Homily for the 8 o’clock Mass, Sunday 26C, 25 September 2022, Luke 16:19-31

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is proper to St. Luke. Like other parables proper to this Gospel - for example the Prodigal Son, or the Good Samaritan, or the Pharisee and the Publican - this one very much fits with Luke’s typical emphases. St. Luke, more than any other evangelist, wants to show how Jesus made himself one with the poor: from the poverty of the stable in Bethlehem, to the poverty of the Cross.

Vestment making re-launched at Pluscarden

Among his many other tasks in the monastery, Pluscarden's Junior Br. Patrick has been studying the art of sewing. Already he has made or repaired many habits, scapulars, work smocks, cowls and cloaks for the brethren. More recently he has been working to enhance his sewing skills, so that he can repair or make liturgical vestments.

Homily for Sunday 22 C, 28 August 2022 – by DJC – Luke 14: 1, 7-14

St Luke tells us of three occasions when Jesus was invited to dine at the house of a Pharisee. In the first Simon the Pharisee’s reception of Jesus is so lacking in generosity and warmth that he does not even give Jesus water to wash his feet, greet him with a kiss or anoint him with oil - in contrast to the “gate crasher”, that St Therese of Lisieux loved so much, the sinful woman who showers Jesus’ feet with tears and kisses. She loves much because she has been forgiven much.

Homily for the 8 o’clock Mass, Feast of the Assumption, 14 August 2022 Apocalypse 12:1

Who is she? Who is this woman? What is this great sign in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, standing on the moon, with a crown of twelve stars on her head (Apoc 12:1)? She is beautiful, and she is also terrible. In the words of the Song of Songs: Who is she, arising like the dawn, fair as the moon, resplendent as the sun, terrible as an army in battle array (6:10)?