John

Dear Friends, In today’s Gospel reading the people are looking for more free meals! If God provided food for their ancestors in the desert why can’t Jesus do the same for them? Jesus tells them that the manna was only a temporary measure. God is now offering something far more substantial: it will be food for the world that will last for ever. And that food, Jesus tells … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 01.08.2021

Dear Friends, The Gospel readings for the next four Sundays speak of Jesus as the Bread of Life. Today we hear the account of the multiplication of the loaves - an echo of Elisha’s promise in the first reading that his fellow prophets will not go hungry. John, writing for the early Christian community, uses eucharistic language. Jesus accepts the offerings of the young boy. … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 25.07.21

Dear Friends, The disciples come back to their Master from their missionary travels: he alone can give meaning to their lives, substance to their words and an added dimension to their labours. Surely a time for rest and recollection. But by taking pity on the crowds Jesus shows two things: his own tenderness for the people and the total commitment that he asks of his … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 18.07.21

Dear Friends, A key word in today’s readings is ’chosen’: ‘you did not choose me, no I chose you’ (John 15:16). Amos is chosen to prophecy to the people even though he has no experience - he is a simple shepherd. Yet he knows that his call is genuine and he must respond to it.  In the second reading when Paul speaks of ’us’ he is referring to the Jews who were chosen … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 11.07.21

Today’s readings have a common theme: to be a follower of Christ is not always easy. There is no promise of success, no guarantee that the message of the gospel will be welcomed. What is needed is simply fidelity to the Lord’s call. Ezekiel is told to speak God’s word to the Israelites ‘whether they listen or not’. Paul knows that he has been entrusted with a great mission … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 04.07.21