John

1st Sunday of Lent. Each year on the 1st Sunday of Lent we hear the account of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. This year it is Mark who gives his own terse narrative. He tells us that it is the Spirit who drives Jesus into the desert. Although he is with the wild beasts, angels look after him. Once John the Baptist has been arrested Jesus begins his proclamation of the Good … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 21.02.21

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time. In today’s Gospel reading we hear the story of a man whose leprosy cut him off from contact with his community. Jesus has compassion on him and by healing him restores him to his family and friends. But because Jesus touched the sick man he himself was cut off from the community and ‘had to stay outside in places where nobody lived’. Next … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 14.02.21

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time. In today’s Gospel reading Mark describes the growing pressure on Jesus to meet with the crowds of people who flock to him, many seeking healing. In spite of this Jesus makes the time and space for serious prayer. If a friend or relative is a patient in the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital they can still ask for a Catholic priest to visit them. … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 07.02.21

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time.Racial Justice Day. Today’s Gospel reading tells us two important things about Jesus’ ministry: he taught with authority and he had power over evil. His teaching is prophetic in the tradition of the prophets of the Old Testament; ‘I will put my words into his mouth’ (1st reading). The evil spirit recognised him for who he was; ‘I know who you are, … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 31.01 – 06.02.21

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.The Word of God Sunday. Today’s readings speak particularly to anyone who has been reluctant to hear or to respond to God’s voice in their lives. Jonah did not want to hear God’s call and set out in the opposite direction to Nineveh. It took time for him to accept God’s call to preach a message of repentance to the people of the city. In the … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 24.01.21