Just a few thoughts
"As human beings we must do things to help each other. Disequity diminishes us all". -- Fred Hollows
May our hearts be temples of the Spirit, and our words and actions be led by the Spirit, so that we always live for Christ.
We pray for our war-torn world, that this week’s United Nations Day will strengthen our resolve to be peace-makers in every sphere of our lives.
Reflections
Pharisaism -- next Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence." -- Hal Borland
We pray for each other, that we may be sensitive to this present moment, and in our families and neighbourhoods, show the love of Christ by the way we speak and act.
We pray for the sick, the frail and the housebound, that they will draw strength from the prayerful support of the community.
Reflections
Our approach must constantly move according to the signs of the times
The Impartial Judge -- next Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"I have a daughter and she's the greatest thing that ever happened to me. She gives me a good excuse to watch cartoons." -- Mike Dirnt
We pray for a right attitude to religious faith, so that we do not condemn others or discriminate against them because their faith is different from ours.
We pray for the victims of crime, that they will recover from their trauma, be granted justice, and be able to rebuild their lives
Reflections
What lies at the core of our every desire? -- last Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
Reflections
A Particularly Joyous Wedding -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion." -- Max de Pree
May the Holy Spirit penetrate the hearts of terrorists and leaders within military forces and convert them from violence to cooperation, from hatred to love, from war to peace.
We pray for the children of Australia, that this National Children’s Week will help everyone know and uphold children’s rights
Reflections
The Everlasting Arms -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” — Dalai Lama
May the rich realize that they have a responsibility, through justice, to come to the aid of the poor.
We pray for advocates of nature, that their tireless efforts to care for the earth will bear fruit for the wellbeing of the world.
Reflections
The magic of persistence -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far I've finished two bags of M&Ms and a chocolate cake. I feel better already." -- Dave Barry
We pray for the fragile peace process unfolding across the Holy Land, that with new hope in God, Palestinian and Jewish people will find in their hearts the way of reconciliation and respect.
We pray for judges, lawyers, police and all who work in the justice system, that they will fulfil their duty with unfailing integrity, impartiality and wisdom.
Reflections
All Scripture is Inspired by God -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” -- Maya Angelou
May the writings of St Luke, with its focus on God’s love for the poor and his mercy toward sinners and the energy of spreading the Gospel in the first century, constantly inspire all Christians.
We pray for young people downcast by the spectre of climate change, that they will support and encourage one another in the hard work of caring for the earth, our only home
Reflections
Not Losing Heart -- next Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
“Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.” -- Mallory Hopkins
We pray for Christians facing great difficulties across the globe, that at all times they may take to heart the word of Jesus: do not be afraid.
We pray in thanks for everyday blessings, that the myriad small things that bring us delight will move us to share the joy of life with all around us.
Reflections
Prayer for Grown-Ups -- next Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." -- Lao Tzu
We pray that this World Food Day will animate nations and individuals to alleviate hunger with greater commitment, for in a world of plenty no one should ever live in hunger.
We pray for all who have been elected to service in local, state or federal government, that they will stay true to their oaths of office and work with courage, wisdom and transparency for the common good
Reflections
Why gratitude is indispensable – and ingratitude cuts so deep -- last Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I don't know the answer." -- Douglas Adams
We pray that St Teresa of Jesus from Avila, in her holiness and wisdom, will show us how to live for Jesus in the simple actions of our day.
International Day of Rural Women – we pray for the women, who play a critical role on the land, in community building and in handing on the faith, that they will be joyful and full of hope.
Reflections
Seeing more will change us-- last Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.” -- Mother Teresa
May there be love in all our actions, lest we become hypocrites who are intent on outward show with no sincerity of heart.
We pray for world leaders, that they will work together to formulate and implement a global migration policy based on respect for human dignity.
Reflections
Who are the outsiders? -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back." -- Oscar Wilde
May those engaged in the peace process between Palestine and Israel be filled with goodwill, determination, and total commitment to peace and justice.
Reflections
God whose love is for all, not just for the chosen (or choosey) few.
Praying When We Don’t Feel Like It -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
May all who live with chronic illnesses or disfigurement of the body, appreciate their human dignity, receive the support which they need, and growing with hope in Jesus Christ.
May the preparation for next year’s Diocesan Synod begin to arouse interest and enthusiasm across our parishes, communities and schools.
Reflections
Gratitude -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." -- Martin Luther King Jr.
We pray that Christians will follow the example of Mary: hear the word of God, ponder it in their hearts, and keep it.
Reflections
Our People -- next Sunday reflection
Poverty, violence still 'persistent issues' affecting women, girls – UN report
Grace on the journey - a meditation on Christian imperfection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
“There can be no life without change, and to be afraid of what is different or unfamiliar is to be afraid of life.” -- Theodore Roosevelt
We pray that this World Mental Health Day will strengthen government commitment to this issue and ensure that reliable services are available, especially in remote areas.
Reflections
“Marginal” People -- next Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"People will try to tell you that all the great opportunities have been snapped up. In reality, the world changes every second, blowing new opportunities in all directions, including yours." -- Ken Hakuta
We pray for a right spirit of prayer in which we place our trust in God, and not see prayer as a way to selfishly and childishly bargaining with God.
We pray for one another as members of our consumer society, that we will support each other in the challenge of shopping and living sustainably
Reflections
Transformation and Thanksgiving -- next Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"When in doubt as to what you should do, err on the side of giving." -- Tony Cleaver
We pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit that we will be forgiving towards others, for God has graciously forgiven us in Jesus, his Son.
We pray for the artists and authors who create children’s literature, that they will fire the imaginations of the young with hope for a world of beauty, goodness and truth.
Reflections
Lord, increase our faith -- last Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
The Lord's Prayer --Andrea Bocelli
The Lord’s Prayer --Matt Maher
Just a few thoughts
“A smart man makes a mistake, learns from it, and never makes that mistake again. But a wise man finds a smart man and learns from him how to avoid the mistake altogether.” -- Roy H. Williams
May each of us, according to our situation in life, may serve God joyfully and prayerfully and through our charity build up the unity of the Church.
We pray for a new spirit of public dialogue, that issues of social concern may be discussed and debated openly, safely and respectfully
Reflections
Lord, increase our faith -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other people's ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life." -- Amy Poehler
May we, in times of need, graciously accept the help of others.
Reflections
Two-Minute Homily -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"To create more positive results in your life, replace 'if only' with 'next time'." – Anon
We pray for all whose distress at human suffering is a stumbling block to faith, that the witness of everyday Christians will pave the way for the gift of belief.
World Teachers Day - may they recommit themselves to their noble profession of helping children, adolescents and adults to grow in knowledge, maturity, sound judgement and high values.
Reflections
Believe it -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other people's ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life." -- Amy Poehler
May this closing day of the Season of Creation on this Memorial of St Francis, bring special blessings upon ecologists and the works associated with the ecology, so that God’s creation can flourish once again.
Reflections
A Little is a Lot -- next Sunday reflection
Caring for the poor is not enough — they need advocacy too --- Vinnies USA
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
“Empathy is about standing in someone else’s shoes, feeling with their heart, seeing with their eyes.” -- Daniel H. Pink
World Day of Sobriety and the Fight against Alcoholism – May this day encourage those who are on this journey, and support all who struggle with over consumption of alcohol.
Reflections
Jesus weeps over each one of us when we live out our Christianity formally, not really.
That Kind of Faith -- next Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." -- Marcel Proust
We pray on this International Day of Non-Violence for all those places in the world living in the midst of it, that justice will overcome cruelty and bring a lasting peace and safety to all.
We pray for school students and their families and teachers, that the Spring school holidays will be relaxing, refreshing and re-energising for them all
Reflections
The Wonder of It – next Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results." -- Wade Boggs
May this International Day for Older Persons help us to treasure their wisdom and experiences, and may they themselves be content and peaceful at this stage of their lives.
We pray for the church in every land, that all its agencies and institutions will ensure their resources are put unreservedly at the service of the Gospel
Reflections
The hubris of the rich man clad in purple – Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"If people work together in an open way with porous boundaries – that is, if they listen to each other and really talk to each other – then they are bound to trade ideas that are mutual to each other and be influenced by each other. That mutual influence and open system of working creates collaboration." -- Richard Thomas
May St Jerome, who lived in Bethlehem, and dedicated his life to the translation of the Sacred Scriptures into Latin, the language of the people, be a sure guide for biblical scholars today who honour him as patron.
We pray for nations, companies and individuals who have amassed great wealth, that they will hear and respond to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth
Reflections
A Man Just Like Me – Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"Live life as though nobody is watching, and express yourself as though everyone is listening." -- Nelson Mandela
May this International Day of Food Loss and Waste strengthen our commitment to buy food wisely and use it carefully, so that we can share generously with the poor.
We pray for nations, companies and individuals who have amassed great wealth, that they will hear and respond to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth.
Reflections
What can we not afford to ignore? – Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
May migrants, who leave their homelands in the hope of a new future for their families, be accepted and have the opportunity to contribute to the harmony of their new land.
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” – Plato
We pray for economic reformers, that they will fire our imaginations with a vision for a fairer world and lay the groundwork for its realisation.
Reflections
Rags and Riches – Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"Go to the poor: you will find God" – St Vincent de Paul
May the members and volunteers of the St Vincent de Paul Society always see their opportunities to assist those poor and struggling in the community as moments of great grace.
“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” -- John Holmes
Reflections
A Truly Human Life – Next Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
