Today, as usual, there are three readings. Today’s from Exodus, 1^st Timothy, Luke; Moses, Paul, our Lord. Three powerful readings. With one binding theme: the mercy of God. In the Gospel, three parables: a shepherd, a woman and a father, a lost sheep, a lost coin, a lost son. The last parable with three main characters: a younger son, an older son, a father. With one binding theme: there will be joy in heaven over one repentant sinner. Continue reading

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The idea of venerating someone’s bodily remains may not be appealing, even though there is good warrant for it in Scripture and Christian tradition. But the key is this: when we venerate relics, we venerate a person: someone who lived holiness in a bodily life and will rise embodied from the dead. So, it is Thérèse in person who comes to visit us. This can only be an occasion of grace. Continue reading

Dear Dominic, it seems no time ago you were being ordained deacon in this church. Now, here we are again. Another page to turn. Another moment in your biography. Not a small one, and full of a future. It has been a long, sometimes difficult journey for you. That has brought its own richness. Please God, what lies ahead will be simpler. Today commemorates St Bernard of Clairvaux, and also the prophet Samuel. He was called from his boyhood onwards: ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’ He became a bearer of God’s word for his people. He anointed Saul and then, to better effect, the young David. Maybe there are connections there, Dominic, both with your past and with what begins today. Perhaps Fr James has been your Eli! I hope you’ll always be enough of a boy to say, ‘Speak Lord, your servant is listening.’ St Bernard is portrayed by the liturgy as someone full of fire and light; may you bring warmth and vision into the world! And may the Saints of today’s Litany accompany you! Continue reading

Today Jesus says to us: ‘I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! There is a baptism I must still receive, and how great is my distress till it is over!’ (Luke 12:49-50).

Clearly, these are passionate words. They come straight from Christ’s heart. Fire and water, blazing and drowning, desire and distress – they are all there. Continue reading

If you’re called Mary, happy Name Day! This Cathedral is dedicated to St. Mary in her Assumption. So, let’s wish it and ourselves and our parish a happy Name Day, and ask our Lady to continue to keep care of this church and parish, its clergy and people. Continue reading

Today’s readings are Joyce’s choice: Paul to the Colossians and the Gospel of John, ch. 15. The verses of the Gospel just read have been called – by Jean Vanier no less – “the heart of the Gospel”. They come from Jesus’ last discourse when he was opening his heart, about to leave his disciples. And what does he say? Remain in my love. I’ve told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy be complete. Love one another. I won’t call you servants anymore; I call you friends. You did not choose me, I chose you. I commissioned you to go out and bear fruit. And again, Love one another. These are words that come from the heart. Continue reading