One Jewish philosopher once said, “If we follow the law ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’, we would all end up blind and toothless.”

The Gospel reading today invites us to look at the Letter of the Law with the eyes of Love. Dear friends, as we read today’s Gospel, one thing becomes very clear; Jesus has come to fulfil the Law and not to abolish it (Matt 5:17).

Today’s Gospel is the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon “on the Mount” (according to Matthew – “on the Plain” according to Luke) – an extended instruction for his disciples.

Today’s Gospel text focuses on two events: the beginning of Jesus’ preaching in Galilee and the choice of the first apostles. Mark tells the story of each event in a very brief way.

A few years ago I talked to my cousin from the United States over the phone and we chatted for quite a while. While she knows me, while I know that she knows me but somehow in her voice somehow she sounded a little bit bewildered.

The solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, we celebrate today, is an important occasion in the Christmas Season. Through the visitation of the magi, God manifests Godself to the wider world.

The annual SVD Marsfield Community Carols by Candlelight headed outdoors this year to give a new twist to the multicultural celebration which featured choirs and performers from a broad range of ethnic communities.

The multicultural flavour of the evening was topped off when everyone came together to sing Silent Night, with verses in different languages as well as in English. And there was even a visit from Santa for the kids.

There was a story of a man who was deeply devoted to St Joseph and when he died he was at the gates of heaven and being interviewed by St Peter.

The season of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the year pre-dates the establishment of the date for the birth of Jesus on December 25th.

The liturgy of this Sunday invites us to look at the mercy of God and experience God’s abundant generosity towards each one of us.