Homily for the Feast of the Ascension (A)
The Feast of the Ascension invites us to recognise that Christ is not absent, but present in a new and deeper way. Though no longer visible, he remains alive among us -encountered in Scripture, Sacrament, and community. This feast calls us to open our eyes in faith, to recognise his presence and the hope he offers. It also highlights our mission: to live as witnesses to Christ in the world. In a time of division, the Ascension reminds us that unity is God’s gift and calling - drawing us together as one people, sent to be a sign of hope, communion, and peace.
Homily for the Sixth Sunday of Easter (A)
Today we reflect on transformation through the Holy Spirit, drawing on Nick Cave’s Conversion and the image of being “touched by the spirit, touched by the flame.” Like the early Christians in the Acts of the Apostles, those who draw close to God are changed: fear gives way to courage, and lives become radiant with truth, goodness, and beauty. Jesus’ promise of the Advocate, the Spirit of truth, is fulfilled as Easter opens into Pentecost. Our calling is to dare to step closer to the light and become a Spirit-filled community witnessing to Christ’s passage from death to life.
Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter (A)
Today we hear Jesus’ words from the Farewell Discourse: “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Often heard at funerals, these words are presented during Easter as guidance for living, not only for dying. Jesus offers not slogans, but a way of life grounded in relationship, truth, and hope. The Acts of the Apostles shows the risen Christ at work in a Church that listens, discerns, and shares responsibility. Easter faith does not remove challenges, but gives courage to face them together, living the way, the truth, and the life here and now.
Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (A)
On Good Shepherd Sunday, the Gospel reflects on Jesus’ words in John 10: “I am the gate.” Rather than a barrier, Jesus is presented as a living threshold of welcome, protection, and freedom. Drawing on everyday experiences of gates that signal belonging or exclusion, we are challenged to examine our own posture. Are our communities experienced as places of welcome or caution? As both Good Shepherd and Good Gate, Christ calls the Church to stand at the threshold with generosity, trust, and openness to life.
Homily for the Third Sunday of Easter (A)
On the Road to Emmaus, we are invited to rediscover how the risen Christ remains present among us. Though no longer visible as before, Jesus walks with his people, opening the Scriptures and revealing himself in the breaking of the bread. This pattern of Word and Sacrament continues to shape Christian life today, renewing hearts and communities for mission. For the Brunswick Moreland Catholic Community, Emmaus becomes a powerful image of renewal, accompaniment, and shared journey, calling us to recognise Christ in new ways and to return to the world as Easter people, bearing hope, peace, and new life
Homily for the Second Sunday of Easter (A)
On the Second Sunday of Easter the Gospel presents the Risen Jesus returning to a frightened and divided community with a simple yet astonishing message: “Peace be with you.” In a world marked by ongoing conflict, violence and deep wounds, Christ’s refusal of revenge and his gift of peace and reconciliation are offered to us. The Risen Lord bears the scars of violence, yet responds with mercy. The Easter story dares us to imagine that even in situations that seem beyond human forgiveness, peace is possible. Divine mercy meets our divided world and invites us to become its witnesses.
Homily for Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord’s Supper
On Holy Thursday we remember that “the Father had put everything into Jesus’ hands.” Yet Jesus does not grasp for power - he kneels, washes feet, and loves his disciples “to the end.” He shows us that true authority is expressed in service, compassion, and humility. As we enter the Triduum, we are invited to hold what is ours to hold - our choices, our responses, our love - and to release what lies beyond our control. Jesus gives us the towel and the Eucharist as our identity and mission. Tonight, Christ places everything into our hands. How will we respond?
Homily for Good Friday - Passion of the Lord
Good Friday reveals the worst of humanity and the deepest trust of Jesus. The one who held everything in his hands now places himself into the hands of others; hands that betray, condemn, and crucify. We see in the Passion the same forces that wound our world today: violence, injustice, fear, and the powerful harming the vulnerable. Yet Jesus responds not with retaliation but with trust: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” The cross is God’s solidarity with all who suffer. Today we stand at its foot, invited to hold Christ with reverence and to stand with the vulnerable.
Homily for Easter Vigil
Across the Triduum we walk with Christ through the deepest mystery of our faith. On Holy Thursday, we see the Father place everything into Jesus’ hands - hands that choose service, humility, and love. On Good Friday, Jesus places himself into human hands, revealing both the worst of humanity and the unshakeable trust he has in the Father. At the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday, the Father raises Jesus from the dead, and we rise with him. Our newly baptised and confirmed embody this new life among us. As Easter people, we are called to carry Christ’s hope, compassion, and courage into our world.