Fr Luke's Homilies

Advent is a time when we prepare for the coming of Christ at the end of time and we remember Christ's first coming as we approach Christmas. We do this by reflecting on the third coming of Christ - that is, the daily coming of Christ. Christ comes to us each day - are we awake and alert to his presence?

In this homily for Christ the King (YrB) we reflect on how God's kingdom is very different to our earthly understanding of power. We remind ourselves that as Kings and Queens in God's kingdom we have a role to play in bringing the Kingdom about on Earth.

Remembrance is fundamental to our humanity. Memory and remembrance is also a Christian act, for ot lies at the heart of our Catholic Christian faith.

Generosity is the hallmark of the Christian disciple. We are called to be generous not simply because it's a good thing, but because we have encountered the the generosity of God first.

Today we celebrate the great feast of All Saints, where we celebrate all who have gone before us and are with God in heaven. As we do so, we are inspired by the example of the Saints and are encouraged to live saintly lives ourselves.

Authentic discipleship begins when we can "see" Jesus and follow him. In todays gospel it's a blind beggar who is the model for us, rather than the 12!

The gospel is counter-cultural. It turns the values prevalent in our world and society upside down. We know this, most of us have heard this before. Just like the disciples, however, we must be reminded time and time again and reflect on what it truly looks like to live in God's Kingdom.

Following Jesus means letting go: letting go of the things that bind us, possessions, wealth, status, false image...what do we need to let go of in order to follow Christ more perfectly?

In today's Gospel Jesus delivers a difficult teaching about marriage? Why does he say what he says? And who does this teaching really protect? As Christians we are invited and challenged to hear his teaching even if circumstances in our own lives may make this painful to hear.

Jesus talks in today's Gospel about the cost of discipleship: the cross. He doesn't sugar-coat what being a disciple will mean: He will suffer and so must his disciples. But though this suffering he does promise victory he promises that he will be with us, and he promises that, in the end, all will be well in him!

We all stand in need of healing. Sometimes that healing is obvious,like on today's Gospel, but often our wounds are spiritual and psychological. Are we willing to be healed? Are we willing to be helped by others? Are we open to Christ's presence ministering to us through our neighbours?

A Christian is someone who has chosen to follow Christ, and renews that decision throughout the twists and turns of life. All of us are given opportunities each day to make a decision for Christ or against him...whom do we serve?

On this Assumption day, with gove thanks to God for the great wonders he worked in Mary's life. Inspired by her example, and helped by her prayers we look forward to the time when we too will enjoy the glory of heaven.

The Mass is a sacrifice and a meal, in fact it's Jesus's sacrifice and meal. At every Mass we are challenged to see Jesus and meet Jesus through the humble signs of bread and wine. Sadly many people no longer believe in the real presence, this is a tragedy, but its nothing new. People struggled to believe in Jesus's words 2000 years ago, and they still struggle today.

Jesus is our true nourishment. Do we follow Jesus for who he is? Or are we just interested in what he can do for us?

Our God is a generous God. The starting point in our spiritual lives is the recognition of this fact and the living out of an attitude of gratitude.

"The Lord is my Shepherd" is one of the most popular lines from any of the Psalms. But do we stop to reflect on what it truly means to have the Lord as our Shepherd?

Today on this 10th anniversary of the death of Bishop Michael Evans of East Anglia. We reflect on the ministry and example of our local succesor to the Apostles.

St Paul prayed for God to take away some terrible torment or "thorn in the flesh. God answered his prayer not by removing the thorn but by reminding Paul to rely completely on God and not on his own strength. God's grace would be enough for St Paul and God's grace is enough for us. What is more, our weaknesses are opportunities for God to manifest his power and glory. If only we let him!

Fear is a reality of life. But as Christians we are invited to hear the voice of Christ telling us to not be afraid and to meet fear head-on, with faith.

Storms occur in our life, there is no changing that. What we can change is our response. Fo we recognise the presence of Christ in our storms? Or Do we lack faith?

Many people want to change the world but do not know where to start. As Christians we are called to build God's kingdom on earth - to change the world for the better, and we do this by being changed ourselves. The gospel, the Kingdom starts with us!

The Eucharist is the source and summit of our life and faith. Today, as we celebrate the great solemnity of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, we reflect on the divine food that sustains us in our Christian journey.

The Holy Trinity is the foundational mystery of the Christian faith. We will never be able to fully grasp the intricacies of this vast mystery but we can and must live it!

On this the Birthday of the Church we reflect on how as Spirit-filled followers of Jesus we are speak the language of the Spirit with our lives.