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It may seem strange, but this is a Christmas Feast. Not if we think of Christmas only in terms of the Baby in Bethlehem, but if we have followed the ideas of the Feasts of Holy Family and especially Epiphany, … Continue reading →

In the East, this Season of Christmas is called the “Time of Manifestation”, or Showing. Today is the ‘Feast of the Manifestation, or the Showing of the Saviour to the whole world, to all nations. In the wise men who … Continue reading →

  As an example for us to follow, the Holy Family can seem a little too perfect: when we consider the more “dramatic” events of the Christmas and Easter story, it can seem so far removed from us. And yet, … Continue reading →

Here we enter a new stage of Advent: having spent so much time on the Second Coming, now we look back, to remember the details of the Lord’s First Coming. Today we focus on the character of Mary, and hear … Continue reading →

  So who is coming? This Sunday’s readings help to answer that question. John the Baptist is asked about the coming of the Messiah – is it him? He affirms his role as “a witness to speak for the light”, … Continue reading →

  Throughout the first three weeks of Advent our focus is very clearly on the Second Coming of the Lord – not so much on the run up to Christmas (until the last week). If we view Advent as a … Continue reading →

Advent opens with a great cry, and a great promise: “Oh that you would tear the heavens open and come down! is the cry, of a people who need God. “…The master is coming is the promise, not to breed … Continue reading →

Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King “Shepherd-King o’er mountain steep, homeward guide thy wand’ring sheep.” This hymn which we will probably sing today captures the readings perfectly: our King is not a cruel tyrant or despot, but a shepherd who … Continue reading →

You have been faithful in small things; come and join in your master’s happiness We must be very careful that the real point of today’s first reading is not washed away in genuine concerns over what one can and cannot … Continue reading →

  A most unusual feast! The Lateran Basilica is the Cathedral of the Diocese of Rome an ancient church first built near the walls of the city of Rome by the Emperor Constantine at the beginning of the fourth century. … Continue reading →