Reflections & Homilies

Today's cities are filled with contrasts. They are places of freedom and opportunity, as well as anonymity and loneliness for many who live in them. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of urban life, millions of people seek deeper meaning for their lives, often without finding it. This reality is especially concerning for those living on the margins and for those who feel invisible in the midst ... Read More

Many people keep journals to record events, process emotions, or understand life's challenges. For St Ignatius of Loyola, journaling served a deeper purpose. It became a way for him to listen attentively to God. Ignatius' Spiritual Diary, written in 1544 and 1545, is one of the most personal spiritual documents we have. Instead of listing daily events, he wrote about his inner experiences as he tr... Read More

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All Ireland, gave this homily yesterday, at Mass for the 2026 Grandparents' pilgrimage to the Shrine of Knock: 'I will never forget you'. Many grandparents nowadays say they get a whole new lease of life from being around young people. I was surprised recently when a 70 year-old grandad was able to explain to me all about TikTok and Snapchat, and I got a real s... Read More

Pope Leo XIV reflected on the mystery of the Kingdom of God as a treasure that transforms human life during his Angelus address on Sunday, 26 July, delivered from Castel Gandolfo, where he is taking a summer break. Commenting on the Gospel parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value (Mt 13:44-52), the Pope said that the Kingdom of God brings a joy so profound that leaving everythi... Read More

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 109 I find it difficult to visualise the Kingdom of Heaven, but I believe that is a very good thing. Jesus gives us many different images of what it is like in terms of comparison and we hear some of these in our gospel today, but there is no one, solid, definable image except of the completion of all things in a glory we can only glimpse. I thank th... Read More

During his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Leo says God's Kingdom grows quietly through humility, patience and love rather than power, urging Christians to trust in His hidden work and become "small seeds of the Gospel" in the world. Pope Leo urged Christians to reject the temptation to seek spectacular displays of God's power, reminding the faithful that the Kingdom of God grows quietly and patientl... Read More

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 1.Romans 8: 26-27 The work of the Spirit "Brothers and sisters: The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones according to God's will". This sh... Read More

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time 1. Becoming open to the healing Word I continue to write from St Luke's Hospital in Headington, where my recuperation and rehabilitation after my knee replacement continues. So I share my thoughts particularly with any of you who are house bound, undergoing some form of recuperation after illness, or face changed circumstances, particularly that of losing independence ... Read More

July 11th - Feast of Saint Benedict - Father of Western Monasticism - Patron of Europe A personal prologue Though I moved from being part of a monastic community to serve our Eastern Catholic brothers and sisters as one of their byzantine priests, I have never lost my attachment to the spiritual tradition and basic practices of my formative years as a monk. I am also glad that links can be kept wi... Read More

Archbishop Dermot Farrell, Archbishop of Dublin gave this homily during the 6pm Vigil Mass in Saint Mary's Cathedral, Dublin yesterday. "Come to me, all you who labour and overburdened, and I will give you rest" (Matt 11:28). These words of the Lord in our Gospel today express the tenderness of the love which the Lord lavishes on those whom He invites to draw closer to the source of life. God's d... Read More

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time This past week has been one of new experiences, some good, some difficult, but all linked to the slow process of healing. I underwent a full knee replacement last Thursday, not the best of operations, and having two orthopaedic surgeon brothers it was a procedure which was explained to me in detail. I have to admit it has been a painful and difficult week, one in... Read More

Human life is a sacred gift that merits to be welcomed, protected and cared for in all its stages. Nevertheless, indifference, exclusion and violence threatening the dignity of the person, especially those who are particularly vulnerable, persists in many parts of the world. When respect for life diminishes, the throwaway culture grows, leaving many without the care, support and recognition they n... Read More

June 28th 2026 Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul We must try and avoid any form of triumphalism for this feast, that is not how the apostles witnessed to their faith in Jesus, rather it is more prescient to celebrate as we ought, with joy and thoughtfulness, grateful for the witness and ministry of these two key figures at the beginnings of our faith.. In our Catholic tradition we also pray for P... Read More

How do my Christian friends view my engagement with Muslims? I am often ask about my experience with Muslims. I tell them that I believe that I've been called by the Church to immerse myself among Muslims. The word "among" is key to understanding my mission. My purpose is to witness Christ's love among them. Over the years, I've become increasingly convinced that it is Christ's love that drives us... Read More