It will be the second anniversary of my grandmother’s death in a couple of weeks’ time. I remember vividly that shortly before her Requiem Mass was due to commence, I was instructed to preach at it. I hate being put under pressure to have to craft a homily at the very last-minute, because it indicates either laziness on the part…

A lot has already been said and written about the past year as a year of highly surprising events; two of the most prominent were the Brexit Referendum and the US Presidential elections. Professional pollsters, commentators, clairvoyants and the like had made their predictions, only to be proven wrong when the actual events occurred. Last Friday’s official transition of power…

‘The greatest story ever told’ kicks off in today’s gospel with a rather controversial opening scene. You might not have picked up on any controversy there, as you’ve heard that episode so many times. Or perhaps you missed it because it’s a tiny part of the much greater story, a part of seemingly minor importance. So, where’s the controversy in…

Locked in jail and locked out of action. A man whose whole life was devoted to one particular cause. His mission was to announce the arrival of the Messiah, the almighty messenger from God, who was to come to purify the Chosen People of Israel and to defeat their enemies. John the Baptist had been carrying out that mission with…

I must make a confession: I don’t like Advent. Or – to be more precise – its liturgical aspect. Let me explain why briefly. Across the country, Christmas lights are being switched on in villages, towns and cities. Shops, with very few exceptions, are kitted out in their Christmas décor and have a tempting assortment of goodies and promotions on…