Posts by Neliswa Mdluli

by Fr Zweli Ngwenya

First reading: Revelation 11: 19a, 12:1-6a, 10a-b
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 45: 10-12, 16
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-26
Gospel: Luke 1: 39-56

Today we celebrate the feast of the assumption of Mary, raised to the glory of heaven in body and soul. It is significant that Mary sings her Magnificat (song of praise) on an occasion of great fraternal charity. She received the announcement that she would become the mother of the Son of God and she visited Elizabeth. Contact with Mary is an occasion for great graces. The Gospel says that “as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” In this communication of graces, Mary expresses her feelings of gratitude and love to God, who has done great things in and for her. Continue reading “Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary” →

by Fr Zweli Ngwenya

First reading: 1Kings 19: 4-8
Responsorial Psalm: psalm 33
Second reading: Ephesians 4: 30-5: 2
Gospel: John 6: 41-51

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In today’s first reading, Elijah literally finds himself in the wilderness. Elijah has endured a traumatic episode with the prophets of Baal. Although he successfully dispatched the prophets but still something is wrong. Elijah experiences a sense of shame and failure. It leaves him deflated, despondent and depressed. God sends unexpected help to Elijah during his time of great vulnerability. Elijah is able to overcome his great sadness through the care of the angels and the nourishment of their food. This story invites us to see how the Lord has been present to us in difficult moments. It also invites us to view our problems through a lens able to see God’s divine presence in the world. Just as God is clearly present to Elijah in order to help him overcome his travails, we must have the same confidence that God is present and will be present in our lives. We must also have the awareness that our travails and troubles are far from the whole of our story. Just as God has been present in our past, we must persevere in the hope that God will be present in our future. Such awareness and hope will only come to us if we allow ourselves to be nourished by divine food. Continue reading “Reflection on the 19th Sunday in ordinary time” →

by Fr Chris Chatteris SJ

Pope’s Intention. August 2018.

The treasure of Families. That any far-reaching decisions of economists and politicians may protect the family as one of the treasures of humanity.

There is a slew of studies these days which tell us what we already know and have always known. They inform us, often in a rather surprised tone, that marriage is good for us. For example, married people tend to be healthier, happier and even wealthier than people who are cohabiting. The children of married people also on average do better than the children of cohabiting couples. Continue reading “August 2018: The treasure of Families” →