Feast of Philip Neri Fr Paul reads today’s Gospel (John 17: 1-11) and shares a little bit about the life of priest, Philip Neri (1515-1595) who was born in Florence, Italy. At the age of 18, Philip moved to Rome where he worked as a tutor and did charitable work in the [...]
Feast of Mary Help of Christians Fr Paul reads from the Gospel of John (19;25-27) for the Feast of Mary Help of Christians. Our Lady Help of Christians has always had a special place in the heart of Australian Christians with many turning instinctively to Mary for help in the early years [...]
Jesus: Whatever you ask in my name will be given to you Fr Paul says today’s Gospel (John 16: 22-28) brings to an end the discourse Jesus has been teaching the disciples over the last week. At the beginning of the week, Jesus talked about the work of the Holy Spirit; in [...]
Jesus tells the disciples their sorrow will turn to joy As we continue the journey towards the Ascension in John’s Gospel (16: 20-23), Fr Paul says we hear again about the highs and lows of building the Kingdom. Jesus acknowledges that in our lives there are times when we will glimpse God [...]
Jesus wants his community to be filled with the Spirit Fr Paul says we see a familiar pattern in John’s Gospel (16:16-20) today: Jesus says something to the disciples, they are confused or don’t understand and then Jesus goes on to teach them again. In this particular Gospel, Jesus wants the community [...]
Jesus tells the disciples there is so much more he wants to share with them After reading today’s Gospel (John 16: 12-15), Fr Paul sets the scene for our reflection by taking us on a journey to stars to consider the vastness of the universe in the context of God. Just as [...]
Jesus outlines 3 things the Spirit will help the disciples realise Fr Paul says two themes continue to run through our Gospel John (16: 5-11) today – the approaching departure of Jesus and the coming of the advocate, the Holy Spirit. Jesus balances any negativity the disciples may feel about his going [...]
Jesus promises to send the Spirit Fr Paul says, this week, starting with today’s Gospel from John (15:26 -16:4), we are pilgrims on the journey to the Ascension next Sunday. Jesus is talking to his disciples, preparing them for the fact that he is leaving them that he is going to return to [...]
Love one another as I have loved you In John’s Gospel (15: 12-17) today, Jesus commands us to ‘Love one another as I have loved you’. Fr Paul says this is the only time Jesus gives a command – not a request, not a hope, not a recommendation. Jesus explicitly commands us to [...]
Feast of St Matthias Matthias is elected to the twelve For today’s Feast of St Matthias Fr Paul reads from the Acts of the Apostles (1: 15-26) about Matthias’ election to the twelve, which is the only time he is mentioned in the scriptures. Fr Paul draws our attention to some interesting [...]