SMA Dromantine

05/09/2026

for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026

Readings: Ezekiel33:7-9; Romans13:8-10;Matthew18:15-20
Theme: Speaking the truth in love
By Michael McCabe, SMA

The theme of today’s scripture readings is at odds with the commonly held view that we should mind our own business, and let other people mind theirs. We are only responsible for our own behaviour. It is, of course, true that each of us is responsible for his or her own behaviour. However, as Jesus reminds us we also have a responsibility for others, one that, at times, may include correction.

Our first reading is taken from the prophet Ezekiel, one of the great prophets of Israel. Ezekiel lived about 600 years before Christ at a time of great turbulence in the history of Israel. In this reading, he presents himself as a watchman appointed by God to warn the people of Israel of approaching disaster, and to call on them to repent and live in fidelity to the covenant God made with them. The reading makes it clear that the prophet is responsible only for warning the people. If they ignore his warning and do not repent, then the disastrous consequences of their failure rests on their shoulders. God sends prophets to warn people of the error of their evil ways, but leaves them free to choose the right path or continue down the wrong road.

Read in full / Listen to an alternative audio Homily by Tom Casey, SMA: https://sma.ie/homily-for-the-23rd-sunday-of-ordinary-time-2026/

02/09/2026

27/08/2026

🙏

25/08/2026

Fr John Mahony playing
“The Lonesome Boatman”
Pity about the breeze but beautiful music in front of Dromantine.

22/08/2026

for the 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 22:19-23; Romans 11:33-36; Matthew 16:13-20
Theme: ‘But who do you say I am?’ (Mt 16:15)
By Michael McCabe, SMA

Today’s gospel reading begins with Jesus asking his disciples a question about his identity: ‘Who do the people say the Son of Man is? (Mt 16:13). In referring to himself as the Son of Man, Jesus is identifying himself with the Messianic figure mentioned in the Book of Daniel, the divinely chosen leader sent to end Israel’s oppression, and establish God’s reign of justice, peace and integrity (cf. Daniel 7:13-14). The response of the disciples shows that the people see Jesus as a great prophet, a spokesperson for God, like Elijah, Jeremiah or John the Baptist, but no more than that.

Without commenting on this response, Jesus puts an altogether more pointed and personal question to his chosen companions, who share his life on a daily basis, witness his miracles, hear him preach and see him pray: ‘But you, who do you say I am’? (Mt 16: 15). This question is, in the words of Father Simeon, a Trappist monk, the ‘hopeful query of a Lover who needs to know to what extent he is known, understood, and accepted in his deepest identity by those he loves, those to whom he has been at pains to manifest himself’. Simon, speaking on behalf of his companions, responds: ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God’ (Mt 16:16). With these words, Simon is clearly confessing that Jesus, their teacher and guide, is indeed the long-awaited Messiah, the one in whom God’s promises for the people of Israel are being realised. Clearly pleased with Simon’s response, Jesus affirms his confession of faith as divinely inspired and declares Simon blessed: ‘Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah! For it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven’ (Mt 16:17).

Read in full / Listen to an alternative audio Homily by Tom Casey, SMA: https://sma.ie/homily-for-the-21st-sunday-of-ordinary-time-2026/

21/08/2026

In the August 2026 Chapter of the SMA Journal we; – Remember the ...

11/08/2026

Society of African MissionsWiltonCorkIrelandSMAMeditationGarden

28/07/2026