Discover the heart of Gaudete Sunday, a celebration of joy rooted in the life-giving presence of God. Drawing from the rich imagery of Zephaniah, Isaiah, and St Paul, this reflection unpacks how Advent joy is not merely a fleeting emotion but a profound gift that points to the Lord.
St Bernard of Clairvaux spoke of Christ’s three comings: to humanity, into our hearts, and against sin. Today’s Gospel highlights these through John the Baptist’s proclamation, set against the backdrop of earthly rulers. This reflection contrasts their fleeting power with Christ’s eternal kingship, guiding us on the Advent journey towards His final return.
Advent is a season of preparation and hope, rooted in the Church's early traditions as a time of fasting, prayer, and spiritual readiness for Christ’s coming. Through the liturgy, scripture, and sacraments, Advent calls us to awaken from spiritual complacency and prepare our hearts to encounter Christ.
“It is Heaven that has decided”. In this blog, unpack the fundamental truth about marriage found in the Book of Tobit. The beauty of God's plan for each married couple is reflected in the story of Tobias and Sarah, who were brought together by the angel Raphael. Discover what this means for your marriage, or for marriage preparation and catechesis, in this extract from "7 Words on Marriage".
When Jesus told crowds following Him to eat His flesh and drink His blood, He lost a significant portion of His followers. In this blog, Bishop Robert Barron uncovers the meaning behind the Bread of Life discourse in John 6, analysing His words and their significance for Jews at the time. Ultimately, Bishop Barron reveals how Jesus' words offer unequivocal evidence that He wished to be taken literally, for His followers to literally consume His flesh and His blood. This passage is crucial for the Catholic Church's understanding of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
A common misbelief about Christianity is that women are considered inferior to men. By exploring one of Jesus' most beloved followers, St Mary Magdalene, we look at the reality behind the myth.
