Scripture renders very few occasions where it is recorded that Mother Mary spoke. From the 27 books in the New Testament, only 2 of these books report the words that came from Mother Mary. Her presence speaks louder than the words that she says, and this tells us of her role in accompanying Jesus in His ministry - how the [...]
Mary treasured all these things in Her Heart On the first Christmas night, Mary had visitors she did not expect. These were the lowly shepherds who proceeded to share with her the revelation that had been given to them by the angels. God our Father made the proclamation through the angels to the simple shepherds. Even as she was joyful [...]
Amidst the news that Christ the Messiah, the newborn king of the Jews has arrived, there is certainly a lot of excited chatter. Surrounding the birth of Jesus are noise and clamour – the busy-ness of the census dictated by Caesar Augustus – thousands were making their way back to their hometowns; Herod could not stop talking as he tried [...]
Christmas is the promise made good - a promise that God our Father made to Adam and Eve. In Genesis 3:15, the Lord God said to the serpent, the devil,’ I will make you enemies of each other; you and the woman, your offspring her offspring. It will crush your head and you will strike its heel.’ The offspring of [...]
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 [...]
