4661 :
05 May 2019

A reflection on Leadership... Debb offers the lead reflection on the Gospel Reading this weekend. She opens by suggesting: "These questions are alive. In a disaster-shaken, future-wary world. In the Roman Catholic church, from the Vatican to the fringes. In election-time Australia. In a world where social media and big money hold sway. Who will lead us through these troubled times? How will leaders emerge and what kind of leadership will prevail?" Her reflection goes on to invite to reflect on what was the key leadership quality that Jesus was looking for in Peter and how that seems to be a vital ingredient often missing in leadership today. ...Brian Coyne, editor [Read the Reflections of Debb and others on our forum]

4655 :
28 Apr 2019

Fear in Jerusalem... Many decades ago, as a young boy or about 12, I made what I am sure was one of the first adult choices in my life. It was the choice of a Confirmation name. The name I chose was Thomas, after the 'doubting Thomas' whose story is the focus of this Gospel Reading from John today. My parents didn't make the choice for me, nor anybody else. I was in boarding school and made the choice freely by myself. Can you remember the first fully adult choice you made in your life? Even today I continue to see it as a poignant choice that reflects my life-long doubts. Bruce offers the lead reflection this weekend. The focus of his imaginative narrative is what we truly remember about those who have gone before us. Is it the actual person, many of whom we've never met "in the flesh", or is it the ideas they leave behind? What is the real essence of what we need to remember about Jesus? ...Brian Coyne, editor [Read the Reflections of Bruce and others on our forum]

016 :
24 Apr 2019

It's all a Myth; but why Mythology is valuable! This is a lengthy commentary from Dr Julius-Kei Kato. He is examining the question of what we can learn from the New Testament's reticence to declare bluntly that "Jesus is God". It's probably not recommended for those who believe they already have the answer, or those seeking a simple answer. In this first part he sets out five nuanced arguments why we should accept the proposition. It is a commentary incorporating quite sophisticated theological arguments and scriptural analysis. In this first part he sets out five nuanced arguments why we should accept the proposition. In the second part he sets out arguments why we ought be sceptical. We will publish the concluding part on Friday (as it is a public holiday in Australia on Thursday). ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]

067 :
23 Apr 2019

2019 Easter Week Reflection, Meditation #4... We begin this belated final Easter 2019 Meditation by Joy Ryan-Bloore with Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens') performance at the recent memorial in Christchurch, NZ. He picks up on the theme, or Joy picks up on his theme, for this meditation on what lessons we can learn from the Resurrection, 2,000 years ago of Jesus, and our resurrection and recovery today. As I wrote introducing the last reflection: "This isn't just 'ancient history'. When read in the ways Joy proposes, it is the story of our lives NOW – both as individuals, and collectively. The Easter Story offers us a way of understanding even the large scale traumas we're experiencing in society, and with the climate and ecological challenges on our planet today, and such things as the numerous crises the Church is experiencing today." ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]

066 :
19 Apr 2019

2019 Holy Week Reflections, Meditation #3 for Hood Friday and Holy Saturday... These meditations by Joy Ryan-Bloore offer us a radically fresh way of appreciating the Easter Triduum. We are called not simply to celebrate certain events that occurred approximately 2,000 years ago, we are called to interpret our own stories, and our own journey, through the life, death and resurrection of the One who provided this template for our own lives. This isn't just 'ancient history'. When read in the ways Joy proposes, it is the story of our lives NOW – both as individuals, and collectively. The Easter Story offers us a way of understanding even the large scale traumas we're experiencing in society, and with the climate and ecological challenges on our planet today, and such things as the numerous crises the Church is experiencing today. ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]

065 :
17 Apr 2019

2019 Holy Week Reflections, Meditation #2 for Holy Thursday... This commentary for Holy Thursday was prepared by Joy Ryan-Bloore before the burning of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris – an event which adds more to all the trauma our world seems to be going through at present. Joy has already remarked that her Holy Week Meditations this year have been heavily coloured by the recent terrorism event in New Zealand, which occurred very close to her home, and also the Crisis the Church finds itself in, particularly following the recent conviction and jailing of Cardinal George Pell. In this reflection for Holy Thursday, Joy endeavours to provide us with a way of reading the Passion story of Jesus through the events happening today in our lives. ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]

266 :
16 Apr 2019

The collapse in leadership in society... An increasing refrain we hear all over society today is the collapse in trust of leaders whether it's in politics, business, or religion. For example see Greg Bailey's 2-part commentary on John Menadue today [LINK] that Enda drew attention to on our forum [LINK]. John Chuchman in this reflection looks at it all through the eyes of one of history's most failed leaders, Napoleon. How he, and they all, might envy the success of the humble Nazarene? ...Brian Coyne, editor [read John's reflection HERE]

011 :
15 Apr 2019

The Man, Part 7... In part 7 of this series Hubert comes to the conclusion that for anyone to change the world the process has to begin with changing one's own self. It is so easy to concentrate one's energies in the direction of others, it is more difficult to concentrate them onto changing one's self? ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]

4640 :
13 Apr 2019

It's Palm Sunday... Again! Why not give it another name? In a provocative lead reflection for Palm Sunday Joe Weber asks: "What is your 'passion' in life... just to be a palm waver once a year as the parade passes by; or a voice in the crowd screaming 'Crucify him!'? The Yeshua challenge for each of us is to become people of change; first and foremost taking place within self – metanoia; then going beyond self metanoia outside our safe box, to be light for others to foster their own spiritual growth." His reflection has already generated a vibrant response from others. ...Brian Coyne, editor [Read the Reflections of Joe and others on our forum]

064 :
10 Apr 2019

2019 Holy Week Reflections, Meditation #1... Joy Ryan-Bloore's Holy Week Meditations this year have been heavily coloured by the recent terrorism event in New Zealand, which occurred very close to her home, and also the Crisis the Church finds itself in, particularly following the recent conviction and jailing of Cardinal George Pell. Her reflection endeavours to help us chart our way through this difficult time. ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]

063 :
10 Apr 2019

2019 Holy Week Reflections, Introduction Part 2... The recent Islamic Mosque terrorism event in Christchurch impacted on the psyches and well-being of people right around the world but, more especially, those closest to the events. In this reflection for Holy Week this year, Joy Ryan-Bloore examines the event in psychological, Christological and even an Astrological perspective. In particular, the main thrust of her reflection seeks to explore the meaning of scarifying events like this through the Mystery of the Crucified Christ. ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]

062 :
09 Apr 2019

2019 Holy Week Reflections, Introduction Part 1... Joy Ryan-Bloore was in the early stage of writing these reflections for Holy Week 2019. when news came through of the terrorist attack barely a mile from where she lives in Christchurch, New Zealand, on the 15th of March. In the introduction, which itself I've split into two parts, she situates her introduction within the context of the disturbing and scarifying events in her own neighbourhood. ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]

010 :
08 Apr 2019

The Catholic Church has a governance problem... Fr Eric Hodgens argues the Catholic Church has a big governance problem today which is basically inherited from its monarchical and hierarchical structure. He argues that the institution needs to learn from more contemporary insights into best management and governance practice. He sets his commentary in the context of the recent appointment of Archbishop Wilton Gregory to lead the Washington Archdiocese. Robert Mickens also has an interesting commentary in La Croix on this appointment. ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]

010 :
08 Apr 2019

The Man, Part 6... In part 6 of this series Hubert explores the territory many men go through in their journey to discern what role they are to play in the world. The Christian Man is called to further God's Plan for the world. But what does this mean. Is it an endeavour to be undertaken alone, or in communion with others? ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]

4633 :
06 Apr 2019

As one with the sinful... The Gospel Reading for the Fifth Sunday in Lent is the Parable of the Woman Caught in Adultery. Tony (Ynot) Lawless asks: "Without anger, without bloodshed, without even an argument, Jeshua disperses the lynch mob and saves the woman from a humiliating and painful death in the street. How did he work this magic?" His reflection looks at the various answers to his question. ...Brian Coyne, editor [Read the Reflections of Tony and others on our forum]

184 :
06 Apr 2019

A response to the New York Time's commentary on Rupert Murdoch's Empire & Power... This commentary is a response to the 20,000+ word analysis in the New York Times exploring the rise and rise of the publishing empire of Rupert Murdoch. Brian Coyne argues that Rupert Murdoch was initially trying to protect his newspapers in the massive decline in circulation, audience reach, and advertising revenue posed by the internet and all the 'new media'. The strategy he came up with was "pure genius". It has been copied by many other commercial publishers around the world and by political parties. The challenge in communications has always been in finding the cheapest way to attract the largest audience. This commentary explores how Rupert Murdoch did this, its implications for wider society. ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]

4629 :
02 Apr 2019

How Rupert Murdoch's Empire of Influence remade the World... If you want to read an extended Prodigal Son story to beat all others, The New York Times published a lengthy (20,000+ word) analysis of the Murdoch Family Dynasty yesterday. The "Prodigal Son" reference is to Rupert's treatment of his two sons, Lachlan (the elder of the two) and James, in their battle for succession and to take over their father's mantle. And, in turn, its analysis of their relationship to their father. Rupert has not built his empire by publishing articles of 20,000 words – which challenge the concentration of the audiences he is interested in attracting and controlling – but this article is required reading for anyone the slightest bit interested in trying to understand what is going on in their world today. The SMH also has an introduction to the story. Sorry, both of these stories are probably behind a pay-wall for many. I suggest they are well worth the trouble of getting hold of even if it means a trip down to your local library. ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]

4628 :
02 Apr 2019

The Apostolic Exhoration on Youth: "Christus vivit—Christ is Alive" The Vatican on Tuesday released Pope Francis's post-Synodal Exhortation addressed to young people – and indeed, the population of the entire world. Andrea Tornielli has provided a good synopsis for those who don't have the time to read the entire document. You'll find the links, and discussion at the top of our forum. In Australia today we've had saturation coverage of an early budget the Federal Government has released in preparation for an election which will be called later in the week. We are deperately in need of HOPE – and that's another discussion a few of us have been having on our forum. ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]

009 :
02 Apr 2019

The Man, Part 5... In this reflection Hubert reflects on three kisses that are etched in his memory. They're perhaps not the sort of kisses that might immediately spring to life in a man's memory. They each point to important people in the creation and formation of any Man in their life journey. ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]

4628 :
01 Apr 2019

A response to the New York Time's commentary on Rupert Murdoch's Empire & Power... There is a mountain of excellent, hope-filling reports and commentary on catholica today from all around the world. It takes more than an hour to absorb all of them. If you do not have large amounts of time at least read Gerard O'Connell's report in America Magazine about what Pope Francis said in a 45-minute impromptu media conference aboard the aircraft on his flight from Morocco back to Rome on Sunday night. This man offers a new style of leadership to the other styles of populism abounding today that are leading humanity back towards the jungle and the cave in our thinking and behaviours. ...Brian Coyne, editor [Direct link to the America Magazine report] | [The discussion about this and other hope-filling reports on our forum]

4626 :
30 Mar 2019

Th Parable of the Prodigal Son.. The Gospel Reading for the Fourth Sunday in Lent this year is the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Judith provides our lead reflection by asking: "The term 'prodigal' means various things – extravagant, wasteful, prodigious, overly generous, etc.. Should the parable really be called 'the prodigal father' as all of these meanings apply to him, even more so than to his younger son?" ...Brian Coyne, editor [Read the Reflections of Judith and others on our forum]

008 :
25 Mar 2019

The Man, Part 5... In this reflection Hubert reflects on three kisses that are etched in his memory. They're perhaps not the sort of kisses that might immediately spring to life in a man's memory. They each point to important people in the creation and formation of any Man in their life journey. ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]

4626 :
30 Mar 2019

Th Parable of the Prodigal Son.. The Gospel Reading for the Fourth Sunday in Lent this year is the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Judith provides our lead reflection by asking: "The term 'prodigal' means various things – extravagant, wasteful, prodigious, overly generous, etc.. Should the parable really be called 'the prodigal father' as all of these meanings apply to him, even more so than to his younger son?" ...Brian Coyne, editor [Read the Reflections of Judith and others on our forum]

008 :
25 Mar 2019

A Bishop's hopes for our troubled times... Amidst all the depressing news at present, I came across this reflection by Bishop Patrick Power, Retired Auxiliary Bishop of Canberra-Goulburn a few days ago. Bishop Pat originally offered this as a reflection for Ash Wednesday but it also serves as a hope-filling reflection about how we might restore a bit of joy and hope to the present gloom. It's perhaps no coincidence that the title of his latest book is Joy and Hope. ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]

008 :
25 Mar 2019

The Man, Part 4... We've been interrupted in bringing you the continuation of this series by Hubert van Hoof by the avalanche of disturbing news in recent weeks. This fourth reflection in his series, originally written way back in 1988, might have something to say to us today. We Christians are taught to believe that Christ came to set us free, but how much do we seek to set others free? So often we see in society people attempting to bind others in chains – even members of their own families, or their own children and spouses. What Hubert writes in this reflection is an excellent self-reflectin for all of us. ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]

4619 :
23 Mar 2019

If you heed Jesus, you repent. What does that mean? Debb offers a reflection that focus on the question in the headline. She opens, and ends, her reflection setting this question in the context of the disturbing terrorism event in Christchurch, New Zealand just over a week ago. Debb writes: "[Repenting] is not so much about personal faults and failings, as about social interaction. It has to do with what we do to others, what we owe them. To repent in this context means to make amends, to set things right with others, to restore relationships, to build strong and loving community." ...Brian Coyne, editor [Read the Reflections of Debb and others on our forum]

023 :
21 Mar 2019

Submission of Catholics for Renewal to the Plenary Council... Catholics for Renewal has prepared what is perhaps the most comprehensive submission to the coming Australian Plenary Council to be held in 2020-21. Dr Peter Wilkinson is President of Catholics for Renewal and, with a team of other people, played a significant part in the preparation of this submission. While specifically aimed at addressing the problems the Catholic Church faces in Australia I recommend this submission as a brilliant analysis of the general problems the institution faces across the length and breadth of the educated, affluent, socially sophisticated first world. ...Brian Coyne, editor [Read the Submission HERE]

4603 :
16 Mar 2019

No lead commentaries at present on catholica... Due to the massive amount of news and commentary still being published in other media we are temporarily suspending production of our own lead commentaries. The tragic terrorist event in New Zealand has only compounded the challenges for all of us. In the place of our own lead commentaries you'll find a massive amount of news reporting, commentary and discussion on our forum exploring every aspect of these recent developments which has been earth-shattering for almost everybody in society on our forum. ...Brian Coyne, editor [Follow the news, commentary and discussion on our forum HERE]

4612 :
09 Mar 2019

The Transfiguration - An Event of Change... What are we modern, educated and sophisticated human beings to make of this Gospel story of the Transfiguration? In a nutshell that is the question our lead reflection writer, Bruce, asks this weekend. It's a question that fits perhaps more uneasily with the news that has been crushing to the morales of so many coming out of both Australia and New Zealand over recent days. Bruce links his reflection back to the third last sentence in the Gospel reading: the necessity of us to LISTEN to the messenger. This is not necessarily an easy thing to do. It is a message central to what Pope Francis is also constantly saying. Listening needs to lead to TRANSFORMATION in us, the listeners. ...Brian Coyne, editor [Read the Reflections of Bruce and others on our forum]

4605 :
09 Mar 2019

Who, or what, tempted Jesus in the Desert? Pope Francis has put the Devil in the news a bit lately blaming him for all sorts of things. The Gospel for the First Sunday of Lent is the story of Jesus being tempted in the Desert. CathyT writes our lead reflection this weekend and takes the opportunity to do a bit of research into Jewish and Christian understandings of this character in scripture who is variously labelled as the Devil, Satan or the Evil One. She offers a worthwhile reflection for anyone interested in investigating this Gospel reading at more than the superficial level. ...Brian Coyne, editor [Read the Reflections of Cathy and others on our forum]

4603 :
07 Mar 2019

No lead commentaries at present on catholica... Due to the massive amount of news and commentary still being published in other media we are temporarily suspending production of our own lead commentaries. In their place you'll find a massive amount of news reporting, commentary and discussion on our forum exploring every aspect of this development which has been earth-shattering for the institution, and for many Catholics, on our forum. ...Brian Coyne, editor [Follow the news, commentary and discussion on our forum HERE]

4598 :
02 Mar 2019

What If? Joe (Journeyman) Weber writes the lead reflection for this Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. This is a provocative reflection. He writes: "As Yeshua traveled throughout Galilee, to the groups of people he shared his ideas with, he never said that you must form into communities and build church buildings in my honor. But if you must, I first have to lay hands on the perfect male celibate, and give them magical powers to be your liturgical leader; he will have complete authority to keep you thinking correctly and not asking doubting questions about what they tell you. Did any of Yeshua's disciples courageously ask him: 'what if?' Do we, today, do likewise?" ...Brian Coyne, editor [Read the Reflections of Joe and others on our forum]

4594 :
01 Mar 2019

The Conviction of Cardinal George Pell has dominated all news and discussion this week... There's only one news story today: the lifting of the suppression order on the conviction of Cardinal George Pell. The news broke soon after 10.00 a.m. Tuesday here on the East coast of Australia, in the middle of the night in Rome and earlier still in the United States so the impact of this hugely significant story is even now still travelling around our globe. More than probably His Eminence will be spending tomorrow night in jail. He will be sentenced next week; is still proclaiming his innocence; and will appeal his conviction but the impact of this on the Church is going to be huge. Follow all the commentary and updates on our forum. It's going to be a very sober Lent for Catholicism this year. ...Brian Coyne, editor [more]