Category: Reflections

Today's Gospel reading Jesus tells us about the parable of a man who went on a journey and entrusted his property to his servants. To one, he entrusted five talents, to another, two talents and a third, one talent. Upon his return, the first two servants who had traded with their talents returned double what … Continue reading No risk, no returns →

This Sunday's Gospel tells us of the parable of the ten bridesmaid. Five of them were foolish and five of them brought extra oil for the wait. This is a popular parable and many of us are familiar with the idea that we need to be prepared for "you know neither the day nor the … Continue reading Let our love lights overflow →

In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus presents us the beatitudes. The homilist reminds us that this is the key to joy - how we should "be" and our attitudes to our life. I am reminded of a clip we use often in Landings retreats. Bishop Barron could not have said it better. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4Bb4UDypi0

This Sunday's Gospel is a short and sharp one. After being asked by a lawyer what is the greatest commandment, because in the Jewish traditions there were 613 commandments, Jesus says “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great … Continue reading The great commandment →

This Sunday's gospel is a short one but a clever one. I like how Jesus comes up with answers that would render the accusers speechless. In this instance he escapes the entrapment by the Pharisees and Herodians by saying that we should pay our lawful taxes as we "Render therefore to Caesar the things that … Continue reading Politics and religion →

In today's Gospel, Jesus gives us the parable where the kingdom of heaven is likened to wedding feast. A king sends servants out twice to those who were invited to his son's feast but they ignored him and killed his servants. The chosen people are widely interpreted to be the Jewish people whom many prophets … Continue reading Putting on the garment of Christ →

In today's Gospel, Jesus continues using the prophet Isaiah's imagery of Israel as the vineyard. He even uses his words to describe the vineyard’s wine press, hedge, and watchtower. Israel’s religious leaders, the tenants in His parable, have learned nothing from Isaiah or Israel’s past. Instead of producing good fruits, they’ve killed the owner’s servants, … Continue reading Fruitful harvest →

This week's Gospel is a short story. Jesus simply says "A man had two sons; and he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not’; but afterward he repented and went. And he went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I … Continue reading Turn around →

This Sunday's Gospel of the householder and the labourers often evokes emotions and the question of meritocracy and the fairness of God. We ask, how can God reward those who come in at the last minute to "steal" their way into heaven. Some will say, I have served in the Church for many years and … Continue reading Divine Justice and Mercy →

This Sunday's Gospel has the well known story of the servant who was forgiven of 10,000 talents by his King but he could not forgive his fellow servant of a hundred denarii after he was let off. The story was told by Jesus after Peter asked him "“Lord, how often shall my brother sin against … Continue reading O$P$ →