Resisting temptation
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ Today’s Gospel, Mark 1:12-15, is only six lines long, yet there is much in it on which we should reflect during this Lenten period, for example, Jesus’ temptation by Satan while he was in “the wilderness” for 40 days. Our Church teaches us that we must do good and avoid […]
What would Jesus do about hanging?
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ Today’s Second Reading (1 Cor 10:31-11:1) reminds us that whatever we do, we must “do it for the glory of God.” In his letter to the Corinthians St Paul urges them to take him for their model, as he takes Christ. As we seek to revitalise our Catholic Culture and […]
Children bring us God’s smile
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ Every child brings us God’s smile and invites us to recognise that life is His gift, a gift to be welcomed with love and preserved with care always and at every moment. (Pope Benedict XVI) These words came to mind as I read about the pain that 6-year-old Josiah Governor […]
Life after separation, divorce, or losing a spouse
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ Last Sunday I presented a paper at the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission’s Convention for Catholics who are Separated, Divorced and Widowed on the theme: What does God have to do with me now? The following are extracts – Download full presentation I agree with the Family Life Commission – “being […]
Teach me your paths, Lord
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ When I was in London last October, my sister brought out a box with some of my mother’s prayer books. We take comfort in using the very prayer books she used when she was alive. One of these is a book of psalms given to her by Bishop Emeritus Sydney […]
Speak, Lord, I am listening
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ You did not choose me, no, I who chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last (John 15:16). Although Vocations Awareness Week ends today, we have a duty to pray for vocations on a daily basis. We need holy priests, deacons, […]
He came to save us all
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TO STRIVE TO BE A BETTER CHRISTIAN; TO LIVE THE KIND OF LIFE THAT WILL DRAW ME CLOSER TO GOD, TO MY NEIGHBOUR AND TO GOD’S CREATION. IT IS ONLY THROUGH RECONCILIATION WITH GOD, NEIGHBOUR, CREATION AND SELF CAN WE BUILD THE CIVILISATION OF LOVE. LEELA […]
Educating young people in justice and peace
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair of the Catholic Commission for Social Justice “The world must be educated to love Peace, to build it up and defend it.” – Pope Paul VI, 1968 Today, January 1, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and also World Day of Peace. This year, Pope Benedict XVI’s Peace […]
The true light that enlightens all
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair of the Catholic Commission for Social Justice Rejoice! The Word, “the light that darkness could not overpower…the true light that enlightens” all is here among us. Stand in awe and gratitude that Jesus, our Saviour “was made flesh” and dwelt among us. And He is still here among us. See […]
The line to see Jesus
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair of the Catholic Commission for Social Justice I returned to T&T last weekend feeling a bit sad that so many of those whom I met while I was away, wished me “Happy Holidays” when we parted. However, my heart was lifted when, on my return, I opened an e-mail from Maureen […]