“A leopard doesn’t change its spots.” A phrase often used about someone we disapprove of meaning that they will always be as they are and there’s nothing to be done. The danger here is that we imprison the person right where they are and this becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. We see political leaders lying, …
In the Gospel for last Sunday’s Mass, Jesus speaks about forgiveness, its importance and what real forgiveness means – no limits. (Matthew 18: 21 – 35) For many this is the most difficult Christian teaching. We are upset and hurt on a daily basis and each hurt can leave its mark. Worse still many struggle …
Today, the 16th August, the Catholic Church celebrates the great ‘feast’ of the Assumption. This is the belief held universally in the Church that Mary the mother of Jesus was taken up – assumed – into heaven without physically dying. The gospel reading for today is Luke 1:29 – 56 which gives an account of …
I came across this story which I must share. My wife and I lost a baby at birth at just over twenty two weeks. At that time in 1990 the doctors said the baby wouldn’t survive for very long on a ventilator. I baptised him and we named him in the delivery ward and later …
The Sunday Gospel in Catholic Churches this week is the parable of the wheat and the darnel about a man who sowed wheat in his field but an enemy came and sowed darnel among the wheat. The man’s workers noticed and wanted to uproot the weed but the owner tells them to wait until harvest …
I have just learnt that 26 residents in a care home I visited regularly have died in this Pandemic. A man who I had got to know who worked in the laundry was in tears. Again we have to ask the question why were so many elderly people discharged into care homes from hospital without …
It is a privilege to visit the Holy Land which is considered very special by Christians, Muslims and Jews alike. Given the number of adherents to these monotheistic religions throughout the world the Israeli government has an awesome responsibility when it comes to shrines and places of worship and the historical importance of these places …
It is incomprehensible how the House of Lords, comprised of intelligent, educated, thinking people, there to serve the public, acted against logic and reason; against democracy and ultimately against the will of God when they voted to impose radical new abortion regulations in Northern Ireland against the express wishes of its government. In the debate …
This is what the Scout movement has done for me. Making friends, some lifelong. Sense of belonging Sense of achievement Greater self worth and personal pride A love of the outdoors and camping Holidays I would not have had Skills I would never have acquired Abilities – E.G. swimming Leadership Teamwork Self reliance Endurance Enhanced …
‘I Can’t breath’ has become the rallying cry for all those demonstrating over the illegal and immoral killing of George Floyd by Derek Chauvin on 25th May with the involvement of three other police officers all of whom have since been sacked and Chauvin charged for unlawful killing with the other officers now also facing …