Reflection for Easter Sunday 2021

Join Fr Russell Pollitt SJ as he reflects on the readings for Easter Sunday.

Read the texts in your Bible.
Acts 10:34, 37-43; Psalm 118:1-23; Colossians 3:1-4; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; John 20:1-9

Homily Text: https://www.jesuitinstitute.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Homily-Easter-Sunday-2021.pdf

If you regularly visit our website and listen to this reflection please consider supporting us in the work we do. Your donation ensures that we can continue to provide you with only the best. Please go to www.jesuitinstitute.org.za to donate Thank you!

Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay

Reflection for Easter Sunday 2021

Join Fr Russell Pollitt SJ as he reflects on the readings for Palm Sunday 2022

Read the texts in your Bible.
Acts 10:34A, 37-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-9

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Reflection Easter Sunday 2022

Join Fr Bruce Botha SJ as he reflects on the readings for Third Sunday of Easter.

Read the texts in your Bible.
Acts 5:27-32, 40B-41, Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 

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Reflection 3rd Sunday Easter 2022

Join Fr Russell Pollitt SJ as he reflects on the readings for Fifth Sunday of Easter.

Read the texts in your Bible.
Acts 14:21-27, Psalm 145:8-13, Revelation 21:1-5A, John 13:31-33A,34-35

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Reflection 5th Sunday Easter 2022

Join Fr Bruce Botha SJ as he reflects on the readings.

Read the texts in your Bible.
1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13; Psalms 23:1-6; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41

If you regularly visit our website and listen to this reflection please consider supporting us in the work we do. Your donation ensures that we can continue to provide you with only the best. Please go to www.jesuitinstitute.org.za to donate Thank you.

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Reflection 4th Sunday Lent 2023

Join Melissa van Biljon as she reflects on the readings.

Read the texts in your Bible.
Zechariah 9: 9-10; Psalm 145: 1-2, 8-11, 13-14; Romans 8: 9, 11-13; Matthew 11: 25-30

If you regularly visit our website and listen to this reflection please consider supporting us in the work we do. Your donation ensures that we can continue to provide you with only the best. Please go to www.jesuitinstitute.org.za to donate Thank you.

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Reflection 14th Sunday OT 2023

Join Fr Peter Knox SJ as he reflects on the readings.

Read the texts in your Bible.
Jeremiah 20:7-9; Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27

If you regularly visit our website and listen to this reflection please consider supporting us in the work we do. Your donation ensures that we can continue to provide you with only the best. Please go to www.jesuitinstitute.org.za to donate Thank you.

Photo: Church of the Holy Name of Mary

Reflection 22nd Sunday OT 2023

Join Fr Peter Knox SJ as he reflects on the readings.

Read the texts in your Bible.
Isaiah 55:6-9; Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18; Philippians 1:20-24,27; Matthew 20:1-16

If you regularly visit our website and listen to this reflection please consider supporting us in the work we do. Your donation ensures that we can continue to provide you with only the best. Please go to www.jesuitinstitute.org.za to donate Thank you.

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Reflection 25th Sunday OT 2023

Join Fr Bruce Botha SJ as he reflects on the readings.

Read the texts in your Bible.
Ezekiel 18:25-28; Psalm 25:4-9; Philippians 2:1-11; Matthew 21:28-32

If you regularly visit our website and listen to this reflection please consider supporting us in the work we do. Your donation ensures that we can continue to provide you with only the best. Please go to www.jesuitinstitute.org.za to donate Thank you.

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Reflection 26th Sunday OT 2023

Join Sean van Staden SJ as he reflects on the readings.

Read the texts in your Bible.
Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:9,12,13-16,19-20; Philippians 4:6-9; Matthew 21:33-43

If you regularly visit our website and listen to this reflection please consider supporting us in the work we do. Your donation ensures that we can continue to provide you with only the best. Please go to www.jesuitinstitute.org.za to donate Thank you.

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Reflection 27th Sunday OT 2023

Join Fr Bruce Botha SJ as he reflects on the readings.

Read the texts in your Bible.
Isaiah 25:6-10; Psalm 23:1-6; Philippians 4:12-14,19-20; Matthew 22:1-14

If you regularly visit our website and listen to this reflection please consider supporting us in the work we do. Your donation ensures that we can continue to provide you with only the best. Please go to www.jesuitinstitute.org.za to donate Thank you.

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Reflection 28th Sunday OT 2023

Join Fr Peter Knox SJ as he reflects on the readings.

Read the texts in your Bible.
Isaiah 45:1,4-6; Psalm 96:1,3-5,7-10; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5; Matthew 22:15-21

If you regularly visit our website and listen to this reflection please consider supporting us in the work we do. Your donation ensures that we can continue to provide you with only the best. Please go to www.jesuitinstitute.org.za to donate Thank you.

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Sunday Reflection 29th Sunday In Ordinary Time 2023 - Audio

Join Sean van Staden SJ as he reflects on the readings.

Read the texts in your Bible.
Exodus 22:20-26; Psalm 18:2-4,47,51; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Matthew 22:34-40

If you regularly visit our website and listen to this reflection please consider supporting us in the work we do. Your donation ensures that we can continue to provide you with only the best. Please go to www.jesuitinstitute.org.za to donate Thank you.

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Sunday Reflection 30th Sunday In Ordinary Time 2023 - Audio-

Join Fr Russell Pollitt SJ as he reflects on the readings.

Read the texts in your Bible.
Revelation 7:2-4,9-14; Psalm 24:1-6; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12

If you regularly visit our website and listen to this reflection please consider supporting us in the work we do. Your donation ensures that we can continue to provide you with only the best. Please go to www.jesuitinstitute.org.za to donate Thank you.

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Sunday Reflection The Solemnity Of All Saints 2023 - Audio-

Join Fr Bruce Botha SJ as he reflects on the readings.

Read the texts in your Bible
Wisdom 6:12-16; Psalm 63:2-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13

If you regularly visit our website and listen to this reflection please consider supporting us in the work we do. Your donation ensures that we can continue to provide you with only the best. Please go to www.jesuitinstitute.org.za to donate Thank you.

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Sunday Reflection 32nd Sunday In Ordinary Time 2023 - Year A

Join Fr Russell Pollitt SJ as he reflects on the readings.

Read the texts in your Bible
Proverbs 31:10-13,19-20,30-31 ; Psalm 128:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; Matthew 25:14-30

If you regularly visit our website and listen to this reflection please consider supporting us in the work we do. Your donation ensures that we can continue to provide you with only the best. Please go to www.jesuitinstitute.org.za to donate Thank you.

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Sunday Reflection 33rd Sunday In Ordinary Time 2023 - Year A

Join Fr Chris Chatteris SJ as he reflects on the readings.

Read the texts in your Bible
Ezekiel 34:11-12,15-17 ; Psalm 23:1-3,5-6; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26,28; Matthew 25:31-46

If you regularly visit our website and listen to this reflection please consider supporting us in the work we do. Your donation ensures that we can continue to provide you with only the best. Please go to www.jesuitinstitute.org.za to donate Thank you.

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Sunday Reflection Christ The King 2023

Fr Russell Pollitt, SJ, reflects on the incarnation using the bold prayer of the great Carmelite Saint, Teresa of Avila: "Lord, kiss me full on the mouth". Christmas is God "kissing us full on the mouth".

Reflection for Christmas

Fr Russell Pollitt, SJ, reflects on the 2nd Sunday of the Year. The reflection is based upon the scripture texts in the lectionary. You can find the texts in your bible. Read them and then join Fr Russell and listen to the reflection: Isaiah 49:3,5-6, Psalm 40, 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 & John 1:29-34

Reflection for the Second Sunday - Year A

Terry was attacked and raped at a popular Johannesburg park while walking her dogs in broad daylight. She immediately sought help. But all let her down, from the police to private doctors and health services —  even her priest, who ‘lost it with me’, she said.

Russell Pollitt SJ spoke with Terry about the ordeal and the courage she has shown by speaking out and fighting against all too prevalent gender-based violence. 

She tells also of the stigma, judgment and re-victimisation that she has endured from those whom she would have expected would show the most care and compassion — her parish priest and some of her closest friends.

Terry Oakley-Smith on surviving rape, speaking out and dealing with stigma in society and church

Angie suffered the trauma of an abortion at the age of 23. Today, she runs Rachel’s Vineyard in South Africa, a retreat for women and men who have suffered the same trauma.

Ricardo da Silva SJ met with Angie at her home in Cape Town to speak about the trauma of abortion, healing, divorce and being Catholic.

Angie Farrenkothen on abortion, healing and being Catholic

John Clarke is a social worker, social justice activist and Catholic. Over the past 17 years, John has been passionate about protecting and sustaining the people and the ecology of South Africa’s Wild Coast. 

Having worked for a variety of eclectic organisations – from the IEC to WHO – he now supports the Amadiba community near Xolobeni. The story so far has been plagued with troubles and setbacks. An Australian company is trying to mine the titanium-rich mineral sands. Bribery, corruption, and even violence, has beset the often-divided community. John talks about his personal journey of growth, and how his work is continually informed by Catholic social teaching.

John Clarke on saving S.A.’s Wild Coast, and Catholic Social Teaching

“Seeing the state of some of the people in our country and what the Top Billing lifestyle means to them — the inauthenticity of it — and I did play a huge role in it. And I feel badly. I know a lot of people will go, ‘Oh please, it’s not that deep.’ But, they haven’t walked my shoes and seen the results of it.”

Ursula Chikane is a celebrated South African broadcaster and a former enchanting presenter of Top Billing and MTN Gladiators.

Ricardo da Silva SJ talks to Ursula about life beyond Top Billing glitz and glam, the lessons of her globetrotting adventures and her faith as a committed Catholic.

Ursula Chikane on life beyond Top Billing glitz and glam and her Catholic faith

Nicole Dickson is co-creator and leader of the Institute for Creative Conversation (I4CC), an NPO, which explores ways to weave narrative practices and pastoral theology into a meaningful ‘Narrative of Care’. 

The Institute attempts to help people grapple with the stories that have shaped their lives and therefore their sense of well-being and identity. Narrative practices help people to clarify for themselves the problems and situations that prevent them from having the kinds of lives and relationships that they might wish for. 

Nicky worked at Northfield Methodist Church for 15 years, and has over 20 year’s experience in counselling, workshops and training. 

She has a Masters in Pastoral Theology and has presented papers at several conferences. She is currently undertaking a PhD in Pastoral Therapy. 

Nicole spoke to Russell Pollitt SJ about her work, the Institute and the research she is undertaking for her doctoral thesis.

Nicole Dickson on the Institute for Creative Conversation, narrative therapy and her PhD research

“I want my boys to understand that a real man needs to be first and foremost respectful of every single other human being out there, irrelevant of their point of view, their gender, their sexual orientation. That is something they have to give instantaneously. It’s respect.”

Vaughn Lucas is the father of two boys, a South African voice-over artist and an actor — best known for his roles in 7de Laan and Getroud met Rugby.

Ricardo da Silva SJ talks to Vaughn about his life as father, actor and Christian.

Vaughn Lucas talks about his life as a father, actor and Christian

Collection of Religious Examens from the Jesuit Institute South Africa

Examen Disc 1

Shorter Standard Daily Examen by Frances Correia

Collection of Non-Religious Examens from the Jesuit Institute South Africa

Examen Disc 2

Longer Standard Daily Examen by Frances Correia

Judy Klipin is a Martha Beck certified Master Life Coach, she offers individual, group and corporate coaching and workshops. She is the author of Recover from Burnout. Burnout wreaks havoc in multiple areas of our lives, as she herself discovered from personal experience.

Russell Pollitt SJ talks to Judy about life coaching, burnout and her new book.

Judy Klipin on life coaching, burnout and her new book

“Our conversation today has been pushing in the direction of seeing this as a horrific symptom of a much deeper illness. The way in which we talk about sex in the Church, the way we talk about power in the Church and maybe even more than the ways we talk about these things… the way that we live them out.”

J. Patrick Hornbeck II is Professor and Chair of Theology at Fordham Jesuit University in New York. He has a PhD from Oxford looking at heresy in the late medieval English Church. He teaches courses such as ‘Introduction to Theology’, ‘The Protestant Reformation’, ‘Religion and Law’ and also ‘Religion and Sexuality’.

Russell Pollitt SJ talks to Professor Patrick Hornbeck about the sexual abuse crisis, power and sexuality in the Church.

Professor J. Patrick Hornbeck II on the sexual abuse crisis, power and sexuality in the Church

“All of our children come from the Department of Social Development and they’ve either been abandoned, removed or orphaned. They’ve all experienced trauma and loss. We’ve had babies that were 4 days old, 5 days old, wrapped in tinfoil, found in a field…”

Nina Neubauer is a German-American volunteer and missionary. In the past eight years, she has served full-time at a children's home in Johannesburg. She has been a foster mother, and is currently an "Aunty" to more than 40 children. 

Russell Pollitt SJ talks to Nina about working with children, single parenting and leaps of faith.

Nina Neubauer on working with children, single parenting and leaps of faith

“We need to work together! Politicians need to put their positions aside and come together as a united front! Julius Malema, Cyril Ramaphosa, Musi Maimane… let’s hold hands, walk in the streets of Johannesburg and bring the citizens together.”

Jean Bwasa is a husband and a father of four children. Originally from the DRC, he is a pan-Africanist, a motivational speaker and a humanist. Defending human rights is his passion. Jean has a degree in education and over 35 years’ experience teaching at several high schools and universities.

Russell Pollitt SJ talks to Jean about migration, human rights and xenophobia.

Jean Bwasa on migration, human rights and xenophobia

Fr Laurence Freeman OSB is a Benedictine monk and a teacher of Christian meditation. He’s the author of several books on the topic and has been involved in the World Community for Christian Meditation since 1980.

Laurence Freeman OSB on Christian meditation and the revolution of contemplative living

“We’ve got this great Constitution, it certainly prohibits any form of violence. But when we step inside of our homes, many of us leave that constitution behind and we subscribe to a set of values determined by a religion. Most religions are made in this patriarchal mould. So you have got women across religions and cultures having to grapple with this in their homes…”

Joanne Joseph presents Talk Radio 702’s Afternoon Drive. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Drama, Film and English, and an Honours and Master’s Degree in Modern Languages and Literatures. Joanne has worked for many years in the media industry and has always chosen to face issues of social justice. This was instilled by her Catholic education. 

Russell Pollitt SJ talks to Joanne about gender-based violence, the systemic issues and the struggle for justice.

Joanne Joseph on gender-based violence, the systemic issues and the struggle for justice

At the heart of today’s readings is, I think, the distinction between a gift and a reward. God is always gifting us, blessing us, and bestowing grace upon us. It is not something we can ever earn or take for granted, rather we can only say how unworthy we are of it and thank God for his abundant generosity. We read in the first reading that it is the prayer of the humble that pierces the clouds, and in the psalm we heard how the poor man cried and the Lord heard him. The Gospel passage speaks about two ways of praying, a false way—that of the Pharisee—and an authentic way—that of the tax collector. 

Join Fr Matthew Charlesworth SJ as he looks at how we can pray when we acknowledge the many gifts God has given us.

Read the texts in your Bible.
Ecclesiasticus 35:12-14,16-19; Psalm 34; 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18; Luke 18:9-14

Image: Pixabay

Reflection for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time — Year C

“Above everything else, I’m a Catholic as Günther Simmermacher but I am also a professional journalist. As a journalist, it is not my job to do PR for the bishops or the Vatican. I have to reflect truthfully and fairly what is happening.”

Next year, South Africa’s Catholic weekly The Southern Cross celebrates 100 years of publication. Günther Simmermacher has been with the paper for 25 years and almost 20 years as editor.

Russell Pollitt SJ talks to Günther about Catholic media in general as well as the specific challenges around editing a Catholic newspaper.

Günther Simmermacher on Catholic media, being an editor and 100 years of The Southern Cross

“People are very critical of Pope Francis… I keep on reminding myself, don’t forget how conscious you were of the presence of the Holy Spirit during that conclave. Therefore, the man you’ve got now has to be the choice of the Holy Spirit.”

Cardinal Wilfrid Napier is the Archbishop of Durban, South Africa. He recently published a book entitled “The Here and Now Christian”. 

Russell Pollitt SJ talks to Cardinal Napier about his book, his life, his studies and formation during the Second Vatican Council, being a bishop for over 30 years and the challenges we face in South Africa today.

Cardinal Wilfrid Napier on his book, his life and being a bishop

“If you go on pilgrimage and you experience what you experience specifically… and I always talk about the Holy Land. You give people the hope that your faith is still that strong and that it still exists. When they read that Gospel in church, you go back and you see it and you experience the Gospel. The Gospel comes alive.”

Russell Pollitt SJ, talks to Gail Fowler who is the owner and operator of Fowler Tours as well as Günther Simmermacher, editor of Southern Cross, South Africa’s Catholic weekly about pilgrimages.

Please note that the next podcast will be released in January 2020. Thank you for your support.

Gail Fowler & Günther Simmermacher on leading pilgrimages, love of the Holy Land and deepening faith

Join Fr Russell Pollitt SJ as he reflects on the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter — Year A

Read the texts in your Bible.
Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 33; 1 Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12

Image: Pixabay

Reflection for the 5th Sunday of Easter — Year A

Winter Living Theology 2018
Racial Justice and the Demands of Discipleship
presented by Rev Fr Bryan Massingale.

Lecture 1 of 6
Introduction and Overview: What is "Racism?"
Why Is It So Difficult to Talk about?

Winter Living Theology 2018

WLT 2018 - 1 of 6 - What is "Racism?" Why Is It So Difficult to Talk about?

Wednesday - Zulu - Lapho kukhona khona umhawu nokubanga, kukhona isiyaluyalu nayo yonke into embi

The Jesuit Institute is dedicated to encouraging debate on current social issues from a faith perspective and to stimulating critical reflection, research and dialogue. We provide reflection on, and critical analysis of, contemporary social and religious issues from a Catholic perspective.

Expanding Horizons is a bi-weekly podcast from the Jesuit Institute. A new episode will be released on the first and third Thursday of the month. It aims to bring you candid conversations between passionate people on important issues.

Jesuit Institute SA

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