We have started our Lenten journey through the desert towards death, and resurrection. Today we listen to one of the best known stories in the bible (Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7). We hear about Adam and Eve, how they fell from grace, out of the intimate presence of God, to a state of shame and separation from […]
First Sunday of Lent Read More »
I doubt many of us are tempted to stand on the street corner tooting a trumpet and calling attention to our piety. So the warnings that Jesus gives in our Gospel reading today, for the beginning of Lent (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18), they don’t really apply to us, do they. In terms of correcting our behavior
We have a very complicated and possibly confused relationship to the law, or laws in general. Some we regard as essential and believe in strict punishment for lawbreakers. Some, maybe to do with our driving behavior or tax liabilities, we regard as rather more optional or flexible. Some cause great debate or conflict as to
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
There have been times in the history of Christianity when faith and holiness have been considered as mainly private or personal affairs. Our relationship with God is something that lives inside us. That’s true. But what Jesus makes clear in today’s gospel is that it can’t stay inside us (Matthew 5:13-16). Being a secret Christian
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Usually on a Sunday our first reading (Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13) and the Gospel (Matthew 5:1-12a) have a close link, the second reading follows its own path (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). Today all three readings point very clearly at the same truth. Who is God looking out for, where is his special attention focused? Yes, he loves
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »