reflection Archives - CAFOD Blog

The Feast of the Assumption: Mary, Mother of the Poor

August 15, 2019

On the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Linda Jones from our Theology team reflects on the different qualities of Our Lady, and how she can inspire us to have the strength and courage to act.

A couple of months ago, when I was walking along the Pointe du Raz cliffs in Brittany, I came across a beautiful statue of Our Lady. Here she is known as Our Lady of the Shipwrecked. She looks compassionately on a man reaching towards her in seeming despair.

As I walked on, I thought about the different ways we see Mary. I wondered about the many different titles that have been bestowed on her – Star of the Sea, Queen of Creation, Blessed Mother, and more. What qualities are we focusing on in each of them? There are so many aspects of her that inspire us at different times in our lives.

A reflection on the Lord’s prayer

July 26, 2019

Catherine from our Theology team reflects on the Lord’s prayer, taking a step back to think about what the words actually mean.

Saints Peter and Paul: For a Church walking together

June 28, 2019

The Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul falls on 29 June. Francis from our Theology team reflects on these two figureheads of the Church and their lessons for us as we approach the Synod on Amazonia this October.

Pentecost reflection: The Holy Spirit, our Advocate

June 7, 2019

On reading the gospel for Pentecost Sunday, Kathleen from our Theology team reflected on the word “advocate” and what it means to her today.

Based on the gospel for Pentecost Sunday, 9 June – John 14:14-16, 23b-26

“The Father will give you another Advocate to be with you forever.”

Jesus told his disciples they would never be alone. The Holy Spirit, the Advocate, would always be with them.

For fans of TV courtroom dramas, the word “advocate” may well evoke visions of efficient-looking and aggressive-sounding be-wigged barristers. But what it brings to my own mind is the many times I hear the word “advocacy” being used, here in the CAFOD office in London.

Pope Francis’ words of hope for Our Common Home

May 27, 2019

Catherine from our Theology team reflects on the climate emergency facing the Earth, our common home, its impact on the lives of those who are poorest, and how Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ offers hope and inspiration for action.

Easter Sunday reflection: We rejoice and are glad

April 17, 2019

Reflecting on the gospel from Easter Day, in the final Lent calendar reflection, Catherine from our Theology team reflects on the good news of Christ’s resurrection and how all things have been made new.

Lent reflection: The good news cannot be kept to itself

April 12, 2019

In this Palm Sunday reflection taken from our Lent calendar, Catherine from our Theology team considers the call in the first gospel reading we hear to speak out and make our voices heard.

Lent reflection: Face to face with the mercy of God

April 5, 2019

In this reflection on the gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Lent (John 8:1-11), taken from our Lent calendar, Linda from our Theology team reflects on the forgiveness and mercy of God shown in this reading.

Lent reflection: God is love, compassion and mercy

March 29, 2019

Reflecting on the gospel for Mothering Sunday, Linda from our Theology team reflects on the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32) and the love of all parents around the world.

Lent reflection: Another chance to change

March 22, 2019

This Sunday is the anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint Oscar Romero. Reflecting on Sunday’s gospel (Luke 13:1-9), Catherine from our Theology team reflects on the great saint’s example and his reminder that we all need constant conversion.