Fr Thomas’ Homily for the 4th Sunday of Easter

Along with Mothers Day thoughts, the upcoming election is also in everyone’s mind. In the case of Mothers, we happily celebrate the love of nurturing women and such other people in families, especially with young ones. In the case of the election, the integrity of the politicians are questioned or affirmed.  Integrity and a vision for the future is essential for those who aspire to govern a nation. When you put the loving care of the mothers and the integrity of the visionary leaders together, you become a shepherd or a pastor.  Jesus is our ultimate pastor who does not want anyone entrusted to him to be lost.

Fr Thomas’ Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Easter

Reading about the resurrected Christ feeding the disciples makes me reminisce feeding the crowd that attended the funeral of my sister Tomsy. Sharing food is so reassuring when needed. I was in Sacred Heart convent chapel with family and friends commencing a night long vigil for Sr Tomsy. While we were mourning and praying for the repose of the soul of my beloved sister, the nuns comforted us, not just with words, but also with a meal for all attendees.

Fr Thomas’ Homily for the Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Once in a homily to children, I described the martyrdom of a saint.  At this some parents got up in arms, because they thought it is improper to speak of martyrdom and its horrors to children.  They would have their children wool wrapped to protect them from the harsh realities of life.  It is done with the good intention of them growing into a healthier and fuller life.  Are the parents right? 

Fr Thomas’ Homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent

You remember Pope Francis making headline in 2015 for saying, “Who am I to judge?”  Francis’s question occurred in an interview as he was returning from World Youth Day in Rio (2013).  In a book by Andrea Tornielli on 12 Januray 2016, Pope Francis explained his comment. 

Fr Thomas’ Homily for the 4th Sunday of Lent

The Holy Father consecrated Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the Feast of the Annunciation. It is done 105 years after the Fatima apparitions, and 93 years after Sister Lucia had the message from Our Lady confirmed in 1929.  The feast of Annunciation is special. God’s angel announcing to Mary the birth of our saviour and she saying “yes” to it was the beginning of our salvation. 

Fr Thomas’ Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Lent

The crazy war in Ukraine with all the destruction and killing, you hear people asking, “Why does God allow this to happen?” Innocent people are being killed in the war. Do they deserve to be killed?  No.  These atrocious killings are in no way God’s punishment for the sinners.  But there is evil at play in these recent happenings. 

Fr Thomas’ Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Lent

There is one parish in particular, Palar, where I had an amazing experience of transformation. It happened while I had undertaken a special meditation prayer for the parish. The social profile of the area was an epitome of hopelessness. They were high of illegal cannabis growing and distilling local rum; but dry on peace and joy in life.

Fr Thomas’ Homily for the 1st Sunday of Lent

Recent floods in many parts of the state and beyond isolated some communities and people in the submerged areas like Lismore were forced to leave their homes for refuge centres. Another heart-breaking news is the war in Ukraine.  Our concern for these situations are heightened even before our memory of volcanic disaster in Tonga and that of the war torn Lebanon.  And the whole world is yet to recover from the COVID pandemic.

Fr Thomas’ Homily for the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time

There is a story about a boy in grade four caught stealing.  His dad was called into the school office and told that his son has got a habit of stealing pencils from other students.  His parent was disgusted at this and said, “Why did he do it? He shouldn’t be needing any more pencil. I bring him pencils from my office each week.”

Fr Thomas’ Homily for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Being at home with my mother and siblings, especially the sick ones, was good. Sr Tomsy, the one you all have been praying for, continues to be in need of it. But I could not be away from my adopted home, my parish, for long. Many of you have commented on the cheerful presence of Fr Mirko. He in turn also feels very much welcome to the parish. Thanks to all parishioners for making him feel so.