Easter Sunday

 Given the amazing advances and analyses of the Shroud of Turin I find myself fascinated by the scriptural references to this marvelous relic which I have seen referred to as God's "receipt for the resurrection." All of the gospels refer to the linen cloths: "Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body wrapped it in the linen cloth" (Mk 15: 46), "So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth" (Mtt 27: 59), "Then he (Joseph) took it down, wrapped it in the linen cloth and laid it in a rock hewn tomb" (Lk 23: 53) and "They (Joseph and Nicodemus) took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths." (Jn 19: 40). However, it is the gospel of John we hear this morning that places great emphasis on them and gives them as his primary evidence believing that Jesus was risen rather than his body stolen or some other explanation: "He (the beloved disciple) bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. he saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed..." (Jn 20: 5-8) The resurrection is an act of faith, "hope in things not seen," (Heb 11: 1) and as John writes: "... for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead." (Jn 20: 9). Nevertheless, the scriptural account emphasizes physically seeing the evidence and being brought to belief through it. When St Paul says to the Galatians: "It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified!" (Gal 3: 1), is he referring to the Shroud? In any event, we are all called to make an act of will today which places our trust in God and reaffirms his power over sin and death not only for Jesus Christ but also for us who believe in him.

Easter Vigil

 This is the night of nights! Instead of a mysterious reality, from which space, time and light emerged, in the first creation we have a dark tomb from which comes the new Creation and the new Man - Jesus of Nazareth, thought to be son of the carpenter and son of Mary, risen from the dead! The angels say to the women, similar to the words to be addressed to the apostles at the Ascension (Acts 1: 11): "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen." (Lk 24: 5) This is the fulfilment of prophecy and indeed of the whole Old Testament let alone the whole of human history from "Abel the just to the last of the elect" (Lumen gentium, 2). Anna, Simeon and all those who looked forward to the vindication of Israel rejoice. Their faith and hope in God are vindicated: "Through him (Jesus) you have come to trust God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God." (1 Pet 1: 21) Let us, too, also have our faith and hope in God renewed and reinforced through the liturgical mysteries that re-present for us this great moment in Creation. 

Holy Saturday

 The scripture on Holy Saturday is sparse. In Luke we read: "On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment." (Lk 23: 56) There is nothing in Matthew, Mark or John. In other words, there is a void. In Genesis we read: "So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation." (Gen 2: 4) The Passion of Jesus can be seen as work. It accomplishes something. It is not random. The writer of Hebrews put it this way: "It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings." (Heb 2: 10) On Holy Saturday, which in the media is frequently mistakenly referred to as Easter Saturday, there is truly a day of rest for Christians as they anticipate celebrating the eighth day which is the first day of the new creation. Let us make the most of the Easter triduum so that we are not spectators but participants in the work of salvation: "For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters...". (Heb 2: 10)

Good Friday

 The Second Reading states: "In the days of the flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplication, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission." (Heb 5: 7) But hang on a minute! How can we say his prayer was heard when we know that he was crucified!? Surely, his prayer was not answered.  St Paul also speaks of his prayer of deliverance which was not answered in the affirmative: "Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it (the thorn in his side) leave me, but he said to me: '' My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor 12: 8-9) If this was the case for Paul, it is even more so for our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus was vindicated in the resurrection who: "... having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him." (Heb 5: 9) This is a lesson for us on this tragic day of suffering and death that God can perfect us through our sufferings when we submit to him. His power is able to perfect us and his glory can shine through the darkness. So often at funerals of those who have died after long periods of illness, dementia or cancer I see how this teaching is true. The love of the care givers and the faith of the deceased reveal the beauty of true self-giving love and the power of the resurrection which follows the darkest of days. This Good Friday let us join ourselves with Christ as Paul exhorts: "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection of the dead... Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own, but this one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil 3: 13-14) 

Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord's Supper

 One thing that strikes me about the Gospels is how different evangelists record different things in such surprising ways. St John places the cleansing of the temple early in the ministry of Jesus while the synoptic gospels place it towards the end. Likewise, John does not record an Institution Narrative nevertheless Chapter Six is clearly Eucharistic in its content. The synoptics place the Institution Narrative at the centre but do not record the washing of the feet as we hear of it this evening. What links these two events? I read the words of Jesus "For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you" (Jn 13: 15) and "Do this in remembrance of me." (Lk 22: 19) I think that both of these actions of the Lord instruct as to continue his life and work. We are not merely to remember his Passion, death and resurrection, in the sense of calling it to mind, but also to embed it in our way of life and to communicate its fruits to others. Through sacrifice and service therefore we can prolong the Incarnation and bring the presence of Christ to the world. Through cooperating with grace, we are doing what the disciples did when they were in the presence of the same Lord, and we are sustained by the same Holy Spirit. The question is though that can we be humble enough to let the Holy Spirit cleanse us and empower us which is exactly what Jesus did at the Last Supper.

The Mass of Chrism

 Jesus' words today: "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing" (Lk 4: 23) prompts me to think of the function of the homily within the Mass. The homily seeks to break open the Word whereas a sermon has a didactic function. In the former, the text is given be the Church while in the latter, the text is selected by the preacher. Within the Mass, it is Christ who speaks in the Gospel and it is his words that have power in the present. The priest or deacon has the proclamation of this Word as his priority duty (Lat. primum officium). This Word is constantly being fulfilled everywhere believers gather and proclaim the Word with faith and enact the sacrificial memorial (Gk. anamnesis) of the Passion death and resurrection of the Lord. Without this living Word the consecration of holy oils makes no sense. For it is the one who speaks who is also the one who consecrates and anoints. Since he has been anointed, we too, as a priestly people, are sent out to proclaim and to anoint. The Church finds its commission to embody the prolongation of the earthly ministry of the Lord who is the Anointed One (Messiah) prefigured throughout the Old Testament. His presence, by the power of the holy Spirit, is not a simple memory but a living reality that calls us on to share in his risen glory.

Palm Sunday

 Obedience and humility are not trendy attitudes in our society today. Slavery is rightfully regarded as abhorrent. To reflect on this helps us to receive the full impact of the second reading where St Paul writes: "... though he (Jesus) we in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Phil 2: 6-8) Those high up in the world of politics, entertainment and money, in our society, do not act this way. They have super yachts, grand mansions and bodyguards to keep them safe. The impact of Jesus' sacrifice is amplified as we consider that he did all of this while we were still sinners. How is it that many professed Catholics, aware of the blood that was shed for them, still struggle to take one hour out of their week to give thanks to the Lord for his mercy and love in the Mass? They want their children to go to Catholic schools but cannot shift themselves to pay reverence to the God who has shown them such love. This is a scandal. Today's readings should motivate us more than ever to express gratitude to God by ourselves being obedient to his command: "Do this in remembrance of me." (1 Cor 11: 24)

5th Sunday of Lent

 Like the elder brother in the parable from last Sunday we see people standing in a position of condemnation. Last week we heard: "... this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes" (Lk 15: 30) and today: "... this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery." (Jn 8: 3) The divine response to these allegations is: "But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found" (Lk 15: 32) and "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again." (Jn 8: 11) It helps to remember, as we look towards Holy Week which starts the following Sunday, that the fruit of the Passion, death and resurrection of our Lord is mercy. The question for us today is, how have I manifested mercy in my life? Do I look at others through the eyes of Jesus or am I one with the scribes and the Pharisees who: "... were grumbling and saying: 'This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them'." (Lk 15: 2) Furthermore, let us all be open to God's mercy so we that can also receive God's forgiveness and know his mercy for ourselves.

4th Sunday of Lent

 All of today's readings speak of a new beginning: The Lord tells Joshua: "Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt" (Josh 5: 9) and the father of the prodigal son exclaims: "... for this son of mine was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found!" (15: 24) while St Paul tells the Corinthians: "If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything has passed away; see everything has become new!" (2 Cor 5: 17) Lent is not simply a season of self-denial - it is a season of renewal. We are renewed by God's love. The obstacle of our sin is no longer insurmountable because Jesus is risen, and his power is available to us through the Holy Spirit if only we have the courage to trust in him. Unfortunately, many people only realize this once they find themselves in the metaphorical pigsty. It is at that moment: "he came to himself." (Lk 15: 17) The discipline of Lent has the benefit of conforming us more to Christ and thereby opening us up to the gratitude of knowing that our heavenly Father is indeed the one who welcomes us home and restores us to our place in the family which is his Church.

3rd Sunday of Lent

 The God of the Old Testament, mysteriously speaking to Moses from the blazing tree, which remains unburnt, reveals himself as being one of forbearance and love: "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and transgressions and sin..." (Ex 34: 6-7). The power of God is manifested most in his mercy: "But you are merciful to all, for you care for all things, and you overlook people's sins, so that they repent. For you love all things that exist and detest none of the things that you have made, for you would not have made anything if you had hated it." (Wis 11: 25-28) That God is made flesh in our Lord Jesus Christ. Surprisingly, in the second parable for today he casts himself as the gardener who pleads for time so the tree may yet yield fruit. In his humility and love he not only pleads for us but gives his life for us. This generosity is a fitting prompt for us to work on our spiritual lives throughout Lent so that we may bear fruit for the Kingdom as missionary disciples.

2nd Sunday of Lent

 It is only in the Gospel of Luke that we discover the content of the conversation between Jesus, Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration: "... they were speaking of his (Jesus') departure (Gk. exodus), which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem." (Lk 9: 31) The brief revelation of Jesus' glory to the three apostles has a purpose. It tells them that they cannot expect to stay in the realm of spiritual ecstasy while they journey with Jesus. The journey for the disciples is indeed through the narrow gate of suffering and tribulation. The narrative of the Law and prophets is given shape not primarily by the exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt rather it is oriented to the greater victory of Jesus not over Pharaoh but over Satan and death, which is the consequence of sin. Not only does he accomplish this for himself but as the new Moses, he will lead us too to be transformed by his glory, not just in this life, but for eternity. As we hear in our Second Reading from St Paul to the Philippians: "But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself." (Phil 3: 20)

1st Sunday of Lent

 The fact that Jesus was tempted tells us that it is not a sin to be subject to temptation since: "For we do not have a high priest (Jesus) who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, be we have one who in every respect has been tested, as we are, yet without sin." (Heb 4: 15) The nature of those temptations: the appetites, worldly power and glory, and fame through wonder working, are evident in human history and our society today. One only needs to peruse social media and television to see that human nature has not changed in all this time. If anything, with the developments in technology and communications, these things have become even more immediate and sometimes destructive as we see in the power of narcotics. Sometimes we are so inured to our harmful habits we become blind to the temptations which are dangled before our eyes by advertisers or other purveyors of products for sensual gratification. The remedy, however, to these temptations remains the same - the Word of God. Jesus responds to the enticements of the devil by replying on Scripture and its saving message which instructs us to: "Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him." (Lk 4: 8) By observing Lent we shine the light of God's Word on our lives so that we may master our petty and insidious idolatries. In this way we are enabled to serve God more fully. It is only in this servitude that we find true freedom.

Ash Wednesday

 The First Reading speaks of a communal turning to God and repentance: "Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people. Sanctify the congregation..." (Joel 2: 15-16) St Paul likewise urges a collective response to God's grace: "As we work together with him, we urge you not to accept the grace of God in vain." (2 Cor 5: 1).  By contrast Jesus speaks to the individual: "Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them." (Mtt 6: 1) Lent, I think, is both a collective and individual experience. Let us support one another in making a good and holy Lent. The challenge is to imitate Jesus in his fast after his baptism and prior to embarking on his public ministry. If we strive worthily this Lent, we will be prepared to receive the blessings God wants for us in Eastertide.

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 When I read the gospel for today and reflect on my life I am convicted by Jesus' teachings of my own shortcomings. How often have I been blind? Or, failed to notice the log in my own eye while seeing the speck in others? There is a saying that "hindsight is always 20/20." The capacity of human beings to rationalize their own conduct or delude themselves is tremendous. How else could many come to the conclusion that killing babies in the womb is a human right?! To be a Christian is to: "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Phil 12: 2) Until we die our lives are a work in progress. The fruit of our lives is manifest often after we have gone. However much of our experience is brought about through self-fulfilling prophecies: "Out of the good treasure of the heart, the good person produces good; and out of the evil treasure the evil person produces evil." (Lk 6: 45) Nevertheless, we do not lose heart. Every Sunday we celebrate the resurrection and are reminded of our loving God's power over sin and death: "The sting of death is sin, and the power of the sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Cor 15: 56-57)

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Jesus tells his disciples: "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them." (Lk 4: 32) We are called to a higher standard of morality and conduct. This is a challenge for Catholics: "since all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Rm 3: 23) and "but sin is not reckoned where there is no law" (Rm 5: 13) The objective teachings of the Catholic Church mean I cannot invent my own, personal morality that meets my subjective needs and criteria. I cannot rely on values and good intentions. No, I am held to the standard set forth by the Lord himself and the example of the saints. Our Lady is a model of holiness for the whole of the Church. However, we should not wallow helplessly in our failures and inability to live up to the demands of Christ's law of love: "For the love of Christ urges us on." (2 Cor 5: 14) We have to journey as missionary disciples and pilgrims of hope. We are sustained by the grace of God, assisted by the sacraments and given forgiveness by the mercy of God. The place to start this project is in our own homes and congregations where our welcoming attitude and invitational smiles will be a sign of our desire to serve the Lord and love others as he asks us to.

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Called to be "Pilgrims of Hope" we walk by faith, sustained by hope, while inviting others to experience and share the same journey. This means we are necessarily unfulfilled and contingent in the present. We are poor, hungry, weeping as well as excluded, reviled and defamed "on account of the Son of Man." (Lk 6: 20) Hope is oriented towards the future. The danger is that when the Church is conformed to the world, we become rich, full, laughing and have people speak well of us "for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets." (Lk 6: 26) Inevitably, to embark on the Jubilee 2025 is to have a sense both of conversion and optimism. It is only by listening to the Lord and putting his Word into practice that we will be assured or reaching our pilgrimage destination: "But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home." (2 Pt 3: 13) The foundation for this conviction is our belief in the resurrection which proves God's power over sin and death. As St Paul tells us in the second reading: "If for this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all people to be most pitied. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died." (1 Cor 15: 19-20)

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Today we hear of individuals who, when encountering the divine, acutely experience their own unworthiness: Isaiah exclaims: "Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips" (Is 6: 5); St Paul admits: "For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God" (1 Cor 15: 9); while St Peter fell down at Jesus' knees saying: "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" (Lk 5: 8) Yet, despite their deficiencies God had a mission for each one of them. So, it is for us as missionary disciples who are, in the Jubilee 2025, called to be "Pilgrims of Hope." Let us not be discouraged by failures or sins, rather let our gratitude for God's mercy and love be a motivating force to help us share the joy of the gospel to those who are willing to receive it: "... for the love of Christ urges us on." (2 Cor 5: 14) As parishes many of us have come to understand what it means to be welcoming. It is time for us to go the next step and become invitational. As we journey through the liturgical year there are plenty of opportunities to invite others, Catholic or not, to participate in the life of the Church. Open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit let us not hesitate to invite others to share the joy we experience in our beautiful faith.

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord - Jubilee 2025

 We hear that Simeon was: "... looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him." (Lk 2: 25) The theme for Jubilee 2025 is "Pilgrims of Hope." Like Simeon we too look forward to an ever greater realization of God's reign not only in heaven but also on Earth. We affirm this every time we pray the Lord's Prayer. "Pilgrims" speaks of journeying to a sacred destination and "hope" of desire and expectation. Thus, to engage with Jubilee 2025, is to look confidently to the future and to focus on God's promises and how they enable us to journey with joy through life with all its challenges. As pilgrims we journey together in a shared hope. To observe the Jubilee is to recognize that as missionary disciples each of us is called to play a part in sharing the joy and hope that comes from knowing and loving our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know that God's promises are true: "... for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and for the glory of your people Israel." (Lk 2: 31-32) Furthermore, jubilees are always characterized by mercy. This mercy is poured out to free us from sin and open our hearts to God with new and creative energies being released as a consequence. Let us, therefore, not be burdened by our past failures and deficiencies rather we march together as pilgrims during this liturgical year with hearts full of song and hope: "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 at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what cannot be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal." (2 Cor 4: 16-18)

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

 We hear in the First Reading: "... for this day is holy to the Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Neh 8: 10) The people are weeping as they contemplate the ruins of the Temple while listening to the beauty of the Torah. Every Sunday we hear of God's mercy and his marvelous deeds, especially in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. We too need to locate the joy of the Lord surrounded as we are by the ruins of a Catholic culture which has been smashed by a tsunami of secularism and materialism. We cannot go backwards just like the Jews could not re-establish what was there prior to their exile to Babylon. We need to build on the foundations laid by God that will bring about an even greater time of conversion and faith. Let us be filled with the joy of the Gospel and inspired by Pope Francis to live out our missionary discipleship, just as the Jews were given courage and consolation by Ezra the scribe.

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

 A maxim of theology states: "Grace builds on nature." Last Sunday we heard how Jesus by his baptism made the waters of the Jordan holy. In other words, the sacrament of God, Jesus, sacramentalized water, and it is by water that his own sacrament, the Church, conforms those who are baptized to his own Incarnation. Thus, the baptized are enabled to participate in his messianic mission to reclaim Creation for the God who brought it into existence in the first place. Today Jesus sacramentalizes human relationships through his presence at the wedding feast at Cana. The water of human existence, which can feel futile and burdensome, as we hear in Ecclesiastes: "So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and chasing of the wind" (Eccles 2: 17) now becomes the wine of the Kingdom. At the prompting of his gracious Mother the Messiah brings forward the plan of salvation and reveals that God is present in the highs and lows of human life. It is not only the feasts and happy days that are given meaning by the Lord but also our sufferings and even death. We are no longer slaves of a futile and vain existence but heirs to an everlasting Kingdom: "But when the fulness of time had come God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying 'Abba! Father!'" So you are no longer a slave but a child. and if a child then also an heir, through God." (Gal 4: 4-7)

Baptism of the Lord

 In the Gospel for today John the Baptist prophesies that the imminent Messiah: "...will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." (Lk 5: 16) This prophecy is fulfilled at Pentecost when: "And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Dividing tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them ability." (Acts 2: 2-4) The baptism of Jesus by John serves to identify him with the Jewish people. Christian baptism serves to identify us with God and inform us with his power. This is evident from the episode where Peter and John visit the Samaritans: "The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." (Acts 8: 15-17) Jesus' baptism is a feast of the Incarnation as it locates him in the context of the Jewish people and their history. The baptism we receive empowers and directs us as the People of God to continue the universal ministry of that same man who vindicates God's desire that all people be saves, both Jews and Gentiles.