Matthew 1: 18 – 24: “… Do not be afraid…” “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel” which means “God is with us” Luke: 1 – 38: “I am the handmade of the Lord, may it be done to me according to Your Word” Mary’s full obedience [...]
Christmas Celebrations The term Christmas can be traced etymologically to an Old English term, Cristes mæsse, meaning The Mass of Christ (Online Etymology Dictionary, n.d.). There is not a more endearing Festivity that is celebrated around the world than Christmas, and the centuries have seen a plethora of traditions surrounding this season - from the wild and wacky – In [...]
Traditionally, the third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “Rejoice” in Latin. This Sunday is a joyful reminder that the Lord and our salvation is near. Our salvation is fulfilled at the coming reign of God. Why are we joyful and what are we joyful about? We ought to be filled with joy on this Sunday if [...]
The Importance of the Eucharist According to the unanimous testimony of the Saints from different ages, the Eucharistic Celebration is anything but ordinary (Haumonte, 2021). St. John Chrysostom says, “At such a time angels stand by the Priest; and the whole sanctuary, and the space round about the altar, is filled with the powers of heaven, in honour of Him [...]
There are two classical definitions of sin by St Augustine: Sin is anything said, done or desired contrary to God’s eternal law (contra faustum); Sin is a turning away from God and a turning towards creatures (de libero arbitrio). For the 1st definition, it states that when sin occurs, laws are broken. God’s eternal law does not necessary mean just [...]
“Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand!” “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.” Advent means “Coming”. During this Advent season, let us reflect on the past, present and future comings of Jesus into the world as a fulfilment of God’s promise of salvation. Are you willing and ready to turn away from your old [...]
Happy New Year! Are you ready for the coming of the Lord? Every year this is my reminder as we enter Advent. The first reading speaks of the readiness for the coming of Jesus Christ. We hear that God will establish His kingdom and we must be ready to walk in the light of God. Yes, we must have this [...]
Thou shall not lie…hmm….what constitutes a lie? A lie happens when one is denied or deceived of certain information which he or she has the right to know. Thus a lie is always wrong, and cannot be justified. However, when one has no right to the information, withholding such information from him or her is merely telling an untruth. Thus [...]
In today’s Gospel, St Luke recounts how our Lord Jesus Christ, who from the cross, the glorious throne through which He offered Himself as an eternal sacrifice to redeem humanity, has shown us that His Mercy knows no bounds. Jesus, mocked by the Jews, and by the bad thief, who hardens his heart, blasphemes Jesus. The other thief, a criminal [...]