In our busy world, true rest seems elusive. Join Fr. Michael as he explores Jesus' invitation to "come away and rest a while." Discover how rest for the body leads to rest for the soul through contemplation of God's face, and how cultivating a spirit of awe and wonder opens us to God's transformative presence in our lives.

Finding Rest in God's Presence:  A Path to True Contemplation - Homily - 16th Sunday of OT (Year B)

Join Fr. Michael for a reflection on the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Discover how our seemingly small contributions, like the boy's offering, can be transformed through God's abundant providence. Explore the deeper meaning behind this miracle and how it connects to the Old and New Law in our lives.

More Than Enough: Divine Providence and Our Collaboration - Homily - 17th Sunday of OT (Year B)

Join Fr. Michael for a reflection on the 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time, delving into the Second Reading's call for conformity to Christ. Discover how this transformation leads us to a deeper understanding of the Eucharist, where Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life." Explore how receiving the Eucharist nourishes our souls and empowers us to live a truly Christ-centered life.

Becoming the Bread: Conformity to Christ and the Eucharist - Homily - 18th Sunday of OT (Year B)

In this insightful homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Israelites' complaints in the wilderness, revealing how a complaining mind closes us off from God's blessings. Discover the transformative power of gratitude and how it opens our hearts to receive God's abundance in our lives.

From Complaining to Gratitude: Opening Our Hearts to God- Homily - 19th Sunday of OT (Year B)

In this powerful homily, Fr. Michael explores the profound meaning behind Jesus' words, "This is my body, given for you." Drawing inspiration from Mary's example, he illuminates the connection between our self-giving and receiving Christ's Body in the Eucharist, urging us to become one body with Him through a life of sacrifice and love.

More than a Meal: Christ's Body Given for Us - Homily - 20th Sunday of OT (Year B)

In this homily for the 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time, Fr. Michael reflects on the powerful and challenging message in the Gospel, where many disciples leave Jesus after hearing His hard teachings. He delves into the scandal of the Gospel, the importance of mutual submission, and the radical trust required in faith. Fr. Michael challenges us to respond to Jesus’ question: “Will you also leave?” and invites us to embrace the complete trust necessary to enter into eternal life.

“Will You Also Leave?” - Homily - 21st Sunday of OT, Year B

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on Jesus’ critique of empty worship, highlighting the danger of honouring God only with our lips while our hearts remain distant. He explores how authentic worship requires submitting our entire lives—including our politics, actions, and intentions—to God’s law. Fr. Michael challenges us to govern our hearts with humility, surrendering our sins and evil intentions to God to offer true and meaningful worship. This message invites us to examine our own lives and commit to worship that flows from a heart fully aligned with God’s will.

“True Worship: More Than Lip-Service” - Homily - 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B

In this homily, Fr. Michael explores the recurring theme in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus often tells people not to reveal His miracles or identity too soon. He reflects on how Jesus gradually unveils His divinity throughout His ministry, culminating in the Transfiguration and ultimately the Crucifixion. Fr. Michael draws a parallel to how God reveals Himself to each of us over time, step by step, understanding that too much too soon could overwhelm us or lead us to reject Him. This homily invites us to trust in God’s timing and to be open to His gentle guidance in our lives.

“Slowly Revealed: Understanding God’s Unveiling” - Homily - 23rd Sunday of OT, Year B

In this homily, Fr. Michael examines Peter’s journey in the Gospel of Mark, highlighting three key stages: his bold act of faith in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, his misguided attempt to control the narrative by rejecting the idea of Jesus going to the Cross, and finally, Jesus’ teaching that true discipleship involves picking up one’s cross and laying down one’s life. Fr. Michael connects Peter’s journey to our own lives, illustrating how we often face the same challenge: moving from trying to control our circumstances to trusting in God’s plan, especially in areas like parenting, where faith must lead over control.

"Faith, Control, and the Cross: Peter’s Journey” - Homily - 24th Sunday of OT, Year B

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Gospel where Jesus teaches His disciples about true greatness. As they argue about who will be the greatest, Jesus brings a child into their midst and challenges them to be childlike in their faith. Fr. Michael explains that being childlike is not about immaturity, but about trust, humility, and openness to God’s will. By letting go of our need to control everything and trusting in God’s plan, we find true peace and freedom. This homily invites us to embrace childlike faith, relying on God’s love and guidance, even when the path leads through the Cross.

“Becoming Like Little Children: Trust and Humility” - Homily - 25th Sunday of OT, Year B

Reflections and homilies rooted in the Gospel of John and the wisdom of the Church, helping you walk the journey of faith. Join Fr. Michael, a priest of the Community of St. John in New Zealand, as he unpacks the Word of God, explores the depths of grace, and leads you to encounter Christ, the Word made flesh.

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