In Your Presence
Meditations by Fr. Eric Nicolai, a Catholic priest of Opus Dei in Ernescliff College, Toronto. They are times of prayer addressed to men or women, with the intention of providing a personal dialogue with the Lord Jesus Christ present in their midst. They are usually preached in oratories of Opus Dei.
Episodes
The Centenary of Opus Dei: A New Impulse
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai peached this meditation at a workshop on October 20, 2026, at Cedarcrest Conference in Belfountain, On.A few weeks ago the starting gun was fired for the 3-year preparation for the centennial. In his letter from October 2 2026, the Father used that phrase: "It is not a new beginning, but a new impulse toward fidelity.” Music: The light between us by S
Keeping Track of the Health of our Vocation
A meditation preached on October 4, 2026, by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ellerton Center in Toronto. As we begin these years of preparation for the centennial, we know that we have to continue to grow and mature in this initial yes that we gave to God. The yes of our vocation. We said yes to the invitation to of the Lord, who sent us out.The Prelate has framed in clear terms the purpose of the centennial:
Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Josemaria
This meditation was preached at Ernescliff College, Toronto, on October 6, 2026. In 2002, Pope John Paul II pronounced this phrase in St. Peter's Square in front of thousands of faithful: "We declare and define Blessed Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer to be a Saint, and We inscribe his name in the catalogue of the Saints, ordaining that, throughout the universal Church, he be devoutly honore
Founding of Opus Dei: I am sending an angel before you
A meditation preached at Ernescliff College, Toronto, on October 2, 2026.Today is the memorial of the guardian angels. Exodus 23: "The Lord says this: ‘I myself will send an angel before you to guard you as you go and to bring you to the place that I have prepared."Moses guided the people, but did not enter the promised land himself. The Christological interpretation is that Jesus guides
Zacchaeus, I want to come to your house today: Living the virtue of detachment
Our Lord loves the poor: “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.” (Matt 11, 4-5)Our Lord includes this among the great wonders: Poverty. How can we live this virtue of detachment as priests? We have the example of the conversion of Zacch
Our Critical Spirit
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Kintore College, Toronto, on September 16, 2026. The Gospel tells us about the different reactions of the people to John the Baptist and to Jesus. He comments on the lack of coherence present in these responses. The impossibility of getting coherent responses in light of the lives of John and of Jesus.“To what then shall I compare the people of this gen
Our Lady of Sorrows
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai to priests at Saint Augustine Seminary in Toronto on September 15, 2026.Today's feast of Our Lady of Sorrows has an ancient and layered liturgical background. It is said to have started with the ancient Franciscan spirituality that meditated on Mary’s sorrows. We know that St. Francis himself suffered the stigmata, reflecting his closeness to Mary, who
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ellerton Centre in Toronto on September 14, 2026, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Yesterday we decorated with flowers the simple black cross in our oratories so that we could see it bloom today.The hymn of Philippians 2, 6-11: "...he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance,
Holy Name of Mary: She Believes in You
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai to High School boys at Ernescliff College, Toronto, on September 12, 2026.Last week we celebrated the birth of Mary, the dawn of our salvation. She is the stella matutina, the morning star. It is a time of hope, for the Sun of Justice is about to rise; today, 8 days later, the name of Mary, in line with the practice of the Jews who would impose the name on
The Birth of Mary: The Dawn of Salvation
A meditation preached at Ernescliff College in Toronto on September 8th, 2026, by Fr. Eric Nicolai.Today is the birthday of Mary, she is described as the “dawn of our salvation”. The arrival of a new person into the world is always a sign of hope. Mary opens up new possibilities for us in this academic year, just beginning.Thumbnail: The Nativity of the Virgin, painted around 1400–1405 by Andrea d
Jesus Withdrew into the Wilderness and Prayed
This meditation was preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on September 5th, 2026, at Ellerton Centre in Toronto.‘He withdrew to the wilderness and prayed’ (Lk 5:16)What did it look like to see the Lord withdraw into the wilderness? It was described as wilderness, a wild place because it was hostile to man’s control; there were no houses or comforts there. But it was a time of silent unity with God the Fath
Frame the New Academic Year with Hope
Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation on September 1, 2026, at the start of the new Academic year at Hawthorn School for Girls in Toronto.Picture Jesus now coming forward: “And there was handed to him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written…"Then with a sure voice:“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to br
Jeremiah's Lament: My Heart Burns Within Me
Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation at Ellerton Centre in Toronto on the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 30, 2026.Jeremiah is in utter anguish. He feels that he has failed. He’s in doubt. Maybe he has no vocation after all. He's in an inner crisis. Despite all the suffering he has experienced, he manages to complain to God and abandon himself to his healing.Jeremiah 20, 7-9: Seduxis
The Conversion of the Prodigal Son, and ours
Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation on August 17, 2026 at Parkhill Centre in Ottawa.Prayer in our life is an essential part of our existence of sons of God. It gives our resilience, and our purpose going. It is like the engine room of our interior life. In the Gospel, we have the Pharisees complaining about the company that Jesus kept. This prompted Jesus to reaffirm the truth of God’s mercy
Hypocrites: Clean the Inside of the Cup
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Camp Caribou near Barry's Bay, Ontario, on August 25th, 2026.Today, the Gospel speaks about the distaste that Jesus had for those who relied on appearances, on image, on looking good to others. Those who spent time cultivating a public image. It is a rather blistering accusation.Matt 23, 24-26: Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! Yo
I will Shed my Skin for you Lord: Feast of St. Bartholomew
A meditation on the feast of St. Bartholomew, preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ernescliff College on August 24, 2026.He preached in India and Armenia. For Bartholomew: “he shed his skin”: both in martyrdom and spiritual transformation, putting off the “old self” so that the new person may emerge.Thumbnail: detail from Michelangelo's Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel, 1536.Marco d’Agrate’s sta
A 1930 Letter from Saint Josemaria about Holiness
In 1975, Pope Paul VI told Blessed Alvaro del Portillo: "Collect everything that the Founder has written, because it is already a treasure belonging to the whole Church.”
Mary our Protector: Eve of the Assumption
Maximilian Kolbe had a vision of our Lady who offered him two crowns: a white one for virginity, a red one for martyrdom. Which do you want? I’ll take both.that Mary is and a sign of hope and comfort for your people on their pilgrim way.
(Assumption preface)Thumbnail: Esteban Márquez de Velasco (1652–1696) , Dormition of the virgin Mary, Art Gallery of Ontario.
The DNA of the Life Faith
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on August 1, 2026 at Ellentor Centre in Toronto.Matt 14, 22-36: Jesus walks on the water, and calls out to Peter: Come!Water in the ancient world was always seen as a place of instability. It was a scary place when you had these rickety boats. But Jesus informs everything we do. It is our life of faith. Our faith must inform our vision, the way we think, t
The Feeding of the 5 Thousand
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on August 1, 2026 at Ellentor Centre in Toronto. John 6:1-15 tells of the account of the feeding of the 5 thousand. Lots of people. A real problem. A multitude had followed him. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a multitude was coming to himHe looked up with mercy, with compassion. In front of the problem, the numbers, the money, the few pieces of
Optimism and Smiling Faces
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ellentor Centre in Toronto, July 31, 2026."Don't forget that sometimes it is necessary to have smiling faces." (The Way, 657)
The Penitent Magdalene
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Chipnee camp in Port Burwell, Ontario, July 22 2026.Mary Magdalene is the first person to whom the risen Christ appeared and he entrusted her with announcing the Resurrection to the Apostles themselves. She is the apostles of Apostles. Pope Francis elevated her memorial to the level of a feast.Music: pulsebox-piano-music-cinematic-552722Thumbnail: Anton
The Courage of a Full Life
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Chipnee Camp in Port Burwell, Ontario, on July 21, 2026.We reflect on the famous story of the young rich man who approaches Jesus to ask him something.(Mt 19:16–22; Mk 10:17–22; Lk 18:18–23) It’s a key text, one of the most memorable encounters that Jesus had. It is full of youthful horizons, yet mystery and a bitter dissolution too.What does it mean to
Forging Bonds of Frienship
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Chipnee Girls Camp in Port Burwell, Ontario.The disciples of Emmaus shared an intense run home after having seen and heard the Lord. When we are together, we cease to be fragile.
Martha and Mary: The Present and Future Life
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ernescliff College, Toronto, on July 14, 2026. Sitting in front of the Saint Lawrence River, seeing all that water pass by, sometimes calm, other times more agitated. All that water is going to a hydroelectric dam, where it will go through turbines to generate much energy. That daily flow looks peaceful, even tranquil, yet carries with it great energy.
Workers in the Vineyard
A meditation by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ellerton Center in Toronto, preached on July 4th, 2026.Mt 20:1-16: Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard.For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. From that early moment, he went out many times after. 9 a.m., He
First, Simon who is called Peter
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on July 8th, 2026, at Kintore College, Toronto.Today’s Gospel gives us a glimpse of that luminous moment in which Jesus entrusts his apostles with the most important responsibility of their lives. Nobody has ever been entrusted with a mission as important as this, with such decisive consequences for world history.The account of Jesus' choice of his 12
Woman with the Issue of Blood
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ernescliff College, Toronto, on July 6, 2026.From today's gospel, Matthew 9, 18-26: "...Then from behind him came a woman, who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years, and she touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, ‘If I can only touch his cloak I shall be well again.’ Jesus turned round and saw her; and he said to he
If You don't lose your Life, You're Not Worthy of Me
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on June 28, 2026 at Ellerton Centre, Toronto.Matthew 10:37-42: Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who prefers son or daughter to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me. Anyone who finds his life will lose it; anyone
Jesus has power over the Demoniac and over us
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Kintore College in Toronto, on July 1, 2026. (new audio file with proper editing uploaded July 2)An account of the two demoniacs of the Gerasenes in Matthew 8:28–34. Jesus intervened and restored them to normality, but it meant that the herd of pigs was lost. Jesus has restored something authentic in this place, but the villagers are too desensitized to
Josemaria Saw a Vast Fertile Field
A meditation preached on June 24, 2026 at Hawthorn School for Girls on the solemnity of John the Baptist. From the very womb of his elderly mother, John was inundated by the Holy Spirit so as to prepare the manifestation of Jesus to the people. He grew and lived in the desert. He was preparing himself for his mission through solitude and prayer. Isaiah 40, 1-5: A voice of one crying in the deser
Saint Josemaria's Legacy
A meditation preached at Ellentor centre in Toronto, on the feast of Saint Josemaria, on June 26, 2026.It’s the legacy that we have the responsibility to maintain, to care for. We know sound elements of doctrine, but it comes out in unique ways in our apostolate, in our family prayer, our interest in others. What is the origin of this legacy?Music: pulsebox-piano-music-cinematic-552722 Free copyri
Our Divine Filiation is a Solid Foundation
A meditation preached at Kintore College, Toronto, on June 25, 2026.Matt 7, 21-29: ‘Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not
Having a Heart that is Pure, Transparent to God's Love
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on June 19, 2026 at the Manoir de Beaujeu, at Coteau du Lac, Quebec.As we do our prayer, we consider that it is especially our heart that has been set aflame even more, rejuvenated, cleared of any arterial sclerosis, any build up over time, so that may may always live freely, purely and sincererly, as we consider that we are here in this place because we h
Fortitude, Resilience, Courage
Meditation by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ellerton Centre in Toronto, May 29, 2026. Today is the memorial of Pope Paul VI, Giovanni Battista Montini, a man of courage in a time of upheaval.Gen 12, 1-16: God speaks to Abraham: leave your country, your family, and go to the country I will tell you. So he responded by going to that unknown country. He was open to what God wanted. It took courage and fortitud
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit
In preparation for the solemnity of Pentecost, we have been trying to see all the things that can happen if we really become docile to his presence in our souls. For the apostles, it was manifested by a powerful wind that shook the house that they were in. Like a powerful tornado, a divine presence that no one could ignore. The result was that their lives were imbued with the fruits of the Holy Sp
The Gift of Wisdom Changes Everything
Preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Kintore College, Toronto on May 21, 2026. As we prepare for Pentecost, let us consider the first gift of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, which enables you to see how good and great the Lord is and, fills our life with flavour, so that, as Jesus said, you may be “salt of the earth”.Music: Audio MULVEY Awakening InstrumentalThumbnail: St. James the Greater Catholic Church, C
Mary Attracts all the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Hawthorn School for Girls in Toronto on May 20, 2026. During the month of May we prepare for Pentecost and also increase our devotion to our blessed Mother, Mary. There is an intimate connection between Mary and the Holy Spirit. Mary attracted the Holy Spirit like a magnet at the Annunciation, and when she was at the centre of the apostles at Pentecost
Solemnity of the Ascension: Where has he gone?
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ellentor centre in Toronto on the solemnity of the Ascension, May 17 2026.This is a feast, but it is often under-celebrated. Even the iconography is odd. It shows the apostles standing in a circle, looking up, with Jesus out of the picture, as he floats up to heaven. You can only see his feet. It’s like the feast of the feet of Jesus.Music: Audiio_MULVE
Behold Your Mother
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Kintore College, Toronto, on May 14, 2026. John 19, 25-27: Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that tim
Our Sense of Mission
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ernescliff College, Toronto, on May 10, 2026.This is the month of Pentecost, and we can picture the scene as these flames of fire, these wisps over the head of each apostle. Remember the speech that Cardinal Bergoglio gave in the conclave back in 2013.He spoke about the Church’s temptation to withdraw into self‑protection, regulations, and control rathe
Don’t speak, Just Listen to Him
Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation at Ernescliff College on May 10, 2026.In 1932, Our Father wrote in his Intimate Notes, in a time of youth, a time with little experience, and uncertainty, and unsure of himself: Don’t speak: Listen to him. This was his attitude to the Holy Spirit. This applies to us. Some people speak a lot, and figure things out as they speak. But how actively do we reall
Pope Leo XIV at One Year
Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation on the anniversary of Pope Leo XIV's election, on May 8, 2026 at Ernescliff College, Toronto.Today’s antiphon on the anniversary of the election of the Pope, takes on special resonance for us.Matt 16, 16- 19: 6 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Christ, the one were expecting, the one we had hoped for, the Son of the living God.” Jesus re
He Dwells in our Soul as in a Mansion
Meditation by Fr. Eric Nicolai on May 4th, 2026 at Ernescliff College, Toronto.John 14, 23-26: ‘If anyone loves me he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make our home with him.The image that we, our soul, is like a dwelling place for God. The Lord says we shall come to dwell in us, like in a home, a castle, a mansion. He desires to find a beautiful place,
What happens when Grace is poured into your Soul
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at the new Ellerton Centre in Toronto, on Avenue Road on May 2, 2026.In this very moving passage in St. Paul's letter to the Romans, God helps us see the divine interlacing of the three theological virtues which form the backing upon which the true life of every Christian man or woman has to be woven.Romans 5, 1-5: Therefore, since we are justified b
John said: It is the Lord! Our Path to Humility
John 21, 2: Simon Peter said, ‘I’m going fishing.’ They replied, ‘We’ll come with you.’ They went out and got into the boat, but caught nothing that night.John says it is the Lord. Clearly, the recognition as a Eucharistic “seeing‑Jesus”: the disciples’ first proper confession of the Resurrected Lord at the dawn‑shore meal. He recognizes because he was a contemplative. Because he loved Jesus, was
Retreat for Seminarians: Like the Disciples of Emmaus
This is the first meditation from a year end retreat at Saint Augustine's Seminary in Toronto, begun April 13, 2026. We begin with the account of the discouraged disciples of Emmaus.Preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai in Saint Augustine Seminary.Thumbnail: MS VisualsMusic: Kevin Macleod, White Lotus.
The Empty Tomb: what now?
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on Holy Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Lyncroft Centre in Toronto.The last thing we remember from Good Friday was that he was buried. Without commentary. You only bury someone when you’re absolutely clear that he is dead. He fully participated in the human destiny of death. Jesus travelled the path of death right to the bitter and seemingly hopeless end in the
Holy Thursday: The oils, the Feet, the Eucharist.
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft Centre in Toronto, on April 2, 2026, Holy Thursday. Two Masses today: the Chrism Mass, which commemorates the institution on the Priesthood, and the bishop blesses the Holy oils. Then the Mass of the Lord’s supper. The day is called In Cena Domini, “At the Lord’s Supper.”The meaning of the oils, the last supper, and the command of charity.Musi
The Calculation of Judas
A meditation preached at Kintore College, Toronto on April 1, 2026, Wednesday of Holy Week.Matt 26:14-25: One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on, he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.What are you willing to give me? That w
Simon of Cyrene was Forced to carry the Cross
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on Palm Sunday, 2026, to a group of boys at a camp in Port Burwell, Ontario.Palm Sunday is our entry into Holy Week. We are invited to contemplate the Passion. We remember that Pope Francis' last Palm Sunday focused on the figure of Simon of Cyrene.As we look at the faces of the soldiers and the tears of the women in the crowd, our attention is drawn t
The Annunciation is about the Gift of Hearing, truly listening
Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation at Kintore College, Toronto, on March 25, 2026.There is something there that we must learn about this gift of hearing in the annunciation. Paintings of the scene often show words that come forth from the angel’s mouth, floating through the air to Mary, while she is in a receptive position, the contrapposto, this bending of her body, as though the very word
Lazarus and our Apostolate
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ashlar Centre in Toronto, on March 22, 2026.In the year 2001 it was exciting because we were entering a new millennium. Pope John Paul II invited us to launch out into the deep, in Latin, Duc in altum (Apostolic letter, Novo millennio ineunte, 2001): He said: Duc in altum! These words ring out for us today, and they invite us to remember the past with g
Saint Joseph Keeps our Vocation Fresh
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ernescliff College, March 19, 2026.There is a passage from Colossians that appeared in yesterday’s vespers to Saint Joseph. It applies to him, and to us. Colossians 3:23-24: "Whatever your work is, put your heart into it as if it were for the Lord and not for men, knowing that the Lord will repay you by making you his heirs. It is Christ the Lord t
How Jesus Heals Us
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on March 12 at Kintore College, Toronto.Today’s Gospel from Luke 11:14-23, tells us that Jesus was casting out a demon that was dumb; when the demon had gone out, the dumb man spoke and the people marvelled.Those who opposed him said that he had done this through the power of Belzebul, through the devil. But Jesus easily responds that this would be the dev
Jesus is Tempted in the desert, and so are we.
Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation on March 8, 2026 in Ernescliff College, Toronto. It is similar to the previous day's meditation in Lyncroft centre, titled "Begone Satan!".Conversion, like Jesus at the well, is first and foremost an initiative of God. We respond with our freedom. It’s in that most intimate part of ourselves, where the image of God deep within us, needs to be
Begone Satan!
A meditation preached at Lyncroft Centre in Toronto, on March 7, 2026. The devil tempts Jesus in the desert. Jesus is impeccable (unable to sin) in virtue of the hypostatic union, yet truly tempted from without in His human nature, in the sense of being really “assaulted” by the devil, not in the sense of interior consent or moral peril.Traditionally, this scene in the desert is a contrast with Ad
The Rich Man did not Listen to Lazarus
Luke 16:19-31: Dives and Lazarus.Jesus tells this account of the rich man who feasted and seemed to enjoy life, but was oblivious to the poverty and the suffering of Lazarus, the poor man. It is an account that is full of details that fills us with revulsion, with shock and the callousness of the rich man. We are particularly grieved by his lack of empathy. He seems so unconcerned to help, to alle
Jesus transfigured: Overcome your Fear
A meditation preached to priests at the Manoir de Beaujeu, east of Montreal, March 1, 2026.Mt 8:26: "It is good to be with you here, Lord."For the apostles, this moment involved all their senses: the sudden otherworldly luminosity, the towering figure of Jesus together with Moses and Elijah, the thundering voice of God the Father, the cloud covering them, the fragrance in the wind, and t
Blessed are the Pure of Heart
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Kintore College, Toronto, on February 21, 2026. Today’s Gospel gives us a brief snapshot of the call of Levi, or Matthew, the tax collector. Right there, at his post, doing his job, at the customs post, Jesus called him. He walked in, looked at him, and, like in slow motion, Matthew got up, and followed him (Luke 5:27). In front of the grumbling, the Lo
Listen to Me
A meditation preached on February 19, 2026, at Kintore College, Toronto.In his 2026 message for Lent, Pope Leo speaks about listening.The willingness to listen is the first way we demonstrate our desire to enter into a relationship with someone. Then he refers to the image of Moses standing in front of the burning bush.He says: In revealing himself to Moses in the burning bush, God himself teaches
Lourdes and our Inner Wounds
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Kintore College in Toronto, on February 11, 2026, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.The Lord speaks today about the kind of openness to God’s love we must have in the events of our life. He promises real resilience for us if we see his hand in our life.Mark 7:14-23: At that time: Jesus called the people to him again and said to them, ‘Hear me, all of you
Satan doesn't like Humility
Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation at Ernescliff College on January 26, 2026.Mark 3:22-30: The scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, ‘Beelzebul is in him’ and, ‘It is through the prince of devils that he casts devils out.’ So he called them to him and spoke to them in parables, ‘How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot last. S
Could you not stay awake with me one hour?
Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation on retreat to priests at the Manoir de Beaujeu, in Coteau du lac, near Montreal, Canada.At his most urgent hour, when the apostles are on retreat with their Lord in the garden, a place far away from the hubbub of the crowds, the Lord lets go a searing complaint to his priests:“What! Could none of you stay awake with me one hour?” (Matt 26, 40) We have to s
Behold the Lamb of God
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft Centre in Toronto, January 18, 2026. Today’s Gospel presents the account of Jesus' baptism seen through the lens of John the Evangelist. Its the Evangelist’s take. The Baptist appears in the description. (John 1:29-34). But John the Evangelist here interprets the baptism not simply as an event, but as a revelation of identity and mission. J
Being Like Friends of the Paralytic
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai to university students at Ernescliff College, Toronto, on January 16, 2026.The account of the paralytic lowered by his friends in front of Jesus.Mark 2:1-12: When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the w
When Jesus Seems like a Ghost
Meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Kintore College, Toronto,on January 7, 2026.Mark 6, 45-52: "When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him wa
Reasons to be Fearless and Confident
Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation at Lyncroft Centre in Toronto, on January 2, 2026.Acts of the Apostles repeatedly describes the Apostles speaking with parrhesia—freedom, frankness, fearless speech (Acts 2:29; 4:13, 29, 31). They had received the spirit of adoption. Of divine filiation.Paul still throbs with this parrhesia, the thrill that he witnessed in the apostles. “You did not receiv
In 2026, This will be your mission.
A meditation preached on January 31, 2025, last day of the year, at Lyncroft centre. Traditionally, in the old Mass, after the priest had given the blessing, before returning to the sacristy, he would read the prologue of John’s Gospel about the preexistence of the Word, from all eternity that had now become flesh. This Gospel was a way to seal the Mass with the mystery of the incarnation, remindi
The Shepherds Saw the Sign
A Christmas Eve Meditation to families at Kintore College, on December 24th, 2025.Luke 2, 1-14: The account of the decree and the shepherdsToday in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, pr
The Geneology of Christ and our Vocation
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Hawthorn School for Girls in Toronto, on December 17, 2025.As we move forward into the countdown to Christmas, the Church presents us with the Gospel of Matthew that transmits to us the most famous genealogical tree in history. The origins of Jesus, the Messiah. It was written in a way that made it easier to remember. There were fourteen from Abraham to
Our Lady of Guadalupe Protects us from Being Lukewarm
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai to priests of the priests of the Archdiocese of Toronto, in the parish of St. Edward the Confessor.Today the church celebrates the 15th-century Saint Juan Diego from Mexico, with an unpronounceable last name. He was surnamed Cuauhtlatoatzin. The account of her appearance transformed Mexico. She can transform us, too.Music: Bert Alink, Adeste fideles, guita
The Immaculate Conception was part of Mary's Vocation
Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation on December 8th, 2025 at Lyncroft Centrre in Toronto. It has been worthwhile to prepare this solemnity because it tells us something hopeful about God’s plan of salvation, his desire for our redemption. He could count on this woman, not as a mere instrument, but as a free and active cooperator that was beautifully prepared and primed for the great work of
How to Weave the Fabric of Mary's Magnificat into Your Life
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft Centre, Toronto on December 6, 2025. The hymn of Our Lady, the Magnificat, (Luke 1, 46-55) is a pause in the infancy narrative, so that we can meditate on the events. It is as though we had to pause, think, catch our breath, and pray.“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate
The True Meaning of the Visitation: Bring Joy to Family Life
Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation on December 6, 2025 in Lyncroft Centre, Toronto.The theme of the Visitation (cf. Lk 1:39-45). It starts with the annunciation in which the angel informs Mary about two miracles: she will be both virgin and mother of the Messiah, and Elizabeth will give birth, even in her old age. Mary goes with haste to bring her joy, and spread it to others in the family.
You Can Multiply your Few Loaves and Fish
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Kintore College in Toronto on December 3, 2025, on the feast of Saint Francis Xavier.Matthew 15:29–37 recounts Jesus healing many sick people by the Sea of Galilee. Matthew tells us about how there were large crowds of people. They were not just numbers to him, or statistics. They brought these people to him. The illnesses were varied. He made them whol
First Sunday of Advent 2025
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on the first Sunday of Advent in Lyncroft Centre, Toronto, November 30, 2025.Romans 13, 11: You know ‘the time’ has come: you must wake up now: our salvation is even nearer than it was when we were converted. The urgency of readiness for God’s appeal to our soul is the theme of Advent. Its a path that we ask God to teach us about. Psalm 25: Make me to kno
Let him Reign
A meditation preached at Cedarcrest Conference Centre in Belfountain, Ontario, on November 23, 2025.Luke 23:35-43: The soldiers mocked him too, and when they approached to offer vinegar they said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’ Above him there was an inscription: ‘This is the King of the Jews.’Thumbnail: The Romanesque crucifix (12th century) hanging in the Fuentiduena Chapel in
Talk about Sin, and ask for Conversion
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Cedarcrest Conference Centre, in Belfountain, Ontario, on November 21, 2025.The cunning ruse of the devil was a dialogue with Eve, in which she believed the devil's lie, and she disobeyed God's command. Sin lead to our death. But this truth is also an opportunity to ask for true conversion. Music: Michael Lee of Toronto.
Becoming a Talent Scout
Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation on November 19, 2025 at Kintore College in Toronto. The topic is the Parable of the Talents from Luke 19:11-28.One day we will all arrive at that moment when our spiritual soul leaves our body, and goes off to judgment. The soul then ceases to vivify the body with the informing, animating principle we call life. The king responded to the man who had kept h
