Thoughts and Reflections

Sirach 24:1-2, 8-12/ Ps 147/ Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18/ John 1:1-5, 9-14 What presents did we receive this Christmas? As the day recedes in our memory let us again consider the greatest gift we have been given. While the world has already packed away Christmas, moving on to sales and resolutions, we are still here, still standing at the manger, still pondering the incredible mystery of who this child is. So we should be, because this isn't just a nice holiday story that fades wi

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14/ Ps 128(127)/ Colossians 3:12-17/ Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, a celebration that comes in the Christmas season, reminding us that the Word made flesh did not come into this world as a solitary figure, but as a member of a family. The God who created all things chose to enter human history through the most fundamental human institution. The Gospel today might come as a bit of a shock. We

Isaiah 52:7-10/ Ps 98(97)/ Hebrews 1:1-6/ John 1:1-5, 9-14 So here it is, merry Christmas! Everybody's having fun. Look to the future now, it's only just begun. Those of us of a certain age will recognise these lyrics from Slade's 1973 song that has become a staple of Christmas music heard every year. Christmas is indeed here. We have waited in anticipation and prepared for it during the weeks of Advent. We are celebrating with family and friends, and we traditionally look to

Isaiah 7:10-14/ Ps 24(23)/ Romans 1:1-7/ Matthew 1:18-24 Today we light the fourth candle on the Advent wreath to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Saviour. This final purple candle, the ‘Angel’s Candle,’ symbolises peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.” In just a few days, we will gather again to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The nativity scenes are set up in our homes and churches, t

Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10/ Ps 146(145)/ James 5:7-10/ Matthew 11:2-11 Today we light the rose or pink candle on the Advent Wreath, the Shepherds' Candle, calling us to rejoice. ‘Gaudete!’ Rejoice! Maybe today as we look at the news or recall the conversations from this past week, the command to rejoice feels almost impossible. We see conflicts escalating in many places in the world, we hear of families struggling to afford basic necessities, people isolated and lonely, and many of u