At its most basic level the word ldquo mysticism rdquo refers to a direct intimate union of a person with God through contemplation and love The Scripture readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter can help explain why every serious Christian can and should be a mystic The allegory of the vine in

"Back to basics!” is a familiar slogan in many walks of life, including religion. The basics of Christianity include the creeds, moral precepts and sacraments. But where do these basics come from?

All over the world people seem to be searching for their ldquo identity rdquo Some find it in religion race or gangs often with disastrous results There are also others especially the young with very little sense of identity or self-esteem Here too the result is sometimes tragic issuing in

The seven weeks between Easter Sunday and Pentecost constitute the Easter season While less well known than Advent or Lent the Easter season is important because we live in the light of Jesus rsquo resurrection at Easter and are challenged repeatedly to reflect on the difference that the Easter e

The two most important days on the church rsquo s calendar are Good Friday and Easter Sunday This is so because Jesus rsquo death and resurrection are at the core of Christian faith The early Christian confessions of faith embedded in the New Testament place these events front and center In fact

The narrative of Jesus rsquo suffering and death is an important part of our collective memory as Christians For almost 2 000 years Christians have gathered at this time of year to retell the story of Jesus rsquo passion It is not the story of a mythical or fictional character Rather it is the