Two Charcoal Fires
By guest writer Noel Tan. There are only two charcoal fires (Greek: anthrakia) mentioned in the whole Bible, and they are both in the Gospel of John. The first anthrakia mentioned was in the high priest’s courtyard, where the gatekeeper said to Peter, “You are not one of this man’s disciples are you?” and Peter […]
Easter Reflections and Movie Spoilers
We are still in the Easter season, a time to commemorate on the resurrection of Christ and reflect on its message of joy and hope. I am a pessimist by temperament, so dwelling on the message of Easter is a challenge for me. I tend to see the negative side of things, and to predict […]
Mercy, Justice and Grace in “Suits”
Suits is a popular TV show about slick lawyers who are rude, nasty and deceitful while bending, skirting, or straight-up breaking the law and playing interminable office politics, and it may be the last place one would expect lessons in mercy, justice and grace, but as St. Augustine says, where sin abounds, grace abounds all […]
The Treasure in the Field
By guest writer Kimri Thetadig. ___ I didn’t know my heart needed to be broken into to be set free. It makes sense though: ensconced in comforting cold rock lies a humble sparkle of gold that the great Finder knows and sets out to uncover. I’ve yearned for You a long time. Since before time. […]
Why is the world celebrating the #RoyalBaby, but watching #AlfieEvans die?
By guest writer Sarah Coffey. All day today and for the past few days, I’ve been following the status of little Alfie Evans. He’s a little British boy–just about two years old–who is very sick. In doing what socialized healthcare systems are so good at doing, the NHS has determined that further treatment “isn’t in […]
Nothing Will Be Wasted
When I saw last Friday’s Gospel reading, I thought, I’m pretty sure I’ve already written a reflection about this story before. Turns out—yep. Twice. So I tried to think about what new aspect I could bring to light from this story of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. What stood out most to me from John’s […]
My Alabaster Jar
“When he was in Bethany reclining at table in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of perfumed oil, costly genuine spikenard. She broke the alabaster jar and poured it on his head. There were some who were indignant. ‘Why has there been this waste of perfumed oil? It […]
A Paschal Poem: Christ’s Guests
When Love was hid within the crib Wise men Heaven’s call did heed Beneath the Star they traveled far To seek the King of which was writ That He should come to rule the world. The Infant’s fingers lightly curled About His mother’s drooping veil As the old kings did gently kneel Amidst the straw, […]
Do We Interpret the Bible Literally?
By guest writer Nick Chui. During Religious Moral education (RME) lessons in school, the question was asked: “Do we take the Bible literally? If we don’t take the Bible literally, then does it mean that it’s not true?” I replied inviting the students to compare the following texts: “Looking into a patient’s eyes can provide […]
Bringing Good out of Evil
After going to Confession at the Cathedral, on several occasions my boyfriend and I have been blessed to be able to bring blessings to others there. For instance, we met a middle-aged man who had suffered two strokes and found it very difficult to walk, but he perseveres in going to Confession and Mass every […]
Human Brotherhood
In Matthew’s Gospel (5:20-26), Jesus urges us to seek true resolution and reconciliation in our anger, always maintaining a spirit of brotherhood toward others and not allowing that anger to fester. Sometimes we read this passage and think it means we’re supposed to be completely at peace all the time, never having an ounce of […]
Movie Review: Paul, Apostle of Christ
I was excited when I learned that the life of Saint Paul was going to be made into a movie. Among the saints, Saint Paul is one who has a movie-worthy life: his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, a daring escape plan that involved being lowered down the window in a basket, preaching […]
