Weekly reflections by the Dean or Assistant priest of Sale Cathedral
8th APRIL, 2018. We tend to think that believing was easier for those who saw Jesus than it is for us. This is a mistake. The Gospels show there are many people who saw Jesus and yet didn’t believe in him. Seeing is not necessarily believing. The act of faith involves a decision to believe. … [Read more…]
April 1, 2018 In 1564 Michelangelo made the following remarks to his fellow painters: “ Why do you keep filling gallery after gallery with endless pictures of the one ever-reiterated theme of Christ in weakness, of Christ on the cross, Christ dying. Christ hanging dead? Why do you stop there as if the curtain closed upon that horror? … [Read more…]
24 – 25 March 2018 Attitude to Suffering There is little point in being sentimental about suffering. Suffering could destroy us. W.B. Yeats says, ‘Too long a sacrifice can make a stone of the heart.’ Suffering could take control of our lives with the result that we become perpetual victims. But suffering can benefit us. … [Read more…]
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT MARCH 4, 2018 Once there was a very sincere man who wished to live a holy life. So he went to the Rabbi for advice. The rabbi congratulated him on his desire, then asked, ‘How have you been faring so far?’ ‘Quiet well, I think,’ the man answered. When you say … [Read more…]
FEBRUARY 14, 2018 We welcome the Catholic Bishop’s of Australia’s invitation for the Catholic Community at the beginning of Lent – to enter into Days of fasting and reparation in sorrow for child sexual abuse. Please take to heart the importance of these days in preparing the Church to respond to the recommendations of the … [Read more…]
Jesus was constantly surrounded by needy people. This weekend’s Gospel is a good example. You will note that after preaching in the Synagogue where he also cured a sick person, he retired to Peters house for refreshments. But, he didn’t get much peace there either. Peter’s mother-in-law was sick – he attended to her. It … [Read more…]
SANTO NINO Sunday January 28, 2018 Welcome Bishop Pat and members of the Philippine communities. In Malolos City, Bulacan, 40 Km north of Manila, enormous crowds gather at the end of January each year for a grand feast to celebrate the Santo Nino, the Holy Child, one of the most widely revered holy figures in … [Read more…]
Where is God? At some stage of our life we are bound to ask that question. It might come after a particularly tough time in our life: a close member of the family or a friend suddenly dies, maybe a long-time job is unexpectedly lost. It might come in a joyous manner, such as seeing … [Read more…]
17th December, 2017 John the Baptist had a central role to play in the coming of the Saviour. His role as today’s Gospel puts it, was to be ‘a witness to speak for the light’ – Jesus. John was a courageous witness, he was a strong personality and a man of principle. His lifestyle, as … [Read more…]
9th —10th December, 2017 I remember being out on my early morning walk one cold winter’s day. The sun had just come up. As I walked along I noticed also that the moon was in the sky, pale against the sun I could just see it. Through the night the moon was bright and beautiful … [Read more…]