Scripture Reflections And Commentaries

Homily notes: Second Sunday of Advent Year C

Fr Brendan Byrne SJ 30 November 2024

The hope that we as Christians cherish for the second coming of the Lord means that we can rightly identify with those in Israel who were the first to hear John’s announcement of salvation.

Scripture reflection: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight

29 November 2024

Almighty and merciful God, may no earthly undertaking hinder those who set out in haste to meet your Son, but may our learning of heavenly wisdom gain us admittance to his company. Second Sunday of Advent Year C, 8 December 2024.

Homily notes: First Sunday of Advent Year C

Fr Brendan Byrne SJ 24 November 2024

Advent is the season that honours and celebrates this waiting aspect of Christian life. Because we live in the time following the first coming of the Saviour, the focus of our waiting is on the second coming of the Lord.

Scripture reflection: Straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near

21 November 2024

Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming, so that, gathered at his right hand, they may be worthy to possess the heavenly kingdom. First Sunday of Advent Year C, 1 December 2024.

Scripture reflection: My kingdom is not of this world

14 November 2024

Almighty, ever-living God, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, King of the Universe, grant, we pray, that the whole creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim your praise. Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Year B, 24 November 2024.

Homily notes: Feast of Christ the King

Fr Brendan Byrne SJ 14 November 2024

The allegiance that Jesus has as king is an allegiance from all those who are ‘on the side of’ truth, an allegiance fundamentally of love in that, ‘lifted up’ (on the cross), he will draw all people to himself. Homily notes for the Feast of Christ the King, Year B, 24 November 2024.

Scripture reflection: You will show me the path of life

7 November 2024

Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, the constant gladness of being devoted to you, for it is full and lasting happiness to serve with constancy the author of all that is good. Thirty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B, 17 November 2024.

Homily notes: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Fr Brendan Byrne SJ 7 November 2024

The basic message to the faithful is ‘Hang in there!', the Son of Man will come. But, Don’t think you can calculate or know when that will be. The time of his coming is known to God alone.

Scripture reflections: The Lord will reign for ever

3 November 2024

Almighty and merciful God, graciously keep from us all adversity, so that, unhindered in mind and body alike, we may pursue in freedom of heart the things that are yours. Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, 10 November 2024.

Homily notes: 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Fr Brendan Byrne SJ 3 November 2024

The two interpretations of the Gospel are in some ways opposite sides of the one coin. We can admire the widow’s generosity and faith while remaining critical of the religious system that drove her to such extremes.

Scripture reflection: Love the Lord your God, and love your neighbour as yourself

24 October 2024

Almighty and merciful God, by whose gift your faithful offer you right and praiseworthy service, grant, we pray, that we may hasten without stumbling to receive the things you have promised. Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, 3 November 2024.