by Richard Houwing | 10 Nov, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (1 Kings 17:10-16). In the middle of a famine, a poor widow shares the last of her food with the prophet Elijah, and far from losing by doing so, she is enriched. Second Reading (Hebrews 9:24-28). Through his death Christ has taken our sins upon himself...
by Richard Houwing | 5 Oct, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (Genesis 2:18-24). God made man and woman for each other. The bond of marriage means they are no longer two but one. Second Reading (Hebrews 2:9-11). By entering fully into human life, and by experiencing the bitterness of death, Christ became a brother...
by Richard Houwing | 21 Sep, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (Wis 2:12, 17-20). The godless plot to do away with the just one, because his blameless life is a reproach to them. Second Reading (Jam 3:16-4:3). Jealousy, ambition, and self-seeking lead to disharmony and fighting. Gentleness, reasonableness, and mercy...
by Richard Houwing | 18 Aug, 2018 | Reflections
Today’s first reading (Proverbs 9:1-6) personifies Wisdom as feminine. She invites people to a feast, lavishly offering food and wine. In today’s Responsorial Psalm, that invitation is echoed: “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” To join...
by Richard Houwing | 18 Aug, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (1 Kgs 19:4-8). Fed by an angel, a broken and dispirited Elijah is able to walk all the way to the mountain of God. Second Reading (Eph 4:30-5:2). St Paul urges the Ephesians to walk in the way of love and thus live up to their calling. Gospel (Jn...
by Richard Houwing | 5 Aug, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (Ex 16:2-4, 12-15). This reading tells how God fed his people in the desert with manna. This is regarded as a memorable example of God’s care for his people. Second Reading (Eph 4:17, 20-24). St Paul urges the Ephesians to live lives that are in keeping...
by Richard Houwing | 5 Aug, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (2 Kgs 4:42-44). The miraculous food which the prophet Elisha gave to hungry people was a sign of God’s concern for his people. Second Reading (Eph 4:1-6). St Paul pleads with the Ephesians to live a life in keeping with the Gospel, placing special...
by Richard Houwing | 5 Aug, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (Jer 23:1-6). The leaders of Israel are made to account for their neglect of the people, but better leaders are promised. Second Reading (Eph 2:13-18). By his death Christ broke down the wall between Jews and Gentiles, and united all peoples as children...
by Richard Houwing | 14 Jul, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (Amos 7:12-15). The prophet Amos is faithful to the task God gave him, even though he is rejected by those to whom he is sent. Second Reading (Eph 1:3-14). This is a hymn of thanksgiving to God for the great spiritual gifts he had given us in Christ....
by Richard Houwing | 8 Jul, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (Ezek 2:2-5). God sends a prophet to his people to ensure that they do not remain in ignorance of their disobedience. Second Reading (2 Cor 12:7-10). In his weakness Paul experiences the power of God’s grace. Gospel (Mk 6:1-6). True to the proverb that...
by Richard Houwing | 1 Jul, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (Wis 1:13-15; 2:23-24). God did not make us for death but for life in this world, and in the world to come. Second Reading (2 Cor 8:7,9, 13-15). St Paul is appealing to the Corinthians to contribute to a collection for the poor in the Church at...
by Richard Houwing | 26 Jun, 2018 | Reflections
Reflection on the Word: Celebrating our birthday is something most of us take for granted and look forward to every year. Generally it is the saint’s death (their birth into eternal life) that is observed in the Church’s calendar. This makes John the Baptist a member...
by Richard Houwing | 9 Jun, 2018 | Reflections
In the First Reading when Adam and Eve sinned there were consequences. Before they sinned they enjoyed a delightful familiarity with God. They are portrayed as walking with God in the cool of the evening. After their fall they are afraid of God and try to hide from...
by Richard Houwing | 28 May, 2018 | Reflections
The First Reading (Deut 4:32-34, 39-40) talks about the power and glory of God, who nonetheless, entered into a close and loving relationship with his people, Israel, and of the obligations and blessings that flow from such a relationship. This reading stresses the...
by Richard Houwing | 28 May, 2018 | Reflections, Spiritual Resource
Today we contemplate and celebrate the Most Holy Trinity, the mystery of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is a deep mystery of our faith – not a mystery to be solved, but the mystery of God who is a “communion of love” and into whose life we are invited for all...
by Richard Houwing | 19 May, 2018 | Reflections
Reflection on the Word: First Reading (Acts 2:1-11). Luke describes the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, and the effect it had on them. Second Reading (1 Cor 12:3-7, 12-13). The Holy spirit gives different gifts to different people, for the good of the...
by Richard Houwing | 13 May, 2018 | Reflections
Reflection on the Word: First Reading (Acts 1:1-11). This describes the ascension of Jesus into heaven, and his promise to send the Holy Spirit to his disciples. Second Reading (Eph 1:17-23). Here Paul describes the meaning of the Ascension: God raised Jesus above all...
by Richard Houwing | 5 May, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (Acts 10:25-26,34-35,44-48). The first Christian community had been exclusively Jewish. Now comes a turning point with the reception of the first Gentiles. Cornelius was the first Gentile to receive the grace of baptism. The Reading from Acts tells us of...
by Richard Houwing | 27 Apr, 2018 | Reflections
The First Reading tells how, three years after his conversion, Paul went up to Jerusalem. In spite of being introduced by Barnabas, such was the hostility he encountered that he had to be smuggled out of the city. The fact that Paul took all these trials in his stride...
by Richard Houwing | 20 Apr, 2018 | Reflections
The First Reading shows Peter fearlessly proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. He asserts that the stone they rejected (Jesus) has become the cornerstone of a new building. The risen Jesus is the one and only Saviour. The Second Reading reflects on the wonderful love...
