Short Talks
This section of the website comprises short stand-alone talks and articles on different aspects of the Christian Faith, including the teaching of Jesus, the seasons of the Church’s Year and Feasts and Festivals. More talks/sermons/homilies/articles will be added in due course.
The section of the website entitled The Christian Faith provides more extended teaching on larger content areas, such as the Creed and the Sacraments.
Third Word
“Woman, behold your son: behold your mother” (John 19:26)
This is the third word of Jesus from the Cross. The first had been a prayer for his enemies; the second came a little nearer home when he made a promise to one who had been his enemy. This third word brings him now to his nearest and dearest, to his blessed Mother and John the beloved apostle who, watching by him at the foot of the Cross, had a share in his sufferings.
Fourth Word
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (NRSV, Mark 15:34)
These words of the dying Saviour have in them a mystery which we shall never fathom. They come from the infinite depths of his sacrifice; they are an expression of that inner spiritual darkness which overwhelmed his soul and of which the darkness that enveloped Calvary was a fitting symbol.
Fifth Word
“I thirst” (John 19:28)
It was the custom in Jerusalem to ease the sufferings of those who were crucified, by giving them a draught of drugged wine before the torture began, and a charitable association of women in the city had made themselves responsible for this act of mercy.