Today we celebrate the Baptism of Christ. Christ, the sinless one, joined the queue of sinners, and was baptised by his cousin John in the waters of the Jordan. He did this so as to free us from the power of sin. Let us pause to call to mind our sins. [Pause]
INTRODUCTION AND CONFITEOR
Today we hear once again the story of the wise men who embarked on a long and hazardous journey in search of the Christ-child. What made them wise? It was the fact that, whereas his own people didn’t want to know him, they recognised this Child as the Saviour of the world.
What led us here this morning? What does Christ mean to us? [Pause]
Today, the feast of the Holy Family, shows how Jesus needed a family in order to grow to maturity. The Christian community is our wider family.
CHRISTMAS HOMILY YEAR A
Christ: the meaning and light of our lives
INTRODUCTION AND CONFITEOR
‘Behold, I bring you news of great joy for all the people. To-day a saviour has been born’ to you; he is Christ the Lord.’ This was the message the angels brought to the shepherds.
We are getting very close to Christmas, and the pace of things is hotting up. There are so many things calling for our time and attention. The result could be that the spiritual side of Christmas hardly gets a look in.
Let us pause to make room in our minds and hearts so that Christ may come to us during this Mass. [Pause].
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR A
Preparing the way
INTRODUCTION AND CONFITEOR
In today’s Gospel we see Jesus at work: giving sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, healing to lepers, and so on. It is a marvelous display of compassion for suffering humanity.
In this Eucharist we encounter the same compassionate Christ. Let us not be afraid to show him the various handicaps and wounds that we suffer from. [Pause].
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR A
Preparing a way for the Lord.
INTRODUCTION AND CONFITEOR
Today in the liturgy we hear again the lonely voice of John the Baptist exhorting us to prepare a way for the Lord. At the start of
this celebration let us create a little space so that the Lord can come to us. [Pause].
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR A
Waking from sleep
INTRODUCTION AND CONFITEOR
Today we begin the Church’s liturgical year. This gives us a chance to make a fresh start. Advent is not a time for sleep. Today’s readings urge us to wake up. Let us begin by asking the Lord’s forgiveness and help. [Pause].