Reflections & Homilies

Archbishop Bernard Longley and Bishop Richard Moth have released a statement affirming what the coming of Christ at Christmas means to Catholics, expressing their shared concern at societal tensions and division in our communities, something that does not "reflect the spirit or message of Christmas." The Chair of the Department for Dialogue and Unity, and Chair of the Department for Social Justice... Read More

After celebrating Mass for the Jubilee of Prisoners at St Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo delivered his Angelus address to pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square, saying that Christian joy endures "when life seems to lose its meaning and everything appears darker." "A prophet, even in chains, retains the ability to use his voice in the pursuit of truth and justice," he said, Even from behind bars, Jo... Read More

On Gaudete Sunday, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Holy Mass in St Peter's Basilica. In his homily, the Holy Father reflected on the word "Gaudete". He explained the "joy" of this Sunday reminds us of "the bright dimension of waiting: the trust that something beautiful, something joyful, will happen." 14 December was also the Jubilee of Hope for prisoners and all those who work in prisons. Pope Leo recall... Read More

Third Sunday of Advent Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.*. (Mt 11: 11) How many of us have, at some point, made unfavourable comparison between another and ourselves? By that I mean of course, seeing ourselves as the better person. Paul in 2 Corinthians 10;12 has something very... Read More

In a message addressed to Latin American priests, seminarians, and religious men and women studying in Rome, Pope Leo XIV encouraged them to remember their calling to follow Christ and strive to place God above everything. "Since we live in a confusing society of noise, today more than ever we need servants and disciples who announce the absolute primacy of Christ and who keep His voice clearly i... Read More

Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe gave the following address on Wednesday evening at the candlelit Westminster Abbey Advent Service, attended by His Majesty King Charles, with faith leaders from the UK and Middle East, clergy representing churches from around the world, and representatives of other faiths and charities. The theme of the service was a celebration of Christian witness. All over the world, ... Read More

At the General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the importance of reflecting on death - especially in today's world that tends to avoid doing so - to discover the power of Christ's Resurrection and thus find a new meaning for our life. To know that death exists, "and above all to reflect on it, teaches us to choose what we really want to make of our existence," the Pope told pilgrim... Read More

Second Sunday of Advent The prophecy of Isaiah about the coming Messiah is worth our reflection . Why? Because it gives to us a vision of what the Messiah brings and just what manner of person he shall be and in that way we, who know the revelation of our true Messiah the Lord Jesus, might take from the gifts, attributes and promises of Isaiah's words, tools for our spiritual and daily life-for we... Read More

In the last prayer intention for 2025, the Pope asks us to pray "that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope." On the eve of his first apostolic journey to Türkiye and Lebanon, the Holy Father invites us to not "fall into indifference," and to be "builders of unity," praying together with him to the "God of pe... Read More

First Sunday of Advent I believe that the following words from our second reading from the letter to the Romans at Mass today, gives us the clarity of vision we need to begin a good Advent: '…the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness [and] put on the armour of light".(Rm 13: 12) . In a world where we face many problems due to environmental and climate... Read More

RESOURCES CAFOD is offering Advent reflection emails, starting on 30 November, the first Sunday of Advent. They will share scripture reflections, stories of our global family, prayers and practical ideas for action, as we take time to prepare for the coming of Christ. Advent prayer resources for parishes and schools is also available. See: https://cafod.org.uk/pray/advent-prayers Catholic Union's ... Read More

In Africa, we have had some excellent kings who have served their people with dedication and commitment: Moshoeshoe, the founder king of the baSotho, brought his people high into the Maloti Mountains to escape the difaqane wars of the 18th Century. He was a skilful diplomat and a man of peace. Goodwill Zwelitini of the Zulus was a largely powerless and ceremonial monarch, and yet a great force for... Read More

Christ the King Hidden Image of Christ How do you envisage the Lord Jesus? For many of us that question doesn't appear too often, and I suppose we fall back on the images we have been used to from childhood-yet there are many different depictions of Jesus the Christ from his life as Jesus of Nazareth to the one hinted at in this feast, Christ the Ruler of All, a cosmic Christ difficult for our hum... Read More

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time A form of behaviour The writer of 2 Thessalonians is clear on what behaviour is required of us as Christians in our daily lives, reminding us of something we indulge in far too often and suggesting that we change our manner of behaviour, so as not to be idle and refrain from being busybodies:' We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderl... Read More