Posts by Neliswa Mdluli

by Fr D. Mazibuko osm

8 December 2020

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin is one of the oldest Dogmas of the Church dating back to the 2nd century, which teaches us that Mary was conceived without the stain of sin, that is, she was conceived without the mark of original sin. God bestowed on her an immaculate beginning. In the Office of Readings for this day, St Anselm eloquently observes “Blessed Lady, sky and stars, earth and rivers, day and night – everything that is subject to the power of man rejoices that through you they are in some sense restored to their lost beauty and are endowed with inexpressible new grace”. The Church Fathers speak of Mary as the new Eve since by her obedience and trust Mary began the process of undoing the harm inflicted by Eve’s disobedience and distrust. It is indeed a day of grace for all of us.
Continue reading “Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception” →

by Fr. Christopher Krall, SJ

Pope’s Prayer Intention: We pray that our personal relationship with Jesus Christ be nourished by the Word of God and a life of prayer.

Why do people pray? What is the point of these ritualistic actions? Does prayer affect us and the world? Is prayer just another method used to numb our pains, to feel good about ourselves, or to practice wishful thinking? Rather, prayer, as done through acts of penance, through contemplation of scripture and meditation, through self-regulation of one’s words, thoughts, and actions, through fasting, and through praise of God, are the methods Christianity has been teaching for the last two millennia. Continue reading “December 2020: For a life of Prayer” →

by Khonzumenzi Dlamini

Click here for Sunday’s readings

The year 2020 has been difficult for many if not all of us. From a spiritual, social-economic and political perspective we are on the brink of collapsing. The message we are longing for is comfort, we need to be comforted from all the afflictions we faced this year. As we prepare ourselves to celebrate the mystery of the incarnation i.e. Christmas, we cannot shun away from the fact that pandemic fatigue is upon us. Almost all the people I am closely connected to have lost some of their relatives and friends this year. Some contracted the COVID 19 virus and survived it some could not make it and indeed it has been a very terrible year. It is possible to complain and blame God either for the time we lost and other things so dear to us.
Continue reading “2nd Sunday of Advent – Year B” →

by Khonzumenzi Dlamini

Click here for Sunday’s readings

Today marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. Holy Mother Church invites us to celebrate the First Sunday of Advent. A season of waiting as we anticipate the Parousia (second coming of Jesus Christ). This is a period that impacts our faith since it reminds us of our ultimate end. This time helps us to remain vigilant in our homes and not lose sight of the true meaning of Christians, it prepares us to welcome the mystery of the Word incarnate.

We are also reminded today that as we prepare ourselves to celebrate Christmas, a historical event, we should also look beyond that and stay focused as we wait for the second coming of our Lord. To wait for the Lord means to place our lives unto the Lord as in the first reading according to Isaiah 64:8 “Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.”
Continue reading “First Sunday of Advent – Year B” →

by Thabo Mkhonta

Click here for Sunday’s readings

JESUS CHRIST THE KING WITH THE POWER OF LOVE

As the Liturgical year comes to its climax close, the Church ends the year with a great Feast – the Solemnity of Christ the King! This is a recent feast, instituted in the 20th century by Pope Pius XI in 11 December 1925. Writing his encyclical Quas Primas, Pope Pius XI referred to the chief causes of the difficulties in which mankind was struggling under as because people have kicked Jesus Christ out of their lives; ‘that he has no place in their private affairs and in politics’ (Quas Primas, 1). So, this feast is a reminder that Jesus Christ is the Lord and King; not just a King for Christians only, but He is the King of the whole universe. And that is transcendental justice! Thus the Church has a right to celebrate the Feast of Christ the King! Continue reading “Solemnity of Christ the King – Year A” →

by Thabo Mkhonta

Click here for Sunday’s readings

WE ARE LENT THIS LIFE TO INVEST IN LOVE

Every human being is for a purpose of love, heedless of which status s/he is according to earthly judgements. The parable Jesus uses in the Gospel, talks about investing (in an open market of love), something which is very risky. You have to spend yourself in life. Take the risk, not just treading with precautions all the time – being afraid to invest on others who are gifts from God! Continue reading “33rd Sunday of Ordinary time – Year A” →

by Fr. Joseph Puliparambil, SJ

Pope Francis’ prayer Intention: Let us pray that the progress of robotics and artificial intelligence may always serve humankind.

The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers many opportunities, but it also poses many dangers. There are so many ways in which we could use AI for social good, but over the last few years it has become apparent that there are potentially a lot of unintended consequences. As more social sector organizations recognize AI, we all can play a role in legislating AI outputs are ethical, responsible and fair for a better world. Continue reading “November 2020: Artificial Intelligence” →