John

The Holy Family.27th December 2020 – 2nd January 2021. Today we celebrate the mystery of the child Jesus living with his parents. The feast is centred wholly on Christ as the Messiah. The account of the presentation in the Temple underlines the growth ‘in wisdom’ of a child dedicated to his mission from his earliest years. In this way Luke foresees his mission which will … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 27.12.20

4th Sunday of Advent 2020.Sea Sunday.20th –24th December.Today's readings are about promises made to David (1st reading) and Mary (Gospel). They both relate to the Incarnation that we will be celebrating this Christmas week. The promises tell of God’s actions in the history of his people. Like David and Mary we approach God with nothing of our own to offer. All that we have and … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 20.12.20

3rd Sunday of Advent 2020: Gaudete Sunday.13th –19th December.It might seem ironic that the name of this Sunday is Gaudete – Rejoice when we are in the middle of a pandemic. Yet the liturgy has the power to lift us out of our immediate concerns to prepare for the wonder of the Incarnation that we will soon be celebrating. Today’s Gospel focuses on John the Baptist. ‘Who is this … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 12.12.02

2nd Sunday of Advent 2020. 6th –12th December.Today’s reading from the prophet Isaiah is a promise of rescue and restoration to a people in exile. That promise will be fulfilled with the arrival of a time of salvation for all people in the person of the Messiah. What is promised in Isaiah is made present in Jesus. Today we hear the beginning of Mark’s Gospel. As we travel … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 06.12.20

1st Sunday of Advent 2020.29th November –5th December.Advent is a time of preparation, conversion and renewal. Pope Francis encourages us as we enter into the season: ‘Advent, a time of grace, tells us that it is not enough to believe in God; it is necessary to purify our faith every day’. In today’s first reading Isaiah says: ‘O that you would tear the heavens open and come … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 29.11.20