First Sunday of Advent – Year B

by Khonzumenzi Dlamini

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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.”
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Solemnity of Christ the King – Year A

by Thabo Mkhonta

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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”

33rd Sunday of Ordinary time – Year A

by Thabo Mkhonta

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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”

November 2020: Artificial Intelligence

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”