Just a few thoughts
"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." -- Albert Einstein
May we give thanks for our ancestors, whose faith, culture, and traditions have helped to shape who we are today.
We pray for one another, that we will grow ever more prayerful and peaceful through the remaining days of the Advent season
Quelling anxiety by staying in the present – Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"Give yourself permission to immediately walk away from anything that gives you bad vibes. There is no need to explain or make sense of it. Just trust what you feel." – Anon
May all people know and do the will of God And so work for peace everywhere and for everyone through prayer and action.
We pray for the Australian community, that our seasonal gift-giving will be generous, waste-conscious and mindful of the poor.
Making Christ’ messianic agenda our own – Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." -- Alice Walker
May we who have been baptised into Christ live our faith confidently, with joy and hope.
We pray for all who care for nature, that their active love of creation will bear fruit in a healthy habitat for all living things
Where do we find Christ today? – Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"It's not how long you live, but how you live, that matters most." -- Jill Whitman
May we, in these Advent days, be patient and not lose heart, and never make complaints against each other, in our families, parishes and communities.
We pray for health services supporting persons with any form of disability, that they will affirm their dignity and gifts and assist them to take their rightful place in the community
Reflections
Frank Brennan homily – Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"In the
realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm... in the real world
all rests on perseverance." – Goethe
Reflections
No Offense, But… – Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"Life is all about the little decisions you make every day. You can't change the decisions of the past, but every new day is another opportunity to make the right ones." -- Anon
We pray that this International Universal Health Coverage Day will urge governments to care for the health of all citizens, especially the poor and vulnerable, without cost to them.
Reflections
To change the world, we need the energy of the youth and the wisdom of the old
He Who Is To Come – next Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
Reflections
Rejoice Always! – next Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
The effective power of God on earth is manifested by the efforts that we put into loving and caring for people, wherever they are on God’s earth. – Anon
May young people, 16 and under, who in Australia cannot access social media platforms from today onwards will, with the encouragement of their parents find new and healthier ways to connect with their friends.
We pray for people whose dignity is denied by injustice, oppression or abuse, that this week’s observance of Human Rights Day, will give them new hope of redress
Reflections
To repent is to be dazzled by the light – Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
“We are guardians of creation, not rivals for its spoils.” — Pope Leo
We pray that the world might hear more clearly the joyful message that God is here, like a shepherd feeding his flock.
We pray for those who have sought refuge in Australia but remain without support and security, that their dream of making a new life here will be fulfilled without further delay.
Reflections
Gifts – Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
Things take the time they take. Don’t worry. — Mary Oliver.
May we be able to accept the will of God in our lives, and live each day with a firm faith, trusting hope, and generous love.
Reflections
God's future is already present – Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"If you're going to think, then you might as well think positive. Remember, positive thoughts and actions are seeds that will produce positive results." -- Robert Tew
In this second week of Advent may we focus on treating each other in the same friendly way as Christ treats us.
We pray for those who have sought refuge in Australia but remain without support and security, that their dream of making a new life here will be fulfilled without further delay.
Reflections
The Signs Of The Times
Just a few thoughts
"The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one." -- Elbert Hubbard
May St Nicholas, honoured today by all who have been placed under his patronage: children, brides, unmarried women, pawn brokers, perfume makers, travelers, maritime pilots, sailors and the nation of Russia be known for his care.
We pray for seasonal workers brought to Australia to harvest the fruit of the land, that they will be justly paid, housed and provided for, and not exploited
Reflections
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit – next Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change. The challenge of life is to overcome. The essence of life is to care. The opportunity of like is to serve. The secret of life is to dare. The spice of life is to befriend. The beauty of life is to give." -- William Arthur Ward
May Jesus have pity on those who exploit their workers and on those who cheat their employers, and show them how to act with justice.
Reflections
The Sword of Decision – next Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." -- Nelson Mandela
May there be harmony between our words and actions so that in all things we witness to Christ.
We pray for world leaders, that the growing number of intense weather events afflicting many nations will be a wake-up call for global climate action
Reflections
Root Causes – next Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"Even the smallest act of caring for another person is like a drop of water — it will make ripples throughout the entire pond…" -- Jessy and Bryan Matteo
May missionaries around the world find in St Francis Xavier an inspiration of commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and of energetic care of the people they are called to serve.
We pray for the people of every war-torn and blood-stained land, that Isaiah’s ancient vision of swords hammered into ploughshares will become a present reality
Reflections
Advent ‘catches the heart off guard’ – last Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"Energy rightly applied and directed will accomplish anything." -- Nellie Bly
May the Season of Advent teach us all the spirit of Christian joy, so that we bring God’s love and peace to others.
We pray for the world-wide church, that prophetic leaders will arise to read the signs of the times and call believers to act with zeal for the Gospel
Reflections
Responding Together -- Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"I work very hard, and I play very hard. I'm grateful for life. And I live it — I believe life loves the liver of it. I live it." -- Maya Angelou
May the Church be an instrument for peace, so that during these weeks of Advent she can show the love of Christ to all people.
We pray for the young Australian Catholics gathered in Melbourne for their Youth Festival, that the three days they spend together will fire their hearts with the spirit of Jesus.
Reflections
What are we waiting for? -- Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." -- Charles Dickens
We pray that nations will no longer lift sword against each other, nor against their own citizens, especially in Palestine and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, and within Sudan and Myanmar.
Reflections
We are called to leave behind a resigned and routine way of life and to go forth -- next Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"Change can be scary, but you know what's scarier? Allowing fear to stop you from growing, evolving, and progressing." -- Mandy Hale
May the celebration of the Eucharist, with Pope Leo, in Istanbul this evening, put new heart into the Catholics of the Middle East.
Reflections
Why do we have Advent? -- next Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
No matter what's thrown at you today, smile and remember, tomorrow's always a fresh new start. – Anon
May we, when life becomes a burden, or are struggling with sickness, grief, relationships and financial difficulties, find consolation and strength in the mercy and love of Jesus.
We pray for all who live in Jesus’ homeland, that this week’s International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People will keep hope for peaceful co-existence alive.
Reflections
Being Blameless -- next Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"You can't just turn on creativity like a tap. You have to be in the right mood. What mood is that? Last minute panic." -- Bill Watterson
We pray for confidence in our own faith, so that we are never frightened of Jesus, nor his judgement upon the world, but always live in hope.
We pray for the young Catholics of Australia, that this final week of preparation for their national Youth Festival will be full of anticipation and hope.
Reflections
Preparing for Christ -- next Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"Never look down on anybody unless you're helping them up." -- Jesse Jackson
We pray for those whose homes and properties which have been destroyed in the natural disasters and wars, that governments and nations will help them rebuild their lives.
We pray for those who wield power as leaders of nations, that they will use their authority to promote justice, uphold human rights and care for the poor.
Reflections
Wake Up and Turn Around -- next Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"The best way to persuade people is with your ears — by listening to them." -- Dean Rusk
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – May we all think seriously about our attitudes towards women so that our respect for them is made stronger.
We pray for all ambassadors of peace, especially those working night and day to end brutal bloodshed, that they will halt the killing and open the way to mediation
Reflections
Christ the King – a ‘counterblast’ to secularism -- Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new." – Socrates
May every efforts by the United Nations to bring stability and peace to the Palestinian people of Gaza not faulter, and new protection be given to those of the Occupied West Bank.
Reflections
Building a new kingdom in which the cosmic Christ is its centre -- Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
“Happiness is not determined by what’s happening around you, but rather what’s happening inside you. Most people depend on others to gain happiness, but the truth is, it always comes from within.” -- John Spence
We pray for every person in every nation of our world, that as the Cop 30 Conference on Climate Change draws to a close, they will work to preserve our common home, created through Jesus, King of all creation.
We pray for the world-wide people of God, that every community of the baptised will be a shrine of light, freedom, unity and peace
Reflections
The reign of a vulnerable God -- Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
“We can't be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don't have something better.” -- C. JoyBell C.
May musicians and singers in our parishes and communities experience the protection of their patron St Cecilia, sing the praise of God, and unite the congregation in harmony.
Reflections
Spiritual Revolutions -- next Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
A gun is stolen every four hours in Australia. That’s more than 9,000 stolen firearms since 2020. We need a National Firearms Register – Australian Institute
World Television Day - Help us to reflect on our use of this gift, so that God’s spirit will be with all who work in the industry, and ensure that it is used for the common good.
We pray for all who are unemployed or underemployed, that they will succeed in securing enough work to fulfil their obligations and maintain financial stability
Reflections
The Sacrificial King -- next Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"Halloween
was confusing. All my life my parents said, 'Never take candy from
strangers.'
And then they dressed me up and said, 'Go beg for
it.'
I didn't know what to do! I'd knock on people's doors and
go, 'Trick or treat.'
'No thank you.'" -- Rita Rudner
We pray for a deepening of respect between people of Jewish, Muslim and Christian faiths, so that our common belief in the One God may be the source of harmony and peace.
Reflections
An Upside-Down Kingdom -- next Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"In ancient China, the Taoists taught that a constant inner smile, a smile to oneself, insured health, happiness, and longevity. Why? Smiling to yourself is like basking in love: you become your own best friend. Living with an inner smile is to live in harmony with yourself." -- Mantak Chia
May we use wisely the gifts which we have received from God for the good of others.
Reflections
Understanding the providential purpose of God -- last Sunday reflection
Just a few thoughts
"Autumn has always been my favourite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale." -- Lauren DeStefano
May those who, in their business dealings, cheat others, learn how to act with justice, and receive the grace to make restitution for their past sins.
We pray for the countless innocent people caught up in wars not of their making, that their tragic suffering will come to an end and healing can begin
Reflections
God’s love and presence in the world -- Sunday reflection
As we conclude our Litugical Year it may be a good time to review Our Parish Life
Israeli settler attack on West Bank mosque draws international condemnation
