All three readings of today’s Mass have comforting words. In the first reading Isaiah says: “Courage, do not be afraid.” In the second reading St. James says: “Be patient! Do not lose heart.” And in the Gospel we have the lovely words of Jesus to his cousin, John: “Happy the…
The Advent readings glitter with bright promises – promises of the wonderful things that would accompany the coming of the Messiah. Mountains would be leveled out, valleys filled in, winding roads made straight, the desert would bloom, the poor would see justice done, the weak would no longer be exploited,…
Today’s liturgy addresses a wake-up call to us: “The time has come, you must wake up now”. St Paul tells us that we must wake up now. But there is more at stake than just being awake. We could be awake and yet be only half alive, because we have…
Once, two travelers were going through a forest when night came upon them. In a matter of minutes, the narrow path which they had been following became invisible. In the darkness terror lurked everywhere. Then, to make matters worse, a violent thunderstorm broke over the forest. Terrifying flashes of lightning…
Jesus didn’t hold anything back from his disciples. He told them that things would be difficult. When he spoke about the world he was very realistic. He spoke about wars and revolutions, earthquakes, plagues and famines, persecution and imprisonment, betrayal, hatred and killings. He told them that such happenings would…
