Last Sunday, the second Sunday in Lent the Gospel focussed on an incredible event which is referred to as the “Transfiguration.” Peter, James and John, close disciples of Jesus, accompanied him up a high mountain, “There in their presence he was transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light.” (Matthew 17.2)

For us today this event is a powerful reminder of why we are here and the ultimate meaning of our life on earth.

The meaning of this is in stark contrast to all who cling to this life as though this is all there is.

So when we see the news about wars and killing and all the terrible things which human beings are doing to one another, the true meaning of life is obscured.

The Transfiguration is a wakeup call for us all.

Sin separates us from our loving Father God. As they were coming down the mountain Jesus says, “Tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”

Pressing the pause button

There are times when we should all step back and take a good look at ourselves and where we are going; what sort of person we aspire to be and how we are going to get there.

For Christians Lent is just such a time and here we are with Lent just begun with Ash Wednesday when Catholics in particular have blessed ashes put on our their foreheads in the sign of the cross and the words “remember you are dust and to dust you shall return” or “repent and believe in the gospel.”  This is a reminder of our mortality.

So begins a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving in the period leading up to Easter when we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead, an event offering to all new life in the here and now and for eternity.

Our fast in lent recalls the 40 days when Jesus was led into the wilderness to fast in preparation for his mission as Son of God and the temptations he encountered.

“Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights” Matthew 4: 1-2. This was the Gospel reading last Sunday the first Sunday of Lent. The devil asks Jesus if he would use his power as the Son Of God to turn stones into bread. Jesus replies, quoting scripture, “man does not live by bread alone” Hunger for God’s word is far more important.

Is Jesus going to be a wonder worker? The devil tells Jesus to throw himself down from the Temple parapet, saying surely the angels will take care of him. Jesus again quoted scripture and says, “You must not put the Lord your God to the test.” Finally, the devil shows Jesus the kingdoms of the world. “I will give you all these if you worship me,” he says, to which Jesus replies, “Be off, Satan! For scripture says: You must worship the Lord your God alone.”

What might we understand by fasting? In Isaiah 58: 1 -9 we read “Is not this the fast that I choose: to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see him naked, to cover him…Then shall your light break forth like the dawn…”

Lent is a time for growing close to Jesus Christ; to love God with our whole heart and our neighbour as ourselves. In this way we change and so does the world around us.Pressing the pause button

There are times when we should all step back and take a good look at ourselves and where we are going; what sort of person we aspire to be and how we are going to get there.

For Christians Lent is just such a time and here we are with Lent just begun with Ash Wednesday when Catholics in particular have blessed ashes put on our their foreheads in the sign of the cross and the words “remember you are dust and to dust you shall return” or “repent and believe in the gospel.”  This is a reminder of our mortality.

So begins a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving in the period leading up to Easter when we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead, an event offering to all new life in the here and now and for eternity.

Our fast in lent recalls the 40 days when Jesus was led into the wilderness to fast in preparation for his mission as Son of God and the temptations he encountered.

“Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights” Matthew 4: 1-2. This was the Gospel reading last Sunday the first Sunday of Lent. The devil asks Jesus if he would use his power as the Son Of God to turn stones into bread. Jesus replies, quoting scripture, “man does not live by bread alone” Hunger for God’s word is far more important.

Is Jesus going to be a wonder worker? The devil tells Jesus to throw himself down from the Temple parapet, saying surely the angels will take care of him. Jesus again quoted scripture and says, “You must not put the Lord your God to the test.” Finally, the devil shows Jesus the kingdoms of the world. “I will give you all these if you worship me,” he says, to which Jesus replies, “Be off, Satan! For scripture says: You must worship the Lord your God alone.”

What might we understand by fasting? In Isaiah 58: 1 -9 we read “Is not this the fast that I choose: to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see him naked, to cover him…Then shall your light break forth like the dawn…”

Lent is a time for growing close to Jesus Christ; to love God with our whole heart and our neighbour as ourselves. In this way we change and so does the world around us.

Peace Sunday 2026

Today is Peace Sunday, a day designated by the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales as a day for us all to reflect on the Pope’s message for the World Day of Peace on the 1st January.

The theme chosen by Pope Leo for his message this year is a challenging one: “Peace to you all: Towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace”.

One image that may help us engage in this message is to reflect on Jesus before Pilate -standing there, an innocent man, seemingly helpless, before Pontus Pilate, a Roman Governor. 

It is so easy to feel helpless in a world of violence today. The nonviolent action of Jesus can be our guide in working for peace and justice. Pax Christi tries to give a lead in this process.  A movement founded 80 years ago in France to pray for reconciliation between two nations, Germany and France, it has since become an International Peace Movement.

Bishop John Arnold in Salford diocese, representing the Bishops Conference of England and Wales, writes:  “Pope Leo is telling us that peace should not rely on fear, threats or weapons.  Peace should have the capacity to resolve conflicts and open hearts through mutual understanding and hope”

The Pax Christi movement tries to respond to this aim through publications, prayer, public witness and nonviolent action. 

We are in a world torn by violence and war; a time of uncertainty; a time when strong leadership can help disperse doubt and show a positive way forward in full hope.

Pax Christi tries to give practical expression to this hope through its outreach work in promoting the Gospel message of nonviolence and offering peace education in schools.

It is a national organisation but with a small committed staff team.

The generosity of parish communities each year makes a big difference to the funds needed for its vital work to continue.

You are asked to pray for peace in our world and for the success of Pax Christi by donating in a second collection today.

Your help is very much appreciated.  Thank you for listening to this message.

May God continue to help us all to be instruments of his peace. 

Given in Catholic churches today from Pax Christi

This Sunday was the celebration of the Holy Family. Jesus, Mary and Joseph together form the Holy Family in God’s plan of Salvation for the world. God sent His only Son, conceived in Mary’s womb by the Holy Spirit and Joseph called to be Father.

God has a plan for everyone. Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel to ask Mary to be the mother of Jesus and her ‘yes’ changed everything for all time. An angel appeared in dream to Joseph to ask him to accept Mary which was hard for him in the circumstances. But God had been preparing Mary and Joseph throughout their lives for this moment.

God has a plan for everyone but the plan for Mary and Joseph was so special. Mary has the title of Mother of God and Joseph is regarded as patron of the universal Church, fathers, families and workers.

Joseph was called to take the Holy Family as refugees from Bethlehem to Egypt to escape Herod because Herod feared for his own kingship and ordered the killing of children of two and under in Bethlehem and the surrounding district. Later an angel appeared again in a dream to Joseph and told him to go back to Israel when Herod was dead.  

The manner of Jesus’ birth speaks of God’s love for everyone no matter how poor and underprivileged. The Holy family became refugees. How should we regard refugees today?

Children need to be raised by love. Love makes us whole. Faith in God and openness to God’s love is the ideal setting for children to grow with the opportunity of discovering God’s plan for their life.  

This is an essential and fundamental truth of Christian Faith.

We can see in this story the wonderful dignity of each child. Each new life is made in the image of God and life is a continuum from conception to natural death.

So the feast of the Holy Family is a celebration of God’s plan for Salvation and also a celebration of the family and of life.

The more we listen to God’s Word in the bible and especially the teaching of Jesus and the more prayerfully we listen to the teaching of the Church which is God’s family, the more happy and fulfilled we will be. 

I came upon this quote from the Don Bosco magazine winter issue

(See Don Bosco Publications Bolton)

See; www.salesians.org.uk

“Who can add to Christmas

The perfect motive is that God so loved the world.

The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son.

The only requirement is that we believe in Him.

The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.”

Corrie Ten Boom

Worth sharing

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.