It’s a great pleasure to be here today, and I would like to thank you all for attending this important ceremony. I’m told that a number of the builders who have worked on this project are here today, so I give a special welcome to them!
It is a very comforting promise that Christ makes us in today’s Gospel (Mt 7:7-12): “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Stories of devils and temptations never went out of fashion. Take the 1997 movie, Devil’s Advocate, nominated and awarded for best villain and best horror film.
Most will be familiar with Aesop’s fable of the elephant and the mouse. As the story goes, the elephant spares the mouse when the mouse begs for his life, suggesting that one day he might be able to help the elephant.
The philosopher, Thales of Miletus, is commonly known as the founder of philosophy. He was also an amateur astronomer, and there’s an old story about him walking along one day, looking up at the sky and contemplating the heavens.
Ever heard of Joe McVicker, his uncle Noah and sister-in-law Kay Zufall? Probably not. But I suspect you’ve heard of their invention: a non-toxic, non-staining, white putty invented by Noah
“What about me?” sang Shannon Noll after coming second in the first Australian Idol series in 2003. Peter asks the same in our Gospel today (Mk 10:28-31).
The blind leading the blind. The disciple disregarding the teacher. The hypocrite taking splinters from people’s eyes while there’s a plank in his own. Today Jesus convicts Israel and the Church of these failings (Lk 6:39-45).
What’s different about priests? Strange clothes and even stranger personalities? A super commitment to God and the Church? Being professionally religious? Well, in the face of a radical treat to the priesthood
“You’re a mongrel dog!” – a friend said to me once, surprised to learn I had ancestors and relatives from all continents. Only in Australia could that be said affectionately!
The 18th century Scots philosopher David Hume had some strange ideas. Taking a boldly skeptical approach to almost everything, he doubted that there is a permanent self that continues through time or that there was real cause and effect in the external world.
The story of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37) is surely one of the most beloved of all Jesus’ parables. But the risk with stories we’ve all heard before is that we switch off when they are retold.
