This Week Archives - Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy

When the Word Became Flesh

HE WAS the true light which enlightens everyone coming into the world .... And the Word was made flesh and lived among us’ John 1.5,14. Life presents us with so many challenges it’s not surprising if at times we find ourselves dissatisfied - with our looks perhaps, our work, or some failure to live up to our ideal. But, though we might be dissatisfied, God seems to love us as we are and chooses us as the way of fulfilling God’s loving purpose. When we look at the earth, what do [...]

Websec2014-01-03T17:20:48+00:00January 3rd, 2014|Categories: GodTalk|

Feast of the Epiphany – Year A (January 5th)

Feast of the Epiphany – Year A (January 5th) Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:2a, 7-8, 10-13 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12 Next Sunday we in this country celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, which continues the celebration of Christmas, with the reflection that the Jesus at whose coming we rejoice means good news, not just to those who already believe (Jews and Christians) but to those who hardly understand what we are saying or know what we are doing. Look at the first reading for the solemnity. It encourages us to [...]

Websec2013-11-05T10:37:42+00:00January 3rd, 2014|Categories: Gospel Reflections|

Feast of the Holy Family – Year A (December 26th)

Feast of the Holy Family – Year A (December 26th) Readings: Ecclesiasticus 3:2-6, 12-14 Psalm 128:1-5 Colossians 3:12-21 Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 Next Sunday, as always on the first Sunday after Christmas, is the feast of the Holy Family; it is perhaps the Church’s attempt to mend any breaches in our families that may have occurred during the celebration. It is an interesting take on the family that the readings for next Sunday provide. The first reading is from ben Sira’, and emphasises the privileged place that God gives to parents, “He [...]

Websec2013-11-05T10:37:04+00:00December 24th, 2013|Categories: Gospel Reflections|

Children, Silence and God

THE VARIETY of personality and experience makes awareness of God's presence unique to each of us. But we are all so slow to understand the magnificence of the invitation to be wholly open to God. God is already present within us, and as in any relationship, it is up to us to recognise and give it space for further understanding to blossom. Providing children with quiet times for stillness can help them develop their own ideas and deepen their relationship with God. God is already dwelling within, and it is this [...]

Websec2013-12-16T11:45:37+00:00December 20th, 2013|Categories: GodTalk|

4th Sunday – Year A (December 22nd)

4th Sunday – Year A (December 22nd) Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14 Psalm 24:1-6 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-24 Next Sunday is the final Sunday before Christmas; sometimes that is a signal for hysterical bouts of shopping and packing and menu-planning, but life might be easier if instead we were to pay attention to the readings for the day, which offer us a useful reminder of what the Coming of Christ is really about. Our first reading is recycled in Sunday’s gospel to help us understand what that Coming means; but it also has [...]

Websec2013-11-05T10:36:20+00:00December 20th, 2013|Categories: Gospel Reflections|

The Basis of Faith

IN YOUR hearts reverence Christ as Lord, and always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you have.’ 1 Peter 3.15. But in speaking about our faith, hope and love, where should we begin? It’s no good starting with churchy stuff or thinking that a quotation from the bible will clinch any argument, if people do not know what we are talking about when we talk about God. This world is the gift of a Creator whose Word is made flesh in Christ [...]

Websec2013-12-16T11:40:51+00:00December 16th, 2013|Categories: GodTalk|

3rd Sunday of Advent – Year A (December 15th)

3rd Sunday of Advent – Year A (December 15th) Readings: Isaiah 35: 1-6, 10 Psalm 146:6-10 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11 Without vision, the people perish. Next Sunday we shall be a little over halfway through the time of Advent (or “Coming”), and the readings invite us to go deeper into the vision that animates us at this time of the year. The first reading is directed in the first place towards the Israelites in exile in Babylon, inviting them to think that God might be recalling them home to Jerusalem (so [...]

Websec2013-11-05T10:35:31+00:00December 13th, 2013|Categories: Gospel Reflections|

2nd Sunday of Advent – Year A (December 8th)

2nd Sunday of Advent – Year A (December 8th) Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 Romans 15:4-9 Matthew 3:1-12 During this time of Advent or “Coming”, our task is to look out for the arrival of the One who is expected; and that also means that we are going to have to respond in an appropriate way. The first reading for next Sunday looks for a “Coming One”, who will “come forth, a shoot from the stump of Jesse”. The context into which Isaiah is prophesying is that of [...]

Websec2013-11-05T10:34:44+00:00December 6th, 2013|Categories: Gospel Reflections|

Change of Papal Style

THE BEGINNING of Francis’ papacy has changed perceptions of the Catholic Church. When Benedict XVI stood down the media image of the Church was poor. Catholicism was generally regarded as narrow-minded, corrupt and sclerotic. This was unfair to the millions of ordinary Catholics, laity and clergy, who were none of these things, nor was it fair to Benedict, and it concealed a growing desire for renewal. However, that negative image has been overtaken by the appointment of Francis. What the ordinary people, whether Catholic or not, notice in Francis is his [...]

Websec2013-12-05T11:58:46+00:00December 5th, 2013|Categories: GodTalk|

Resentment Overcome

BECAUSE WE TEND to want what others have, resentment is liable to be present in any human community and family. This creates tension, jealousy and conflict. Anthropologists tell us that we try to rid ourselves of tension by scapegoating. For example, imagine going out for lunch with a number of your colleagues. There will usually be some personality conflicts and tensions among us. But we can have an amicable lunch together simply by talking about certain people who aren't there, whom we all dislike, whom we all consider eccentric or difficult.. [...]

Websec2013-12-02T11:49:14+00:00December 2nd, 2013|Categories: GodTalk|