We cannot know God unless we know Jesus.

Just a few thoughts

• "Astronomy compels the soul to look upwards and leads us from this world to another." – Plato

• We pray for Archbishop Patrick and for all who will participate in the Diocesan Synod beginning this month, that guided by the Holy Spirit they will work together harmoniously and prayerfully.

• We pray in the midst of so many wars and places of political chaos for all journalists and their co-workers on this World Press Freedom Day, that they will be protected from harm, report the truth, and promote the dignity of all, especially those most vulnerable.

Reflections

• Two-Minute Homily

• Living the ‘way of Jesus’

• Frank Brennan’s Homily- reflection for next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Inquiry calls for gun buyback scheme and improved security

• On pressing for freedom

Musical Reflection

• Jesus Christ You Are My Life

God exists fully in our humanity through Jesus

Just a few thoughts

• "You've got to think lucky. If you fall into a mudhole, check your back pocket — you might have caught a fish." -- Darrell Royal

• May we never tire of praying for world peace, and keep a deep concern for people injured, made homeless, deprived of food, water and medical assistance, or loosing hope for their future.

• We pray for the staff and volunteers of food banks and homeless shelters. May their care of the needy help break the cycle of disadvantage.

Reflections

• St Joseph the Worker

• Do not let your hearts be troubled

• Playing It Straight - reflection for next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• War represents a failure in human relationships

• Give young people a fair go

Musical Reflection

• St. Joseph, Bless Every Worker

Holiness is lived, not spoken

Just a few thoughts

• "What if life is like a Lego set and you can put them together whatever way you want…” -- Pharrell Williams

• May all workers be blessed today on the feast of their patron, St Joseph, so that their rights may be preserved, their conditions kept safe, and their environment made friendly.

• We pray for those who work in difficult and dangerous jobs. May this week’s United Nations Health and Work Safety observance reinforce their workplace rights.

Reflections

• St Joseph the Worker

• Do not let your hearts be troubled

• The risen Jesus is “the way, and the truth, and the life.” - reflection for next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• A truly dedicated and valued member of his communities

• Most Australians back increase in JobSeeker payments

Musical Reflection

• I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

Christ would have forgiven him

Just a few thoughts

• "What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality." – Plutarch

• We pray for the grace to see Christ present in the poor and needy of our world, so that we are moved to relieve human suffering and loneliness.

• We pray for all who are driving the advance of artificial intelligence. May they hold fast to ethical principles and only do what is good for humanity

Reflections

• Welcome and service

• I am Your beloved, even in my weakness.

• Truth and Credibility - reflection for next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Beauty, Memory, and Grief

• Virtue, not values, defines who we are

Musical Reflection

• Go Into The World

My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Just a few thoughts

• The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it. -- Theodore Roosevelt

• May St Catherine be close to the Dominican Sisters in our Archdiocese, as they honour the great love she had for Jesus Christ.

• We pray for the poorest peoples of the world most affected by global warming. May nations take collective action to promote climate justice.

Reflections

• Walk in the light

• Shouldering the problems with Jesus beside us

• Jesus, the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep by name -  reflection for Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Soul and the Natural World

• Fossil fuel myths are slowing the energy transition

Musical Reflection

• Walk in the Light

 

I give them eternal life

Just a few thoughts

• Most of the world shares the same values as Australia, presumably the most important in any democracy, respect everyone and don’t break the law. --Usman Khawaja

• May this World Day of Safety and Work alert all employers and workers to work together for the safety of all, as we pray for those with responsibilities for safety in our Archdiocese, parishes, schools and other services.

Reflections

• Light of the World

• The loving shepherd

• Becoming a conduit for the God of life flourishing - reflection for Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Struggling with Our Own Complexity

• We could have had fuel security by now.

Musical Reflection

• Go Out In The World

Each of us matters

Just a few thoughts

• Don’t tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results. -- George S. Patton

• May we rejoice in the universal nature of the Church and welcome every member into our parish with no hint of discrimination.

• We pray for the countless children who have been orphaned, maimed and made homeless by cruel conflicts in their homeland. May they find solace in the care of their extended families.

Reflections

• God’s message is open to all

• A universal mission

• A fantastic call to the heart - reflection for Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• An Inward Migration

• Anzac Day: remembering the perils of imperial subservience

Musical Reflection

• Christ is alive, with joy we sing

Christ moves with us, walks alongside us.

Just a few thoughts

• "Happiness is good health and a bad memory." -- Ingrid Bergman

• For all who are united in Jesus Christ in the Church, that they may "pause, listen, and entrust yourselves," in the words of Pope Leo, to their vocation to priesthood, diaconate, religious life, educators of faith, parents and as Christ’s faithful with “holiness and service.”

Reflections

• Two-Minute Homily

• Everyone is called by God to play a specific role in the Christian community

• Frank Brennan’s Homily - reflection for next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• The forgotten Australian Plenary Council

• The Anzac story is bigger than we remember

Musical Reflection

• Be Not Afraid

A time to cry Never Again to war

Just a few thoughts

• The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes. --Tony Blair

• May this Anzac Day strengthen the ties between Australia and New Zealand, and help both nations to work for peace in the world.

• We pray for Australia in this time of global upheaval. May Anzac Day call the nation together in the service of peace, unity and justice for all.

Reflections

• The gospels are not just for reading; they are for doing.

• The futility of believing violence will keep us safe

• The Voice Of The Shepherd - reflection for next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Pope Leo urges us to stop making war!

• The dire straits of Anzac Day

Musical Reflection

• Abide with Me

The Eucharist - a community celebration

Just a few thoughts

• “May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.” -- Irish Saying

• International Guide Dog Day - May this day evoke appreciation for those who train them, and be a day of blessing for all who are supported by their guide dogs.

• We pray for the world’s writers, publishers and readers. May this week’s World Book and Copyright Day highlight the creative gift of writing and uphold every child’s right to read.

Reflections

• We are assimilated to Christ, we are his body.

• Being the presence of Christ

• I Am the Door – reflection for next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Concern about proposed NDIS Reforms

• Extra funding for aged care homes

Musical Reflection

• Song Of The Pilgrim

I chose you out of the world

Just a few thoughts

• The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. They are the ones that get people to do the greatest things. -- Ronald Reagan

• May leaders of nations where goodwill prevails work together to use diplomacy as an effective tool to overcome the hatred which is driving wars across the Middle East, between Russia and Ukraine, in Sudan and in Myanmar.

Reflections

• Our union with Jesus

• Being drawn by God

• The True Shepherd – reflection for next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Remembering Pope Francis: the conscience for the world!

• Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults – new video

Musical Reflection

• In the Breaking of the Bread

Transforming us into Himself

Just a few thoughts

• "Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad." -- Miles Kington

• Secretary’s Day - May the secretaries of our parishes, schools and colleges, various agencies and religious congregations across the Archdiocese, receive many blessings

Reflections

• That old penny catechism

• Jesus message of eternal life comforts us in the face of the loss of those we love.

• the resurrection from a unique dimension – reflection for this Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Pope Leo: I am in Africa to encourage Catholics

• Honouring the natural world

Musical Reflection

• Like a Shepherd

I am the bread of life.

Just a few thoughts

• Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge. -- Simon Sinek

• We pray for diplomats, negotiators and consultors, that their efforts to broker peace in fields of war will bear lasting fruit.

Reflections

• I am

• Today political and ideological divisions often silence dissent

• From sorrow to a new understanding of life – reflection for this Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• And Time Started Over

• Creating an Alternative Way of Life

Musical Reflection

• The King of Love My Shepherd Is

The soul longs for God

Just a few thoughts

• "Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." – Epicurus

• Volunteer Appreciation Day -may it be one of thanksgiving for all who volunteer in our parish, and those who do so in the wider community, bringing kindness and support to many people.

Reflections

• Bread of Life.

• Let your faith shine

• Emmaus is emblematic of our journey of discipleship – reflection for this Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Our Problems with Faith Today

• The Middle East conflict is driven by competing theocracies

Musical Reflection

• Gather us together

He walks beside them on their mistaken path.

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

• We pray that respect will be shown toward Pope Leo and religious leaders around the world as they uphold the dignity of every person, the qualities of justice and mercy, international law, and the right of freedom of religion.

Reflections

• Two Minute Homily

• All the ingredients of the Christian life are here

• Frank Brennan’s Homily – reflection for this Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Liberation from the Ego’s Agenda

• The Church, the War, and the Pentagon

Musical Reflection

• All the Earth Proclaim the Lord

Discovering that He is with us every step of the way.

Just a few thoughts

• "Don't ruin a good today by thinking about a bad yesterday." – Anon

• May those who are frightened, who suffer from depression and other mental illnesses, take heart from the words of Jesus: “It is I. Do not be afraid.”

Reflections

• To move beyond belief towards action

• Pueblo wisdom

• Sinners yet Loved – reflection for next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• World being ravaged by handful of tyrants

• Concern over AI use in aged care

Musical Reflection

• Here At This Table

He offers what little he has

Just a few thoughts

• There is no such thing as a quantum leap. There is only dogged persistence – and in the end, you make it look like a quantum leap. -- James Dyson

• We pray that Australians will learn how not to be wasteful of food, and that organizations who distribute surplus food to those in need will be rewarded for their generosity.

Reflections

• Sitting on the ground

• One Thing I Seek

• Cut to the Quick– reflection for next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• The world acts for oil – but not for human life

• Palm Sunday and the problem of protest fatigue

Musical Reflection

• Companions on The Journey

May Christ increase in us

Just a few thoughts

• A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust." -- Gertrude Jekyll

• We pray for residents in aged care facilities. May they be respected, well-nourished, comforted and cared for as their human dignity demands.

Reflections

• With God’s help, the choice is ours to make.

• Do we live generously?

• The Encounter – reflection for next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Mass count to reveal long-term trends within Church

• Values-based citizenship is vague, selective and dangerous

Musical Reflection

• On The Journey To Emmaus

Unveiling the divine reality

Just a few thoughts

• When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us. -- Alexander Graham Bell

• May the faith of all believers be strengthened by the courage of the apostles, who miraculously released from prison, returned to the Temple to preach that Jesus is risen.

Reflections

• A word about ‘belief’

• God gives us the best

• Doubting Thomas and the nature of faith – reflection for Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Our Problems with Faith Today

• Pope has ‘no fear’ of Trump Administration after attack from president

Musical Reflection

• To The Ends of the Earth

The Spirit of God

Just a few thoughts

• "If plan A doesn't work, the alphabet has 25 more letters — 204 if you're in Japan." -- Claire Cook

• May our parish community live with the spirit of the first Christian community in Jerusalem, and be united in the teaching of the apostles, the fellowship, the breaking of the bread and the prayers.

Reflections

• The wind blows where it pleases

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is – reflection for Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Pope calls on world leaders to end violence and start serving life

• A Different Kind of Joy

Musical Reflection

• Go Out In The World

The Spirit carries us forward.

Just a few thoughts

• The best way to lead people into the future is to connect with them deeply in the present. -- James M. Kouzes and Barry Posner

• May the growing crisis across the Middle East, including the violence committed against the Palestinians, continuing in Gaza and increasing in the West Bank be replaced by real efforts at bring peace to all.

Reflections

• There’s hope for us all

• Nicodemus

• Called to be the mobilisation of a greater good and a greater hope – reflection for Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• The language of war is built on lies

• We Are All Rising

Musical Reflection

• Go Into The World

Peace be with you.

Just a few thoughts

• "Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything." --- Plato

• May Pope Leo’s Easter appeal for world peace, dialogue and encounter, be heard by world leaders so that war, violence and destruction is brought to an end swiftly.

Reflections

• Two-minute homily

• My Lord and my God

• Frank Brennan Homily – reflection for next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Populism grows where inequality is ignored

• Australia’s Jewish community

Musical Reflection

• Song of Peace

 

he rebuked them for their unbelief

Just a few thoughts

• Only if we understand will we care. Only if we care will we help. Only if we help will we all be saved. -- Jane Goodall

• May those who doubt the word of God and that of honest people learn from the disciples, who first doubted the witness which Mary of Magdala gave to Christ’s resurrection.

Reflections

• We cannot grasp what God is

• Be proclaimers of GOOD NEWS!

• Easter Unbelief – reflection for next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• A brief history of not hating one another

• Australians urged to join Pope in praying for peace

Musical Reflection

• O the love of my Lord

Come and have breakfast

Just a few thoughts

• "As I look back on my life, I realize that every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being redirected to something better." == Steve Maraboli

• In the Eucharist may we feel close to the Risen Christ, and through him appreciate that we are all brothers and sisters together.

Reflections

• The Good News reveals itself in the Now.

• Jesus stands among us, today, often unrecognised.

• Overcoming Fear– reflection for next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• The Hope of Resurrection

• The children Australia chooses to leave behind

Musical Reflection

• The Lord Is Kind and Merciful