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 an…

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 rev…

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 wit…

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 respo…

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.…

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.By Community of St John NZ

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 …

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.…

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.…

Join Fr. Michael for a reflection on Jesus sending the Twelve Apostles, highlighting their unburdened focus on repentance and the Kingdom of God. In a world overflowing with distractions, discover the urgent need for conversion and how we, like the Apostles, can embrace a life centered on what truly matters.…

In this reflection on Mark 6:1-6, we explore how familiarity can obscure our vision of God's presence and power. Join us as we delve into the mystery of faith, seeking to encounter Christ anew in the ordinary moments of our lives.By Community of St John NZ

Join Fr. Michael for a reflection on the unwavering faith of the hemorrhaging woman and Jairus in the Gospel of Mark (5:21-43). Discover how their persistent trust in God, even amidst suffering, reveals the transformative power of "costly grace" in our own lives.By Community of St John NZ

Join Fr. Michael as he unpacks the story of Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41), revealing the profound trust we're called to place in God even amidst life's tempests. Explore the difference between worldly trust and radical faith, and discover how complete reliance on God can transform our lives.…

Join Fr. Michael for a reflection on the parable of the mustard seed, exploring how God's grace, like a tiny seed, takes root and grows within us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Discover the vital role of virtue in nurturing this growth, leading to a life filled with the fruits of the Spirit and transforming our relationships and communities.…

In this thought-provoking homily, Fr. Michael explores the Gospel's warning about the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit. Drawing parallels with Adam and Eve's story of shame and blame, he reveals how true repentance requires confronting our sin honestly, allowing God's mercy to flow.By Community of St John NZ

In this insightful talk, Fr. Michael unpacks the multi-layered meaning of grace, from a simple gift to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Discover how sanctifying grace, the heart of our spiritual journey, unfolds into virtues, gifts, and fruits, leading us to a life of deeper union with God.…

Join Fr. Michael for a profound reflection on the Eucharist, delving into the "what" – the Real Presence of Christ in the bread and wine – and the "why" – the transformative power of this gift for our lives and our mission.By Community of St John NZ

This Trinity Sunday, Fr. Michael reflects on how the Holy Spirit empowers us to become true children of God, echoing Mary's "yes" to God's invitation. Discover how our lives, like Mary's, can be filled with the Spirit, bearing witness to Christ's love in the world.By Community of St John NZ

In this Pentecost homily, Fr. Michael explores how the Holy Spirit transforms our spiritual lives, nurturing us from a tiny seed of faith to a flourishing tree that bears abundant fruit. Discover how the Gifts of the Spirit empower us for a life of love, joy, and service.By Community of St John NZ

Feeling spiritually hesitant? Fr. Michael unpacks how the Risen Christ transforms our doubts into a burning desire to share His love. Discover how the Holy Spirit empowers us to be fearless witnesses, just like the apostles.By Community of St John NZ

Fr. Michael explores how Divine Mercy isn't just about grand gestures but about transforming the "messiness" of everyday life – especially within our homes. He delves into how strong, tender and loving marriages are a powerful sign of God's mercy at work in the world.By Community of St John NZ

On this holiest night, Fr. Michael explores how Christ's Resurrection isn't just about us but the reordering of all creation. We are called to reorder our lives and become active participants in this transformation.By Community of St John NZ

This Good Friday, Fr. Michael reflects on how the stark liturgy draws us into Christ's Passion, making us not just spectators but participants. We enter the story contemplating His wounds and emerge transformed by His self-giving love.By Community of St John NZ

On Holy Thursday, Fr. Michael explores how the Eucharist, the ultimate gift of Christ's self, transforms us into people of mission. We receive the Body and Blood of Christ not just for ourselves, but to become broken and poured out for the world.By Community of St John NZ

In this Palm Sunday homily, Fr. Michael Therese explores the question, "What kind of world do I want to live in?" He examines the paradoxes of Christian faith – strength in weakness, kingship in service, victory in defeat. This reflection challenges us to embrace the upside-down logic of Christ's kingdom as we enter into Holy Week.…

In this homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent (Year B), Fr. Michael Therese examines the story of the Raising of Lazarus. He explores Martha and Mary's contrasting reactions to their brother's death and how Jesus guides them through suffering. This reflection offers insights into facing anguish, finding hope within grief, and trusting Christ's transfor…

In this enlightening homily for the 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B, Fr. Michael Therese shares his personal experiences, providing a unique perspective on this Sunday's Gospel. He delves into the profound themes of faith as the foundation for action, the importance of trusting in God's timing, and the transformative power of faith and trust. T…

In this homily for the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Fr. Michael explores the profound significance of prayer in the Christian life, drawing inspiration from St. Teresa of Avila's Ecce Homo and her Bookmark prayer. Delving into three pivotal aspects - prayer as a relationship, its transformative power, and the perseverance it fosters in facing lif…

This podcast features Fr. Michael's homily from the fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B, focusing on the Authority of Christ and His Word. He delves into how great saints like Augustine, Aquinas, John of the Cross, and Mother Teresa encountered and responded to Christ's authoritative voice in their lives. The homily offers a profound exploration…

In this enlightening homily for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, we delve into the compelling themes of the Parable of the Talents and the crucial call to respond to God's grace in our lives. Reflecting on the balance between the hard work of grace and the dangers of spiritual sloth, this podcast offers profound insights into the Christian journey…

Join us in this week's homily as Fr. Michael delves into the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids, shedding light on the profound theme of wisdom in our daily walk with Christ. He reflects on the importance of spiritual vigilance and the necessity of being prepared for the ultimate encounter with the Bridegroom, our Lord Jesus Christ. This message will i…

In this homily, we explore the profound teachings of Jesus from the 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A. We are challenged to consider our dual roles as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven and the world. Delving deeper, we reflect on how our primary allegiance to the Kingdom of Heaven informs and directs our earthly responsibilities. Through insight…

In today's homily, Fr. Michael delves into the theme of responding to God's call, drawing striking comparisons between the Parable of the Wedding Feast from Matthew's Gospel and the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge in Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". Both narratives warn of the dangers of becoming so consumed with our worldly affairs that we miss or e…

Podcast Summary: "Listening to God vs. Taking Control" with Fr. MichaelIn this episode, Fr. Michael Therese delves into the dangers of letting our desires control our actions, drawing from the parable of the wicked tenants and real-life examples. Reflecting on "Macbeth" and the tragic events in Cambodia, he underscores the importance of placing God…

The woman at the well and how Jesus leads us to the heart of the mystery and not to concepts. The offering of our life to the Father through Jesus is the key to giving life to others. All graces flow through the sanctuary; the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Assumption of Mary.…

Discovering your name of grace. This is our deepest identity and we can discover it through prayer. This name of grace is tied in with our gifts, talents, and charismsBy Community of St John NZ

There is no neutrality in Christ. Living from the fulness of the Source. Knowing Christ is to know yourself? Who are you? Three ways of expressing our "I"By Community of St John NZ

The good fruits of the spirit and the rotten fruits of the flesh. A look at Galatians chapter 5. The discernment of spirits according to Saint Ignatius. Spiritual discernment as a lifestyle.By Community of St John NZ

"Acts Of Mercy Prepares The Way Of The Lord" - Homily - 19 Sunday Of OT byBy Community of St John NZ

The Theresian mansions and spiritual progress. Saint Arsenius and what it means to find solitude, be silent, and remain centered in God.By Community of St John NZ

Heart in the biblical sense. 3 ways to see God through creation, face to face and within us. The way of recollection and the desert fathers.By Community of St John NZ

3 different types of birth in life. 3 ways to be born in faith. What it means to keep the commandments.By Community of St John NZ

The light of faith that reveals supernatural reality to us. Creation as a sacrament and the world as an icon. The primacy of charity.By Community of St John NZ

"Prayer" - Homily - 17th Sunday Of OT byBy Community of St John NZ

Recently, Fr Jean of the Cenacle preached a private retreat for the brothers. Based on what we received, Fr Philip is creating a beautiful "at Home Retreat". It will begin on July 31 and end on August 15th, we release one every 2 days.By Community of St John NZ

Universal call to the one thing necessary, Mary sees the presence of God already here.By Community of St John NZ

Should The Parish Be Focused On The Pews? - 4th Sunday of OT byBy Community of St John NZ

Bridegroom And Wine - Wedding Of Cana byBy Community of St John NZ

A brief look at the Baptism of the Lord and how it applies to our lives. How baptism is a seed that planted in our soul and how can cultivate it, so that we might become mature Christians.By Community of St John NZ

The Importance Of Beauty - The Epiphany byBy Community of St John NZ