Sunday Reflections
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus has been beginning to reveal to his disciples what lay ahead of him in Jerusalem. It is a terrifying prospect; the Romans had no mercy on those who were seen as a threat to their authority.…
Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus had been teaching in Galilee, where he got a reasonably friendly reception. Now he was moving northwards. Caeserea Philippi was situated about forty kilometres from the sea of Galilee, at…
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah spoke about what happens when God is present to people. Life is restored in that the desert is watered and people are healed of their disabilities. The prophesy was fulfilled in Jesus, who…
Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus directed some of his harshest criticism towards the pharisees and scribes. They were supposed to give leadership to the Jewish people, since they were experts in the Law. He in fact…
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today’s theme is commitment. Joshua asked the Israelites to make a choice between the God who brought them out of Egypt or the gods of their neighbours. It is easy to look on “gods” as belonging…
The Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven
The Orthodox and Eastern Catholic tradition teaches that when Mary’s life came to an end she fell asleep. This is called the Dormition and is depicted in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in Galway…
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
John developed his theology of the Eucharist, starting with his account of the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus, having shared out bread - which was the staple of the society of that day - went…
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The people of Israel must have had very short memories if they looked back to their captivity in Egypt with nostalgia. It is doubtful that their slave-drivers would have fed them as well as they…
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
A boy is at the centre of the drama in today’s gospel. He offers his small portion of food to Andrew. Barley loaves were the food of the poor and the fish were probably small, like sardines. He…
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus knew that the apostles were tired and hungry after their mission. Those in active ministry realise that they must spend time in quietness, to process what has happened and to listen to what…