Genesis 12:1-4; Psalm 33 (32); 2 Timothy 1:8-10; Matthew 17:1-9 Matt 17:1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. Matt 17:2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling…
The other week, Sunday Mass was cut short. Or it was for my family, anyway… My newborn was fussy and my toddler got grumpy with his father when he saw me take his younger brother outside. We were back in the car before the final blessing. Sundays like that may be rare, but no less…
Many of us could use more silence in our lives. I say this cautiously because the place of silence in our lives isn’t easy to specify. Silence is a complex; sometimes we fear it and try to avoid it and sometimes when we are tired and over-stimulated we positively long for it. Generally, though, we…
Q: I’ve read a lot recently about how the Society of St Pius X (SSPX) is planning to ordain new bishops this summer, with or without the pope’s permission. Why is this such a problem, if the SSPX are all validly ordained anyways? A: The quick, big-picture short answer is that the SSPX’s proposed…
It’s not just about external forms and structures, what’s more important is the spiritual depth that shapes the Church,” hears Pedro Esteva. As Lent begins, many Catholics ask what shape these forty days should take. Giving something up. Adding extra prayer. Fasting more seriously. Yet there is always a temptation to approach the season as…
You are likely reading this column a few days into Lent. In my adult lifetime, I don’t think there’s ever been a time when we the people have been more in need of repenting our collective sins. This is not to suggest that it’s the most morally corrupt era in history. Surely nothing can compete…
When Our Lady appeared at Knock, she brought the men in her life! The three men featured, in order, in the Gospel are St Joseph, Jesus and St John. The inclusion of St Joseph and St John is a reminder of their relationship with Our Lady and their roles in Her life. While he has…
God lives a most mysterious form of life. High above all things, dwelling in unapproachable light, God is the eternal Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The life of the Holy Trinity is resplendent with glory. The three-in-one rejoice in abundant bliss simply over being God. No human being can fathom the life or bliss of…
The feast day of St Polycarp is celebrated by the Church each year on 23rd February. He was born about 70 AD and died in his eighties as bishop of Smyrna which is modern day Izmir in Turkey. He is an important figure in the early Church as he was a friend of St John…
Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil Matt. 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Matt. 4:2 He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. Matt. 4:3 The tempter came…
Fr Ronald Rolheiser
Fr John McCarthy