An Imaginary Look at How Jesus Would Have Appeared to Friends and Colleagues While He Was Growing Up, Working, and Preparing for His Ministry

The Incarnation of Christ is one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith. 

That God Himself became man, walked among us, and experienced the ordinary rhythms of human life is both astounding and deeply moving.

Yet, while the Gospels give us glimpses into Jesus’ public ministry, they tell us very little about His hidden years - those decades in Nazareth before He began preaching.

What was Jesus like as a child, as a young man, and as a tradesman? How did He appear to those who knew Him - His neighbours, friends, and colleagues? 

In this imaginative reflection, a follow-up post to "The Human Side Of Jesus" we will consider what it might have been like to encounter Jesus in everyday life before He stepped onto the stage of history as the Messiah.

As the Imam, Priest, and Rabbi Prayed For Peace - A Poem

As the Imam, Priest, and Rabbi
Prayed For Peace - A Poem

Corpus Christi Sunday – A Celebration of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

On Sunday 22nd June 2025, Catholics across the world will celebrate Corpus Christi Sunday - a Solemnity that stands at the very heart of our Catholic faith. 

The name, Corpus Christi, is Latin for The Body of Christ, and it is a day on which the Church joyfully affirms the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist: body, blood, soul and divinity.

This feast is not merely a reminder - it is a proclamation. A proclamation that Jesus, who gave Himself to us on the Cross, continues to give Himself to us in the Holy Eucharist. And this year, as we reflect upon the mystery and majesty of this truth on 22nd June, we are invited to enter more deeply into the Eucharistic heart of our Catholic life.

Prayer for a Family and Friends Grieving a Loved One’s Illness

The Human Side Of Jesus

In the narrative of Jesus Christ’s life, it is easy to focus solely on his divinity, his miracles, and his teachings. 

However, a deeper exploration of his earthly experiences reveals that Jesus intimately knew the human condition, including its most challenging aspects. 

Recognising that Jesus was a refugee, experienced despair, knew hunger, and more, allows us to connect with him on a profoundly human level. 

This understanding can deepen our faith and inspire us to respond to the needs of those who face similar trials today.

The Tabernacle Key

A Catholic Response to the Outbreak of Conflict Between Israel and Iran – Pray for Peace

“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God.”
– Matthew 5:9 (RSV-CE)

A Personal Prayer For A Very Good Friend

The Good Samaritan - Points Easily Missed In This Famous Parable

The Parable of the Good Samaritan, found in the Gospel of Luke (10:25-37), is one of the most well-known and beloved stories in the Christian tradition. 

Its message of compassion and neighbourly love transcends religious boundaries and speaks to the universal call for human kindness. 

However, despite its widespread familiarity, there are several nuances and deeper meanings that are often overlooked. Let us delve into some of the easily missed points in this famous parable, shedding light on the richness of its lessons.

The Lord's My Shepherd... 22nd Psalm or 23rd Psalm?

The Psalms are a collection of ancient hymns and prayers that hold a cherished place in both Jewish and Christian worship. 

For Catholics, the Psalms are more than just sacred poetry; they are an essential part of the liturgy and personal devotion. 

Among these 150 songs, one stands out as particularly beloved and widely known: the Psalm that begins, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." 

This Psalm has provided comfort, guidance, and hope to countless people over the centuries. However, there is often confusion regarding whether this is the 22nd or the 23rd Psalm. 

Why does this discrepancy exist, and which is the correct number for Catholics? 

Let’s explore the history, reasons, and implications of this difference in Psalm numbering.

Why Do Some Congregations Rattle Off Prayers and Responses Quickly and Parrot-Fashion During Mass?

Attend Mass in any number of parishes across the country - or indeed around the world - and you’ll notice a peculiar phenomenon: some congregations respond to the prayers of the Mass in a quick, mechanical, almost breathless fashion, as though racing through a checklist. 

The Creed becomes a blur, the “Lord, I am not worthy…” is over before it’s begun, and the “Amen” is often uttered before the priest has finished the blessing.

Why does this happen? How did something so sacred, solemn, and rooted in divine encounter become, in places, so rushed and robotic? And more importantly, what can we do to rekindle reverence in our responses during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass?

Let’s explore the roots of this issue - and what it tells us about our modern Catholic culture.