Sunday June 24th 2018

Today we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist and listen to Luke’s account of his nativity. John’s story is one of sacrifice and humility. His parents know there will be something very special about this child. The circumstances surrounding his birth already have people amazed. Jewish historians account that John was a preacher around the time of Pontius Pilate who went around calling people to renewal! He spent a lot of time in the wilderness, eating wild things and wearing sackcloth. He must have been a very interesting and attractive figure as we are told in the gospels that people flocked to the River Jordan to be baptised by him; a sign of their repentance or renewal of relationship with God. John gathered so many followers around him that he was considered a threat to Herod Antipas who feared he might begin a rebellion. John was a preacher, a prophet, a signpost pointing people in the right direction: towards Jesus of Nazareth.

We can pray today for all those people who acted as signposts in our lives and brought us closer to God in some way, those who guided us and pointed us in the right direction when we needed it. We too are also called to be signposts for others.

‘Lord, we thank you for people who guided us, but did not try to possess us: parents, teachers, spiritual guides, friends. For a time we stood with them. Very simply, like John the Baptist, they said to us, “Look, there is the one you should follow,” and hearing this we followed that person.’

Michel de Verteuil

June 17th: Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

From small seeds:

The parable of the mustard seed seems pretty straight forward at first glance, but as always there is more to it than first meets the eye. Jesus did not compare the Kingdom of God to a majestic tree. There is an ancient text which forbade planting mustard seeds in Palestinian gardens because the shrub takes over wherever it is planted. It is wild, gets out of control, and attracts unwanted birds. The Kingdom of God grows from something small to something large, but more than that, its growth is overwhelming and it will grow even where it is not wanted. Author and activist, Shane Claiborne, compares it to kudzu, a wild vine that could blanket entire mountain areas, smother trees, even crack cement buildings.

People of Jesus’ time may have preferred the image of the lofty ‘cedars of Lebanon’ to explain God’s kingdom, where the nations could build nests like the eagles do. Now that image may have gotten a few cheers from the crowd! Mustard plants however, only stand a few feet tall. Jesus is turning the ideals of power and triumph on their head again. The image we have here is of the birds who find a home in this little shrub which cannot be curtailed. It will grow even where it is not wanted. Watch out this week for glimpses of this ‘mustard seed’ Kingdom, quietly growing. 

Sunday 10th June 2018 Gospel: “He has gone out of his mind”

In the Gospel today we hear that Jesus made a visit home. Word about this radical Teacher had gotten around and the religious leaders are not happy. In an effort to protect their son and brother, Jesus’ family try to restrain Him in order to protect Him. The people who have gathered try to dismiss Jesus’ teachings saying that he has ‘gone out of his mind’.  The religious leaders even go so far as to say that He is possessed by a demon! Perhaps their way of explaining away someone that they could not cope with. Who in our society today is explained away? Who do we wish would stop speaking out because it makes us uncomfortable? Who do we know who is speaking the truth and yet is dismissed by those in authority? Who tries to silence others?

One of the criticisms of Christians today is that we are not Christ-like or we are no longer challenged by the Gospel message. Sometimes it is easier to ‘keep your head down’. But Jesus knows that in order to bring change, to work for God’s Kingdom of love and justice and peace, this involves sticking your head above the parapet, whether that be in our communities, our families or in our church. 

“I began to wonder if anyone still believed Jesus meant those things He said. I thought if we just stopped and asked ‘what if He really meant it?’ it could turn the world upside down. It is a shame Christians have become so normal.”  (Shane Claiborne, The Irresistible Revolution)

June 3rd 2018 Corpus Christi

On the feast of Corpus Christi we celebrate the gift of the Eucharist. It was one of the last actions of Jesus to give us this nourishment for our life journey, to remember Him and to help us to live out His teachings in our daily lives.

As Christ’s followers we are all called to change from within so that we can be part of the building of a Kingdom of love, justice and peace in this world, so that we ourselves are transformed in some way. The Eucharist, as Pope Francis says, “is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak”. It is a call for all of us to grow and to share with one another Christ’s message of love and peace. The Eucharist sustains us on this Christian path and brings us together as sisters and brothers travelling together on this journey of faith. We should leave this table changed by the encounter, a little lighter, a little more hopeful and joyful, a little stronger. In a movie I saw recently there was a line which said ‘the world will only change as we change’. The Eucharist invites us to this transformation. Because “in the Eucharist, God comes to us not from above, but from within. In the Eucharist the whole cosmos gives thanks to God… it is itself an act of cosmic love... The Eucharist joins heaven and earth; it embraces and penetrates all creation.” (Pope Francis, Laudato Si).

April 29th – 5th Sunday of Easter: Gospel: John 15:1-8

Stay connected…

As with all good vine growers, God cares for His crop, nurturing it, pruning it, giving it all it needs so that it can grow and reach its full potential. We are no doubt the branches. What does it mean to be a branch? Branches must be connected to the vine or they bear no fruit. Even those branches that do bear fruit, they need pruning so that they can grow and bear even more fruit. As we are all too well aware, productivity seems to be the measure of success in the world today, in our education systems, in the workplace, in economics; we are measured by what we produce. Is Jesus really adding on the pressure in this Gospel passage by telling us that he wants to see results or else!?

Perhaps we can read this passage in terms of connectivity. Think of your most intimate friendships and relationships. You don’t measure their weight in terms of produce do you? But you do want to stay connected right? It is this closeness, this intimacy that Jesus calls us to: “abide in me”. Are you connected or disconnected? If the connection is strong, then fruit bearing comes naturally and people will see the Gospel in our lives and in the way we respond to the world. If we are connected, all manner of things are possible for us.

“People see the Gospel in our lives; let them read our lives” Pope Francis

April 22nd 2018 4th Sunday of Easter - Gospel: John 10:11-18

The Good Shepherd

In Jesus’ time, being a shepherd was not a pleasant job. Sheep became easily lost and the shepherd’s job was to guide them back to safety. There were many dangers and the sheep were totally dependent on the shepherd. Shepherds would round up their sheep in the evening and guide them into their pen. But it had no gate so the shepherd would have to lie across the space in case the sheep were attacked in the night. The shepherds literally lay down their lives for their flock. John compares the sacrifice of the shepherd to the ‘hired hand’ who is not really committed to the flock. He does what he has to but flees at the first sign of trouble.

This Good Shepherd Sunday the Gospel describes Jesus as the ‘genuine’ Shepherd who wants a personal relationship with each one of us and who would lay down his life for us. The Gospel emphasises the importance of relationship as the shepherd knows his flock and cares for them. They ‘Follow Him’ and it is not a Facebook or Twitter type of following, rather it is a genuine relationship. Everyone matters to the Good Shepherd, regardless of their situations. We are told “I know my own and my own know me”. We are called today to follow Jesus in a more personal more intimate way. Even when we stray off the path and get lost, it is then especially that the Good Shepherd comes looking for us.

“We think we are feeling from God, but in fact we are running into his arms”. (Meister Eckhart)

Easter Sunday 1, 2, 3 . . . 2018 (Year B)

April 1^st 2018 – Easter Sunday Gospel: John 20:1-9

For as yet they did not understand . . .

Today we celebrate the highpoint of the Christian calendar, Easter. The Gospel tells us that Mary Magdalen is the first witness to the Resurrection. ‘It was still dark . . .’ when Mary went to the tomb but it was also the ‘first day of the week’, a new beginning. We might recall those situations in our lives which seemed so dark, where we felt that there was no light at the end of the tunnel.

Whatever our ‘death’ experiences may be, we revisit them, going to the tomb as usual. And then we realise that something has changed, the stone has rolled away. Let the stone and linen wrappings in this text today represent all that keeps us from being free; all that keeps us captive, emotionally, physically, spiritually, in our broken relationships and struggling communities. However big that stone appears to be our faith in the resurrection of Jesus tells us that this stone can be moved. Think of all the situations in our world which need transformation, the homelessness crisis, the violence on our streets, our own sorrow. The Easter Gospel shows us that these situations can be transformed, even though it is often a painful journey. Once we experience the resurrection we are called to radical change and to share this transformative joy with others.

“Jesus you are with us. Keep us ever mindful of how you are a part of our lives in a deep and profound way. Surprise us with a touch of your love in places where we never thought that we would find you.” (Joyce Rupp)

April 8^th – 2^nd Sunday of Easter: Gospel: John 20:19-31

We do not come through suffering and difficult times unscarred. We are changed by them. Often it brings some sort of growth into our lives and usually it is not a pleasant experience. Today’s Gospel shows us that even in those difficult times, faith can be transformative. Jesus came and stood amongst the disciples even though the doors were firmly closed. The peace that he gives them (Shalom) is a peace of body, of mind and of spirit and it moves the disciples from despair and being ‘lock away’ to ‘rejoicing’. Jesus then asks the disciples to be an unending witness to God’s love. They, and we, must be for others what Jesus has been for them. The Risen Jesus is active in all our lives and in the world around us, but we must be careful not to close ourselves off or let fear take over. It is not easy as we often meet cynicism and doubting. Yet, John tells us that he writes these things so that we may come to believe and have life; reminding us of the importance of the Word of God for our lives. Through the Word we come to know Jesus more deeply and can experience this Peace that he offers us.

“For even if the whole world believed in resurrection, little would change until we began to practice it. We can believe in CPR, but people will remain dead until someone breathes new life into them.” Shane  Claiborne

April 15^th 3^rd Sunday of Easter Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

“You are Witnesses of these things”

Today’s Gospel is one of the resurrection accounts from St. Luke’s Gospel. It begins with the disciples recalling their experience on the road to Emmaus and how they recognised Jesus in the breaking of the bread. The Gospel continues into another account of the Risen Jesus with his disciples. Jesus interrupts the disciple’s story and greets them with “Peace” (Shalom) yet, in this account, they are terrified by this. Jesus shows them his wounds and Luke tells us that they are full of joy, but they still can’t believe it and think it is a ghost. Jesus shows them that he is no ghost as he asks for food and eats fish with them. Jesus then journeys with them back through the scriptures in order to open their minds. He speaks to them compassionately.

Jesus tells the disciples that ‘you are witnesses of these things’. Luke wants to establish an important point, that these disciples are witnesses to the Resurrection, they ate with Jesus after his death and he opened their minds. The Resurrection accounts in the Gospels are not fantasy, they are the actual experiences of Jesus’ disciples. Our Easter faith is based on their testimony. Once Jesus has opened their minds to understand the scriptures he tells them to go out and preach it in His name.  

“Every year the dull and dead in us meets our Easter challenge: to be open to the unexpected, to believe beyond our security, to welcome God in every form, and trust in our own greening.” (Joyce Rupp)

Second Sunday of Lent: Transfiguration

Can you recall a time when you had an ‘aha moment’? One of those moments when something suddenly makes perfect sense to you. It may have been a long time coming, a combination of various pieces of a jigsaw fitting together or it may be an insight you receive from prayer or spiritual practice. These are really special moments. We are never quite the same afterwards, something changes, even a small thing, but something in us changes. These ‘aha’ moments even move us outside of ourselves or beyond ourselves in some way. They are moments of transfiguration. This is what is happening to the disciples in today’s Gospel: a very deep and significant ‘aha moment’. Peter is desperate to stay on the mountain in that blissful moment with Jesus, so much so that he offers to build tents. One can understand Peter’s request, after such an occurrence of course he would want to stay there. 

What moments of encounter in your own life do you recall? An encounter that you simply did not want to end? It may be something very deep and meaningful which gave you a glimpse of God or a moment of complete contentment? As with all blissful moments, the disciples must come down from the mountaintop. Jesus’ way involves walking a very different path, a path that will not be so easy. Jesus’ way is different to what Peter may have had in mind. No doubt these moments of Transfiguration strengthen us all for walking the more difficult paths.

First Sunday of Lent 2018 ~ Operation Transformation

I love Lent, it’s a great season where we can get in ‘transformation’ mode. Regardless of whether or not someone is still ‘practicing’ their faith, people still seem to get on board with Lent. We usually give something up but remember it’s not simply about weight loss or getting fit. By doing these things we are trying to make room for something deeper. It’s a spring cleaning sort of time. What needs clearing out in my life so that I can make more room for God? 

Or often we need to make more room for what God has planned for us? We can get stuck, especially when we are comfortable and don’t really want too much to change. But without change we can’t grow and things fast become stale in our lives. God is always urging us on because God knows just what possibilities there are for each of us. So Lent might be a time where in giving up something or taking on something, we make space for something new. The Gospel today is short and sweet – Jesus is sent into the desert and we too are invited into a desert time. Deserts are interesting places which can allow us to reflect, give ourselves space and we should not be afraid because as the Gospel tells us clearly today, it is a SPIRIT LED desert. God is with us in this desert. So enjoy Lent, embrace it. How we make use of this time determines what will be.

Sunday February 11th Gospel: Mark 1:40-45

“Stretched out his hand…”

Jesus, in today’s Gospel, cures a leper by the healing touch of his hand. A leper was completely out-casted from society, and still today there are many people in our own society who are completely alienated and stigmatised.  Jesus is moved with pity for this man. What moves you with pity? Who do you pity? What alienates you from others? Who is alienated in our communities? Who is it that we need to reach out to? Jesus’ ‘pity’ also conveys anger at the leper’s situation. Jesus sends the man to the priests, as a testimony to them. It is the religious of Jesus’ time who have alienated this man. What they are incapable of doing, Jesus has done by ‘stretching out his hand’ in love.

Jesus, in Mark’s Gospel, is forever asking people to keep quiet and not tell anyone about what he does. Yet, after such a radical encounter with God which frees this man from all that keeps him trapped, of course he would be shouting from the roof tops.  Why would Jesus want his miracles to be kept a secret? Jesus wants to be able to fulfil his mission without attracting the wrong kind of attention. Eventually those who are against him will compile evidence but, for now, the less they know the better.  We might think today of those who bravely speak out, even if it means they are punished in some way. May all of us have the courage, like the man who is healed in the Gospel today, to proclaim the truth, even if it costs us.

Sunday February 4th - Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

Jesus the Healer

In today’s Gospel we read about Jesus’ first healing in Mark’s Gospel. Jesus hears of the illness of the mother of Simon’s wife and goes to her. Due to the purity laws of his time this scene would have been considered controversial. His first healing is of a woman and we are told that he touches her, raises her up; he completely restores her to health. Many of his actions here would be considered taboo.

The ‘whole city’ was crowded around the door as people wanted to also be healed. What a commotion! Jesus, very early on in his ministry is clearly a very popular, attractive figure.  Jesus is The Healer. We might ask ourselves today: who do we know who is in need of healing of any kind? This week, how can we reach out to them?

Another important aspect of this story is that Jesus does not remain comfortable in this house. He keeps moving, keeps going outward. This requires so much energy and an outpouring of love for those in need. Jesus shows us in today’s Gospel what it takes to stay connected, to re-energise ourselves for our various tasks: quiet time and space for real encounter with God. Even then, the people hunted for him. ‘Everyone is searching for you’, and still today, everyone is searching. It is up to all of us to help those on this journey, the seekers, the lost and those in need of healing. We cannot break new ground unless we are inwardly free and connected to that Divine Presence within us and in our world.

Luke 2 ~ Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

Simeon and Anna welcome Mary, Joseph and Jesus to the Temple. They have been waiting for this moment. What kind of Messiah were they expecting? Simeon welcomes this family who must have seemed ‘ordinary’ and poor. He can see that this child will be ‘a light…for the glory of your people’. Already there is a note of reversal; of boundaries being stretched. Mary is told that this child ‘is destined for the fall and the rising of many’. There will be trouble ahead; there will be challenges for many. Simeon knows that many thoughts will be exposed, what people really think will be revealed, who they welcome and who they exclude will be challenged; for God’s invitation and welcome has no boundaries. This will be uncomfortable for some. 

Anna rejoices for all those who were looking for a change, for hope, she knows that this child will overturn systems of oppression and exclusion. Luke is interested in how humanity responds to the Gospel. If Jesus’ message is really good news, then this requires a shakeup; a shakeup which challenges comfortable assumptions about the way God works. God’s abundant invitation to all may not sit comfortably with many. While Anna prays and fasts for a change of heart in the way Jerusalem operates, Simeon warns Mary that this will not be an easy road. 

What situations in our own society and in our church require a shake-up, an uncomfortable but necessary change so that God’s love and welcome can shine through?

Christmas Day (Vigil) Luke 2:1-14

“Glory to God in the highest heaven!”

Tonight we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord. This account of his birth from Luke shows Jesus being born into a situation of total oppression. Luke reminds us of the political regime which controls the land and the effect this has on the people. Mary must still travel to Bethlehem even though she is about to give birth. The shepherds, only found in Luke’s account, are social outcasts due to their profession. It is not a romantic or tranquil setting as the shepherds would have suffered all kinds of deprivations and dangers. Everything about this story is provocative and uneasy. Into this ‘mess’ God is born; this saviour, the Lord, a homeless child, is one who will turn the situations of people upside down, who promises release to captives and sight to the blind. The angels rejoice with the Shepherds, the ‘highest’ and the ‘lowest’. The poor and marginalised will be the first to experience the abundance of God’s hospitality and the shepherds come in their name.

We are invited to Bethlehem today, to open up our hearts to the One who has come. We return, like the shepherds ‘glorifying and praising God for all they have seen and heard’. All are welcome to the manger. May we welcome all as God does, with compassion and love. Shalom.

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, come forth from deep within me with Christmas luminous beauty. For my heart has become the sacred crib, the birthing place of God-among-us.”(Edward Hays)

Fourth Sunday of Advent 2017

The situation into which Jesus was born was one of huge stigma with dangerous consequences. God’s physical birth into this world was condemned socially; Jesus was marginalised from the moment of his conception. Imagine God choosing to be involved so intimately in this world and in such a shocking way. Even the town of Galilee is problematic for this news as Galileans were considered by the religious leaders of the time to be ‘second-class Jews’. So the fact that God would send his messenger there with the good news of all time is controversial in itself. Galilean Jews were considered to be less faithful than others, so it is ironic that in this particular situation Mary’s response is the exact opposite of that, a most faithful ‘Yes’. God surprises. God stands with the marginalised. 
God is present in the most hidden places at times. On the first Sunday of Advent we were invited to ‘Keep Awake’. As we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, what have you noticed this advent? What has your waiting been like? How have you prepared?  Where have you seen God present this Advent? Where have you seen God being born around you? In the most unexpected places? In the most marginalised? Is your heart more open to receive a new birth of God again? Like Mary, we too are told that 'nothing is impossible with God'. What impossible situation do you want God to be born into this Christmas? 

“Quiet me within, clothe my body in peacefulness, that your Word once again may take flesh – this time, within me – as once it did in holy Mary; long Advent days ago.” (Edward Hays)

An Attitude of Gratitude Christmas Carol Service 2017 - St. Dominic's Ballyfermot

You’ve heard the phrase ‘an attitude of gratitude’. Being grateful. We’re very good at complaining, aren’t we, but how about gratitude? What are you grateful for? You’re probably grateful that tomorrow you are on your Christmas holidays? Or maybe you are sad that you won’t see your teachers and school staff for two whole weeks. I’m sure they are all sad too! 

Gratitude is an emotion that we choose to feel at any time. It’s like tapping in to this FREE happy energy source. You actually make a decision to focus your mind on feeling grateful and you decide to make time for it. As an emotion, gratitude is good for the soul. Much research has been carried out on the links between gratitude and wellbeing. Psychologists have found that cultivating an attitude of gratitude brings about an increase in happiness and can reduce anxiety and feelings of depression. They have found that gratitude impacts positively on physical health as it lowers blood pressure, strengthens a person’s immune system & promotes a healthy heart. It can decrease stress & helps us sleep better – so if you’re having trouble sleeping instead of counting sheep, count your blessings. There are many health benefits to gratitude – it’s actually physical good for you!

Gratitude also promotes a healthy mind; it changes our perspective by clearing away most of the petty, day-to-day things that annoy us and that we give so much of our time to: the “small stuff”. Think of situations that bring up feelings of impatience or anger. Gratitude can help calm all of those things and make us aware that we are part of something bigger, something beyond ourselves, a connection to others, as well as to the world. Gratitude strengthens our relationships and encourages us to pay it forward. It helps us to be more generous and compassionate towards others. So, what’s not to like about gratitude?

Another reason to try to cultivate an attitude of gratitude during this Advent season is the story that we are about to celebrate in a few days: the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is an extraordinary story, a simple yet bizarre story; a story which gives hope to billions of people 2,017 years later all over the world. The story which we celebrate this Christmas and every Christmas is a story where we are told that God is with us – summed up, that is the message of Christmas – God is with us. God is involved in the messiness of this world. Where is God born? Not in a fancy palace surrounded by royalty and people who were considered important. God, Jesus Christ, is born in a stable! It’s mad, but it happened. Jesus is born into a situation that is totally dangerous; Jesus is born into a homeless family, a homeless family that would soon afterwards become a refugee family. Jesus is not born into a fancy mansion with all the trimmings, Jesus, God on earth, is born into a dangerous mess. And the message of this story is that God is with us in the mess. It’s not Princesses or politicians who come to welcome Jesus into this world, there were shepherds, people who were considered ‘not worthy’, outcasts, the poor and the ‘unimportant’. God is especially born for them. The message of the Gospel begins at the crib: God is on the side of the poor, the lonely, the homeless, the refugee, the outcast. And throughout Jesus’ life on this earth, he continued to live that message, always siding with those that society did not want to know about. His message was peace, hope & love. So this year when I think of gratitude – I think about how grateful I am to hear that message, that God is with us in the mess of this world, in the mess of our own lives, God is with us in our broken friendships, in our family problems, in the homeless person on the street, with the homeless family. 

You might ask – where? I don’t see God! But I invite you to look around at the goodness of those who are working tirelessly to help others in need, look at the generosity of people, the love that is shared by people especially during this season. I know your own school does so much charity work and here also we have had so many generous donations to foodbanks, Vincent de Paul, Crosscare – people are so so generous. For that, this year, I am very grateful and it also says to me - God is with us in those generous people.

I invite you this Christmas to write a list – not a wishlist for presents or whatever, but a list of things you are grateful for. Look back over your year, try to write a list of ten things you are grateful for – not presents or gadgets, go deeper than that. You might even hang your list on your Christmas tree or put your list in the crib if you have one at home. Write a letter to someone telling them how grateful you are for them, because let’s face it – these are the real gifts, the real blessings. And on Christmas day, in the middle of the madness, take a few minutes, pause, thank God for all that you have, pray for those who don’t have anything, if you don’t do it for God,  think of all the health benefits I mentioned at the beginning – it’s actually good for you, for your mind, body and spirit. You might visit our crib – say a prayer of thanks – tell someone you love how grateful you are for them in your life.

What are you most grateful for over the last 12 months of your life? God is with us also in those moments of joy.

I wish you all a very happy Christmas, I hope it is full of joy, time with family and friends, and I hope it cultivates in you an attitude of gratitude.

Third Sunday of Advent - JOY

Last week we were introduced to John the Baptist as part of our Advent journey. We hear his story again today and in this account, from the fourth Gospel, we hear John’s voice and his testimony about Jesus. Light and darkness is a key theme of the fourth Gospel and in its opening verses proclaims that this light has always shone in the dark; the darkness cannot overpower it. The evangelist goes on to tell us that John the Baptist’s mission is that he has been sent by God to ‘speak for the light’. John is a light bearer, he is not the light, but he points to the light. He is a witness to the light of God in our world, a light that cannot be put out.

We celebrate this light today on Gaudete Sunday, Gaudete which means ‘rejoice’, we light the pink candle and we celebrate with joy. It might be a good opportunity to ask today ‘who have been the light bearers on your own faith journey’? Who testified to the Light of God and passed the torch on to you? We thank God for them.

“Lord there is much darkness in society and in our church… We become cynical and settle for mediocrity. We thank you that someone always comes on the scene, sent by you as a witness to speak for the light….teachers, community leaders, grandparents, children, a friend….they bear witness to the rest of us that somewhere in the dark a light shines that darkness cannot overcome.”(Michel de Verteuil)

Second Sunday of Advent - Mark 1:1-8

The beginning of the good news…

The second Sunday of Advent turns our attention to John the Baptist. John was an interesting individual. We are told he dressed a bit strangely, had an odd diet and spent a lot of time in the desert. Yet it seems he was very popular with the whole of Judaea and ‘all the people of Jerusalem’ went out to hear him. John must have been a dynamic speaker and one in whom people found hope and inspiration. Who are these attractive messengers for us today? Who brings us good news and hope? Whose message makes sense for us? Who do we flock to hear?

Today we might also reflect on the messengers in our own lives. Who did God send to you while you were in your own wilderness? Perhaps they brought with them a moment of grace reassuring you that you would not be drifting aimlessly forever. Perhaps the evidence at that moment in your own life stated the contrary, yet these words of encouragement or comfort gave you reason to hope and to hang in there. These ‘John the Baptists’ are messengers of the light. They are all around us. Sometimes we are the ones called upon to be a messenger of light for someone else. The good news of the Gospel today is that even in times of desolation there is a hope, a promise that urges us on. How we prepare for this journey determines our experience. “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you…”

December 8th - Feast of the Immaculate Conception

When have you felt God’s presence in someone you met or someone who visited you? The Gospel today is a reminder of God continuously present in our lives. We, like Mary, are invited to welcome those whom God sends us, even if we are amazed and alarmed by their message. We can ask ourselves: who brings us good news?

Advent is a season of hope, a season where we are reminded that God is present even when God appears to be hidden. God present in Mary’s womb speaks to us of God’s hidden presence in the world. We were reminded last Sunday to ‘keep awake’ and today this beautiful feast invites us to be more aware of God’s presence, through the messengers he send us; in the most hidden parts of ourselves and the most hidden parts of society.

Perhaps at the end of each day you can glance back over the day and see the moments where God was present, the light, the joys, the gestures, the words. Where was there hope in your day? Was anything revealed to you today? Who were the messengers for you today? Keep alert in these days of Advent and watch for God’s presence in your daily life. 

December 8th - Feast of the Immaculate Conception

When have you felt God’s presence in someone you met or someone who visited you? The Gospel today is a reminder of God continuously present in our lives. We, like Mary, are invited to welcome those whom God sends us, even if we are amazed and alarmed by their message. We can ask ourselves: who brings us good news?

Advent is a season of hope, a season where we are reminded that God is present even when God appears to be hidden. God present in Mary’s womb speaks to us of God’s hidden presence in the world. We were reminded last Sunday to ‘keep awake’ and today this beautiful feast invites us to be more aware of God’s presence, through the messengers he send us; in the most hidden parts of ourselves and the most hidden parts of society.

Perhaps at the end of each day you can glance back over the day and see the moments where God was present, the light, the joys, the gestures, the words. Where was there hope in your day? Was anything revealed to you today? Who were the messengers for you today? Keep alert in these days of Advent and watch for God’s presence in your daily life. 

First Sunday of Advent ~ 2nd Dec 2017

"Keep Awake"

We are surrounded these days by the commercial ‘circus’ of Christmas shopping and ‘getting ready’? It might seem far removed from the story that we are celebrating; the story of a poor refugee family 2,000 years ago who had a very special delivery. The story of God choosing to intervene in human history in such an intimate and shocking way; God choosing to be born into a situation of poverty and danger. It is good to ask ourselves at this time of year, what are we getting ready for? Advent is a wonderful season which invites us to use our waiting to grow spiritually. We are invited to make space for ourselves and for God in the midst of the rushing. Can we stop and be still and ask ourselves: ‘Where do I see God being born around me today?’ In those I meet? In kind words and gestures, in my community, in my own heart? 

Have a more ‘aware’ advent. Be mindful in all you do. Be aware in your rushing, be aware as you stand in that queue, be aware as you eat, be aware of your feelings, be aware of your thoughts. By watching all of this we become more awake, more able to recognise our true selves and more able to see God being born continuously each day within us and around us. Our awe and wonder grows and we can be prepared for the coming of the Gift himself. How we prepare determines what will be.