Reflections & Homilies

In a world where tensions are mounting, Pope Leo XIV invites us to pray in August for mutual coexistence. In his prayer intention, he prays especially that societies not fall into the temptation of confrontation over ethnic, political or religious reasons. In the video produced by the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network in collaboration with JesCom, young people are featured lifting up a message fille... Read More

Archbishop Eamon Martin gave this homily at Mass for the 50th National Day of Intercession for Priests at Ireland's International Eucharistic and Marian Shine, Knock, Co Mayo in the Archdiocese of Tuam. Three weeks ago I was honoured to celebrate Mass at the tomb of Saint John Vianney in the French town of Ars where he served for more than 40 years. My pilgrimage there was to mark the Jubilee of ... Read More

Archbishop Eamon Martin gave this homily during open-air Mass today on the Hill of Slane, Meath, for the 'Light the Fire' faith event. How special it is to gather here at the Hill of Slane to light again the fire of faith. Centuries ago Saint Patrick came to this place for the Easter Vigil, proclaiming: "Christ is risen. Christ is our hope!" He reassured our ancestors that the kingdom of God i... Read More

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time i. Brevity One word comes to my mind when reflecting on this Sunday's readings, and that is 'brevity', in particular the brevity of human existence, Qoheleth in our first reading from Ecclesiastes doesn't exactly give us the term, but he talks about the emptiness, the vanity of human life when cut off from God. Part of the opening of Chapter 1, which doesn't form... Read More

Grant Tungay SJ, from the Jesuit Institute South Africa, writes: As we celebrate the feast day of St Ignatius of Loyola, I am thankful to God for this great saint. However, this year I find myself thinking of two 'spiritual children' of Ignatius. These are people who were profoundly touched by his spirituality. They met this man from Loyola, their lives were transformed, and they left the world a ... Read More

Reflection by Rev Maggie Hindley at Memorial Prayers for Gaza on July 28th 2025 outside the Foreign Office What are you doing here, Elijah? - you may remember that this is what God asked his prophet Elijah on Mount Horeb after he had faced up to the wickedness of Ahab and Jezebel, after he had come apart, horrified and burnt out, after the wind and the earthquake and the fire, the first thing afte... Read More

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Prayer is at the heart of our first reading from Genesis and the section of Luke's gospel of this Sunday. In the story of Genesis 18:20-32, the apparent outcry of the victims over the sinful behaviour and the effect on others, of the actions of Sodom and Gomorrah, by violating the sacred law of hospitality, provides the central part of a dialogue between Abraham and th... Read More

Br Johannes Maertens gave this reflection on Monday at the Prayer Vigil outside the Home Office for refugees who have died trying to reach asylum in Britain. Reading: Luke 10:25-37 This year marks 80 years since the death of Mother Maria Skobtsova. The Church Times recently referred to her as an "eccentric, chain-smoking poet, monastic, and martyr" "whose theology-grounded in the dual command to ... Read More

Steadfast God strong and sheltering as the oak and, like the olive tree, life-giving, everywhere, encourage your children with your Sumud your constant presence. your Just Being There. We raise to you in prayer the suffering people in your Holy Land. To those who are wounded, bring healing, to those who hunger the nourishment they need; to those bewildered give boundaries, a sense of direction, de... Read More

HB Cardinal Pizzaballa, delivered the following homily on Sunday, 20 July, 2025 at Holy Family Church, Gaza City. Dear brothers and Sisters, I am happy to be again among you in these tragic days. It was important to be here with Patriarch Theophilos, to show the unity of the Church and the solidarity of all the Churches in the world with you. The other Churches of Jerusalem are a bit jealous of ... Read More

A new video series from Pray As You Go - the Jesuits in Britain's online prayer platform, is shining a light on the transformative power of prayer in everyday life. Titled Pilgrim Stories, the series features listeners from New York City reflecting on how the daily prayer resource has accompanied them through moments of growth, challenge, and faith. From a priest in training to a schoolteacher and... Read More

Bishop James Curry, Prior, Westminster Section of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, delivered this homily yesterday, during their Summer Mass at St Mary's, Cadogan Street, Chelsea. The full text follows: We gather today for our Summer Mass, our hearts open to the Word of God, which speaks to us of joy, hope, and the profound mystery of God's presence among us. The Word of Go... Read More

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time In the story of Martha and Mary looking after Jesus, this Sundays gospel, why is it that Martha has such a negative press and Mary's attitude seen as an ideal way to behave with Christ? I find it difficult to believe that the apparent admonition from Jesus to Martha can be seen in any way as a hurtful negative comment, there are just too many other things which ne... Read More

Homily on the Feast of St Benedict, 11th July 2025 at Our Lady Help of Christians, Kentish Town, for the Golden Jubilee of priestly ordination of Fr John Deehan. Readings : Proverbs 2:1-9 Matthew 19:27-29 Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, dear friends. Tonight, we gather to celebrate a remarkable milestone in the life of our dear friend and brother, Father John Deehan, ordained on the 12 July ... Read More