If any of us will ever get to visit the Holy Land again, and particularly the site of the transfiguration, we will notice that Mount Taboris about 12 kilometres from Tiberias, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, we will drive to what is now the Muslim village of Kfr Tvr, and then begin our ascent in minivans. It makes the Corkscrew hill look like child’s play! When you get up there, there’s a wonderful old Franciscan church with the most beautiful angel-murals I’ve ever seen, and stunning views

If any of us will ever get to visit the Holy Land again, and particularly the site of the transfiguration, we will notice that Mount Taboris about 12 kilometres from Tiberias, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, we will drive to what is now the Muslim village of Kfr Tvr, and then begin our ascent in minivans. It makes the Corkscrew hill look like child’s play! When you get up there, there’s a wonderful old Franciscan church with the most beautiful angel-murals I’ve ever seen, and stunning views

The chances we have missed, the graces we resist, Lord in this Eucharist, take and redeem. This was a line in a hymn sung by the choir here some weeks ago. As we begin the holy season of Lent, God asks us to “get real” about ourselves and our lives, to prioritise who and what’s most important. To help us, we have the three famous strategies of Lent in our spiritual battle against Satan’s sly temptations: extra prayer, fasting, and giving to the poor.Engaging in these has the effect of stripping

The chances we have missed, the graces we resist, Lord in this Eucharist, take and redeem. This was a line in a hymn sung by the choir here some weeks ago. As we begin the holy season of Lent, God asks us to “get real” about ourselves and our lives, to prioritise who and what’s most important. To help us, we have the three famous strategies of Lent in our spiritual battle against Satan’s sly temptations: extra prayer, fasting, and giving to the poor.Engaging in these has the effect of stripping

As we reflect on the absolute fear and horror of leprosy throughout the ages, as we listen to God’s Word this week, we are reminded of the famous Fr. Damien of Moloki, a Belgian priest who was sent on the missions to Hawaii. Hearing that all the local lepers had been rounded up and placed on one island, he volunteered to go and be their chaplain. You all know the famous story of the morning he stood up and began his sermon with the words: “we lepers.” He had contracted the dreaded disease.‍Much

As we reflect on the absolute fear and horror of leprosy throughout the ages, as we listen to God’s Word this week, we are reminded of the famous Fr. Damien of Moloki, a Belgian priest who was sent on the missions to Hawaii. Hearing that all the local lepers had been rounded up and placed on one island, he volunteered to go and be their chaplain. You all know the famous story of the morning he stood up and began his sermon with the words: “we lepers.” He had contracted the dreaded disease.‍Much

One of the things that always strikes me about the Bible, the Word of God, is that it acknowledges all the varieties of human emotion and experience as being worthy of God’s attention and care. Just as is the case with any loving mam or dad, nothing we experience is too trivial for God. Our first reading this week comes from the mouth of Job, who endured terrible trials but despite it all, kept trusting in God that it would all work out, and it did. The piece we hear this week is from the midst

One of the things that always strikes me about the Bible, the Word of God, is that it acknowledges all the varieties of human emotion and experience as being worthy of God’s attention and care. Just as is the case with any loving mam or dad, nothing we experience is too trivial for God. Our first reading this week comes from the mouth of Job, who endured terrible trials but despite it all, kept trusting in God that it would all work out, and it did. The piece we hear this week is from the midst

The comes from the Greek pro-phetes, one who speaks for another, in this case, for God.

The comes from the Greek pro-phetes, one who speaks for another, in this case, for God.

Self-forgetfulness brings a depth and richness to life that we never could have dreamed of...

Self-forgetfulness brings a depth and richness to life that we never could have dreamed of...

When we engage in loving service and forget about ourselves, the Lord is surely present.

When we engage in loving service and forget about ourselves, the Lord is surely present.

Baptism of the Lord

Baptism of the Lord

So here we are on Sunday 2 of our Advent journey with St. Mark, and one of great things about any journey-say, the Camino, are the characters you meet along the way.

So here we are on Sunday 2 of our Advent journey with St. Mark, and one of great things about any journey-say, the Camino, are the characters you meet along the way.

Well where did the year go to? Here we are at the beginning of a new liturgical year, at the beginning of the Advent season, from the Latin ad-vernie, to come.

Well where did the year go to? Here we are at the beginning of a new liturgical year, at the beginning of the Advent season, from the Latin ad-vernie, to come.

I love hearing and feel nourished by the stories of others, and I feel honoured to be invited onto the holy ground of their lives.

I love hearing and feel nourished by the stories of others, and I feel honoured to be invited onto the holy ground of their lives.

Some years ago, while based in the north of our country, I was involved in prison ministry.

Some years ago, while based in the north of our country, I was involved in prison ministry.

The story Jesus tells us this week about the wise and foolish bridesmaids may be hard to comprehend. Jesus always uses imagery from his time and culture and indeed, weddings in the middle-east still can go on for a few days!

The story Jesus tells us this week about the wise and foolish bridesmaids may be hard to comprehend. Jesus always uses imagery from his time and culture and indeed, weddings in the middle-east still can go on for a few days!

I’m sure that many of us enjoyed the sitcom Friends back in the day, and were saddened by the recent death of Matthew Perry, who played Chandler in the series.

I’m sure that many of us enjoyed the sitcom Friends back in the day, and were saddened by the recent death of Matthew Perry, who played Chandler in the series.

When Jesus is asked what’s the most important part of their Jewish religion, what’s the commandment that sums it all up, he replies with the famous Shema Yisrael from the book of Deuteronomy

When Jesus is asked what’s the most important part of their Jewish religion, what’s the commandment that sums it all up, he replies with the famous Shema Yisrael from the book of Deuteronomy

Well God knows that the Middle East is a volatile place. It may have always been so.

Well God knows that the Middle East is a volatile place. It may have always been so.

One time, while visiting the Holy Land, I was brought by a friend to a local, family-run restaurant, where he said to me: “you have to try our lovely local wine.”

One time, while visiting the Holy Land, I was brought by a friend to a local, family-run restaurant, where he said to me: “you have to try our lovely local wine.”

When you heard the line about the man having two sons you may have automatically jumped to the conclusion that you were going to hear the story of the prodigal son

When you heard the line about the man having two sons you may have automatically jumped to the conclusion that you were going to hear the story of the prodigal son

I remember one time a woman coming to me who was highly annoyed at the story of the prodigal son in St. Luke’s Gospel.

I remember one time a woman coming to me who was highly annoyed at the story of the prodigal son in St. Luke’s Gospel.

I have always had a great interest in both history and English literature, especially since an inspirational teacher in secondary school told us that English literature is really a barometer of history, is history in poetical form.

I have always had a great interest in both history and English literature, especially since an inspirational teacher in secondary school told us that English literature is really a barometer of history, is history in poetical form.

People who say that the Christian faith is not grounded in real life will be challenged by God’s Word this week, where Our Lord gives us practical tips on conflict-resolution and mediation.

People who say that the Christian faith is not grounded in real life will be challenged by God’s Word this week, where Our Lord gives us practical tips on conflict-resolution and mediation.

I have mentioned several times that Jesus and his fellow-Jews lived under the occupation of the all-powerful Roman Empire, which spanned most of the known world of the time.

I have mentioned several times that Jesus and his fellow-Jews lived under the occupation of the all-powerful Roman Empire, which spanned most of the known world of the time.

Can you remember your 21st birthday? Can you recall the symbol that was on your cards? Yes, a key.

Can you remember your 21st birthday? Can you recall the symbol that was on your cards? Yes, a key.

If you are concerned about the appalling effects of drug addiction on our young people, you may have heard of Mother Elvira, who died a few weeks ago, aged 86.

If you are concerned about the appalling effects of drug addiction on our young people, you may have heard of Mother Elvira, who died a few weeks ago, aged 86.

Sadly, at the moment, we are very much aware of drastically changing weather-conditions and the effects of climate change.

Sadly, at the moment, we are very much aware of drastically changing weather-conditions and the effects of climate change.

One morning at the early Mass in Belfast on Ash Wednesday, where the practice was that you gave out the ashes before Mass, I turned around after washing my hands to see that almost the entire congregation had left!

One morning at the early Mass in Belfast on Ash Wednesday, where the practice was that you gave out the ashes before Mass, I turned around after washing my hands to see that almost the entire congregation had left!

Jesus’ challenge to us reminds me of a song that was very popular back in the 80’s: “so many people take second-best, but I won’t settle for anything less; it’s got to be perfect!”

Jesus’ challenge to us reminds me of a song that was very popular back in the 80’s: “so many people take second-best, but I won’t settle for anything less; it’s got to be perfect!”

I have a beautiful Jewish scroll that I brought back from Israel, and on the embroidered cover it says in Hebrew: Torah YhWh, the Torah, or the Law, of God.

I have a beautiful Jewish scroll that I brought back from Israel, and on the embroidered cover it says in Hebrew: Torah YhWh, the Torah, or the Law, of God.

During the week, on St. Blaise’s day, I was in the schools, blessings the children’s throats.

During the week, on St. Blaise’s day, I was in the schools, blessings the children’s throats.

As I told you before, St. Matthew’s Gospel is the great Jewish gospel, and the great teacher’s Gospel.

As I told you before, St. Matthew’s Gospel is the great Jewish gospel, and the great teacher’s Gospel.

This week we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, so we bless and thank God for our teachers, SNA’s, school staffs, students, and Boards of Management.

This week we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, so we bless and thank God for our teachers, SNA’s, school staffs, students, and Boards of Management.

As many of you will know, our retired bishop, Martin Drennan, passed away recently.

As many of you will know, our retired bishop, Martin Drennan, passed away recently.

One of the loveliest places to visit while in Medugorje is Mother’s Village.

One of the loveliest places to visit while in Medugorje is Mother’s Village.

There is a beautiful connectivity going on within God’s Word this first day of the new year.

There is a beautiful connectivity going on within God’s Word this first day of the new year.

Over 21 years ago, there was minor consternation in our wider family of Mc Namaras in Athenry.

Over 21 years ago, there was minor consternation in our wider family of Mc Namaras in Athenry.

You may recall I told you before about a youth retreat I was giving where a rather angry young man confronted me, saying something like: “this Jesus guy you’re on about, sure he never existed, it’s all made up, the Bible is all made up anyway.”

You may recall I told you before about a youth retreat I was giving where a rather angry young man confronted me, saying something like: “this Jesus guy you’re on about, sure he never existed, it’s all made up, the Bible is all made up anyway.”

In this holy season of Advent, a voice we listen to a lot is that of the prophet Isaiah. Along with Jeremiah and Ezekiel, he’s one of the three major prophets of Biblical literature.

In this holy season of Advent, a voice we listen to a lot is that of the prophet Isaiah. Along with Jeremiah and Ezekiel, he’s one of the three major prophets of Biblical literature.

While I was a curate with Canon Mulkerrins in Galway, there was a diseased tree whose roots were growing under the foundation of the church and which was in danger of toppling over

While I was a curate with Canon Mulkerrins in Galway, there was a diseased tree whose roots were growing under the foundation of the church and which was in danger of toppling over

If I wish you all a happy new year this morning you might think I have been drinking!

If I wish you all a happy new year this morning you might think I have been drinking!

Fr. Gerard is a wonderful young priest from India ministering in the Archdiocese of Tuam.

Fr. Gerard is a wonderful young priest from India ministering in the Archdiocese of Tuam.

Once when I was giving a school retreat to Leaving Certs, a very cranky student said to me: “you’re going on and on about this Jesus guy. Well, it’s all made up. He didn’t exist, except in the Bible, and sure that’s all made up too!”

Once when I was giving a school retreat to Leaving Certs, a very cranky student said to me: “you’re going on and on about this Jesus guy. Well, it’s all made up. He didn’t exist, except in the Bible, and sure that’s all made up too!”

If you ever get to visit the Holy Land, you may want to refresh your thirst in that hot climate by having a cold beer with your lunch.

If you ever get to visit the Holy Land, you may want to refresh your thirst in that hot climate by having a cold beer with your lunch.

A dear old friend of mine is a retired Garda. He told me a story once about a young man he knew who had been a bit of a boyo as we say around here, had had a few brushes with the law.

A dear old friend of mine is a retired Garda. He told me a story once about a young man he knew who had been a bit of a boyo as we say around here, had had a few brushes with the law.

Today’s Gospel about the Pharisee and the poor tax-collector puts me in mind of a funny story I heard about two men from the same street who, by a strange coincidence, died on the same day!

Today’s Gospel about the Pharisee and the poor tax-collector puts me in mind of a funny story I heard about two men from the same street who, by a strange coincidence, died on the same day!

Reading over this week’s Word of God about the persistent widow who looked for justice from the corrupt judge reminded me of famous mistrials and miscarriages of justice from our own Irish history

Reading over this week’s Word of God about the persistent widow who looked for justice from the corrupt judge reminded me of famous mistrials and miscarriages of justice from our own Irish history

During our time in seminary we were introduced to the writings of Fr. Gustavo Gutierrez, a Dominican priest from Peru who is in his nineties now. Fr. Gustavo’s views were considered controversial for a while.

During our time in seminary we were introduced to the writings of Fr. Gustavo Gutierrez, a Dominican priest from Peru who is in his nineties now. Fr. Gustavo’s views were considered controversial for a while.

I have a good friend who is a nurse in Galway hospital, and she’s a very cheerful, bubbly person who is great with the patients.

I have a good friend who is a nurse in Galway hospital, and she’s a very cheerful, bubbly person who is great with the patients.

I don’t know if you have ever had the experience of being “tapped” for money by somebody?

I don’t know if you have ever had the experience of being “tapped” for money by somebody?

Several years ago I was helping out in a parish in the south of the country, and a couple asked me if I would go to visit granny.

Several years ago I was helping out in a parish in the south of the country, and a couple asked me if I would go to visit granny.

Well, we’re all so familiar with the story of the so-called prodigal son, aren’t we, this wonderful tale that Jesus tells in Luke 15?

Well, we’re all so familiar with the story of the so-called prodigal son, aren’t we, this wonderful tale that Jesus tells in Luke 15?

The context of what Jesus is saying is that He’s on the road to Jerusalem, and He has a pretty good idea of what’s going to ensue

The context of what Jesus is saying is that He’s on the road to Jerusalem, and He has a pretty good idea of what’s going to ensue

While I was a seminarian, I used to help out at the Novena to Our lady of Perpetual Help at the Redemptorist Church in Limerick.

While I was a seminarian, I used to help out at the Novena to Our lady of Perpetual Help at the Redemptorist Church in Limerick.

At some point in our lives, most of us will have felt the bitter sting of exclusion.

At some point in our lives, most of us will have felt the bitter sting of exclusion.

At the end of May, at the Leaving Cert Graduation Mass, I was telling the young people about Aoife.

At the end of May, at the Leaving Cert Graduation Mass, I was telling the young people about Aoife.

Do you remember that point in your life when you’re coming towards the Leaving Cert year, looking forward to leaving home and starting college or work

Do you remember that point in your life when you’re coming towards the Leaving Cert year, looking forward to leaving home and starting college or work

Our first reading this weekend is from Ecclesiastes, not to be confused with Ecclesiasticus, another guy altogether, who also goes by the name Ben Sirach, just to confuse you further!

Our first reading this weekend is from Ecclesiastes, not to be confused with Ecclesiasticus, another guy altogether, who also goes by the name Ben Sirach, just to confuse you further!

Bishop Drennan used to get a chuckle out of a story told about a natural disaster that occurred at a college in the United States.

Bishop Drennan used to get a chuckle out of a story told about a natural disaster that occurred at a college in the United States.

I would like to ask those of you who are in the hotel or B and B business: did you ever host a guest who made you think that there’s something special about that person?

I would like to ask those of you who are in the hotel or B and B business: did you ever host a guest who made you think that there’s something special about that person?

During a time of terrible military oppression of the poor in Brazil, when the Church was seen as a strong advocate for the landless, a group of soldiers broke into a church

During a time of terrible military oppression of the poor in Brazil, when the Church was seen as a strong advocate for the landless, a group of soldiers broke into a church

My late mother, God be good to them all, used to sing a lovely song called “A Mother’s love is a blessing.”

My late mother, God be good to them all, used to sing a lovely song called “A Mother’s love is a blessing.”

So we are in a great time of grace at the moment dear friends.

So we are in a great time of grace at the moment dear friends.

I would like to show you something beautiful that I’m holding in my hand.

I would like to show you something beautiful that I’m holding in my hand.

This weekend of the Blessed Trinity we remind ourselves that God has three aspects: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

This weekend of the Blessed Trinity we remind ourselves that God has three aspects: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

You may have heard the funny story of the two elderly Dublin ladies who were on a bus passing the RDS while the national Charismatic.

You may have heard the funny story of the two elderly Dublin ladies who were on a bus passing the RDS while the national Charismatic.

Every family has its heroes, about whom great stories are told.

Every family has its heroes, about whom great stories are told.

You might have been wondering what in the name of all that is good and holy was that first reading all about?

You might have been wondering what in the name of all that is good and holy was that first reading all about?

As I was reflecting on God’s Word for this weekend, two images came to my mind.

As I was reflecting on God’s Word for this weekend, two images came to my mind.

A word you will be hearing a lot more in times to come is “synodality.”

A word you will be hearing a lot more in times to come is “synodality.”

Did you ever notice in books or films a thing called a bracketing device

Did you ever notice in books or films a thing called a bracketing device

If you died tonight and hopefully went straight to heaven without any time in purgatory, and if you ran into St. Thomas, you might say something like: “Tom, I’ve always loved your famous prayer

If you died tonight and hopefully went straight to heaven without any time in purgatory, and if you ran into St. Thomas, you might say something like: “Tom, I’ve always loved your famous prayer

Jesus is alive, Jesus is risen, Jesus is Lord! Alleluia! A blessed Easter to you all!

Jesus is alive, Jesus is risen, Jesus is Lord! Alleluia! A blessed Easter to you all!

We find it hard to realise nowadays the absolute horror that the cross brought about in the minds of the first Christians.

We find it hard to realise nowadays the absolute horror that the cross brought about in the minds of the first Christians.

“Never allow yourselves to become bitter, continue to trust in God, and in His plan for your lives.”

“Never allow yourselves to become bitter, continue to trust in God, and in His plan for your lives.”

Today we begin the most holy week of the year.

Today we begin the most holy week of the year.

One of the most beautiful moments of this Gospel today is not recorded.

One of the most beautiful moments of this Gospel today is not recorded.

Jesus deliberately leaves the end of the story of the prodigal son open-ended.

Jesus deliberately leaves the end of the story of the prodigal son open-ended.

Every so often, it seems that God allows an extraordinary or even supernatural experience to help us through tough times.

Every so often, it seems that God allows an extraordinary or even supernatural experience to help us through tough times.

We all have our memories or St. Patrick’s Day.

We all have our memories or St. Patrick’s Day.

When I was a little lad going to the Athenry Boys’ National School, our school principal was Mr. Kennedy.

When I was a little lad going to the Athenry Boys’ National School, our school principal was Mr. Kennedy.

So on Wednesday last we began our Lenten journey of growing more and more like Jesus and Mary.

So on Wednesday last we began our Lenten journey of growing more and more like Jesus and Mary.

God’s Word this weekend is very challenging. Jesus warns us to think before we speak, because what comes out of our mouth will be what people will assess us on

God’s Word this weekend is very challenging. Jesus warns us to think before we speak, because what comes out of our mouth will be what people will assess us on

Did you ever find yourself in the situation where there’s someone who has deeply hurt you and now you have them where you want them, you have the ideal opportunity to get revenge, but you just don’t have the heart to do so?

Did you ever find yourself in the situation where there’s someone who has deeply hurt you and now you have them where you want them, you have the ideal opportunity to get revenge, but you just don’t have the heart to do so?

Way back in the 1980’s, when I was a student in the Presentation College, Athenry, we had a school retreat given by a man who came from Dublin, Larry Hogan.

Way back in the 1980’s, when I was a student in the Presentation College, Athenry, we had a school retreat given by a man who came from Dublin, Larry Hogan.

The message of God’s Word this week is that God has a call for us all, and that if we don’t discover it and live it, we will be miserable, and we will make everyone else miserable too!

The message of God’s Word this week is that God has a call for us all, and that if we don’t discover it and live it, we will be miserable, and we will make everyone else miserable too!

Some years ago I was giving a school retreat to a group of transition years and we were discussing the question of bullying.

Some years ago I was giving a school retreat to a group of transition years and we were discussing the question of bullying.

I’m constantly amazed by how God’s Word continues to shed a light on and validate events in our lives today.

I’m constantly amazed by how God’s Word continues to shed a light on and validate events in our lives today.

Seamus was a fellow-student of mine in the seminary a few years ago. He was a Meath man, and he used to say that we west of Ireland lads didn’t know what real quality silage was like!

Seamus was a fellow-student of mine in the seminary a few years ago. He was a Meath man, and he used to say that we west of Ireland lads didn’t know what real quality silage was like!

When we first arrived in the Philippines, we were farmed out to stay with local families to learn the language.

When we first arrived in the Philippines, we were farmed out to stay with local families to learn the language.

I firmly believe that every Christian, at least once in his or her life, should visit the Holy Land.

I firmly believe that every Christian, at least once in his or her life, should visit the Holy Land.

I would like to share a funny story against myself which the Gospel today reminds me of!

I would like to share a funny story against myself which the Gospel today reminds me of!

I would like to tell you a Christmas story, a true story.

I would like to tell you a Christmas story, a true story.

Today we are invited to focus on Our Lady, the real person behind the statue or the picture. What do we know about her personal life?

Today we are invited to focus on Our Lady, the real person behind the statue or the picture. What do we know about her personal life?

That line from the Gospel today: “a feeling of expectancy had come over the people” has been running through my mind all week.

That line from the Gospel today: “a feeling of expectancy had come over the people” has been running through my mind all week.

A couple of weeks ago, we had a wonderful event in the parish to raise funds for Toovahera church restoration: our tractor and truck run.

A couple of weeks ago, we had a wonderful event in the parish to raise funds for Toovahera church restoration: our tractor and truck run.

Well where did the year go? Here we are again, beginning a new Church year with the first Sunday of Advent.

Well where did the year go? Here we are again, beginning a new Church year with the first Sunday of Advent.

In the Philippines, the two questions you would always be asked were: where have you come from, and where are you going?

In the Philippines, the two questions you would always be asked were: where have you come from, and where are you going?

We are very close here to the Cliffs of Moher, beautiful but deadly, and it’s also an edgy time in the Church’s year.

We are very close here to the Cliffs of Moher, beautiful but deadly, and it’s also an edgy time in the Church’s year.

When I was a little lad growing up in Athenry, we had a teacher called Mr. Kennedy.

When I was a little lad growing up in Athenry, we had a teacher called Mr. Kennedy.

I told you already that I spent some time in the Philippines. A few years after I came home, there was a terrible typhoon

I told you already that I spent some time in the Philippines. A few years after I came home, there was a terrible typhoon

Mission Sunday. We had Patricia Mitchell speaking for the Doolin Bicentenary.

Mission Sunday. We had Patricia Mitchell speaking for the Doolin Bicentenary.