Eagles in the Storm by Ben Kane My rating: 4 of 5 stars The third book in the Eagles of Rome series sees our by now well-known characters once more in the territory of the German tribes, continuing to seek revenge for the events of the Teutoberg Forest. And to recover the lost Eagles of… Continue reading Review: Eagles in the Storm
Homilies: 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
My homily for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) as preached during the 9.30 am Mass in Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton. The readings proclaimed were Sirach 15:15-20; 1 Corinthians 2:6-10; Matthew 5:17-37. "True righteousness before God is not measured by the external observance of God's laws and teachings, but of allowing the laws… Continue reading Homilies: 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
Homilies: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
My homily for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) as preached during the 8 am Mass in St Columba's Church, Adamstown. The readings were Isaiah 58:7-10; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16. "We are called to a be light to the nation, and the only way we can do that is by following what… Continue reading Homilies: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
Another Year Ends; Another Year Begins
As I write this, I'm sitting in my study on a Sunday evening, having celebrated the usual things a priest might celebrate on a Sunday in any parish anywhere in the world. The difference, at least tonight, is that today marks the thirteenth anniversary of my ordination as priest. Thirteen years ago tonight, in the… Continue reading Another Year Ends; Another Year Begins
Review: Hunting the Eagles
Hunting the Eagles by Ben Kane My rating: 4 of 5 stars The story of Arminius and his treachery continues in this second edition of the Easgles of Rome series set in the early years of the Common Era and following on from the slaughter of three Roman legions in the Teutoburg Forest. This edition… Continue reading Review: Hunting the Eagles
Homilies: The Presentation of the Lord, Year A
My homily for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Year A) as preached during the 5 pm Mass in Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton. The readings were Malachi 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40. "When the Lord appears in the Temple he does so as 'one like us' not as a distant external judge. In… Continue reading Homilies: The Presentation of the Lord, Year A
Review: The Colour of Magic
The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett My rating: 4 of 5 stars I first read the books of the Discworld series almost twenty years ago and thoroughly enjoyed the fantasy world that had sprung forth from the mind of Terry Pratchett. A decision to read them again was not too difficult to make, and… Continue reading Review: The Colour of Magic
Homilies: 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
My homily for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) as preached during the 5.30 pm Saturday evening Mass in Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton. This Sunday also marks Australia Day and the first Sunday of the Word of God. The readings proclaimed were Isaiah 32:15-18; Romans 12:9-13; Matthew 5:2-12. "How can we be both… Continue reading Homilies: 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
The Awesome Power of Eucharist
The Eucharist is not celebrated to simply consecrate the elements of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, but to transform the assembly into the Body of Christ. This transformation takes place a through a participation in the Eucharist that empowers those present to proclaim to the world the kingdom of God… Continue reading The Awesome Power of Eucharist
Homilies: 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
My homily for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) as preached during the 9.30 am Mass in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton. The readings were Isaiah 49:3, 5-6; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34. "The introduction to Paul's first letter to the Church of God in Corinth, though exceedingly formal and formulaic, reminds us… Continue reading Homilies: 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
Review: Ode to a Banker
Ode to a Banker by Lindsey Davis My rating: 4 of 5 stars Where do the seemingly disconnected worlds of literature and banking come together? In this edition of the ongoing Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries series, of course.Our well-known and well-loved hero, Falco, is drawn into these worlds because of his penchant for composing poetry… Continue reading Review: Ode to a Banker
Review: Conspiracy
Conspiracy by S.J. Parris My rating: 4 of 5 stars Our hero finds himself back in Paris and almost immediately drawn into the intrigues of the French court. Add to that some murder and mystery, and a liberal smattering of religious and political tensions, and you have an excellent narrative to keep your attention.Returning to… Continue reading Review: Conspiracy
Homilies: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
My homily for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord as preached during the 9.30 am Mass in Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton. The readings were Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-5; Matthew 2:1-12. "Like the Magi, many people know they are seeking something 'more' because of something within themselves, or because of their own 'wisdom',… Continue reading Homilies: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
Review: Eagles at War
Eagles at War by Ben Kane My rating: 4 of 5 stars A great story of treachery and revenge brought to life by Ben Kane as he explores the story of Arminius and his great act of revenge on the Roman occupiers of his homeland and the destruction of three Roman legions in the Teutoburg… Continue reading Review: Eagles at War
Review: Treachery
Treachery by S.J. Parris My rating: 4 of 5 stars The hero of our series, Doctor Giordano Bruno of Nola, meets Sir Francis Drake as Drake prepares for a great adventure designed to upset the Spanish and enrich England. The only problem is an unexplained death aboard Drake's flagship, a death that threatens to delay… Continue reading Review: Treachery
