by Richard Houwing | 14 Apr, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (Acts 3:13-15, 17-19). Peter boldly proclaims the Good News: an early explanation of the Passion and an example of the early witness to the resurrection. Second Reading (1 John 2:1-5). We show that we know God by keeping his commandments. When we fail,...
by Richard Houwing | 6 Apr, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (Acts 4:32-35). This reading gives us a picture of how the first Christians lived community. Second Reading (1 John 5:1-6). Christians are children of God, and show their love for God by keeping his commandments. Gospel (John 20:19-31). When he touched...
by Richard Houwing | 20 Mar, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (Jer 31:31-34). The prophet Jeremiah tells a shattered people that God has not forsaken them, but will one day make a new and more intimate covenant with them. This new covenant was brought about through the death of Jesus: ‘This cup is the new covenant...
by Richard Houwing | 14 Mar, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23) shows how God remained faithful to his people in spite of their infidelities. God’s promises were not nullified by the sins of his people. Second Reading (Ephesians 2:4-10) stresses the enormity of the love God has shown us...
by Richard Houwing | 2 Mar, 2018 | Reflections
The First Reading (Exodus 20:1-17) is one of the two versions of the Decalogue. (The other is Deut 5:6-21). The Ten Commandments are a map of life for a people who enjoy a special relationship with God. They were to be seen as a gift, not a burden. Jesus brought in a...
by Richard Houwing | 24 Feb, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (Gen 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18). This reading shows how complete was Abraham’s obedience to God. Second Reading (Rom 8:31-34). Since God is on our side, we can face anything. Gospel (Mk 9:2-10). On Mount Tabor three apostles of Jesus experience a glimpse of...
by Richard Houwing | 16 Feb, 2018 | Reflections
In the First Reading we are told of the first in a series of covenants which serve as a preparation for the covenant at Sinai. This in turn prepared the way for the new covenant God formed with humanity in Christ. Like Noah, the Christian is saved by passage through...
by Richard Houwing | 9 Feb, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (Lev 13:1-2, 45-46). Lepers were considered ritually unclean and were compelled to live apart from the community. Second Reading (1 Cor 10:31-11:1). St Paul urges us never to do anything offensive to anyone but to do everything for the glory of God....
by Richard Houwing | 2 Feb, 2018 | Reflections
Reflection: The Book of Job confronts the problem of suffering. The common explanation was that suffering was a punishment for sin. Though Job is a good man, he suffers greatly. His suffering causes him to take a gloomy view of life (First Reading). This sets the...
by Richard Houwing | 27 Jan, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (Deut 18:15-20) Moses foretells the coming of a prophet who will speak God’s word to the people. Second Reading (1 Cor 7:32-35) Paul urges everyone, but especially those who are celibate, to give their undivided attention to the Lord. Gospel (Mk 1:21-28)...
by Richard Houwing | 12 Jan, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (1 Sam 3:3-10, 19). The prophet Samuel played a very important role in the history of Israel. Here we have the story of his call by God. Second Reading (1 Cor 6:13-15, 17-20). St Paul tells us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we must...
by Richard Houwing | 5 Jan, 2018 | Reflections
First Reading (Is 60:1-6). The prophet cheers the exiles who returned from Babylon with a vision of a restored city. The prophecy is fulfilled in Christ and in the new Israel, the Church. Second Reading (Eph 3:2-3, 5-6). St Paul expresses the theological meaning of...
by Richard Houwing | 29 Dec, 2017 | Reflections
Joseph and Mary were entrusted with the raising of the child Jesus, who grew in wisdom and stature under their care. Today is an opportunity to honour Abraham and Sarah, and the Holy Family and to be inspired by them. The family unit is the foundation of any society...
by Richard Houwing | 26 Dec, 2017 | Reflections
May we each hear anew the words of the angel to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy. Today a saviour has been born to you.” (Luke 2:10-11). Like the three wise men who will come to adore the Christ child in Matthew’s account (Mt...
by Richard Houwing | 26 Dec, 2017 | Reflections
Having reflected on the great prophet John the Baptist in recent weeks, our attention moves to Mary, the other great figure of Advent. Let us reflect on Mary’s own words: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour.” With...
by Richard Houwing | 15 Dec, 2017 | Reflections
In the First Reading, Isaiah the prophet writing after the Exile, declares that he has been sent by God to usher in the age of salvation for Jerusalem and all God’s people. Jesus used this prophecy to announce the programme of his own ministry. In the Second Reading,...
by Richard Houwing | 8 Dec, 2017 | Reflections
First Reading (Is 40:1-5, 9-11). The people are urged to prepare a way for the Lord who is coming to save them. Second Reading (2 Pet 3:8-14). If the Lord appears to be slow in coming, it is to give people an opportunity to be ready to meet him when he comes. Gospel...
by Richard Houwing | 1 Dec, 2017 | Reflections
Reflection: Come Lord Jesus! Welcome to the season of Advent! Advent opens with the Gospel call to “keep alert” and “stay awake”, repeated four times in today’s short Gospel reading. We look forward to the Lord’s coming in several ways: to his second coming in glory,...
by Richard Houwing | 24 Nov, 2017 | Reflections
First Reading: (Ezek 34:11-12, 15-17). God is portrayed as someone who cares for His people as a good Shepherd cares for his sheep. Second Reading: (1 Cor 15:20-26, 28). At the end of time Christ will reign as universal King, having overcome all hostile forces,...
by Richard Houwing | 17 Nov, 2017 | Reflections
In today’s Gospel parable of the talents, the master entrusted money to his servants and then set out on a journey. On his return, those bringing the master their profit acknowledge openly what is their own and what is their masters. One says “Sir you gave me five...
