Virgin of Vladimir (+ image by the hand of Stephen Allison 2008)

Monday 29 February 2016

March Prayer Intention (2016)

March Prayer Intention

That those Christians who, on account of their faith, are discriminated against or are being persecuted, may remain strong and faithful to the Gospel, thanks to the incessant prayer of the Church. Amen.

Sunday 28 February 2016

Jesus is the wisdom of God

Notes of meeting on 23 February 2016

We adore you O Christ and we praise you because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

I Corinthians 2 v 6 - 10
6 But still, to those who have reached maturity, we do talk of a wisdom, not, it is true, a philosophy of this age or of the rulers of this age, who will not last long now.
7 It is of the mysterious wisdom of God that we talk, the wisdom that was hidden, which God predestined to be for our glory before the ages began.
8 None of the rulers of the age recognised it; for if they had recognised it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;
9 but it is as scripture says: What no eye has seen and no ear has heard, what the mind of man cannot visualise; all that God has prepared for those who love him;
10 to us, though, God has given revelation through the Spirit, for the Spirit explores the depths of everything, even the depths of God.


Jesus you are the face of the Father’s mercy.  As we reflect on each step you took to the cross, console, inspire and give us courage to carry our crosses and reach out in mercy to others carrying their crosses.  Let us never be trapped in the tomb of self-absorption, for only by being engaged in the world can we transcend voids of mercy with reconciliation, understanding, forgiveness and healing. Amen

Sunday 21 February 2016

love conquers all

Notes of meeting on 16 February 2016

Picture of Jesus crowned with thorns looking down. People  were jeering and shouting 'Crucify him'.
He looked upon them and their hate filled countenances with sorrow and love from His eyes and His broken heart.
He looked down again in complete submission, He did not speak in words but from His heart were heard the words "Forgive them Father I make total reparation for them. Those of you who truly love Me, immolate yourselves in My sorrow, My broken heart and My love for mankind. Stay with Me to make reparation, reparation of love for hate, reparation of warmth for coldness, reparation of wholeness for brokenness. My beloved people love conquers all."


We adore you O Christ and we praise you because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.


Mark 9 v 1-10
1 And he said to them, 'In truth I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.'
2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain on their own by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured:
3 his clothes became brilliantly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them.
4 Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking to Jesus.
5 Then Peter spoke to Jesus, 'Rabbi,' he said, 'it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.'
6 He did not know what to say; they were so frightened.
7 And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and from the cloud there came a voice, 'This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.'
8 Then suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them any more but only Jesus.
9 As they were coming down from the mountain he warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of man had risen from the dead.
10 They observed the warning faithfully, though among themselves they discussed what 'rising from the dead' could mean.

Sunday 14 February 2016

My children be as lights to those in darkness

Notes of meeting on 2 February 2016

Picture of many people on an upward bound journey. These people were from all walks of life, young and old. The road was strewn with great boulders and the old, young and infirm had to be helped by the others. It looked like a mass exodus from earth to heaven. When people got exhausted or hungry they would stop and pray and praise.
As the people continued the journey they found a lake brimming with fish to eat for sustenance and further on a large oasis with clean drinking water and fig trees with fruit. All was provided  even shelter in the form of thickets and trees.
Upward went the people of God calling on the name of Jesus and singing to the Holy Spirit and praising God the Father.
Our Mother could be seen walking with us encouraging us , urging us to be one with her Son. Many people from all directions were drawn to join us. It was night now and the stars shone like jewels but the earth below looked dark and fearsome. Behind us was a multitude lit up like a long river of light.
Mary says;
"My children be as lights to those in darkness and draw all men to my Son.
You have been gifted and blessed for these days ahead to come. Do not be afraid for I myself will accompany you.
Your Mother, Mary"


Matthew 5 v 13-15
13 'You are salt for the earth. But if salt loses its taste, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled under people's feet.
14 'You are light for the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden.
15 No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house.


Ecclesiasticus / Sirach 4 v 1-11

1 My child, do not refuse the poor a livelihood, do not tantalise the needy.
2 Do not add to the sufferings of the hungry, do not bait anyone in distress.
3 Do not aggravate a heart already angry, nor keep the destitute waiting for your alms.
4 Do not repulse a hard-pressed beggar, nor turn your face from the poor.
5 Do not avert your eyes from the needy, give no one occasion to curse you;
6 for if someone curses you in distress, his Maker will give ear to the imprecation.
7 Gain the love of the community, in the presence of the great bow your head.
8 To the poor lend an ear, and courteously return the greeting.
9 Save the oppressed from the hand of the oppressor, and do not be mean-spirited in your judgements.
10 Be like a father to the fatherless and as good as a husband to their mothers. And you will be like a child to the Most High, who will love you more than your own mother does.
11 Wisdom brings up her own children and cares for those who seek her.