Much of what we understand from the past, stems from the fragments and the bits and pieces of the puzzle that are unearthed every now and then. Biblical antiquities are especially rare and contentious, as the sites of importance tend to be completely destroyed, altered beyond recognition, or damaged due to the continuous cycles of war and occupation, development, and [...]
Let me begin the reflection with this quote from DEUS CARITAS EST by Pope Benedict XVI ‘Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.’ In today’s Gospel reading, The Wedding at Cana is the first sign [...]
Have you had an epiphany before? That sudden moment of insight or realization – when something clicks and everything makes sense somehow. I would like to think that the Magi—commonly known as the Wise Men or Kings—had an exciting OMG moment too when they saw a new star in the sky, an extraordinary event that connected the dots. They might [...]
As we celebrate The Epiphany of the Lord, have we wondered what the word, “Epiphany” means? "Epiphany" means “manifestation’. We honour this moment in time when the Christ Child was made manifest to the world, and we mark the change in the liturgical calendar as the solemnity of Epiphany also marks the end of the Christmas season in the Roman [...]
The Gospels that recount the infancy narratives are the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Luke’s Gospel speaks of the events leading up to Jesus’ birth, where Mary and Joseph found no room in the inn. We are also told that an angel appeared to shepherds tending their flock to bring them the joyous tidings of Jesus’ birth. The shepherds then [...]
Rejoice, brothers and sisters, as the Church celebrates the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord! We rejoice with great gladness, for the central message of this feast is the manifestation of Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world—not just for the chosen people of Israel, but for all humanity. This truth echoes throughout today’s readings. In the second [...]
QUIET ME WITH YOUR LOVE (Inspired by Zephaniah 3: 17) Like a mother’s breast To her nursing child, Quiet me with Your Love, So tender and so mild. Like a lover’s kiss, Sweeter than wine is, The taste of perfect peace Which only You could give. Quiet me with Your Love. A Mighty King Riding on a strong white steed, [...]
Luke 2:41-52 The union of man and woman that establishes the family life is a sacred reality given by the grace of God and is at the very foundation of the social order. The family, if bounded in love and in obedience to the Lord of life, will reflect the holiness of the Holy Family, centered on Jesus. There is [...]
Luke 1:39-45 The Fourth Sunday of Advent is a time to look forward to Christmas which means a closer look at the birth of Jesus. Ponder how he was born and where he was born. The king in a stable. The Lord of Lords born in such lowly environment. This birth invites us to reflect on important matters such as [...]
Octave? Octavius? I vaguely remember the name Octavius from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and my piano-playing days too lie in the dust but I know an octave is eight notes (I did pass some music theory exams! Do-ray-me-far-so-lah-ti-do!) But what exactly are Octave Days? Let’s break it down. Christmas is too huge to squeeze into a single day. We’re not [...]