Have you ever felt there is something more? In the Gospel for the second Sunday of Advent, John the Baptist as he is known, who is reckoned to be the greatest of the Old Testament prophets, is calling people to a complete change of heart – a new beginning. People are listening and flocking to him in a remote part of Judea. They are immersed in water by John signifying this new beginning. They see that goodness is lacking in their lives and really want to make a fresh start.

But for John this is a precursor to something far greater. John tells them there is one to come after him who will baptise not with water but the Holy Spirit. He warns the Pharisees and Scribes to be serious and prove it by showing the appropriate fruit.

Saying sorry is not the same as a change of heart. Advent is an opportunity to go deeper – who have I hurt, who am I not helping, who can’t I forgive? So what needs to change in me?

Repentance is a grace from God and so is the ability to change. Christ is knocking at our door – but the handle is on the inside.

Are we prepared show the appropriate fruit?

In last Sunday’s Gospel, the first Sunday of Advent, we hear the message, “be ready.” The example given is of the people at the time of Noah who were taken by surprise by the flood. Advent is a time of personal renewal of getting ready. A time to prepare for Christmas yes, but Jesus will come again for each one of us – are we ready for that? It’s not just about the end of the world in the far distant future but when we pass from this life, which could be anytime. We just don’t know what’s around the corner.

So Advent is a time of personal renewal. To be able to look forward to meeting Jesus when we leave this life. What are our values? Are we living a moral life? Do we care about those around us and about our world? Do we pray? Are we part of the Christian Community? The Church is Christ’s Body on earth.

Now is the time to think about it.

Today is Red Wednesday designated by Aid to the Church in need to “Come together for prayer, music, light and hope” for persecuted Catholics throughout the world.

Violence Against Christians on the Rise

POPE Leo XIV has stressed the importance of Aid to the Church in Need’s commitment to supporting persecuted Christians at a time when they and other religious minorities are falling victim to increased violence and discrimination.

At a private audience (Friday, 10th October) in the Vatican with leaders and other senior staff from the Catholic charity, the Pontiff stressed the centrality of religious freedom as a fundamental human right.  

Attending the meeting was Dr Caroline Hull, National Director, ACN (UK), who presented the Pope with an icon from Ukraine, where the charity has provided significant spiritual and emergency support.

In his address, the Pope told the ACN delegation: “Your visit is timely, for our world continues to witness rising hostility and violence against those who hold different convictions, including many Christians.
“In contrast, your mission proclaims that, as one family in Christ, we do not abandon our persecuted brothers and sisters.
“Rather, we remember them, we stand with them, and we labour to secure their God-given freedoms.”

The Holy Father underlined that “the right to religious freedom is not optional but essential”, describing it as “a cornerstone of any just society, for it safeguards the moral space in which conscience may be formed and exercised”.

He added: “Religious freedom, therefore, is not merely a legal right or a privilege granted to us by governments.
“It is a foundational condition that makes authentic reconciliation possible.”

Pope Leo XIV also recalled the origins of ACN, which was founded in 1947, saying its mission has always been to “foster forgiveness and reconciliation, and to accompany and give a voice to the Church wherever she is in need, wherever she is threatened, wherever she suffers”.

The American Pope, who has dual nationality with Peru, also expressed his gratitude for the support he received from ACN between 2014 and 2023 when he served the Diocese of Chiclayo.

He added: “Your commitment also extends to supporting the Church’s mission across the world by reaching communities that are too often isolated, marginalised or under pressure.

“Wherever Aid to the Church in Need rebuilds a chapel, supports a religious sister, or provides for a radio station or a vehicle, you strengthen the life of the Church, as well as the spiritual and moral fabric of society.”

National Director Dr Caroline Hull said it was an “honour representing ACN (UK) benefactors and staff” as she presented the pontiff with the icon of Our Lady of Victories, a copy of the original which was blessed on Tuesday (7th) at a cathedral in Aldershot, Hampshire.

Dr Hull said: “To be in a room with 27 ACN staff and trustees from around the world and the Holy Father was a once in a lifetime experience—when I bowed my head for his final blessing, I did it not for myself, but I stood for all ACN benefactors and staff in the UK.

“I had the privilege of presenting Pope Leo with a copy of an icon of Our Lady of Victories.
“This beautiful icon was written by an ACN project partner in Ukraine.”

The delegation on Friday morning was led by Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, ACN’s International President, and Regina Lynch, Executive President, and included representatives from many of its 23 national offices.

In the Gospel at Mass this Sunday Jesus says something astounding and perplexing which neither the Jewish authorities or his apostles understood.  

Jesus had just chased the merchants from the outer court of the Temple, those who were selling oxen, and sheep and pigeons and the money – changers and poured out their coins and turned over their tables, saying “Take these things away: do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.”

We may think this was done on the spur of the moment but the facts suggest otherwise. Jesus sat there and made whip out of cords. ‘His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”’ This was a deliberate act and when the Jewish authorities asked him what sign he could show for doing these things, Jesus replied, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

Jesus’ reply was taken literally whereas he was speaking about the temple of his body which the apostles understood only after his Resurrection.

His death on the cross for sins and his Resurrection would change everything for humankind for always.

In the second reading for this Sunday, St Paul says to the Corinthian Christians, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you. If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are God’s temple.” (1 Corinthians, 3:9c-11, 16-17)

In the Eucharist Christ becomes truly present. We encounter him and become one with him.  

More about the Eucharist is explained in my book, “Sursum Corda the Mass in my life,” published by New Life Publishing, www.goodnewsbooks.net just type in the title.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God

This line is from the teaching of Jesus known as the Beatitudes from Matthew (Chapter 5. 1-10) which is the Gospel for today, the Feast All Saints, when we celebrate the lives all those with God in heaven. We now move into November when in the Catholic Church we pray for our loved ones who have departed from this life.

The beatitudes express states of highest blessing or happiness in the hearts of those living the good news which Jesus came to bring for everyone.

Peacemakers are those who look for reconciliation with God and who help others to reconcile.

When we look around and see discord in families, among colleagues and other contacts and armed conflicts bringing death and destruction in parts of the world featured in the news each day, we see how following this guide to happiness could change the world.

Peace must surely come. Let it begin in our own heart.     

Why look among the dead for someone who is alive? He is not here; he has risen.” (Luke 14.5)

In this account, read at the Easter Vigil we see Mary of Magdela, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James and other women going to the tomb where Jesus had been laid intending to anoint his body with spices. They are astounded to find an empty tomb! But then two men appear in brilliant clothes. They are angels and they tell the women that Jesus has risen from the dead just as he said. The women immediately rush away to tell the disciples who do not believe them even though there was such a group of witnesses! Peter sets off to see for himself but only finds the cloths Jesus had been wrapped in.

The apostles clearly had not understood what Jesus had said to them before the crucifixion. Even the women had to be reminded by the angels.

St Paul writes: If Christ has not been raised, you are still in your sins.” To accept as fact the Resurrection is fundamental for Christians.

Christians have always kept Sunday, the day of the Resurrection, as a holy day and meet together for worship. For Catholics this means celebrating the Eucharist.

What does the Resurrection mean?

Jesus Christ has opened up eternal life for all – a new life which begins in the here and now.

We try so hard to live a long and healthy life. Our lives are so precious and our strongest instinct is that of self preservation. So why is it that so many who know the account of the Resurrection do not act to find out more?

Frank Morrison set out many years ago to disprove the Resurrection as fact but having looked at all the evidence and circumstances came to the conclusion that it must have happened. He writes about his quest in his book, ‘Who moved the stone’.

So if why if we are looking at historical fact is not everyone a Christian?

St Thomas Aquinas famously said, “To one who has faith no explanation is necessary, to one without faith no explanation is possible.”  

For Catholics Jesus Christ is really present in the Eucharist.

It is wonderful that Pope Francis, such a great and holy man, left this world at Easter for his heavenly home and like all great and holy people his legacy will live on.

Many young people are flocking to the Catholic Church finding a home there. Everyone has a God shaped hole which only God can fill. If there is something missing in your life this Easter, find a church engage with the Rite of Christian Initiation and be received into the Catholic church or perhaps begin by asking life’s big questions through an Alpha course or Life in the Spirit Seminars.

Have a happy and blessed Easter to all those who are seekers.

 Matthew 7; 7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

“Suddenly there were two men there talking to him; they were Moses and Elijah appearing in glory, and they were speaking of his passing which he was to accomplish in Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:30 – 31)

In this week’s Gospel, the 2^nd Sunday of Lent, Jesus is accompanied up the mountain by Peter, James and John where his whole appearance becomes dazzlingly white. Moses appears and so does Elijah.

Moses represents the Jewish law and Elijah, the greatest of the Old Testament prophets. Jesus is the fulfilment of the law and the prophets. They spoke of what would happen to Jesus in Jerusalem. The voice of God was heard. “This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him.”

The disciples are understandably awestruck and Peter speaks about making three tents, one for Jesus and one each for Moses and Elijah.

Being caught up in the glory of God is an amazing experience for them. They do not want to come down from the mountain and back to “reality.” Yet did this signify something more real?

Moses and Elijah were with God. Jesus by what he was about to accomplish by his death on the cross will open the way for human kind to “Our Father in Heaven..” To have eternity in the presence and light of God which is the real life. The life God has planned from the beginning. Nothing compares to this.

Even the best of what can be in this life is only a shadow of all that will be. Jesus has paid the price for all those willing accept the immense love of God. The price for our sinfulness is paid by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

“Hallowed be thy name. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

On Ash Wednesday Christians have ashes put on their foreheads in the sign of the cross. What does this mean?

“Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit through the wilderness, being tempted there by the devil for forty days.” Luke 4: 1 – 13

We now in the Lent period leading up to Easter. A time for personal renewal through prayer, fasting and abstinence intertwined with almsgiving.

In the Gospel for next Sunday, the first Sunday in Lent, we hear about Jesus in the desert. After his baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan, the Holy Spirit leads Jesus there to prepare for his ministry.

What form will his ministry take?

Jesus is hungry; the devil invites Jesus to turn a stone into bread. Jesus quotes from scripture and says: “man does not live by bread alone.”

The devil then shows Jesus the kingdoms of the world and says if Jesus would worship him all this could be his. Jesus again replies with scripture: “you must worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone.”

Lastly, the devil invites Jesus to throw himself from the Temple in Jerusalem. The devil, quoting scripture, says the angels will look after him, Jesus once again replies with scripture: “you must not put God to the test.”    

Jesus shows in his answers his ministry is not simply about people’s needs, or being the warrior king messiah expected by the Jews or a wonder worker.

Jesus’ mission on earth is to be a servant king, bringing God’s love and salvation to all humanity for all time.

When we look around the world at international affairs the temptation is to bemoan what we see; the suffering, the wars, the dictatorships and yes we should regret this and want to see it changed, but history is littered with tyrants who have sought to impose their will on others. Here today gone tomorrow.

In the film Jesus of Nazareth Herod is trying to bribe John the Baptist in prison and we hear John saying,” “before kingdoms change men must change.” 

Lent is about taking stock. How can I be the person God has called me to be? What definite service am I called to? Lent is an inner journey which will have positive outcomes for those around me.

The key is prayerfully discerning God’s call. This is why this Sunday gospel is so important and we are invited to follow in the footsteps of Jesus in the desert. Try “The Servant King” by Graham Kendrick.     

On Candlemas Sunday, we hear in the Gospel about the Presentation of Jesus by Mary and Joseph in the Temple. The offering of the first born son. Simeon guided by the Holy Spirit to the Temple recognises Jesus as the light for the revelation to the Gentiles, that’s us, and we hear the famous prayer to this effect as Simeon takes Jesus into his arms – the Canticle of Simeon (Luke 2.32).

“Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace,

just as you promised;

because my eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared for all the nations to see,

a light to enlighten the pagans

and the glory of your people Israel.”

Candles are blessed and taken home. This reminds us that Jesus is the true light of the world. Light is a profound symbol in catholic Tradition. Christians are called to be lights to the world in how we live in our everyday lives.

Christians are called to be counter cultural in our secular society and suffer persecution as a result but the joy and happiness of knowing Jesus as brother friend and Saviour more than compensates.

Recent theories and ideologies including those which are against marriage and family life and contradict the immutable laws of nature in God’s beautiful creation, though permeating our institutions and popular consciousness, cannot stand.

The light of Christ is truth revealing and life giving for all time.

What can be learnt from last Sunday’s Gospel of the Marriage at Cana in Galilee where Jesus changed water into wine after it had run out?

It was Mary mother of Jesus who first noticed.
This was the first miracle of Jesus. Mary requested Jesus do something to help and Jesus replied, “My hour has not come yet.” Mary takes no notice and says to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:5)

Jesus was part of the community or he would not have been present and was enjoying himself along with the other guests.

Jesus tells the servants to fill six water jars, draw some out and take it to the steward. The bridegroom is then complimented for saving the best wine until last – all 880 litres!

We might think Jesus was always serious but here he is at a party, smiling, chatting and having a good time. But this is not any party – it is a wedding. Later in his teaching Jesus talks about the importance of marriage.  

When asked by the Pharisees whether divorce is permissible Jesus relied quoting Genesis 1:27; 2:24

“But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. This is why a man must leave his father and mother, and the two become one body. They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So then, what God has united, man must not divide. (Mark 10. 6 – 10).

What does this story mean for us? Yes the sacredness of marriage and family life. But also Jesus liked to have a good time and Mary his mother is always ready to go to Jesus on our behalf as our mother too. Sometimes it feels easier to go to mother.

The rosary is an ideal prayer for this.

This Sunday was Peace Sunday when the Church worldwide prays for peace.

Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be children of God. (Matthew 5:9)