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    Dear Friends, For many in our society Christmas ends on 26th December. But for Christians Christmas celebrations continue up to today’s feast - the Epiphany. This is a very ancient feast; in fact it was the original celebration of Christmas which began in the eastern Church. The present date of Christmas in the western Church came about only in the 6th century. The … [Read more...] about Newsletter 05.01.20.

Dear Friends, Today is the feast of the Holy Family. Our images of this family can be cosy and domestic. The reality was very different. For this family violence and death were a threat from the very beginning: flight and insecurity were all too real. It helps us to appreciate the situation for many families today and throughout history. The Gospel puts the origins of Jesus … [Read more...] about Newsletter 29.12.19.

Dear Friends, Today, the fourth Sunday of Advent, brings us close to the feast of Christmas. The opening lines of today’s Gospel sound ordinary enough: ‘This is how Jesus Christ came to be born’. But they describe an extraordinary event that goes far beyond folksy sentimentality. The Gospel stories of the birth of Jesus are full of language and images that reflect the faith … [Read more...] about Newsletter 22.12.19.

Dear Friends, The prophecy from Isaiah in today’s 1st reading is one of great encouragement and promise - it calls for rejoicing (hence Gaudete Sunday) and it assures the people of deliverance. It is also marked by clear signs - ‘the eyes of the blind shall be opened...the lame shall leap like the deer; and these are the results of the healing ministry of Jesus - for those … [Read more...] about Newsletter 15.12.19.

Dear Friends, Today Isaiah presents a wonderful vision of peace and harmony between people and nature. It includes one who will come from the house of David. This will be fulfilled in the coming of the anointed one - the promised Christ. This is what John the Baptist announces in the Gospel . However it comes with a stark message: repent! The overall message is one of … [Read more...] about Newsletter 08.12.12.