I first heard the term, Simulacrum, in a 2007 sermon by Fr. Cantalamessa quoting Jean Baudrillard. Baudrillard defined Simulacrum as a “copy that no longer has an original”. Baudrillard states that, “it has now become difficult to distinguish real events, such as the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the Gulf War…
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In today’s Gospel, the highlight of the story might seem to be the great shoal of fish which Peter and his colleagues hauled in at the instruction of Jesus. By the end of the story, we begin to see the highlight is actually Jesus’ applying the miracle of catching fish…
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There are numerous opportunities for healing and divine encounter around us, yet few notice. It’s this reality in our spiritual life that I address in today’s reflection, drawing inspiration from the life of Christ. The Lord’s Humanness One of the things that fascinates me about the life of Christ as…
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In today’s world, very few people would say “No” to the offer of power. If a person has power, he can use that power to obtain most other things in life. The question for us in today’s Gospel is, “Is this the sort of power that Jesus has,? Or is…
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Jesus’s Hometown Address In the US, there is a tradition among politicians. When running for office, they often return to their “hometown” and make their announcement to run amid great publicity. In Luke’s Gospel today we see Jesus returning to His hometown of Nazareth to make an important announcement about…
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The Pharisees and teachers of the law came from Jerusalem, to watch and listen and confront our rabbi. Swathed in an air of purity they passed through the crowd, and the people stood aside as they moved, to honour them and to spare them from being contaminated by the common…
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The readings for today speak of fraternal charity and developing into fullness the “talents” given us by God. I have had reason to reflect on the multiplication of gifts recently because of several joyful occasions to which we have been present. In a local parish, the community celebrated the completion…
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How many of you remember this children’s song? Stay awake, (clap, clap) be ready. (clap, clap) You do not know the hour when the Lord is coming. Stay awake, (clap, clap) be ready. (clap, clap) The Lord is coming soon! This children’s song for Advent was written by English born…
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Most people fail not necessarily because they are incapable, but because they are not properly motivated and encouraged. Working with young people has taught me that what they need most is encouragement. Even when they fall short of expectations, they still need to be encouraged so that they can rise…
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