Corinthians: "From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view. Even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way." (2 Cor 5: 16) Everything we hear in the New Testament is told through the lens of the resurrection. Jesus was vindicated by the heavenly Father, as the Son of God. This informs all the oral traditions which informed the Gospels as well as the New Testament letters. These are all suffused by the knowledge that the subject of these documents, Jesus Christ, is who he said he was. Thus, the lowly son of the virgin from Nazareth is thus present to us as the one who has conquered sin and death: " 'Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of death and of Hades' " (Rev 1: 17-19) This power is manifested in our gospel today: " 'Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?'" (Mk 4: 41) Jesus is primarily present to us not in human form but in the Gospel and the sacraments. It is there that we "know" him. Let us therefore not be confined in our thoughts to the historical Jesus, even though that is still relevant, but rather let us encounter Christ in his Church and in the Holy Eucharist above all.

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 The Gospel today speaks of the mysterious power of life in the seed. Even with modern science the ability of seeds to grow into beautiful plants and flowers is truly amazing. The power, indeed, is in the seed but the seed still needs to be sown and cultivated if it is to bear the optimal result. So too, our baptism sows the seed of faith in our infants or is planted and cultivated by those who are baptized as adults. Either way it takes effort and commitment. Nevertheless, the Gospel is brought to fruition by its own power. As we hear in the Gospel of Luke: "So you also when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, '' 'We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done.' " (Lk 17: 10) Since it is true that: "From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded" (Lk 12: 48) we need to be mindful of St Paul's words when he says: "So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him (the Lord). For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil." (2 Cor 5: 9-10)

10th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 St Paul tells the Corinthians: " 'I believe, and so I spoke' - we also believe, and so we speak." (1 Cor 4: 13) So it is for us when we are prompted as missionary disciples to witness to our faith. We start from a position of faith, having encountered Christ, and also experienced something of his power. If we are to communicate the Gospel we need to have undergone a conversion experience in making both a choice for Christ Jesus and seeing the subsequent impact of such conviction in our behaviour: "But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered." (Mk 3: 27) Through the sacraments and other pious practices we restrain our disordered desires and learn obedience to the law of Christ, which yields the fruits of the Holy Spirit. It is only then that our testimony to the joy of the Gospel can gain credibility for we witness to God's power to save. As a result, we do not rely on our own strength but on that of God as St Paul: "And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God." (1 Cor 2: 3-5)

Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

 The feast we celebrate today is intimately connected, I would say, to Divine Mercy Sunday. Both feasts focus on the verse: "Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out." (Jn 19: 34) The historical veracity of this is corroborated by the Shroud of Turin. However, why is it so significant? The evangelist saw it as the fulfilment of Scripture and as verification of his eyewitness account of the crucifixion: "He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he know that he tells the truth." (Jn 19: 35) Subsequently, St Margaret Mary Alacoque and St Faustina Kowalska saw in the phenomenon the outflowing of Christ's mercy. In their visions of the risen Christ they experienced God's mercy not just for themselves but for the whole world. We can also connect this with the water that flows from the side of the Temple (Ezk 47: 1-12) and the Patristic theology of Jesus as the Second Adam who has the Church born from his side as he hung in the sleep of death on the Cross (CCC 766). From death comes life and from shame and condemnation, mercy. This great mystery is revealed to societies who are starved of mercy and despair of forgiveness. Let us take advantage of this feast day to renew our trust in Christ's mercy and strive to show something of that mercy to others.

Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ

 This feast of the Lord in Ordinary Time should not be taken out of context. The record of the Last Supper given us by St Mark in Gospel is within the Passover meal which itself is part of the Jewish calendar of liturgical feasts. The Second Reading places Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross in the context of the Jewish high priest entering the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement. It depicts Jesus, who was not of a priestly family, entering the presence of the Father as a new high priest: "He entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption." (Heb 9: 12) The miracle of transubstantiation we witness at Mass takes place within the context of the Word, the people and the priest, making up the spiritual matrix of the People of God we call Church. Christ is present substantially in the Holy Eucharist and that is what we rejoice in today. Let us never take it for granted or be scandalized by our own sins such that we turn away from this precious encounter with our risen Lord. Let us also allow the fruits of this mystery to diffuse throughout our Church, schools, colleges, families and wider community: "so that God may be all in all." (1 Cor 15: 28)

Feast of the Holy Trinity

 The editors of the Lectionary preface today's First Reading with the phrase: "Moses assembled the people to remind them how the Lord had spoken out of the fire while they stood at the foot of the mountain." This serves to remind us, gathered at the foot of the cross, of the revelation given to us in Christ Jesus. Gathered in the Holy Spirit, God speaks to us through the Scriptures and communicates himself through the sacrament of the Eucharist. The elders or Israel, too, ate with the Lord: "Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel. Under his feet there was something like a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness. God did not lay his hand on the chief men of Israel; also, they beheld God, and they ate and drank." (Ex 24: 9-11) What a precious gift we have in the holy Mass which reveals God's self to us! Such a mystery can only be entered into through the Holy Spirit whom we celebrated last Sunday at Pentecost. Our prayer goes beyond ourselves, for it is the Holy Spirit taking us through Christ Jesus to know and love God as our heavenly Father: "When we cry 'Abba! Father!' it is the Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. In fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him." (Rm 8: 15-17)

Pentecost

 In the Gospel Jesus tells his disciples: "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth" (Jn 15: 13) and St Paul instructs the Galatians: "If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit." (Gal 5: 25) A guide is someone who helps me to find my destination or to explain the significance of what I am looking at, when I am in a museum or tourist attraction. Called to be missionary disciples we do not presume to have full knowledge. As disciples we are apprentices to the Holy Spirit however, as missionary, we are sent out into a world that is often difficult to navigate. Thus, we need the Holy Spirit to guide us to fulfil our vocation to serve the Lord. Guidance can come in many forms: prayer, Scripture reading, the papal Magisterium, holy parishioners, etc. What is crucial is the openness of the individual to the Holy Spirit and a willingness to discern the spirits. Not all spirits come from God: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 Jn 4: 1) Let us take courage, nevertheless, this Pentecost and open ourselves to the Holy Spirit who bestow on us, as a sign that we are on the right path, those fruits listed by St Paul: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Gal 5: 22)

Feast of the Ascension

After the Lord's prayer, during Mass, the priest continues: "Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ." (Roman Missal) Is this an Advent prayer or an Ascension prayer? In both cases we: "...await the blessed hope and the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ." The Jewish people, throughout the Old Testament, anticipated the coming of the Messiah. Their prayers were answered in Jesus of Nazareth. At the start of Advent, we anticipate the eschaton, the last days, when the Lord will come again in glory. We believe that our prayers, too, will be answered in God's time. Likewise, when we think of the Ascension we await the return of our Lord Jesus, whom the Apostles witnessed as passing from their sight to the heavenly realities, leaving them to the continue the mission he had given them. Either way we are not left alone to continue this mission. The prayer after the doxology: "For the kingdom, the power, etc.", is addressed to the risen Lord, present in sacrament on the altar: "Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will. Who live and reign for ever and ever." Ascended in glory, present in sacrament, powerful in majesty, it is Christ the King who unites the spiritual and temporal orders and brings us together as one while bestowing diversity of charisms and ministries: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift." (Eph 4: 4-7)

6th Sunday of Easter

 Today we are challenged by the mystery of God's will. Jesus says: "You did not choose me, but I chose you." (Jn 15: 16) That Jesus chose the Twelve is evident from the other gospels where Jesus summons his disciples and selects the Apostles from among them (Mk 3: 13-14). In baptism all of us have been called by God. The doctrine of prevenient grace teaches us that whatever we have said or done to cooperate with God's grace his grace has preceded any act of our will. Part of the challenge of our Christian vocation, as missionary disciples, is to discover God's will for us and what he wants for each of us to do to his greater glory. Sometimes this is not readily apparent to us in the present moment. St Paul exclaims: "O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 'For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counsellor?' 'Or who has given a gift to him, to receive a gift in return?' For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen." (Rm 11: 33-36) Let us, therefore, set ourselves to discern God's will in our lives and not be discouraged by our weaknesses or sins. God has chosen us, and we are obliged by his love to respond for: "From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded." (Lk 12: 48)