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"Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him..." (Revelation 3:20) A collection of my Sunday homilies for Holy Mass as well as some occasional talks and reflections. May my words enable you to hear the voice of Christ, who asks that you open the door to Him. Please share this podcast with others if you benefit from listening to it.
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There is no salvation outside the Church is a doctrine held to since the time of the apostles, as we hear St Peter say in the first reading of this Sunday's Holy Mass. But how are we to understand this? And what does this mean for us and for those who are outside the Church, by their own choice or by the circumstances of their lives? If you would l…
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How do we know Christ rather than know about Him? Well, it is He who gives us the way to do this. Most clearly, as we hear in today's readings from Holy Scripture, through His real presence in Holy Communion and through following His commandments. If you would like to contact me to provide feedback, suggestions or to ask questions you can do this v…
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God's mercy endures for ever! This is the theme of today's Sacred Liturgy. It is not new. It is as old as the first revelation of salvation made to Adam, to Abel, to Abraham and down the generations until the coming of Divine Mercy incarnated in Jesus, Our Lord. Today is a day to continue to deeply rejoice that Divine Mercy is greater than any sin;…
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Easter Sunday of the Resurrection is the high point of our Christian year. Christmas is beautiful and so appealing, but we do well to remember that Jesus was born so that He might die for our sins and rise to life for our eternal life. "For this I was born; for this I came into the world," he said to Pilate, as we heard on Good Friday. On this day,…
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We are at the beginning of Holy Week. The cries of welcome and jubilation will turn to condemnation and calls for crucifixion. In all the movements of this week, the kenosis, or the self-emptying of Christ holds our attention. Let us keep close to Him and empty ourselves for Him so that we may worthily participate in His resurrection. If you would …
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Covenant is a word we hear often in both the Old and New Testament. What Christ has done through His life, death and resurrection is to establish a permanent and everlasting covenant which was sealed in His blood; not the blood of animal sacrifices but in the blood of the only Son of God. After you listen to this podcast you might like to delve int…
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The fourth Sunday of Lent is Laetare Sunday. The rose coloured vestments signal a brief respite from the penitential practices of Lent. God is all mercy and love. We know that and we reverence the images of Christ crucified because that is the pre-eminent sign of Divine Mercy and Love. Today I speak about the Sacrament of Penance/Confession/Reconci…
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The Decalogue, or the ten words from God, or as we usually know them, the Ten Commandments is the First Reading at Holy Mass this Sunday. This revelation from God became the foundation of the Mosaic Law that governed the life of the Jewish people. It was not a burden but something that enabled them to remain close to God and He to them. Today I exp…
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God is all goodness, all truth, and all beauty. Living a virtuous life is how we participate in God's own life, which is another description of grace. The virtue of obedience motivated Abraham to be faithful to God. But what does it mean to live a virtuous life? In this podcast, as well as delving into the Scripture readings, I also describe the 7 …
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We hear about the temptations of Jesus in the desert on this first Sunday of Lent. Temptation is most regularly connected in some way with sin. So, since I find many Catholics do not clearly understand what sin is, I though I would offer a short catechesis on this topic. I hope you find it helpful. If you would like to contact me to provide feedbac…
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The very moving scene of the leper kneeling before Jesus is one of great pathos. It also provides us with a neat and appropriate entry into Lent on this Wednesday, Ash Wednesday. May the great trust of the leper be ours during this coming season of Lent. If you would like to contact me to provide feedback, suggestions or to ask questions you can do…
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The reading from the Book of Job reminds me of those women and men (mostly women, which is an interesting point to ponder) whom Our Lord Jesus or His holy mother, Mary, have asked (and are probably still asking) to be victim souls, that is, those who accept suffering for the good of others and for the salvation of the world. I speak of St Gemma Gal…
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The growing recognition of the divine authority of Christ forms one part of this Sunday's gospel reading but also does the reality of evil as a person, and Christ's dominion over the devils. Once again there are lessons for us about evil and, by extension, about authority in the Church and how Christ wished authority to be exercised for the good of…
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At this beginning of our reading of the Gospel of St Mark, we hear of the early events as Our Lord, Jesus Christ, began His Church. His appearance out of the hidden years at Nazareth and His calling of the first four apostles signals the beginning of a battle against the Devil, who is the enemy of God and of the human race. Each of us is part of th…
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The Catholic faith has always been, and if it remains true to its traditions, will always engage our reason, our thinking. Much of what passes for informed opinion, even academic comment, these days does not rely on logic, careful reasoning, nor philosophy that has stood the test of time. The endless search for novelty and pleasure, and popular opi…
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The arrival of the Magi shows forth a never-before-known part of God's plan of salvation. It is something that was kept hidden until the time of its revealing. It is something beautiful for us, who are Gentiles. It means that we too are heirs to the promise made so long ago. If you would like to contact me to provide feedback, suggestions or to ask…
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The Feast of the Holy Family falls, in this year, on the last day of the year. This is the day when the Church encourages us to recite the Te Deum, an ancient and revered prayer of thanksgiving and praise for all God's graces, gifts, and protection. So, I explain not only how to gain the plenary indulgence on 31st December, but also what indulgence…
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Who is this child who brings us to the church, to Holy Mass and to many celebratory moments today and over the coming Octave? The answer may be obvious. But asking the question enables us to ponder again and anew the meaning of Christmas. May you have a blessed, joyful, and peaceful Christmas Day and Season! If you would like to contact me to provi…
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At this closing point of Advent, St Paul draws our attention to the "obedience of faith". This is an interesting phrase and, among many others, is a true and fitting term to describe the way we are called to live our lives in harmony with the teachings of Christ and in fidelity to Him. If you would like to contact me to provide feedback, suggestion…
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As Christmas approaches, the Church leads us into the Christmas Novena. During these days the joy that our Saviour's birth brought to the world takes a prominent place. It is a holy joy because it is joy for a holy reason, not for any earthly purpose. It is joy because we have been saved from the double punishment that the original or first sin of …
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St Peter speaks of the Second Coming of Christ in today's second reading. The Parousia is a reality though we do not know when or exactly how it will happen and what might the experience of those who are alive and witness it. Though there will be fearful things happening, it is a glorious event that brings about the final and complete victory of Ch…
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The Season of Advent begins with an exhortation. We are to be alert, on the watch during our lives as we must live in constant expectation of the coming of Christ, as well as to rejoice once more at His birth. If you would like to contact me to provide feedback, suggestions or to ask questions you can do this via email: frpchandler@armidale.catholi…
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The solemnity of Christ, King of the Universe, not only makes a bold but true claim about Christ, it ends the liturgical year, and gives us an opportunity to give homage to our King. If you would like to contact me to provide feedback, suggestions or to ask questions you can do this via email: frpchandler@armidale.catholic.org.au Also if you would …
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The parables that Our Lord told and have been passed on to us in the Gospels, are teaching stories. Their purpose is to jar us, provoke in us a different perspective so that we may learn. What the Parable of the Talents teaches has become part of our beautiful and treasured Catholic faith. The art work for this episode is obtained from WikiCommons …
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The parable of the ten bridesmaids (or virgins) sets our sights upon the readiness that is needed for all of us to welcome the bridegroom, who is Christ, when He comes; most particularly when He comes to call us from this earthly life. We need the perspective on this earthly life and our life in heaven that divine Wisdom gives us and also, as St Pa…
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The image of the vineyard, which makes a prominent appearance in today's Scripture readings can lead us to examine the nature of the Church herself. The photo used in this podcast is acknowledged to © Jebulon; Edit by Norbert Nagel (Modifications: Light, colours, crop), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29853716 If you w…
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Once more we are asked to consider the unfathomable ways of God. According to human reckoning, God can appear to be unfair. Humility teaches us to see past this and begin to glimpse the wonders of God's justice and mercy. If you would like to contact me to provide feedback, suggestions or to ask questions you can do this via email: frpchandler@armi…
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The parable that Our Lord tells in this Sunday's gospel about the workers in the vineyard is meant to arouse our response. We feel the unfairness of the way those who have worked all day seem to have been treated, don't we? But God's ways are not our ways and God is not bound to human expectations or by human thinking. After all, we know from exper…
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Such an unforgiving and hard heart does the servant have in today's gospel reading. There is more here than just being nice to each other. It is more about how our hearts may be closed to the marvellous grace that Christ offers us through His passion and death. This is a grace that opens our understanding to realise that we also have a debt that we…
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The Lord Jesus intentionally began a Church. It wasn't a human concept nor an earthly desire. We see this divine intention in many ways in the gospels. Today we hear how Jesus wished to organise his Church both internally to maintain harmony but also that the Church may be defended from division and that the members of the Church assist each other …
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When St Peter rebukes Christ for speaking about suffering and taking up one's cross, he receives a rebuke in return. But Christ goes on to teach him, the other apostles, and us about the value of suffering. This is a unique aspect of Christianity. We, who follow, Christ believe that suffering has value, and brings grace; all because of Christ Himse…
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The office of the papacy is central to the identity of the Catholic Church, as Christ intended it to be. It is helpful to explore the interaction between the office and the office-holder, as we look briefly at some history and what the Church teaches. Let us pray for the Pope that he may be protected from error and the forces of evil. If you would …
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Christ died and rose for the salvation of all, but it would seem that not all accept it. While we do not know the interior dispositions of any human heart or soul, exterior manner of living would suggest that many do not care for what Christ has done; some forget about it amidst the pleasures of the world; some reject it; some ignore it. What about…
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Jesus walking on the water to save his apostles is what He promised to do for His Church in every age until the end of time. We find ourselves in troubled times in the Church especially internally as disagreements about doctrine and practice exist at every level. Christ has not abandoned us. He is faithful to His promise to be with His Church until…
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Bringing people to know and love Jesus Christ has been the mission of the Church since Our Lord gave the Great Commission to the Apostles before His Ascension into Heaven. There is a narrative around in the Church, even coming from the Pope, that to proclaim Christ is to proselytise. This is a word which has, until this time, meant forcing someone …
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The third parable in the gospel of this Sunday Mass turns our attention to the reality of Hell. Our Lord means what He says and says what He means. When being faithful to the gospel there is no way it could be said that Hell does not exist. Then in logical thinking, if a place exists there must be someone there. The Catholic Church has always taugh…
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The parable of the darnel and the wheat allows us to contemplate the immense mercy of God that allows time for all to repent and come to believe. However, contrary to what is thought and even preached today, mercy demands repentance. If you would like to contact me to provide feedback, suggestions or to ask questions you can do this via email: frpc…
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Knowing God's holy will, that is, what God wants of us, is the gold standard for living the Catholic faith. It comes to us in many ways: through the Commandments; through the Church; through the movements of an informed conscience; through the words and inspiration of the Saints. The image of the seed falling into good soil and producing an abundan…
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Our Lord invites us to come close to Him, who is meek and humble of heart. Humility is a Christian virtue that disposes and assists us to act, think and speak towards others because they are our equal in dignity. It also moves us to the right attitude of reverence towards God. May the Sacred Heart of our Saviour draw us to Him; and as He does may w…
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Our life in Christ is so rich a reality and so deep a mystery that we need many expressions of what it means. One which arises from the Collect of this Sunday's Mass is to stand in the bright light of truth. I explore in this podcast two ways in which we can place ourselves, through the grace of God, into this bright light. If you would like to con…
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"Do not be afraid..." says Our Lord Jesus in the gospel of this Sunday. There are many, many things that can make us afraid, disconcerted, downhearted and despondent about the world and the Church in this age. Some say that the springtime promised by Vatican II has not eventuated, but rather, a dire winter. Yet, we trust in Christ, who has conquere…
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The Australian Catholic hymn composer, James P. McAuley, has left us a beautiful hymn: Jesus, in your heart we find love of the Father and mankind; these two loves to us impart divine love in a human heart. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a human heart in which resides the divine love. This Sacred Heart burns with love and desire for us, and brings ou…
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Corpus Christi brings us to celebrate the marvel and miracle of what Christ our Lord has done for us. He has left his bodily presence among us in the Blessed Sacrament of His Body and Blood so that He might remain with us, abide with us, draw us to His Sacred Heart and incorporate us into Him. What love! What splendour! How much we have been given!…
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The Most Holy Trinity is foundational to our Christian belief. It is a sublime mystery that our intellect cannot comprehend and could never have invented. Yet God chose to reveal His inner life so that we may come to know who God is, and that we may come to share, both in this life partially and in the next fully, the life of the Most Holy Trinity.…
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Pentecost and the descent of the Holy Spirit mark the completion of the Paschal Mystery accomplished in fifty days. Who is the Holy Spirit? Without preempting next Sunday, Trinity Sunday, the person and action of the Holy Spirit is intimately linked to the Father and the Son. However today gives us the opportunity to focus upon the Third Person of …
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The Ascension of the Lord is the "tail end" of the Easter season. But in the tradition of the Church, not discernible in the modern form of the Holy Mass, it is its own season called Ascensiontide. While very short, only 10 days if Ascension is on Thursday or 7 days if Ascension is on Sunday, it is significant because it is like a bridge between th…
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We have many questions in life. Some are about where my life is going. Others are about the ultimate meaning in life. While others are mundane but sometimes pressing, like how to pay the bills. Others who do not have our faith may look at us and think we are perfect and have everything sorted. But that's not true, is it? However, what we do have is…
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The reassuring and comforting words of Christ our Lord in the gospel of this Sunday remind us that the Paschal Mystery, by which we are saved, also results in a home, a house that we belong to, both in this life and for eternity in the next. We have much reason for joy and for hope! If you would like to contact me to provide feedback, suggestions o…
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The Good Shepherd is an endearing image given to us by Christ of Himself. It is uniquely Christian. No other religion or creed expresses the love and tenderness of its god in such a way. If it had been human invention, it would be both arrogant and presumptive. But it is part of divine revelation and so is trustworthy. May we be humble enough to be…
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Christ our risen Lord goes in search of two despondent disciples on the road to Emmaus. This is a favourite Easter story because of its heart-warming outcome but it has also has much to teach us, as Jesus intended. There are lessons to be learned about our discipleship and how we give worship and glory to God. The image used this Sunday is by James…
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