Experience the Living Word with Bishop David Walker
In preparation for the feast of St Augustine on 28 August I ask myself what is it about Augustine’s life story, as told in his Confessions, that can still captivate modern readers, and no doubt frames the way of thinking for Pope Leo? He lived in North Africa over sixteen hundred and fifty years ago and…
A Fire of Passion and Purpose in Luke 12:49-53In this week’s Gospel reading, Luke 12:49-53, Jesus proclaims a bold and startling message: He has come to bring fire, not peace. “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” (Luke 12:49).This may seem like an unusual proclamation…
On July 31st we celebrate the Feast Day of St Ignatius. St Ignatius has had a profound impact on all Catholics and his entire life and legacy is pure gift. I was reflecting on the words of Fr Dermot Preston, previous British Provincial of the Society of Jesus, and it made me laugh out loud….
Reflections on Luke 10:38–42 If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by responsibilities while others seemed to have the luxury of rest, then you’ll resonate with one of the most relatable stories in the Bible—the Gospel encounter between Martha and Mary. In Luke 10:38–42, Jesus visits the home of two sisters. One is busy serving, the other…
Many years ago, I read these words from the late Verna Holyhead sgs. The opening context opened my eyes to power of Jesus the teacher. What we have come to call the parable of the Good Samaritan is told in the context of a meeting between two teachers: the Jewish lawyer and the Jewish Jesus….
A New Pope, It is an exciting time to be Catholic. It’s exciting because we are welcoming a new leader to inspire us, guide us and lead us closer to Jesus. He has always been one of us, but now he’s one of us on the world stage. We are all curious about who Pope…
Thank you, Papa Francesco thank you. I will continue to pray for you and continue to be grateful for the way you took seriously Jesus’ direction, “Feed my sheep.” You feed your sheep, through accessible and inspiring words and more importantly through your exemplary deeds. It was with curious expectation that in 2013 I read…
Exploring the roots of a long-standing tradition is not just an academic exercise of delving into the past but understanding the relevance of key concepts for us today. In the 1st and 2nd centuries, the fast before Easter was compulsory. The whole community kept a 40-hour fast on the Friday and Saturday before Easter Sunday…
What a great question. I have grown to love the ancient words and stories of the Bible. I love to ponder them and am amazed at how these words resonate within me; they echo through my day. I read the Scripture because I love watching the way Jesus interacts with so many different men and…
I find solace in the familiar rhythm of the shoreline, the gentle lapping of waves against the sand. Easy. When I ponder the Gospel reading for the coming Sunday, Luke 4: 1-11, it directly challenges me to leave the shoreline and go into the deep water. Into that dark blue water with the hard to…