Loyalty to whom? No matter to which we country we look, they all have different political parties and factions all trying to attract as many people as possible with their promises and policies. It was no different at the time of Jesus. There were many different political and religious sects all trying to claim superiority...

God requests the pleasure of your company In both the Jewish and Christian scriptures, the image and symbol of the feasts, weddings and celebrations are used to describe God’s generosity and the joy of the God’s Kingdom. This is the parable that Jesus offers us today. He is as usual talking to the chief priest...

The Lord’s Vineyard For the third Sunday in a row, Jesus offers us another parable about a vineyard. The image and symbol of the vineyard begins in the first reading today from the Prophet Isaiah. ‘The Song of the Vineyard’ as it is called tells the story of man who carefully dug the soil, cleared...

Actions speak louder than words For the second Sunday in a row, Jesus speaks to and teaches us through a parable. The point and truth of a parable is not based on whether it is true or really happened. The purpose of a parable is that we learn something about the reality of Kingdom of...

All are equal in God’s eyes Jesus spoke to and taught people through stories; parables. A parable is story that is not as obvious as it first looks. It may take several readings before its message and meaning is revealed to us. A parable is often described as a story with the wrong ending; or at...

Forgive from the heart. Last Sunday Jesus offered us a way of dealing with conflict and misunderstanding; we are to go to those whom we have hurt or who have hurt us and work out our differences as best we can. Today this theme and message of forgiveness continues. Peter asks Jesus, ‘Lord how often...

Forgiveness When we look back at history or indeed at the news any evening, we can quickly see that our world both ancient and modern is marked, even scarred because of war and conflict. Sadly, many still believe that might is right and attack is the best and first line of defence. Conflict however is...

Get behind me Satan! Today’s gospel continues directly from last Sunday’s when Jesus asked his friends who he was for them. Peter responded by saying that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. So far so good. Today Jesus continues the conversation by telling them him that he will suffer grievously, be...

Who do you say I am?  In the gospels, Jesus says many wonderful things. But the questions that he asks are far more challenging. In the gospel today, as Jesus is walking with his followers, he turns and asks them a direct and somewhat strange question; ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man...

Gospel Reflection for 15th and 16th August The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary  Yesterday in Ireland the Feast of Mary’s Assumption was celebrated. However, it is being celebrated in Wales, Scotland and England today! So to honour both, I offer what hopefully is a prayerful reflection on the meaning and relevance of this wonderful...