Fr Dominik Domagala, OMI, serves in Inchicore, Dublin. Studied Theology in Poznan (Poland) and currently is working on a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture. Author of the sermon-video-blog The Social Oblate. Send your questions to thesocialoblate@icloud.com
Acts 14:21-27 Apocalypse 21:1-5 John 13:31-33,34-35 It is becoming increasingly evident that religious objects, such as crosses and holy medals, are not only symbols of people’s faith but are also often incorporated into jewellery or decorative items. Instead of being signs that communicate one’s identity and serve as sources of strength and direction in…
The Sunday Gospel Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41 Ps 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13 Rv 5:11-14 Jn 21:1-19 How often do we return to the familiar places we know so well, the places we have visited many times before, whether to rest or escape from life’s overwhelming problems? Whenever I return to my little town in Poland,…
Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 Col 3:1-4 OR 1 Cor 5:6b-8 Jn 20:1-9 My good friend recently shared a story about a man he met in a Brazilian prison nearly 30 years ago. Sentenced for a crime he indeed committed, he had little hope of an early release and regaining his freedom.…
You may still remember, Dear Reader, the formula you were taught while preparing yourself for the First Holy Confession. Although it’s been a long time since that day, I still clearly remember mine: “My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,…
Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15 Ps 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12 Lk 13:1-9 An ancient Christian tradition recounts that the prefect of Rome, Chromatius, fell seriously ill during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (3rd-4th century). It quickly became known that his illness was incurable and deadly. However, upon learning that a close…
Dt 26:4-10 Ps 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 Rom 10:8-13 Lk 4:1-13 On this first Sunday of the new Lenten season, the Church, as always, presents the narrative of the three kinds of temptation that the Lord faced in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13). The differing approaches of the Devil symbolise the various efforts the…
One of my friends, Fr Michael Brady, devoted much of his life to missionary work in Brazil, offering his service for around 50 years. Recently, he shared with me that when he began his missionary journey, others mentioned a small fact about a tiny fruit. He remarked, “Most people wouldn’t really eat the fruit because,…
Is 6:1-2a, 3-8 Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7-8 1 Cor 15:1-11 or 1 Cor 15:3-8, 11 Lk 5:1-11 The question I hear most frequently from those I meet for the first time is this: “Why did you become a priest, and how did it happen?” To which I typically provide a quick and…
Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15 1 Cor 12:12-30 Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21 Every good love story has something from a personal and emotional note. I remember, for example, one of my favourite movies, the famous Sleepless in Seattle, with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. After losing his beloved wife, Sam Baldwin…
Fr Dominik Domagala Baptism of the Lord, Year C Key question: What does Baptism mean for you? Readings: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11. Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7. Luke 3:15-16. 21-22. What marvellous words we are hearing in today’s First Reading from Prophet Isaiah, who proclaims on behalf of God: “Comfort, give comfort to my people! Speak tenderly…