Tuesday, 26th August 2025

Masquerading Righteousness – Tuesday Week 21 in Ordinary Time

‘The weightier matters of the law’ (Matthew 23:23)

At a time when believers faced discrimination by a hostile culture, when sacred traditions that bound the people together were endangered by a compromised religious leadership and an aggressive state power, a resistance sprang up to reassert ancient truths and keep the flame of faith alive. These were the Pharisees: those who set themselves apart through their strict adherence to the Law of Moses, despite the risks that this entailed in Roman-controlled Palestine..

Monday, 25th August 2025

True Measures of Leadership – Monday Week 21 in Ordinary Time

‘For you lock people out of the kingdom of heaven.’ (Mt 23:13)

Today’s Gospel presents Jesus’s sharp critique of Jewish religious leaders who, though holding spiritual authority, lack humility and integrity. He denounces hypocrisy, highlighting the danger when outward religiosity masks inner moral failings. In contrast, Saint Louis of France (Our Saint of today) exemplifies virtues that directly respond to Christ’s rebukes. As king, St Louis embraced humility not merely as personal piety but as a governing principle. He sought justice for his subjects, personally presiding over cases to ensure fairness, and lived simply, avoiding the ostentation that so often accompanies power. Unlike the Pharisees criticised for blocking the path to God, St Louis opened avenues for spiritual growth—supporting the Church, founding hospitals, and championing the poor..

Sunday, 24th August 2025

A Divine Invitation – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

‘He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.’ (Luke 13:24)

For a butterfly to emerge safely from its chrysalis, it must struggle through a small crack. This struggle is key to the development of the strength of its wings and hence its ability to enjoy the freedom of flight and life. So, it may be with us. Jesus is advising His followers advice to enter through the narrow gate in response to the question of who will be saved..

Saturday, 23rd August 2025

Seeing ourselves as we truly are – Saturday, Week 20 in Ordinary Time

‘The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.’ (Matthew 23:11-12)

The world will often tell you that humility is a weakness—that it’s degrading and means letting others walk all over you. Jesus carried the weight of the world’s sin, yet he was far from weak. Right throughout history people have struggled with pride and the desire for status and recognition. The Pharisees, for instance, were known for flaunting their religious practices and seeking honour in the eyes of others. Today, in our reading, Jesus exposed their pride and pointed instead to the virtue of humility..

Friday, 22nd August 2025

The Greatest Commandments: A Foundation for Life – Memorial The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind… And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37,39)

In today’s gospel reading, we encounter a familiar pattern of religious leaders attempting to ensnare Jesus. After the Sadducees had failed in their questioning about the resurrection, the Pharisees seized their opportunity. One expert in the law tested Jesus with a seemingly impossible question about which commandment was greatest, hoping to trap him in theological controversy where any answer could be criticised..

Thursday, 21st August 2025

Come to the Feast – Memorial St Pius X, pope

‘The wedding hall was filled with guests’ (Matthew 22:10)

This parable of the wedding feast holds many challenges for us – everyone is welcome to the feast! The invited guests are welcome, then an invitation is given to everyone – whoever can be found! This gift of hospitality is foundational to our lives as we live the gospel of Jesus in our world today..

Wednesday, 20th August 2025

God’s Timing, God’s Love – Wednesday of Week 20 in Ordinary Time

‘Are you envious because I am generous’ (Matthew 20:15)

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Some began early in the day, others much later, yet all received the same wage. From our point of view, it seems quite unfair. But Jesus reveals something far deeper: God’s love is not measured by our sense of fairness, but by God’s own boundless generosity..

Tuesday, 19th August 2025

Sharing all Things in Common – Tuesday Week 20 in Ordinary Time

‘We have left everything and followed you.’ (Matthew 19:27)

After Jesus’ encounter with the man, who left sad after Jesus’ invitation to sell his possession and give to the poor, Peter remonstrates, ‘Look, we have left everything and followed you.’ What exactly had the disciples left? We know from historical and archaeological records that Herod had turned the fishing industry on the sea of Galilee into a major Mediterranean fishing enterprise and levied heavy taxes on local businesses, perhaps to provide extra moneys to Rome and cosy up to Emperor Tiberius..

Monday, 18th August 2025

Perfection is Letting Go – Monday Week 20 in Ordinary Time

‘What do I still lack?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ (Matthew 19:20-21)

In a recent group lectio divina on today’s Gospel, a detail caught my heart in a way it never had before. At first, the words sound like a simple command — one more task for the man to complete: ‘Go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor.’ But as I lingered with the text, I began to hear something deeper. Jesus was not simply adding another task to the list. He was looking beneath the man’s actions to his motives. He was inviting him into a relationship of trust — into surrender, instead of self-sufficiency..

Sunday, 17th August 2025

Hearts Ablaze – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

‘I came to bring fire to the earth and how I wish it were already kindled!’ (Luke 12:49)

These words stir something deep within me. They speak of a holy urgency – of the hunger of Christ for every heart to burn with love for God. This is not a tame fire. It is a fire that purifies, illuminates, and transforms. It is a fire that once kindled, will not be contained..