Isaiah 55:1-3; Psalm 145 (144); Romans 8:35, 37-49; Matthew 14:13-21 Readings 1 and 3 In the first reading, the prophet alerts people to their unrecognised hungers of the heart. In the Gospel, the disciples point to the unrecognised ordinary hungers of the people. The responsorial Psalm Psalm 145 (144) is an alphabetical psalm, uniquely carrying…
There are moments in summer when creation itself becomes a gentle teacher. Light streamed through the window, the trees swayed in the breeze, birds sang their morning hymns, and the world seemed to slow down. The words of the Psalmist came to mind: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). In that…
Nobody is responsible for everything; responsibility calls for discernment, writes Fr Chris Hayden *** When we feel overwhelmed by circumstances, we are vulnerable to negative emotions of all sorts. The more of the weight of the world I carry on my shoulders, the more likely I am to feel crushed by sadness and anxiety.…
A newsletter I read signs off the same way every time: “To a future of Abundance.” The writer, futurist Peter Diamandis, is one of the leading evangelists for what artificial intelligence is about to do for us, and I read him because he gives confident voice to the optimism our culture now takes for granted.…
In last week’s edition of the Irish Catholic, I reflected on how St Macrina inspires us to share the faith with our siblings as she did with her brothers and sisters, three of whom became saints. This week, we feature two better known saints who can help grand-parents share the faith with their grandchildren. I…
As I write this sacred pause for thought, I have just returned from a beautiful walk along a beach road where summer has finally begun to reveal itself in all its glory. The sea sparkled beneath the evening sun, birds sang joyfully overhead, and wildflowers swayed gently in the warm breeze. For a few moments…
Darkness is only bad because there is light. Sin can only happen if first there is love. Karl Rahner makes a very insightful comment about the text in the Gospels where Jesus is being crucified and says of his executioners: “Forgive them Father for they know not what they do!” Rahner suggests that they knew…
The kingdom of heaven: a treasure, a pearl, a net The Gospel Matt 13:44 [Jesus said:] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matt 13:45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven…
Nowadays, students can conveniently ask ChatGPT or Claude for answers before wrestling with a homework question. Doctors increasingly consult algorithms to support clinical decisions. Meanwhile, younger generations seem to possess an almost instinctive ability to use digital technologies to build social networks, become influencers and even earn a living. It is against this backdrop that…
Q: Why is it that when the SSPX says Mass, it’s only illicit, but now going to confession with them would be not only illicit but also invalid? A: The short answer is because the sacrament of penance has a much stronger juridical or ‘legal’ dimension than most of the other sacraments. For reference, keep…
Fr Ronald Rolheiser