Everyone wants to belong somewhere. We all like to feel included…

One important development in Catholic missionary practice after Vatican II was an emphasis on dialogue.

How often do we forget the people who have helped us get where we are, as if everything we have accomplished has been solely our own doing?

As Jesus and his disciples are on the way to Jerusalem, they stop for a breather. Suddenly they say, "Lord, increase our Faith." Why did they say this?

This Sunday Luke provides one of Jesus’ more powerful parables for our consideration: 

Bridges are among the most important structures that are built in probably every society. Long or short, low or tall, made from rock, concrete, steel, wood or maybe from vines and bamboo, bridges are built to enable people to connect to each other. While made for practical reasons, they are very often things of great beauty. From ancient times till the present, people have designed bridges that not only bring people together but also have a "wow" factor. We can marvel at the engineering expertise of the designers and builders of the bridges we use, while at the same time admire their beauty.

Let’s say that you are on a boat with all your belongings as you are transferring house. Then there is a big storm and slowly the boat is taking on some water.

There is a logic to grace that is just confounding to the logic of justice. We have all come of age in a time where the logic of justice prevails.

I imagine Jesus chuckling at us as he asks, “If one of you decides to build a tower, will he not first sit down and calculate the outlay to see if he has enough money to complete the project?”

The first reading of today's liturgy and Luke's Gospel account of conducting oneself properly at a wedding feast have a common theme: that of pride versus humility.

Last week, we had a severe earthquake here in Wellington. It struck at about 2:30 in the afternoon with a magnitude of 6.5. 

Martin Luther once wrote, "Can a rock that has been in the sunlight all day not fail to give off warmth and heat at night? Can a Christian who has lived in the sunlight of God's love not fail to give off warmth and love?

“I have come to set the earth on fire.” Friends, these are strong words. 

Life is such a delicate balance. We have always lived on the edge with one toe dangling somewhat half-heartedly into the future and the greater part of ourselves clinging as if magnetized to my present place. That in itself is ironic, for the spot to which we cling was only yesterday.

All three readings of today’s liturgy make reference to material possessions. We live in a world where the wise management of finances, property and possessions is necessary and even praiseworthy, and yet there is a fine line between earning enough and being rich.