The home I grew up in had an open fire, with many a chilly winter’s night gathered around its warmth. There were two rituals attached to the winter fire. One was setting the fire with crushed newspaper, strips of kindling, and pieces of larger wood. Setting the fire so it lit readily and well was Read more
He herehere tawhito o tētahi whareherehere kōwhiritia a Nazi i haere ki te toro i tana hoa he toa te whakamātautau tahi ki a ia. ‘Kua murua koe i ngā Nazi?’ ka pātai ia ki tana hoa. ‘Āe,’ te whakahoki. ‘Nā, kāore ahau. E kī ana tonu ahau ki te whakarihariha mō rātou.’ ‘I tēnā Read more
The narrative of the “The Parable of the Sower” draws our attention to the varying types of ground upon which the seed falls. The type of ground prompts introspection: which parts of me are rocky, shallow, or overrun with thorns? However, suddenly, I find myself at the centre of the narrative. I recommend reading verses Read more
On many occasions unknowingly, and on other occasions quite knowingly, Christian prayer has become a contest. Have I chosen the right place? Am I in the right posture? How often? For how long? Each becomes part of the criteria for prayer efficacy. Luke’s Gospel (18: 9 – 14), often has the heading, The Parable of Read more
There came a time for Jesus the Christ to conclude his earthly ministry and return to his place with his Abba/Father. I would invite you to reflect on two paintings of this moment of Ascension. In these paintings, rather than focusing on the departure of Jesus, focus on the remaining community. The first is titled, Read more
My trusty Oxford dictionary defines the word mosaic as “a picture or pattern made by placing together small pieces of glass, stone, etc of different colours.” A magnificent example of such a mosaic is in the south gallery of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey. The mosaic is what as known as the Deesis mosaic. The Read more
When I close my eyes and ruminate on the word “king” many words and images come immediately to mind; a jewel-encrusted crown, a big palace with many rooms and servants, privilege, wealth, power, and authority over, a bell is rung and others come running to be of service. None of this sits easily with me Read more
Anyone who has done, and who still does, any gardening, knows that the antithesis of tears and song is not so far off the mark. “Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap. They go out full of tears carrying seed for the sowing; they come back full of song, carrying their Read more
The old city of Jerusalem has been surrounded by walls for its defence since ancient times. These walls have been destroyed and rebuilt countless times. A journey to the old city of Jerusalem often involves a walk along the much-excavated walls. In 16th century, during the reign of the Ottoman Empire in the region, the Read more
“When I first came to Ars, there was a man who never passed the church without going in. “In the morning on his way to work, and in the evening on his way home, he left his spade and pickaxe in the porch, and he spent a long time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Read more