Category: Reflections

Reflection on the Tenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

by Fr Dumisani Mazibuko OSM

The Mission of Jesus was to defeat the devil once and for all. God the Father sent Jesus to the world to reconcile man with God by defeating the evil one. And so in the readings we see good overcoming evil even in difficult circumstances, good prevails. Indeed the power and goodness of Jesus surpasses the evil one. In the readings we see that what the devil presents us with is apparent good. And this apparent good is attractive but only for a moment for it brings shame and loneliness. We also see the consequences of evil and these are pain, enmity and death. But in all these, one born out of man will conquer the evil, Jesus is his name. Jesus gathers around him a new family, who nourish themselves with his word and presence and eureka, the evil one is conquered. Let us give thanks to God for sending us His Son through Mary our Mother so that we can achieve our full potential by conquering the evil one. Continue reading “Reflection on the Tenth Sunday of Ordinary Time” →

June 2018: Social Networks

by Fr Chris Chatteris SJ

Pope’s Intention, June 2018.

Social Networks. That social networks may work towards that inclusiveness which respects others for their differences.

No is not Enough, is the arresting title of Naomi Klein’s latest book. She is often considered to be a hopelessly impractical, radical left-wing social commentator and feminist, eco-warrior. Her book is a response to the election of Donald Trump and it is a sustained attack on pretty well all he stands for.

So why is ‘no’ not enough? Well, Klein argues that the fact that a political party is criticised or even voted out of office is not good enough unless the opposition have a viable alternative political and social programme ready with which to replace the incumbent’s. A ‘no’ requires that a ‘yes’ is ready and waiting in the wings. Continue reading “June 2018: Social Networks” →

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christi [Corpus Christi]

By Fr Dumisani Mazibuko OSM

This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. In this Mass we celebrate the REAL PRESENCE of the Body and Blood of the Lord. We recall the Last Supper when Jesus sat at table with His Apostles and out of unconditional love, offered His very self as Body and Blood to the Apostles, “Take it, this my body”. By this act of self-giving, Jesus left us an everlasting memory of Himself. And therefore, as a Church, we celebrate His PRESENCE amongst us. Through the Sacrament of the Most Holy Body and Blood, Jesus is not only present to us, but nourishes us with his very Body and Blood and strengthens us in holiness. Continue reading “Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christi [Corpus Christi]” →

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity – Year B

by Fr Dumisani M. Mazibuko OSM

Prior to Pentecost Sunday, we listened to the prayer of Jesus, “that they may be one like you and I are one”. This Sunday, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, a Feast where we celebrate the unity of Three diverse persons who are intrinsically united as one. This is what we profess in the Creed of Nicea when we say, “We believe in God….”. the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity presents a plethora of themes of God’s mysterious union , togetherness and creative love for His people. The readings present us with the three dynamic dimensions of God equally present in our lives and in the Mission of the Church. Continue reading “Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity – Year B” →

Reflection on Pentecost Sunday

By Fr. Rocco Marra, IMC

Pentecost: The Eastertide, which is a week of weeks plus a day, culminates in the Solemnity of Pentecost, the 50th Day: the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is the fullness of Easter and the birth of the Church in an epiphany that completes the Sinai with the gift of the New Law, in the sign of fire and wind, written now in hearts changed from stones into hearts of flesh.

This very happy time is almost completely crossed by the month of May that the piety of the faithful consecrates to Mary.

Continue reading “Reflection on Pentecost Sunday” →

The ongoing Ascension

By Fr W Nkomo

By his Incarnation, Jesus Christ weds divinity to humanity. By his Ascension, he leads humanity home to God. “The Ascension,” Corbon writes, “is the decisive turning point. . . the beginning of a new time: the liturgy of the last times.” This eschatological liturgy is celebrated in its fullness by the ascended Christ “seated at the right hand” of the Father.

It is celebrated on earth in via, yet truly, in that the holy banquet in which Christ is received. An earthly liturgy that is, inseparably, remembrance of Christ’s passion and pledge of future glory. On this day of the ascension the Church celebrates humanity’s arrival to our home in heaven through Christ the head of the Church. We celebrate this special feast by partaking in the sacrament of the Eucharist “Mass” in it according to Fr Robert Imbelli “Heaven and Earth meet, constellated around the ascended Christ who brings humanity into the very heart of the Godhead.” Continue reading “The ongoing Ascension” →

Reflection on the Seventh Sunday of Easter

By Fr. Rocco Marra, IMC

We are in the Novena of the Holy Spirit: On these days, it is the appropriate time to read the chapter 1 of The Acts of the Apostles, in order to enjoy the spirit of communion in preparation of Pentecost.

From verse 12 to verse 14 we read that the Apostles, with other disciples, some women and Mary, the mother of Jesus were united in prayer. This group formed the community of the first church in embryo.

This month of May, we remember Mary: she collaborated with God for the incarnation of his Son, also she received the mandate to be the mother of the new born Church, under the Cross (Jn. 19:25-27) Continue reading “Reflection on the Seventh Sunday of Easter” →