Shows
Traversing EmmausOur joy and strength and boast is that we never walk alone. Emmanuel: God is with us!Homily for Friday in the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."Israel left Canaan with his possessions, and reached Beersheba. There he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. God spoke to Israel in a vision at night, ‘Jacob, Jacob’, he said. ‘I am here’, he replied. ‘I am God, the God of your father’, he continued. ‘Do not be afraid of going down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there. I myself will go down to Egypt with you. I myself will br...2023-08-2206 min
Traversing EmmausTraversing Creation | Day 3: Laudato Si, (par. 10-16), a Saint's Vision, a Pope's Appeal.A Traversing Emmaus miniseries for the Season of Creation (1st Sept ‐ 4th Oct).This is an ecumenical season that annually unites all Christians around the world to pray and act for our common home.Episode 3 continues with the opening paragraphs of Laudato Si in which the Pope firstly canvasses what is meant by "integral ecology" (i.e. a vision of life in which all that is human, natural an spiritual, touches upon the questions of ecology — this is paragraphs 10-12). Secondly, the Pope sign-posts where the document is headed as part of the corpus of Cath...2022-09-0318 min
Traversing EmmausTraversing Creation | Day 2: Laudato Si, (par. 1-9), to gather round the book of nature.A Traversing Emmaus miniseries for the Season of Creation (1st Sept ‐ 4th Oct).This is an ecumenical season that annually unites all Christians around the world to pray and act for our common home.Episode 2 looks at the opening paragraphs of the document — the two subsections being 'Nothing in this world is indifferent to us' (par. 3-6), and 'United by a common concern' (par. 7-9).You can view the entire Laudato Si document at the Vatican website, available here: https://bit.ly/3q0IBda_____A prayer for our earthAl...2022-09-0315 min
Traversing EmmausLaudate Dominum! with old wine and new to cheer our hearts.Homily for the Friday in the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."People must think of us as Christ’s servants, stewards entrusted with the mysteries of God. What is expected of stewards is that each one should be found worthy of his trust... [and] the Lord alone is [our] judge; he will light up all that is hidden in the dark and reveal the secret intentions of men’s hearts. Then will be the time for each one to have whatever praise he deserves, from God." (cf...2022-09-0205 min
Traversing EmmausTraversing Creation | Day 1: Francis' Message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of CreationA miniseries for the Season of Creation, which commences today, 1st September, and continues until the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi on 4th October.This is an ecumenical season that annually unites all Christians around the world to pray and act for our common home. To make the most of this time, why not prayerfully sit with the Holy Father's 2015 encyclical Laudato Si, and consider how we might each join the efforts now set in motion for the sake of all, especially those who are most disadvantaged, with whom we share this earth, our common home...2022-09-0214 min
Traversing EmmausWe, the members of Christ's body, are for the ever-matured oneness of the same Christ.Homily for Wednesday in the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."Brothers, I myself was unable to speak to you as people of the Spirit: I treated you as sensual men, still infants in Christ. What I fed you with was milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it; and indeed, you are still not ready... Isn’t that obvious from all the jealousy and wrangling that there is among you, from the way that you go on behaving like ordinary people? What could be...2022-08-3104 min
Traversing EmmausDo we seek heaven selfishly? We'll never find it that way!Homily for the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladston, Qld."My son, be gentle in carrying out your business, and you will be better loved than a lavish giver. The greater you are, the more you should behave humbly, and then you will find favour with the Lord; for great though the power of the Lord is, he accepts the homage of the humble. There is no cure for the proud man’s malady, since an evil growth has taken root in him. The heart of a sensible ma...2022-08-2811 min
Traversing EmmausHow do we consider heaven? May we all be fitted for God's perichoresis — even now.Homily for the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, delivered in St Agnes Church, Agnes Waters, Qld. "My son, be gentle in carrying out your business; for great though the power of the Lord is, he accepts the homage of the humble. There is no cure for the proud man’s malady..." (cf. Eccl 3:19-31)."God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor." (cf. Ps 68)."What you have come to is nothing known to the senses... what you have come to is Mount Zion and the city of the living Go...2022-08-2813 min
Traversing EmmausMay we all learn the readied, sensible foolishness of God crucified, and employ it everywhere.Homily for the Friday in the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."Christ did not send me to baptise, but to preach the Good News, and not to preach that in the terms of philosophy in which the crucifixion of Christ cannot be expressed. The language of the cross may be illogical to those who are not on the way to salvation, but those of us who are on the way see it as God’s power to save... Where are the philosophers now? Where are the sc...2022-08-2607 min
Traversing EmmausForgiving, Reconciling Lord, may our gifts aid the peace and unity we find in you alone!Homily delivered Wednesday 24th August 2022, for a year level at St John the Baptist Primary School, Gladstone, Qld."For Christ himself has brought us peace by making Jews and Gentiles one people. With his own body he broke down the wall that separated them and kept them enemies... By his death on the cross Christ destroyed their enmity; by means of the cross he united both races into one body and brought them back to God — Good News of peace to all – [brought by the] one Spirit into the presence of the Father." (cf. Eph 2:14-18)."J...2022-08-2614 min
Traversing EmmausBe the friends of Jesus incapable of deceit, crystal-clear in conscience, showing his glory to all.Homily for the Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle, Martyr (Wednesday in the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time), delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."The angel came to speak to me, and said, ‘Come here and I will show you the bride that the Lamb has married.’ In the spirit, he took me to the top of an enormous high mountain and showed me Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down from God out of heaven. It had all the radiant glory of God and glittered like some precious jewel of crystal-clear diamond. The walls...2022-08-2409 min
Traversing EmmausCome, Lord Jesus! Embrace us... and let us be forever embraced.Homily for Tuesday in the Twenty-first Week of Ordinary Time (Feast of Saint Rose of Lima), delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."To turn, brothers, to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we shall all be gathered round him: please do not get excited too soon or alarmed by any prediction or rumour or any letter claiming to come from us, implying that the Day of the Lord has already arrived. Never let anyone deceive you in this way. Through the Good News that we brought God called you...2022-08-2304 min
Traversing EmmausTarshish, Put, Lud...? I do not know you — not like I know Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.Homily for the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, delivered in St Mary's Church, Ubobo, Qld."The Lord says this: I am coming to gather the nations of every language. They shall come to witness my glory. I will give them a sign and send some of their survivors to the nations: to Tarshish, Put, Lud, Moshech, Rosh, Tubal, and Javan, to the distant islands that have never heard of me or seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory to the nations. As an offering to the Lord they will bring all your brothers, on horses, in...2022-08-2114 min
Traversing EmmausWill many be saved? We ask Jesus this question, but maybe it is really him asking us.Homily for the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (children receiving First Holy Communion), delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."The Lord says this: I am coming to gather the nations of every language. They shall come to witness my glory. I will give them a sign and send some of their survivors to the nations: to Tarshish, Put, Lud, Moshech, Rosh, Tubal, and Javan, to the distant islands that have never heard of me or seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory to the nations. As an offering to the Lord...2022-08-2113 min
Traversing EmmausWe are not born of dry bones but God's breath! Yes, the enfleshed soul is betrothed from the beginning.Homily for Friday in the Twentieth Week of Ordinary Time (Feast of Saint John Eudes), delivered at St John the Baptist Primary School, Gladstone, Qld."The hand of the Lord was laid on me, and he carried me away by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley, a valley full of bones. He made me walk up and down among them. There were vast quantities of these bones on the ground the whole length of the valley; and they were quite dried up. He said to me, ‘Son of ma...2022-08-2005 min
Traversing EmmausThis is true love: that God and we would enslave ourselves to each other!Homily delivered for one year level at St John the Baptist Primary School, Gladstone, Qld."The Lord says, 'Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives.'" (Is 58:7)."I am the servant of the Lord. The Lord rescues the poor who call to him, and those who are needy and neglected; He has pity on the weak and poor; he saves the lives of those in need; He rescues then from...2022-08-1811 min
Traversing EmmausHired grumblers, be gone! The Lamb who is Shepherd and his sheep are together at work.Homily for Wednesday in the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld, Australia."The word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows: ‘Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'Shepherds, the Lord says this: Trouble for the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Shepherds ought to feed their flock, yet you have fed on milk, you have dressed yourselves in wool, you have sacrificed the fattest sheep, but failed to feed the flock. You have failed to make weak sh...2022-08-1705 min
Traversing EmmausWhat Jesus shared with Mary, he wants to share with us all. Let's prepare!Homily for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, delivered at St John the Baptist Primary School, Gladstone, Qld."So, David summoned all the people of Israel to Jerusalem in order to bring the Covenant Box to the place he had prepared for it. Next, he sent for the descendants of Aaron and for the Levites. The Levites carried it on poles on their shoulders, as the Lord had commanded through Moses. David commanded the leaders of the Levites to assign various Levites to sing and to play joyful music on harps and cymbals...2022-08-1512 min
Traversing EmmausThe Assumed Virgin stamps all serpentine ideology — to free our minds to gaze on God.Homily for the Solemnity of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Monday in the Twentieth Week of Ordinary Time), delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."The sanctuary of God in heaven opened and the ark of the covenant could be seen inside it. Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, and with the twelve stars on her head for a crown. She was pregnant, and in labour, crying aloud in the pangs of childbirth... The woman brought a male child into the...2022-08-1506 min
Traversing EmmausWe must find and hold tightly the paschal mystery in each of our lives.Homily for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."The king’s leading men spoke to the king. ‘Let Jeremiah be put to death...' Ebed-melech came out from the palace and spoke to the king. ‘My lord king,’ he said ‘these men have done a wicked thing by treating the prophet Jeremiah like this: they have thrown him into the well, where he will die.’ At this the king gave Ebed-melech the Cushite the following order: ‘Take three men with you from here and pull the prophet Jeremi...2022-08-1413 min
Traversing EmmausLike Christ, we will hear the words "Physician, heal yourself!" He dies and rises in us.Homily for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, delivered in St Peter Chanel Church, Miriam Vale, Qld."The king’s leading men spoke to the king. ‘Let Jeremiah be put to death: he is unquestionably disheartening the remaining soldiers in the city, and all the people too, by talking like this. The fellow does not have the welfare of this people at heart so much as its ruin.’ ‘He is in your hands as you know,’ King Zedekiah answered ‘for the king is powerless against you.’ So they took Jeremiah and threw him into the well of Prince Malchia...2022-08-1414 min
Traversing EmmausSaints Francis, Clare, Maximilian Kolbe, and Rufinus, First Bishop of Assisi, pray for us!Homily delivered for St Francis of Assisi's Sporting Houses School Liturgy (Feast of Saint Clare of Assisi), in St Peter Chanel Church, Tannum Sands, Qld. "My child, always be humble, and all of God’s people will love you. The more important you are, the more humble you should be. This will please the Lord. The Lord has great power, and it is praised by those by those who are humble." (cf. Sir 3:17-20)."I will bless the Lord at all times. I will always praise the Lord; with all my heart, I will pr...2022-08-1119 min
Traversing EmmausMake a decision and remain always in the peace and joy and eternal safety of Christ.Homily for Wednesday in the Nineteenth Week of Ordinary Time (Saint Laurence, Deacon, Martyr), delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."Do not forget: thin sowing means thin reaping; the more you sow, the more you reap. Each one should give what he has decided in his own mind, not grudgingly or because he is made to, for God loves a cheerful giver. And there is no limit to the blessings which God can send you – he will make sure that you will always have all you need for yourselves in every possible cir...2022-08-1005 min
Traversing EmmausMay we all, like Mary MacKillop, seek out for one and for all the inexpressible riches of Christ.Homily for the Solemnity of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, (Monday in the Nineteenth Week of Ordinary Time), delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."And then the word of the Lord came to Elijah, 'Up and go to Zarephath, a Sidonian town, and stay there. I have ordered a widow there to give you food.’ So he went off to Sidon. And when he reached the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks; Elijah said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, go and do as you have said; but first make...2022-08-1012 min
Traversing EmmausHence we profess our belief in "all things visible and invisible."Homily for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."The devout children of worthy men offered sacrifice in secretand this divine pact they struck with one accord: that the saints would share the same blessings and dangers alike; and forthwith they had begun to chant the hymns of the fathers." (cf. Wis 18:6-9)."The Lord looks on those who revere him, on those who hope in his love, to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine. Happy the people...2022-08-0717 min
Traversing EmmausOur trusted oaths and offered sacrifices bring us to Almighty God invisible and true.Homily for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, delivered in St Peter Chanel Church, Tannum Sands, Qld."That night had been foretold to our ancestors, so that, once they saw what kind of oaths they had put their trust in,they would joyfully take courage. This was the expectation of your people,the saving of the virtuous and the ruin of their enemies; for by the same act with which you took vengeance on our foesyou made us glorious by calling us to you." (cf. Wis 18:6-9)."Happy the people the...2022-08-0711 min
Traversing EmmausHow do we safeguard our lives from avarice and vanity? Imitate God: let all be gift.Homily for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."Vanity of vanities, the Preacher says. Vanity of vanities. All is vanity! For so it is that a man who has laboured wisely, skilfully and successfully must leave what is his own to someone who has not toiled for it at all. This, too, is vanity and great injustice; for what does he gain for all the toil and strain that he has undergone under the sun? What of all his laborious days, his cares of office, his...2022-07-3111 min
Traversing EmmausWhat shall we do to strengthen the faith, hope, and love in our communities?Homily for Catholic Education Week 2022 (on the Feast of St James, Apostle), delivered at St John the Baptist Primary School, Gladstone, Qld."I may be able to speak the languages of men and even of angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell. I may have the gift of inspired preaching; I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets; I may have all the faith needed to move mountains – but if I have no love, I am nothing. I may give away everything I ha...2022-07-3111 min
Traversing EmmausIf we frail fellows so love our own, how much more will the Father love us each and all?Homily for the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld. "The men left there and went to Sodom while Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Approaching him he said, ‘Are you really going to destroy the just man with the sinner...? Will you really overwhelm them...? Do not think of doing such a thing: to kill the just man with the sinner, treating just and sinner alike! Do not think of it! Will the judge of the whole earth not administer justice?’ the Lord replied, ‘If at Sodom I find...2022-07-2421 min
Traversing EmmausWe must be ever-increasingly those who seek, hope, gaze, press, find — and are filled.Homily for Friday in the Sixteenth Week of Ordinary Time (Saint Mary Magdalene), delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."The bride says this: On my bed, at night, I sought him whom my heart loves. I sought but did not find him. So I will rise and go through the City; in the streets and in the squares I will seek him whom my heart loves. I sought but did not find him. The watchmen came upon me on their rounds in the City: ‘Have you seen him whom my heart loves?’ Scar...2022-07-2205 min
Traversing EmmausFor all our prophecy, may we firstly soften and enrich the soil before us by our love.Homily for Wednesda in the Sixteenth Week of Ordinary Time, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, of a priestly family living at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. The word of the Lord was addressed to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you came to birth I consecrated you; I have appointed you as prophet to the nations.’ I said, ‘Ah, Lord; look, I do not know how to speak: I am a child!’ But the Lord replied, ‘Do not say...2022-07-2006 min
Traversing EmmausTo every Mary and Martha — even those inside each of us: to you, the Lord says, "Come!"Homily for Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld. "The Lord appeared to Abraham at the Oak of Mamre while he was sitting by the entrance of the tent during the hottest part of the day. He looked up, and there he saw three men standing near him. As soon as he saw them he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them, and bowed to the ground. ‘My lord,’ he said ‘I beg you, if I find favour with you, kindly do not pass your servan...2022-07-1707 min
Traversing EmmausChrist our God and brother abides, admitting us into his merciful heart.Homily for Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (Feast of Saint Bonaventure), delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld. "Hezekiah fell ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came and said to him, ‘The Lord says this, “Put your affairs in order, for you are going to die, you will not live.”’ Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and addressed this prayer to the Lord, ‘Ah, Lord, remember, I beg you, how I have behaved faithfully and with sincerity of heart in your presence a...2022-07-1504 min
Traversing EmmausTake up my yoke, our plough, the Cross — and together let's till salvation for all.Homily for Thursday in the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (Feast of Saint Camillus), delivered in Chanel College Chapel, Gladstone, Qld."The path of the upright man is straight, you smooth the way of the upright. Following the path of your judgements, we hoped in you, O Lord, your name, your memory are all my soul desires. At night my soul longs for youand my spirit in me seeks for you; when your judgements appear on earth the inhabitants of the world learn the meaning of integrity. O Lord, you are giving us peace, since...2022-07-1406 min
Traversing EmmausWhile everything is already in God's hand, the Divine Providence delights in our acquiescent trust.Homily for Wednesday in the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (Feast of Saint Henry), delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld. "The Lord of hosts says this: Woe to Assyria, the rod of my anger, the club brandished by me in my fury! I sent him against a godless nation; I gave him commission... But he did not intend this, his heart did not plan it so. No, in his heart was to destroy, to go on cutting nations to pieces without limit. For he has said: ‘By the strength of my own ar...2022-07-1304 min
Traversing Emmaus"Pay attention, keep calm, have no fear..." Stand with God and you will stand forever.Homily for Tuesday in the Fifteenth Week of Ordinary Time (Feast of Saints Zélie and Louis Martin, the parents of the the Little Flower), delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."In the reign of Ahaz son of Jotham, son of Uzziah, king of Judah, Razon the king of Aram went up against Jerusalem with Pekah son of Remaliah, king of Israel, to lay siege to it; but he was unable to capture it. The news was brought to the House of David. ‘Aram’ they said ‘has reached Ephraim.’ Then the heart of the ki...2022-07-1204 min
Traversing EmmausOur church altar is in fact in your own heart, where friend and neighbour may together adore.Homily for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."Moses said to the people: Obey the voice of the Lord your God, keeping those commandments and laws of his that are written in the Book of this Law, and you shall return to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul. For this Law that I enjoin on you today is not beyond your strength or beyond your reach. It is not in heaven, so that you need to wonder, 'Who will go up to...2022-07-1014 min
Traversing EmmausYour Word is the unlimited fruitfulness of the Spirit... and it is everlasting life.Homily for Friday in the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld. "The Lord says this: Israel, come back to the Lord your God; your iniquity was the cause of your downfall. Provide yourself with words and come back to the Lord. Say to him, ‘Take all iniquity away...' I will heal their disloyalty, I will love them with all my heart, for my anger has turned from them. I will fall like dew on Israel. He shall bloom like the lily, and thrust out roots like th...2022-07-0804 min
Traversing EmmausGod has one thing to give us, and it is nothing other than his very self.Homily for Thursday in the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time (Memorial of Saint Peter To Rot), delivered at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld. "Thus says the Lord: When Israel was a child I loved him,and I called my son out of Egypt. But the more I called to them, the further they went from me; they have offered sacrifice to the Baals and set their offerings smoking before the idols. I myself taught Ephraim to walk, I took them in my arms; yet they have not understood that I was the...2022-07-0704 min
Traversing EmmausEach of us is Elisha - called to sacrificial love, clothed in power and grace!Homily for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2022, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gladstone, Qld."The Lord said to Elijah, ‘Go, you are to anoint Elisha son of Shaphat, of Abel Meholah, as prophet to succeed you.’ Leaving there, Elijah came on Elisha son of Shaphat as he was ploughing behind twelve yoke of oxen, he himself being with the twelfth. Elijah passed near to him and threw his cloak over him. Elisha left his oxen and ran after Elijah. ‘Let me kiss my father and mother, then I will follow you’ he said. Elijah a...2022-07-0610 min
Traversing EmmausLet us make for Jerusalem, calling down the sacral fires of divine love on all.Homily for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2022, delivered in St Agnes Church, Agnes Waters, Qld."The Lord said to Elijah, ‘Go, you are to anoint Elisha son of Shaphat, of Abel Meholah, as prophet to succeed you.’ [Elisha] followed Elijah and became his servant." (cf. 1 Kngs 19:16-21)."You are my inheritance, O Lord. Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you. I say to the Lord: ‘You are my God. O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup; it is you yourself who are my prize.’" (Ps 16)."When Christ freed us...2022-07-0613 min
Traversing EmmausSpeak, John, the flock gathered now in the one you proclaimed is listening.Homily for the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, (Readings from the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart), feast day Mass for St John the Baptist Primary School, Gladstone, Qld."The Lord God says this: I am going to look after my flock myself and keep all of it in view. As a shepherd keeps all his flock in view when he stands up in the middle of his scattered sheep, so shall I keep my sheep in view... I myself will pasture my sheep, I myself will show them where to rest – it is the Lord who sp...2022-07-0610 min
Traversing EmmausWhere can the world's love be sustained? Surely in the heart of its saviour.Homily for the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, (Friday in the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time), delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."The Lord God says this: I am going to look after my flock myself and keep all of it in view. As a shepherd keeps all his flock in view when he stands up in the middle of his scattered sheep, so shall I keep my sheep in view. I shall rescue them from wherever they have been scattered during the mist and darkness. I shall bring them...2022-07-0607 min
Traversing EmmausBeware mere, unmeritorious work. Rather, be fruitful in the Mighty Vine!Homily for Thursday in the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time, delivered Chanel School Chapel, Gladstone, Qld."Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he came to the throne, and he reigned for three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Nehushta, daughter of Elnathan, from Jerusalem. He did what is displeasing to the Lord, just as his father had done..." (cf. 2 Kngs 24:8-17)."Jesus said to his disciples: ‘It is not those who say to me, “Lord, Lord,” who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heave...2022-07-0607 min
Traversing EmmausBeware the fruitlessness of Christlessness!Homily for Wednesday in the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time (Feast of Saints John Fisher, Bishop, and Thomas More), delivered Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."The high priest Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, ‘I have found the Book of the Law in the Temple of the Lord.’’’ And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who read it... On hearing the contents of the Book of the Law, the king tore his garments, and gave the following order: ‘Go and consult the Lord on behalf of me and the people... great indeed must be the ang...2022-07-0606 min
Traversing EmmausBeware synodal cacophony! Listen to God, patiently, humbly, and with ever-narrowing sense.Homily for Tuesday in the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time (Feast of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga), delivered Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."Sennacherib, King of the Assyrians, sent messengers to Hezekiah saying, ‘Tell this to Hezekiah king of Judah, “Do not let your God on whom you are relying deceive you, when he says: Jerusalem shall not fall into the power of the king of Assyria. You have learnt by now what the kings of Assyria have done to every country, putting them all under the ban. Are you likely to be spared?”’ Hezekiah took the...2022-07-0605 min
Traversing EmmausMay we dare to shape our lives through and through on the pattern of every prayer.Homily for Thursday in the Eleventh Week of Ordinary Time, delivered Chanel School Chapel, Gladstone, Qld."The prophet Elijah arose like a fire, his word flaring like a torch. It was he who brought famine on the people, and who decimated them in his zeal. By the word of the Lord, he shut up the heavens, he also, three times, brought down fire. How glorious you were in your miracles, Elijah! Has anyone reason to boast as you have...? Elijah was shrouded in the whirlwind, and Elisha was filled with his spirit; throughout his life no ruler...2022-06-2105 min
Traversing EmmausPerfection is going with our God. He carries us as we carry our crosses and follow him.Homily for Tuesday in the Eleventh Week of Ordinary Time, delivered Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."This is what happened when the Lord took Elijah up to heaven in the whirlwind: Elijah and Elisha set out from Gilgal, Elijah said, ‘Elisha, please stay here, the Lord is only sending me to the Jordan.’ But he replied, ‘As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you!’ And they went on together... When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Make your request. What can I do for you before I a...2022-06-1603 min
Traversing EmmausPursuing the Trinity (Part III, "Et Spiritus Sancti", the Third Person).Homily for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, 2022, delivered in St Therese's Church, Monto, Qld._____The last of three Thanksgiving Masses for the Callide Valleys."Blest be God the Father, and the Only Begotten Son of God, and also the Holy Spirit, for he has shown us his merciful love." (Entrance Antiphon)."It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God. For with your Only Begotten Son and the Holy Spirit you are one God, o...2022-06-1211 min
Traversing EmmausPursuing the Trinity (Part II, "Et Filii", the Second Person).Homily for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, 2022, delivered in St Joseph's Church, Biloela, Qld._____The second of three Thanksgiving Masses for the Callide Valleys."God our Father, who by sending into the world the Word of truth and the Spirit of sanctification made known to the human race your wondrous mystery, grant us, we pray, that in professing the true faith, we may acknowledge the Trinity of eternal glory and adore your Unity, powerful in majesty. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity...2022-06-1208 min
Traversing EmmausPursuing the Trinity (Part I, "In Nomine Patris", the First Person).Homily for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, 2022, delivered in St Michael's Church, Moura, Qld. , relieving the while Fr Simeon is on holidays._____One of three Thanksgiving Massed offered for the gracious hospitality and prayerful support given by the people in the Callide Valley since my visit as a Seminarian in Advent of 2016."The Lord created me when his purpose first unfolded, before the oldest of his works. From everlasting I was firmly set, from the beginning, before earth came into being..." (cf. Prov 8); "O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in...2022-06-1110 min
Traversing EmmausCome, Holy Spirit! Give us our bearings, and bear us up — even into life's fullness.Homily for the Solemnity of Pentecost, 2022, delivered in Our Lady to Star of the Sea, Qld."Now there were devout men living in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven, and at this sound they all assembled, each one bewildered to hear these men speaking his own language. They were amazed and astonished." (cf. Acts 2)."Holy Spirit, Lord of Light, from the clear celestial height thy pure beaming radiance give.Come, thou Father of the poor, come with treasures which endure; come, thou light of all that live!Thou, of all consolers...2022-06-0611 min
Traversing EmmausAlleluia! Come, Holy Spirit! Keep us faithful and on-track as our journey continues.Homily for the Solemnity of Pentecost, 2022, delivered in Our Lady to Star of the Sea, Qld."When Pentecost day came round, they had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house..." (cf. Acts 2)."It is not as though Christ had entered a man-made sanctuary which was only modelled on the real one; but it was heaven itself, so that he could appear in the actual presence of God on our behalf... through the blood of Jesus we have...2022-06-0607 min
Traversing EmmausTrue sheep work and pray — patiently, vulnerably — to Justice and Mercy himself! Alleluia!Homily for the Friday in the Seventh Week of Eastertide (Feast of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions), delivered at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld._____Thank you to Yr3 from St John the Baptist Primary School, for the liturgy you prepared, and for your presence and gifts. "King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea and paid their respects to Festus. Their visit lasted several days, and Festus put Paul’s case before the king. ‘There is a man here’ he said ‘whom Felix left behind in custody, and while I was in Jerus...2022-06-0309 min
Traversing EmmausTrue sheep devour all trace of inner wolf, for love of shepherd and sheepfold. Alleluia!Homily for the Wednesday in the Seventh Week of Eastertide (Feast of Saint Justin Marty), delivered Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."... ‘Be on your guard for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you the overseers, to feed the Church of God which he bought with his own blood. I know quite well that when I have gone fierce wolves will invade you and will have no mercy on the flock. Even from your own ranks there will be men coming forward with a travesty of the tr...2022-06-0105 min
Traversing EmmausTrue sheep devour all trace of inner wolf, for love of shepherd and sheepfold. Alleluia!Homily for the Wednesday in the Seventh Week of Eastertide (Feast of Saint Justin Marty), delivered Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."... ‘Be on your guard for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you the overseers, to feed the Church of God which he bought with his own blood. I know quite well that when I have gone fierce wolves will invade you and will have no mercy on the flock. Even from your own ranks there will be men coming forward with a travesty of the tr...2022-06-0105 min
Traversing EmmausJesus wants to be so close to us that his life is ours, and we're mistaken for him! Alleluia!Homily for the Monday in the Seventh Week of Eastertide, delivered for one of the classes at St John the Baptist Primary School, Gladstone, Qld."While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul made his way overland as far as Ephesus, where he found a number of disciples. When he asked, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ they answered, ‘No, we were never even told there was such a thing as a Holy Spirit.’ ‘Then how were you baptised?’ he asked. ‘With John’s baptism’ they replied. ‘John’s baptism’ said Paul ‘was a baptism of repentance; but he insi...2022-05-3007 min
Traversing EmmausAlleluia! Come! The Ascended One is the Way — suspended from on high and thrown open!Homily for the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, in Easter, 2022, delivered in Our Lady to Star of the Sea, Qld."In my earlier work, Theophilus, I dealt with everything Jesus had done and taught... He had shown himself alive and [told] them about the kingdom of God... ‘It is’ he had said ‘what you have heard me speak about: ... you, not many days from now, will be baptised with the Holy Spirit...' As he said this he was lifted up while they looked on, and a cloud took him from their sight." (cf. Acts 1:1-11).2022-05-2912 min
Traversing EmmausAlleluia! In Christ our love we find all safety and healing, and the fullness of life.Homily for Sixth Sunday in Easter, 2022, delivered in Mary Immaculate Church, Emu Park, Qld."Some men came down from Judaea and taught the brothers, ‘Unless you have yourselves circumcised in the tradition of Moses you cannot be saved.’ This led to disagreement..." (Acts 15:1-2)."In the spirit, the angel took me to the top of an enormous high mountain and showed me Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down from God out of heaven. It had all the radiant glory of God and glittered like some precious jewel of crystal-clear diamond. The walls of it were of a...2022-05-2117 min
Traversing EmmausAlleluia! The love we share and the kingdom we build is not raised up in this world but lowered down into it!Homily for Fifth Sunday in Easter, 2022, delivered in St Mary's Church, Ubobo, and Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."Paul and Barnabas went back through Lystra and Iconium to Antioch. They put fresh heart into the disciples, encouraging them to persevere in the faith. ‘We all have to experience many hardships’ they said ‘before we enter the kingdom of God'..." (cf. Acts 14:21-27)."I, John, saw a new heaven and a new earth; I saw the holy city, and the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, as beautiful as a brid...2022-05-1514 min
Traversing EmmausListen, you knowing and fearing — your God and ours has come, died, and risen indeed! Alleluia!Homily for the Friday in the Fourth Week of Eastertide, delivered Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."Paul and his friends carried on from Perga till they reached Antioch in Pisidia. Here they went to synagogue on the sabbath and took their seats. After the lessons from the Law and the Prophets had been read, the presidents of the synagogue sent them a message: ‘Brothers, if you would like to address some words of encouragement to the congregation, please do so.’ Paul stood up, held up a hand for silence and began to speak: ‘People...2022-05-1305 min
Traversing EmmausLet these little ones grow their heavenly little hearts — for the sake of the world! Alleluia!Homily for a Liturgy of the Word with two classes at St John the Baptist's Catholic Primary School, Gladstone, Qld." I pray that your love will keep on growing more and more, together with true knowledge and perfect judgement, so that you will be able to choose what is best. Your lives will be filled with the truly good qualities which only Jesus can produce, for the glory and praise of God." (Phil 1:9-10a, 11)."I will thank you, O Lord, among the nations, I will praise you among the people; Your constant love reaches...2022-05-1203 min
Traversing EmmausBelieve: pierce all goodness, beauty and truth in this world, to rest finally in God. Alleluia!Homily for the Wednesday in the Fourth Week of Eastertide, delivered Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."The word of God continued to spread and to gain followers, [and] in the church at Antioch [were] prophets and teachers... One day while they were offering worship to the Lord and keeping a fast, the Holy Spirit said, ‘I want Barnabas and Saul set apart for the work to which I have called them.’ So it was that after fasting and prayer they laid their hands on them and sent them off — these two, sent on their...2022-05-1105 min
Traversing EmmausFor Our Dear MothersSome comments to acknowledge and bless our mothers before the penitential act at Mass. Artwork: The Marriage at Cana, (Gerard David, c.1500).2022-05-0901 min
Traversing EmmausAlleluia! We're kept safe and made resplendent in the hands of our Shepherd, the Lamb.Homily for Fourth Sunday in Easter, 2022, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, and St Peter Chanel Church, Miriam Vale, Qld."... they went to synagogue on the Sabbath and took their seats... [and] the next sabbath almost the whole town assembled to hear the word of God. [Being] made... a light to the nations [and] an instrument of salvation... the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit." (cf. Acts 13)."I, John, saw a huge number, impossible to count, of people from every nation, race, tribe and language; they were standing...2022-05-0812 min
Traversing EmmausWhat is this Bread — and what is to stop our consummation in it? Alleluia!Homily for the Thursday in the Third Week of Eastertide, delivered for the Year 10 RE students of Chanel College, Gladstone, in the College Chapel."Now it happened that an Ethiopian had been on pilgrimage to Jerusalem; he was a eunuch and an officer at the court of the kandake, or queen, of Ethiopia, and was in fact her chief treasurer. He was now on his way home; and as he sat in his chariot he was reading the prophet Isaiah. The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go up and meet that chariot.’ When Philip ran up, he heard him...2022-05-0507 min
Traversing EmmausWhat could be worth everything...?! Alongside the martyrs, we get to decide. Alleluia!Homily for the Feast of Saint Peter Chanel (Wednesday in the Third Week of Eastertide), delivered at Chanel College, Gladstone.CHANEL DAY."The language of the cross may be illogical to those who are not on the way to salvation, but those of us who are on the way to see it as God’s power to save... Where are the philosophers now? Where are the scribes? Where are any of our thinkers today...? And so, while the Jews demand miracles and the Greeks look for wisdom, here are we preaching a crucified Christ; to th...2022-05-0407 min
Traversing EmmausDo not doubt, but look to him! Believe, be restored, be raised-up — Alleluia!Homily for the Wednesday in the Third Week of Eastertide, delivered at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gladstone, Qld., 2022."That day a bitter persecution started... everyone except the apostles fled.. There were some devout people, however, who buried Stephen and made great mourning for him. Saul then worked for the total destruction of the Church; he went from house to house..." (cf. Acts 8:1-8)."Jesus said to the crowd: I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be hungry; he who believes in me will never thirst... All that...2022-05-0403 min
Traversing EmmausIf 'Meaning is healing', then blessed are we to have the words of everlasting life! Alleluia!Homily for the Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles (Tuesday in the Third Week of Eastertide), delivered at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gladstone, Qld., 2022."I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, the gospel that you received and in which you are firmly established; I taught you what I had been taught myself; [it] will save you only if you keep believing exactly what I preached to you – believing anything else will not lead to anything." (cf. 1 Cor 15:1-8)."Their message goes out through all the earth." (cf. Ps...2022-05-0304 min
Traversing EmmausAlleluia! If Christ makes old new, let's go back to the start... let's follow our love again!Homily for Third Sunday in Easter, 2022, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld."... 'We gave you a formal warning... not to preach in this name, and what have you done...?!' 'Obedience to God comes before obedience to men... we are witnesses to all this, we and the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.' [And] so they left the presence of the Sanhedrin glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name." (cf. Acts 5:27-41)."In my vision, I...2022-05-0110 min
Traversing EmmausIn this Body of doctors, virgins, mystics... each aids each unto Christ the All-in-all. Alleluia!Homily for the Feast of Saint Catherine of Siena (Friday in the Second Week of Eastertide), delivered at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gladstone, Qld., 2022."One member of the Sanhedrin, a Pharisee called Gamaliel, who was a doctor of the Law and respected by the whole people, stood up and asked to have the apostles taken outside for a time. Then he addressed the Sanhedrin, ‘Men of Israel, be careful how you deal with these people... If this enterprise, this movement of theirs, is of human origin it will break up of its own accord; but if...2022-04-2905 min
Traversing EmmausOn such rocks and by such blood is such a Body built — and built for eternity! Alleluia!Homily for the Feast of Saint Peter Chanel (Thursday in the Second Week of Eastertide), delivered at St Peter Chanel Church, Tannum, Qld., 2022."If this enterprise, this movement of theirs, is of human origin it will break up of its own accord; but if it does in fact come from God you will not only be unable to destroy them, but you might find yourselves fighting against God...." (Acts 5:38-39)."At once he called them and, leaving their father [and] the men he employed, they went after him." (Mk 1:20)."Martyrdom is the...2022-04-2804 min
Traversing EmmausBe clothed, bathed, enflamed, hidden... and heard, from within that Kindly Light. Alleluia!Homily for Wednesday in the Second Week of Eastertide, delivered at New Auckland Place Aged Care Residence, Gladstone, Qld., 2022."... at night the angel of the Lord opened the prison gates and said as he led them out, ‘Go and stand in the Temple, and tell the people all about this new Life.’ They did as they were told; they went into the Temple at dawn and began to preach... The captain went with his men and fetched them. They were afraid to use force in case the people stoned them." (Acts 5:19-21, 26)."Jesus said to Nico...2022-04-2706 min
Traversing EmmausThese tales of sacrifice and seeming-tragedy are among our most sacred comedies. Alleluia!Homily for ANZAC Mass, delivered at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gladstone, Qld., 2022."The souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God, no torment shall ever touch them... If they experienced punishment as men see it, their hope was rich with immortality; God has put them to the test and proved them — tested them like gold in a furnace... When the time comes for his visitation they will shine out; as sparks run through the stubble, so will they." (cf. Wis 3:1-9)."The language of the cross may be illogical to those wh...2022-04-2508 min
Traversing EmmausAlleluia! Doubt no longer but know now in what fonts are rebirth and redemption!Homily for Easter Octave (Divine Mercy Sunday), 2022, delivered in St Patrick's Church, Calliope, Qld."... it was the Lord’s day and the Spirit possessed me, and I heard a voice behind me, shouting like a trumpet, '... do not be afraid; it is I, the First and the Last; I am the Living One, I was dead and now I am to live for ever and ever..." (cf. Rev 1:9-19)."... a phrase used by Saint Augustine in recounting the story of Jesus’ meeting with the woman taken in adultery (cf. Jn 8:1-11). It would be diff...2022-04-2307 min
Traversing EmmausAlleluia! Doubt no longer but know now in what fonts are rebirth and redemption!Homily for Easter Octave (Divine Mercy Sunday), 2022, delivered in St Patrick's Church, Calliope, Qld."... it was the Lord’s day and the Spirit possessed me, and I heard a voice behind me, shouting like a trumpet, '... do not be afraid; it is I, the First and the Last; I am the Living One, I was dead and now I am to live for ever and ever..." (cf. Rev 1:9-19)."... a phrase used by Saint Augustine in recounting the story of Jesus’ meeting with the woman taken in adultery (cf. Jn 8:1-11). It would be diff...2022-04-2307 min
Traversing EmmausHe's Risen?! Then let us press into him, and let the world know us by his burning love. Alleluia!Homily for Easter Wednesday (within the Octave), delivered at Our Lad Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld., 2022."When [the man who had been cripple from birth] saw Peter and John on their way into the Temple he begged from them. Both Peter and John looked straight at him and said, ‘Look at us.’ He turned to them expectantly, hoping to get something from them, but Peter said, ‘I have neither silver nor gold, but I will give you what I have: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!’" (cf. Acts 3:1-10)."Two of the dis...2022-04-2006 min
Traversing Emmaus"There is no need to be so amazed. You are looking for Jesus... he has risen." Alleluia!Reflection for Easter Prayer, delivered at St Francis of Assisi School, Tannum Sands, Qld., 2022."On the day of Pentecost..." (Acts 2:36). "When the Sabbath was over, Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices with which to go and anoint him... But when they looked they saw that the stone — which was very big — had already been rolled back. On entering the tomb they saw a young man in a white robe seated on the right-hand side, and they were struck with amazement. But he said to them, 'There is no need to be so a...2022-04-1906 min
Traversing EmmausKnow this: He rose bodily; he will likewise raise us bodily. Alleluia!Homily for Easter Monday (within the Octave), delivered at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gladstone, Qld., 2022."On the day of Pentecost... listen to what I am going to say: Jesus the Nazarene was a man commended to you by God. [He was] put into your power by the deliberate intention and foreknowledge of God, [and] you took and had crucified by men outside the Law. You killed him, but God raised him to life, freeing him from the pangs of Hades; for it was impossible for him to be held in its power since, as David...2022-04-1805 min
Traversing EmmausAlleluia! Easter makes of us all light in the world! So be it: let there be light!Homily for Easter Sunday, 2022, delivered in St Patrick's Church, Calliope, Qld."Peter addressed Cornelius and his household: ‘You must have heard about the recent happenings in Judaea; about Jesus of Nazareth and how he began in Galilee, after John had been preaching baptism. God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil. Now I, and those with me, can witness to everything he did... and also to the fact that they killed hi...2022-04-1706 min
Traversing EmmausAlleluia! In all of us, in every darkness, in the depth of each heart, let there be light!Homily for Easter Vigil, 2022, delivered in St Peter Chanel, Tannum Sands, Qld."In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was a formless void, there was darkness over the deep, and God’s spirit hovered over the water. God said, ‘Let there be light’, and there was light. God saw that light was good... Evening came and morning came: the first day." (cf. Gn 1:1-2:2)."In the morning watch, the Lord looked down on the army of the Egyptians from the pillar of fire and of cloud, and threw the army i...2022-04-1610 min
Traversing EmmausMay we renew our ultimate concern here — at the foot of the Cross.Homily for Good Friday, 2022, delivered in St Peter Chanel, Tannum Sands, Qld."See, my servant will prosper,he shall be lifted up, exalted, rise to great heights. As the crowds were appalled on seeing him – so disfigured did he lookthat he seemed no longer human – so will the crowds be astonished at him, and kings stand speechless before him; for they shall see something never told and witness something never heard before.” (cf. Is 52:13-53:12). "Since in Jesus, the Son of God, we have the supreme high priest who has gone t...2022-04-1508 min
Traversing EmmausWhy'd the Son of Man come? To serve/be served? To suffer/be suffered? To save/be saved?!Homily for Holy Thursday, 2022, delivered in St Peter Chanel, Tannum Sands, Qld."You shall eat it like this: with a girdle round your waist, sandals on your feet, a staff in your hand — hastily... when I see the blood I will pass over you and you shall escape... This day is to be a day of remembrance for you, and you must celebrate it as a feast in the Lord’s honour — for all generations; for ever.”’ (cf. Ex 12:1-14). "I saw one like the Son of Man..." (cf. Dan 7:13; Acts 7:56; Rev 1:13)."If I do not w...2022-04-1408 min
Traversing EmmausLet's enter (deeply) into the mystery of Christ — that is, our salvation and our eternal home.Homily for Psalm Sunday, delivered to the young people at Ignite Youth Summer Camp 2022, QCCC Mapleton.The theme for 2022 is Big House (cf. Jn 14:2).The first Gospel (Luke 19:28-40) before processing to the Altar is what is included in this recording, rather than the dramatised Gospel (Lk 22:14-23:56)."He is inflaming the people with his teaching...!" (Lk 23:5). "Indeed I promise you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (23:43).Artwork: Entry into Jerusalem, by Giotto, 14th century.2022-04-1217 min
Traversing EmmausIf nothing else, may they accept our faithful works (which flow naturally from who we are).Homily for Friday in the Fifth Week in Lent, 2022, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gladstone, Qld."Jeremiah said: I hear so many disparaging me, ‘“Terror from every side!” Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’ (cf. Jer 20:10). "The Jews fetched stones to stone him, so Jesus said to them, ‘I have done many good works for you to see, works from my Father; for which of these are you stoning me?’" (cf. Jn 10:31).Artwork: The Capture of Christ by Fra Angelico, c. 1440.2022-04-0804 min
Traversing EmmausJesus, the Fire of God from Heaven, is our refuge today and our home for eternity.Homily for Wednesday in the Fifth Week in Lent, 2022, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gladstone, Qld."King Nebuchadnezzar said, ‘Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, is it true that you do not serve my gods, and that you refuse to worship the golden statue I have erected...?' [They] replied, ‘Your question hardly requires an answer: if our God, the one we serve, is able to save us from the burning fiery furnace and from your power, O king, he will save us; [but] even if he does not... we will not serve your god or wors...2022-04-0605 min
Traversing EmmausSee the one who weeps? See his great love. See him set us eternally free.Homily for Fifth Sunday (of Year A) in Lent, 2022, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gladstone, Qld."Father, I thank you for hearing my prayer. I knew indeed that you always hear me, but I speak for the sake of all these who stand round me, so that they may believe it was you who sent me." (John 11).Artwork: The Raising of Lazarus, by Duccio, 1310–11.2022-04-0313 min
Traversing EmmausLaetare! Rejoice! for the works of God are being displayed even in the cold, dark, breakage in our lives.Homily for Laetar Sunday, the Fourth Sunday (of Year A) in Lent, 2022, delivered in St Agnes Church, Agnes Waters, Qld.‘"Is this man really your son who you say was born blind? If so, how is it that he is now able to see?’... ‘Blind? If you were,you would not be guilty,but since you say, “We see,”your guilt remains.’" (John 9:1-41)."Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; an...2022-03-2720 min
Traversing EmmausRejoice! You need not fear nor doubt nor suffer want, for the world's true Light is dawning.Homily for Laetar Sunday, the Fourth Sunday (of Year A) in Lent, 2022, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Gladstone, Qld.The Sunday Gospel passage is abridged in this episode; the full Gospel can be seen below, and heard in the following episode."As Jesus went along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, for him to have been born blind?’ ‘Neither he nor his parents sinned,’ Jesus answered ‘he was born blind so that the works of God might...2022-03-2719 min
Traversing EmmausFrom eternity, Jesus picked Mary, Joseph... and each of us. He is happy we're here.Homily for Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Third Week in Lent), 2022, delivered in to some of the children at St John the Baptist Primary School, Gladstone, Qld."Listen now, House of David... the Lord himself, therefore, will give you a sign. It is this: the maiden is with child and will soon give birth to a son whom she will call Immanuel, a name which means “God-is-with-us.”’ (cf. Is 7). "The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph...2022-03-2613 min
Traversing EmmausAct of Consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.Pope Francis' Act of Consecration for Ukraine and Russia, prayed on Friday March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary._____O Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, in this time of trial we turn to you. As our Mother, you love us and know us: no concern of our hearts is hidden from you. Mother of mercy, how often we have experienced your watchful care and your peaceful presence! You never cease to guide us to Jesus, the Prince of Peace.Yet we have strayed from that path of peace. We...2022-03-2507 min
Traversing EmmausLet nothing of Christ — not his unity, unicity or universality — be blotted out.Homily for Wednesday of the Third Week in Lent, 2022, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gladstone, Qld."... have life; enter and take possession; keep [and] observe [these] laws and customs [which] will demonstrate to the peoples your wisdom and understanding..." (cf. Deut 4:1-9)."Salvation comes from the Jews." (Jn 4:22 cf. Nostra Aetate; Dominus Iesus)."Do not imagine I have come to abolish... I have come not to abolish but to complete — not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear: [Therefore] be considered great in the kingdom of heaven [by] keep[in...2022-03-2208 min
Traversing EmmausDrink, bathe, be refreshed — the journey is far from done!Homily for the Third Sunday (of Year A) in Lent, 2022, delivered in St Peter Chanel Church, Tannum Sands, Qld.The Sunday Gospel passage is abridged in this episode; the full Gospel can be heard in the following episode.“What am I to do with these people...?" The Lord answered, "Strike the rock, and the water will flow..." (cf. Ex 17). "... whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (cf. Jn 4).2022-03-2011 min
Traversing EmmausYou are among the king's most glorious living stones — not a wretch among wretches.Homily for Friday of the Second Week in Lent (and the Feast of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem), 2022, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gladstone, Qld."... 'Here comes the man of dreams’ they said to one another. ‘Come on, let us kill him... our brother, and our own flesh'..." (Gen 37:19,20, 26). "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotte son... [whom] they sold him... for twenty [or so] silver pieces." (Jn 3:16 cf. Gen 37:28; Mt 26:15)."Having received this pledge of eternal salvation, we pray, O Lord, that we may set our cours...2022-03-1806 min
Traversing EmmausCan we speak with the tongue and drink from the cup that ransom the world?Homily for Wednesday of the Second Week in Lent, 2022, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gladstone, Qld."Keep your family, O Lord, schooled always in good works, and so comfort them with your protection here as to lead them graciously to gifts on high." (From the Collect)."Come on, let us concoct a plot; let us hit at him with his own tongue; let us listen carefully to every word..." (cf. Jer 18:18-20). "You do not know what you are asking... Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink...?" (cf. M...2022-03-1605 min
Traversing EmmausWe members of Christ will blaze glorious like our head — and amongst countless stars!Homily for the Second Sunday of Lent, 2022, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gladstone, Qld.“For us, our homeland is in heaven, and from heaven comes the saviour we are waiting for, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he will transfigure these wretched bodies of ours into copies of his glorious body. He [who is 'our light and our salvation' (Ps 27)] will do that by the same power with which he can subdue the whole universe." (cf. Phil 3:17-4:1; Luke 9).2022-03-1314 min
Traversing EmmausWhat virtue prefers death of self to that of wicked enemy...?Homily for Friday of the First Week of Lent, 2022, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gladstone, Qld.“Am I likely to take pleasure in the death of a wicked man – it is the Lord who speaks – and not prefer to see him renounce his wickedness and live?” (cf. Ez 18:23). "If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt, Lord, who would survive?" (Ps 130). Our virtue must go deeper than this, if we, are to ever enter the kingdom of heaven (cf. Mt 5).2022-03-1110 min
Traversing EmmausThey ask for a sign... who knows if they'll see it.Homily for Wednesday of the First Week of Lent (and the Feast of Saint Frances of Rome), 2022, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gladstone, Qld.“Who knows if God will not change his mind and relent?” (cf. Jonah 3:1-10). Even so, "a broken and humble heart, O God, [we do know] you will not spurn." (Ps 50).2022-03-0906 min
Traversing EmmausBe with us, Lord, for your Word is near — on our lips and in our hearts.Homily for the First Sunday in Lent, 2022, delivered in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gladstone, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mt Larcom, Qld.“Be with [us], Lord, [for your] Word is near… in [our] mouth and in [our] heart.” (Ps 91 cf. Rm 10:8)2022-03-0612 min
Traversing EmmausRemember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.Homily delivered for the communities of St Agnes, Agnes Waters, and Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gladstone."Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return." (cf. Gen 3:19).2022-03-0609 min