Lourdes

Just a few thoughts

• The only path to serenity

  Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill.

  Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.

  Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench.

  Care about people’s approval and you will be their prisoner.

  Do your work, then step back.

  The only path to serenity.

  ……...Tao Te Ching

• We pray for those who are deprived of adequate health care, that governments will not neglect them, but see the needs of such people as a matter of urgent justice.

Reflections

• Trivial externals
  
  
• World day of prayer for the sick.
  
  
• Those who know their need of God are the salt of the earth and the light of the world – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• The Cost of Our Living: Economic and Social Justice for the Common Good

• Antisemitism laws, double standards and Australia’s unfinished reckoning

Musical Reflection

• Find Us Ready

St Scholastica

Just a few thoughts

• "The game of life is a game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later with astounding accuracy." -- Florence Scovel Shinn

• We pray for religious people of all faiths, that they will be true to their beliefs, and not manipulate them in the quest for power over others or as an excuse for violence.

• We pray for all who face danger, detention and even death for standing up to autocratic rulers. May their courage help bring tyranny to an end around the world.

Reflections

• Religious lawyers can't cope well with God.

• Honouring and caring for our parents
  
  

• Called to be the antidote and counteragent to division in the world – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Fairness, not just growth, is the key to productivity

• No short term solution in Gaza

Musical Reflection

• Micah's Song

Bringing Holy Communion

Just a few thoughts

• The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves. -- Alan Watts

• May we bring to God in prayer those who are sick in our families and parish, those in hospitals and nursing homes, those in hospices and those at home.

• We pray for the staff and associates of church social justice agencies. May they fulfil the prophet’s command to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and shelter the homeless.

Reflections

• Jesus was both loved and hated.

• Do you feel that you need to be healed? Of something
  
  

• Frank Brennan homily – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Bishops seek focus on cost-of-living crisis

• No short term solution in Gaza

Musical Reflection

• Lord of Creation

Salt of the earth

Just a few thoughts

• When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you. -- Lao Tzu

• May the light of Jesus Christ guide world leaders to do away with the clenched fist and wicked word, with a commitment to feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless.

• We pray for the leaders and followers of the world’s great faiths. May their steadfast practice of justice, love and peace draw the human family together as one.

Reflections

• Two-Minute Homily

• “You are the salt of the earth…. You are the light of the world.”
  
  

• The hot peppers of the earth – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• The Meek Are No Longer Inheriting the Earth

• Hutt St Centre calls for policy changes

Musical Reflection

• Walk in the Light

A time to rest and reflect

Just a few thoughts

• "Don't wait for other people to be loving, giving, compassionate, grateful, forgiving, generous, or friendly... lead the way!" -- Steve Maraboli

• May we, like Jesus, find that quiet place where we can be alone with the Father in prayer.

Reflections

• Seeking shade

• Prayer in the midst of life
  
  

• Salt and Light – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Why is the Australian government hosting the President of Israel?

• Justice Requires Rest for All

Musical Reflection

• Be Still My Soul

Facing the challenges of modern life

Just a few thoughts

• "A clear conscience is a sure sign of a bad memory." -- Mark Twain

• We pray for those who are treated unjustly or cruelty, that they may retain their sense of self-worth and act with dignity throughout their ordeal.

• We pray for the Australian community, that gratitude for the abundance of natural and civic blessings we enjoy will disarm division and overcome every form of injustice

Reflections

• Without our cooperation, his message will not be heard.

• We could pray for the courage to challenge today’s political leaders when justice, goodness and truth are undermined.
  
  

• Light For The World – next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• A missed opportunity

• The Forgiveness of Debts

Musical Reflection

• Shine Jesus Shine

Martyrdom

Just a few thoughts

• It’s easy to feel as if we’re standing two inches away from a huge canvas that’s noisy and crowded and changing with every microsecond. It’s only by stepping farther back and standing still that we can begin to see what that canvas (which is our life) really means, and to take in the larger picture. -- Pico Iyer

• We pray for all who work with bishops in a collaborative ministry, that their witness to Christ may promote the unity of the people of God.

Reflections

• Now is the time

• Taking the Good News
  
  

• Here I Am – next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Bible not a relic of the past but a living dialogue: Pope Leo

• A Book to Remember

Musical Reflection

• In Every Age

The Carpenter’s Son

Just a few thoughts

• "Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward." -- C.S. Lewis

• May all who are suffering because of the extremes of climate change which is bringing floods and fires, drought and river contamination, excessive heat and cold, evoke from governments and scientists quick action.

• We pray for the whole human family, that in the face of worsening world disorder people in every land will hold fast to the practice of hope, compassion and kindness.

• Reflections

• We have to break through

• Adopt an attitude of humble listening
  
  

• If we live the Beatitudes, we will be entirely fearless, absurdly happy and never out of trouble – Sunday reflection

• The Signs Of The Times

• Why the Voice referendum failed – and what the government hasn’t learned from it

• Many Voices; One Text

• Musical Reflection

• Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

Curating an outward image

Just a few thoughts

• May we be protected from diseases of the throat, as we remember St Blaise today, and all who are living with cancer on this World Cancer Day, will receive courage and healing.

• We pray for the titans of the world whose wealth and power are beyond measure, that by the grace of God they will use their resources to alleviate poverty, disease and hunger.

• What ultimately matters is not the image we project, but the love we carry.

Reflections

• Who touched me?

• Peter, his companions and their families, were business leaders of his day
  
  

• Undeserved blessedness – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Making polluters pay could fix Australia’s climate problem – and its budget

• God Is Calling Every One

Musical Reflection

• Christ, Be Our Light

The source of new hope for all nations

Just a few thoughts

• We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about. -- Charles Kingsley

• We pray for our families, that the young will grow to maturity, seniors will share their wisdom, and parents will guide with love and respect.

• We pray for the whole human family, that in the face of worsening world disorder people in every land will hold fast to the practice of hope, compassion and kindness.

Reflections

• We could light a candle today
  
  

• Blessedness – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Greenland’s only parish priest

• An Origin Story of Love

Musical Reflection

• The Beatitudes

Eight facets of discipleship

Just a few thoughts

• "Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate." -- Albert Schweitzer

• For all Christians, chosen in Christ, that he will be our wisdom, our virtue, our holiness and our freedom.

• We pray for the weak and foolish of the world, that they will confound the false wisdom of those who hold the reins of power.

Reflections

• The Beatitudes V The Ego

• Two Minute Homily
  
  

• Frank Brennan’s Homily – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Catholic women help fund Catherine House project

• Inviting Good Questions

Musical Reflection

• The Beatitudes

Focusing on the essence of things

Just a few thoughts

• "In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact." -- Les Brown

• May teenagers, youths and young adults grow confidently in their faith so that their leadership enriches the whole community.

Reflections

• The great enemy of faith is fear.

• That little boat crossing a storm-tossed lake
  
  

• Help! – next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Familiar territory for Fr Janeesh

• Our Struggle with Love and with God

Musical Reflection

• A Touching Place

Nature takes over

Just a few thoughts

• "It is not the question, what am I going to be when I grow up; you should ask the question, who am I going to be when I grow up." -- Goldie Hawn

• May the Church be a community, which like the mustard tree, offers a safe shelter for all who are damaged by life.

Reflections

• The presence of God

• Create seeds of kindness and leave the rest to God
  
  

• How to be Happy – next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Human reason – even when aided by advanced technology – can never grasp reality in its fullness, a capacity that belongs to God alone.

• A Harmonious Goodness

Musical Reflection

• Try A Little Kindness

 

Witness the Gospel with courage

Just a few thoughts

• Habits are either the best or the worst things in the world; they either carry us to heaven or hurl us to hell. Form only those that will prove an honour to you. -- Philip Dormer Stanhope

• We pray that we may be people with generous hearts, eager to be kind toward all, and bring help to people in need.

• We pray for unity within and between the Christian churches, that they will bear undivided witness to the mystery of Christ crucified.

Reflections

• Let your faith produce good works

• I have plans for God…….
  
  

• Justice and Love – next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Called to be peacemakers

• Australia needs human rights act

Musical Reflection

• Til My Song Is Done

Fertile Soil

Just a few thoughts

• "Be nice to each other. You can make a whole day a different day for everybody." -- Richard Dawson

• May those who sow the seed of Jesus’ love and wisdom in people’s hearts through their preaching and teaching and in the family will do so with humility.

• We pray for the innumerable people suffering displacement, hunger, fear and distress in so much of our war-torn world, that the merciless leaders causing their pain will be persuaded to negotiate for peace.

Reflections

• One also must be productive

• Keeping the soil fertile
  
  

• Called and chosen’ is the phrase St Paul uses to describe all Christians – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Pope warns AI and digital technologies reshaping our lives

• The Meek Are No Longer Inheriting the Earth

Musical Reflection

• Pange Linua

Keeping the doors always open

Just a few thoughts

• "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." --Martin Luther King Jr.

• May the members our of own families be blessed this day.

• We pray for children, parents and teachers as school returns year, that together they will enjoy a new year of discovery, learning and development.

Reflections

• What would I live and die for?

• Being part of Jesus’ family
  
  

• Companioning and serving others in the new Galilee – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Pope raises alarm over human rights and a spreading “zeal for war”

• Reflections of an Arab Australian on the new 'hate speech' laws

Musical Reflection

• O Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

Peace be to this house!

Just a few thoughts

• My hunger is not for success, it is for excellence. When you attain excellence, success naturally follows. -- Mike Krzyzewski

• May our nation, which was known as Great Southern Land of the Holy Spirit, be a people united peacefully in the Holy Spirit.

• We pray for all who are preparing to conduct or testify at the royal commission into antisemitism, that they will hold fast to an unwavering commitment to truth and justice

Reflections

• Public opinion is a lottery.

• The Beatitudes for Australia
  
  

• The danger of discipleship – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Australia Day

• An Australia Day fit for purpose

Musical Reflection

• Judith Durham's Advance Australia Fair

A light has dawned

Just a few thoughts

• "The miracle is this: the more we share the more we have." -- Leonard Nimoy

• May all who live in Australia today be committed to respect for one another, work to eliminate every form of racism and inequality, and encourage harmony among all.

• We pray for all who dwell in this great land of the Southern Cross, that the trauma of the Bondi killings will prompt deep reflection and fresh pledges of solidarity on tomorrow’s Australia Day.

Reflections

• Two-Minute Homily

• Today’s call is asking us not just to fit Jesus into our chosen way of living, but to fit ourselves into his vision of life.
  
  

• Frank Brennan’s Homily – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Amplify voices for reconciliation, disarm hearts – Pope Leo

• Preparing for a Royal Commission on social cohesion with a delinquently partisan parliament

Musical Reflection

• Prayer of Trust

 

Love one another as I have loved you.

Just a few thoughts

• "To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved." -- George MacDonald

• May those who suffer serious mental illness, or who live with Dementia or Alzheimer’s, receive that care which is always respectful of their human dignity.

Reflections

• Who is sane and who is mad?

• Examining our own priorities
  
  

• Let There Be Light – next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Australia Day carries different meanings for people

• Governor-General affirms faith communities’ role after Bondi attack

Musical Reflection

• Australian Blessing

 

Come, follow me

Just a few thoughts

• "To know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge." -- Nicolaus Copernicus

• We pray for each other, that we may be apostles in the world, bringing the truth, mercy and justice of Jesus to our places of work, our communities, neighbourhoods and homes.

Reflections

• Prayer and action,

• A journey of trust
  
  

• Galilee of the Gentiles – next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• The church speaks out.

• The Gift of Two Stories

Musical Reflection

• A light came out of darkness

Loving beyond fear.

Just a few thoughts

• A leader. . .is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realising that all along they are being directed from behind. -- Nelson Mandela

• We pray for all who are suffering sickness and disease at this time, that Christ the Healer may bring them peace and hope.

• We pray for emergency personnel and volunteers on alert for the season’s fires, floods and storms, that they will stay safe as they protect others’ lives and possessions.

Reflections

• Sometimes the best thing you can do for others is to rest.

• Facing the chaos and challenges of each day
  
  

• Light For The World – next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Everyone can be a good Samaritan: Pope Leo

• Vinnies calls for reform of Capital Gains Tax

Musical Reflection

• Seed, Scattered and Sown

Courage rooted in moral clarity and compassion

Just a few thoughts

• "Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life." -- James Cromwell

• May every Christian treasure their share in the life of Jesus, and live it in the service of others, especially for the poor and suffering people of the world.

• We pray for young people discerning career options for their future, that they will find opportunities for work or study that is personally fulfilling and of social benefit.

Reflections

• It is the heart that closes the mind

• Banality of Evil
  
  

• It is love and love alone that creates, unites, atones, and re-creates– Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• An Intimate Origin Story

• A saint is someone who reminds you of Jesus

Musical Reflection

• One Body In Christ

Courage and unwavering faith

Just a few thoughts

• Consistency is the true foundation of trust. Either keep your promises or do not make them. -- Roy T. Bennett

• May we value the courage and leadership seen in youth and young adults and rejoice in the leadership which they give in the Church and in society.

• We pray for all who live in this blest land, that we will pledge ourselves to overcome all forms of racism, discrimination and vilification in our hearts and across the nation.

Reflections

• The Law is for human beings, not human beings for the Law.

• The challenge of Jesus’ message
  
  

• God’s choice to be on our side – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Oxfam calls for wealth tax as inequality deepens

• Ordinary Time

Musical Reflection

• Christians Let Us Love One Another

A community united not by duty but by love.

Just a few thoughts

• "Before deciding to retire, stay home for a week and watch the daytime TV shows." -- Bill Copeland

• May refugees from the violence in Ukraine, Palestine, Sudan, Syria, Iran and Myanmar, soon be able to return home and rebuild their lives in peace.

• We pray for the world in all its present turmoil, that warring leaders will renounce aggression, hate, vengeance and personal ambition and choose to campaign for the good of all.

Reflections

• The Way of Jesus is quite different.

• When it comes to facing changes…….
  
  

• Taking away the sin of the world – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• A Brilliant Start

Musical Reflection

• The Summons

Communion is not just for us, it is fuel for the world.

Just a few thoughts

• Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. -- Peter Drucker

• We pray for the work of the United Nations, celebrating its 80th anniversary of its First General Assembly that it will be dedicated to peace, care for refugees, save children in crisis, respond to natural disasters, and protect the world’s cultural, historical and natural heritage.

• We pray for all Christian churches, that together they will bear joyful witness to Jesus, Son of God and Servant of all

Reflections

• Two Minute Homily

• He takes away the sins of the world
  
  

• The Sin of the World – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• A Thirst for the Good News

• Abdel-Fattah is today more widely read, discussed, and defended than before. Her work has reached audiences who may never previously have encountered it.

Musical Reflection

• In Christ there is no east or west

 

Inner strength against temptation.

Just a few thoughts

• "Become slower in your journey through life. Practice yoga and meditation if you suffer from 'hurry sickness.' Become more introspective by visiting quiet places such as churches, museums, mountains and lakes. Give yourself permission to read at least one novel a month for pleasure." -- Wayne Dyer

• We pray that those who have been called to leadership among the nations of the world may understand that their authority comes from God and must be exercised in a way worthy of God’s justice and mercy.

Reflections

• Friends from every quarter.

• Disciples on a journey

• The Sin of the World – next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Revelation and Transformation

• Antisemitism is not the same as criticising a government’s policies.

Musical Reflection

• Siyahamba

A community of love

Just a few thoughts

• Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another. -- John Maxwell

• We pray for a spirit of wonder and awe every time we see God at work in people’s lives.

Reflections

• We have been weakened by excessive use of the mind and imagination, without action.

• Healing begins when we truly see one another
  
  

• Behold, the Lamb! – next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Revelation Calls Us to Act
  
  

• Shaping the future --Dialogue Week in Adelaide Diocese

Musical Reflection

• Lift Up Your Hearts

Of course he wants to heal

Just a few thoughts

• The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. -- William Arthur Ward

• We pray for those who have experienced defeat in some endeavour: may they see life as much richer and more hopeful than in terms of winning and losing.

• The job of journalists is to report the truth. Simply giving space to various viewpoints doesn’t cut it as a journalist. A professional journalist must test these various narratives against the truth.

Reflections

• Leprosy

• Learning to feel compassion
  
  

• We are made to delight in the goodness of all God’s creation – Last Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Igbo Catholic Community

• Finding Good News in the Bible

Musical Reflection

• O God Send Out Your Spirit

...........and there he prayed

Just a few thoughts

• "Getting an idea should be like sitting on a pin; it should make you jump up and do something." -- E.L. Simpson

• May we follow the example of Jesus and find that sacred space in our lives where we can be alone with God in prayer.

• We pray for an end to warfare over national borders and natural resources, that all communities may live beside each other in peace.

Reflections

• Prayer - Fuel for Mission
  
  

• Pope Leo XIV's Christmas message breaks through with non-Catholics

The Signs Of The Times

• Catholic podcast nears one billion downloads

Musical Reflection

• Behold, Behold, I Make All Things New

Opposition and aggression

Just a few thoughts

• "Remember, there are no real failures in life, only results. There are no true tragedies, only lessons. And there really are no problems, only opportunities waiting to be recognized as solutions by the person of wisdom." -- Robin Sharma

• May the world believe the truth that good will overcome all evil, for Jesus conquered sin and death through his cross.

Reflections

• What is this?

• We are privately afflicted by our own evil spirits
  
  

• Here and Now – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Praying for Israel and Jerusalem

Musical Reflection

• Send down the fire

Do not sleepwalk through life any longer.

Just a few thoughts

• "Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see the greatness within you, even when you don't see it yourself." -- Edmund Lee

• May the sufferings of the people of Gaza during this winter time, experiencing inadequate shelter and food supply with severe restrictions of aid from charities and the United Nations, be ended through dialogue with those with power to change the situation.

• We pray for those entrusted with responsibility for national security, that they will be vigilant, astute and committed to act with integrity.

Reflections

• The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

• The needs of those around us in the now
  
  

• Day-to-day vocation – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• The USA today: a derangement threatening the World

Musical Reflection

• Come down, O Love divine

My beloved Son

Just a few thoughts

• "Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." -- Rumi

• May the grace of baptism in each one of us protect us, enable us to act with justice, and fill our hearts with the merciful love of Jesus.

• We pray for our parish community, that all members will appreciate the grace of their baptism and live it more fully.

Reflections

• The Holy Spirit can change us

• Two-Minute Homily
  
  

• You Are My Beloved – Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Our own baptism

Musical Reflection

• Spirit of God