Richard M Healey

As we prepare for Christmas, we find ourselves pondering various themes that resonate deeply within us—hope, joy, peace, and the longing for purpose. In this season of Advent, we are invited to reflect on what it means to embody hope and to live in a state of peace, especially in a world that often feels…

Exploring Joy and Wonder in Our Lives Greetings, dear friends. Today, I invite you to join me in a reflection on joy and wonder—two profound experiences that can transform our lives and deepen our relationship with God. As we delve into this theme, let’s draw from personal experiences, biblical texts, and practical actions that can…

Embracing Renewal: Reflections on the Reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris and the Advent Season Greetings, dear friends. Today, I want to share some reflections on a momentous event that resonates deeply with my personal experiences and memories: the recent reopening and dedication of Notre-Dame de Paris. This iconic cathedral, which suffered a devastating fire in…

Embracing Faith and Hope in Times of Turmoil: Reflections from the Advent Season Greetings, dear friends. As we gather in this sacred space, I invite you to journey with me back to the late 1st century, to the west coast of the Roman province of Asia Minor, in what is now modern-day Turkey. It is…

Understanding True Kingship: Reflections on Jesus as the “Son of Man” and the “Crucified Messiah” There is a compelling contrast between the traditional view of monarchy, as exemplified by King Charles of the British royal family, and the biblical understanding of Jesus Christ as the “Son of Man” and the “crucified Messiah.” This exploration invites…

Embracing Faith Amidst Uncertainty: Reflections on Apocalyptic Themes in Scripture Today, I want to share some reflections that delves into the themes of revelation and apocalypse in scripture, particularly as we approach the darker, colder months of winter (in the northern hemisphere). These reflections are inspired by the biblical stories of Noah and Jacob, as…

Embracing Generosity: Lessons from Elijah and the Widow of Sidon Reflecting on the profound themes of generosity, abundance, and the teachings of Jesus. These reflections were inspired by a personal experience and the timeless story of Elijah and the widow of Sidon. Today, I want to share these insights with you, offering a detailed guide…

Embracing the Commandments: A Journey of Love and Curiosity Today, I want to share with you some reflections, where we delved into the profound themes of curiosity, the commandments in the Bible, and the transformative power of love. As we explore these themes, I hope to offer you valuable insights and actionable advice that can…

Reflection on Bartimaeus: A Journey from Isolation to Community In the biblical narrative, the story of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, serves as a profound illustration of the human experience of isolation and the transformative power of community and love. Bartimaeus, positioned on the outskirts of society, embodies the struggles of those who feel disconnected and…

Reflection on the Gospel of Mark: The Journey Towards the Cross Greetings, dear friends in Christ. As we gather on this 29th Sunday of year B, we find ourselves reflecting on the profound themes of Jesus’ ministry as presented in the Gospel of Mark. This week, we delve into the journey towards Jerusalem, the predictions…

I delve into a profound biblical encounter that speaks volumes about our spiritual journey and the quest for true freedom. The story of the young man who approaches Jesus, eager to inherit eternal life, is a powerful narrative that resonates with many of us, especially those who are young and zealous in their faith. This…

In this episode, I delve into the profound nature of marriage, drawing inspiration from Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Tale of Two Cities.” The opening lines of the novel, which speak to the duality of human experience, resonate deeply with the complexities of marriage. Marriage can indeed be “the best of times” when it flourishes, offering…

Understanding Gehenna: A Call to Embrace Love and Freedom Have you ever been told to “go to hell”? It’s not a pleasant experience, but if it happens, you might not need to be too shocked or upset. The term “hell” in the Bible often refers to a specific place rather than the fiery, fantastical realm…

The Central Question: “Who Do You Say That I Am?” We begin by setting the scene in the northern region of Israel, at the foothills of Mount Hermon. This location, rich in natural beauty and historical significance, serves as the backdrop for Jesus’ pivotal question to his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?”…

’00:02:23′, ‘Jesus never treats us generically; we’re not just a number, we’re not just a person in the midst of a crowd.’ ’00:04:37′, ‘How isolating that must be, and then Jesus takes him and it’s this really interesting description. Mark is the most likely of all of the gospel writers to tell us how often…

Understanding the Teachings of Jesus and the Purpose of the Commandments In today’s reflection, I want to draw your attention to a significant moment in the Gospel of Mark. If you’ve been following along, you may have noticed that I didn’t read the text exactly as it appears in the lectionary. Instead, I chose to…

Embracing Faithful Decision-Making: Reflections from Joshua’s Leadership In this episode, we delve into the profound themes of decision-making, faith, and commitment to serving God, as reflected in the biblical narrative of Joshua. As a Catholic priest, I offer these reflections during a homily, aiming to guide our parish community in making conscious choices that align…

Embracing the Eucharist: A Journey Through Conflict and Transformation Today, I want to share with you some reflections on the profound teachings of Jesus on the Eucharist and its significance in our spiritual journey. This discussion is rooted in the context of conflict and arguments, drawing parallels between our personal experiences and the transformative power…

The Journey of Elijah: Finding God in Silence and Sustenance In this episode, we delve into the life of the biblical prophet Elijah, a figure who bursts onto the scene with remarkable fervour and significance. Elijah’s name, meaning “my God is Yahweh,” encapsulates his role as a powerful hero in the narrative of Israel, particularly…

Spiritual Hunger and the Quest for Fulfillment In this episode, I share a personal story from my travels in Europe, which serves as a backdrop for a deeper exploration of spiritual hunger and the quest for fulfillment in a relationship with God. The narrative begins with a hiking adventure in the Austrian Alps, where I,…

The Abundance of God’s Love: Reflections on the Miracle of Feeding the 5,000 Greetings, dear friends. Today, I want to delve into a profound and timeless message that resonates deeply within our faith and daily lives. This reflection is inspired by the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, a narrative that beautifully illustrates the themes…

The Encounter of Mary Magdalene with the Risen Jesus Today, we reflect on a profound moment from the Gospel of John, where we witness Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Christ. This encounter is not just a historical event but a deeply spiritual and transformative experience that offers us valuable lessons in faith, redemption, and…

Finding Solitude in the Midst of Chaos: A Reflection on Compassion and Spiritual Nourishment Watch the Mass In our fast-paced world, finding moments of solitude can seem like an impossible task. Yet, as Fr Richard Healey reflects in his homily, these moments are not just beneficial but essential for our spiritual well-being. Drawing from the…

Embracing the Mission: Sharing God’s Love with the World Today, I want to delve into a theme that is both timeless and profoundly relevant to our lives as followers of Christ: the mission to share the message of salvation with others. This reflection is inspired by the experiences of biblical figures such as Amos and…

Embracing the Transformative Power of God’s Grace: A Reflection on Home, Vulnerability, and Faith Welcome to this reflection on the concept of home and the transformative power of God’s grace. Today, I want to share with you some personal experiences and biblical insights that have shaped my understanding of home and the profound impact of…

Embracing Healing and Restoration: A Reflection on Faith and Community In this week’s homily, I found myself deeply moved by the Gospel of Mark, particularly the stories of the woman healed by touching the hem of Jesus’ garment and the subsequent healing of Jairus’ daughter. These narratives are rich with themes of healing, restoration, and…

Finding Peace in Life’s Storms: A Reflection on the Gospel of Jesus Calming the Storm Today, I want to share with you a reflection that is inspired by the Gospel story of Jesus calming the storm. This story is a powerful reminder of the peace and strength we can find in God’s presence during the…

Embracing Growth and Grace Establishing Solid Foundations One of the key points I discussed was the importance of establishing solid foundations before delving into any subject matter. This principle is not only crucial in our spiritual lives but also in our everyday learning processes. The Frustration of Learning Something New We all know the frustration…

Embracing God’s Mercy: Reflections on Guilt, Shame, and Redemption In this episode, I delve into the profound biblical story of Adam and Eve from the book of Genesis. This narrative is not just an ancient tale but a mirror reflecting our own experiences of guilt, shame, and the transformative power of God’s mercy. Let’s explore…

The Lifesaving Grace of Giving: Blood Donation and the Eucharist As I stood before my congregation, I found myself reflecting on the profound significance of blood in our lives—both physically and spiritually. It’s a topic that resonates deeply with me, not only as a priest but also as someone who has experienced the life-giving act…