Soul Food for The Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 30th June 2024
The readings today speak to me of faith – faith and equality. The synagogue official, Jairus, was an important person of standing whose daughter was at the point of death. The woman who had spent all that she had to be rid of her illness was now penniless but still very sick. Yet, regardless of their different circumstances, both were suffering and challenged by fear. Jesus said to Jairus “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” He tells the sick woman “Daughter, your faith has saved you.”
Author: - June 9, 2024
Soul Food for The Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 23th June 2024
When Things Get out of Control. If you are like me, you generally like being in control, and when that is not so, it may feel very uncomfortable. In early 2009, after a short sabbatical in Ireland, I returned to work in Angola full of life and spirit. Within a few months of my return, I fell seriously ill, eventually discovering it was cerebral malaria. Returning to Ireland for treatment, I was confined to my bed for a long time, trying to overcome an evident energy deficit...
Author: -
Soul Food for Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time – 16th June 2024
It is tempting to succumb to impatience, especially when confronted with the injustices plaguing our world; seeing innocent individuals stripped of their dignity and respect can be disheartening. It's equally tempting to grow frustrated with the impatience displayed by others, screaming for “their way or no way”. Amidst this, we're reminded of the virtue of patience. We mustn't lose hope when observing the state of the world, our faith communities, our neighbours or even ourselves in the mirror. Every gesture, no matter how small...
Author: - June 2, 2024
Soul Food for The Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 9th June 2024
The ‘Bogeyman’ and ‘Monsters Under the Bed’ are common mythical creations to encourage, or some might say, frighten little children into good behaviour. In my house a variation was born about two years ago. I was trying to get my then two- and three-year olds to go to sleep or at least to stay under the bed clothes on a frosty, wintry evening, when suddenly I heard myself saying: “You better stay in bed or the Cold Monster will get you.” The Cold Monster has been with us ever since. But his job description has changed. He has morphed from an enforcer of good behaviour to being the scapegoat for any misbehaviour or indeed anything that goes wrong. A common refrain is: “It wasn’t me; it was the Cold Monster.”
Author: - May 30, 2024
