Category Archives: Article

Ezekiel prophesies about the people of Israel being taken into exile in Babylon. We can become estranged from God and each other through sin, a form of spiritual exile. God never tires of seeking to bring the lost home, and we should do likewise. Fr Richard reflects on today’s readings from Mass. Readings for ThursdayContinue reading “Bringing the lost home”

Jesus acknowledges that relationships may sometimes be strained or even broken. He encourages us to seek reconciliation when this happens. Fr Richard reflects on today’s readings from Mass. Readings for Wednesday of week 19 of ordinary time can be found here. The 18th century English poet Alexander Pope famously declared: “To err is human, toContinue reading “What is broken can be restored”

Jesus challenges popular ideas of what it means to be “great”. Fr Richard reflects on today’s readings from Mass. Readings for Tuesday of week 19 of ordinary time (memorial of St Clare) can be found here. “Who is the greatest?” It’s a question asked today by the disciples, and it’s a question that’s been askedContinue reading “Who is the greatest?”

Seeds are no good if they stay in the packet. They must be surrendered to the earth to be of any use. It is the same with us and our life – we are called to give it up in service, just as St Laurence did in his witness of martyrdom. Fr Richard reflects onContinue reading “The gift that must be given away”

So many people over the centuries have been prepared to give their lives in witnessing to God. Their faithfulness can inspire and encourage us today. Fr Richard reflects on today’s readings from Mass. Readings for Saturday of week 17 of ordinary time can be found here (memorial of St Alphonsus Mary de’ Ligouri). Pope JohnContinue reading “Faithful unto death”

Sometimes as Christians it can feel that no-one wants to listen to what we have to say. Yet this was also the experience of the prophet Jeremiah and even Jesus himself. Like them, we should simply persevere, knowing that we are doing God’s work. Readings for Friday of week 17 of ordinary time can beContinue reading “When no-one listens”

Like a potter, God shapes us by his very own hands. Patient and loving, he is willing to reshape us when we go astray. Fr Richard reflects on today’s readings from Mass. Readings for Thursday of week 17 of ordinary time can be found here. My dear late mother had many gifts, but being goodContinue reading “Shaped by God’s hands”