Fasting and feasting

Just a few thoughts

• Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come. -- Henri Nouwen

• We pray that our Australian grain farms, orchards, vineyards, and fish farms will be fruitful, and that bee hives, livestock, birds and native animals will be protected from the further spread of Bird Flu and other diseases.

Reflections

• Our faith makes unconditional demands on us

• Choose to do right

• How good it is. – reflection for Next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Making Synodality work: The laity’s role in daily practice

• Building a culture of safeguarding across Catholic communities in Australia

Musical Reflection

• Beauty of God’s Creation

The patron saint of musicians, singers, teachers, and students.

Just a few thoughts

• Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. -- John F. Kennedy

• May this month dedicated to the care of creation help nations to seek peace in the face of so much destruction of our world, people and the environment, caused by today’s weapons.

Reflections

• Jesus sees only Our potential and capacity

• He sent me this heavy cross just at the time when I was strong enough to bear it

• The Awkward Bits – reflection for Next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Engage in current events with your heart: -- Pope Leo

• Migration is not the problem. Bad migration policy is

Musical Reflection

• Gregorian Chants

Prayer fuels direction and purpose in our daily work.

Just a few thoughts

• Your failures are your accomplishments because it makes you prepared for whatever it is that you are going to do next. -- Lee Daniels

• May there be harmony in our extended families, so that in-laws respect each other, share wisdom, and work together for the good of all.

• We pray for all Australians who feel ignored or disadvantaged by economic and political decision-makers. May their grievances be addressed for the sake of justice and civic harmony.

Reflections

• Do we have the power to prevent miracles

• We have One Job

• Why we must follow Jesus, all the way to Calvary – reflection for This Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• A reflection for The Season of Creation

• The changing face of homelessness

Musical Reflection

• Canticle Of Creation

Jesus never allows Himself to be drawn into hostility

Just a few thoughts

• Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way. -- Martin Luther King, Jr

• We pray that this World Day of Prayer for Creation will help us to treasure all that God has given to us on our planet, the beauty he reveals in the universe, and the responsibility given to us to care for all in need.

Reflections

• Nonviolent Authority

• Each one of us is given authority of some kind

• Embracing the prophetic – reflection for This Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Day of Prayer for Creation – Pope Leo

• Caritas Australia launches emergency appeal for Nepal flood relief

Musical Reflection

• One World

Our turbulent emotions

Just a few thoughts

• Only by letting go of what stops us from growing can we put down new roots and truly flower. -- Peg Streep

• May the Good News, first proclaimed by Jesus in Nazareth, be announced to the nations today so that God’s peace may reign everywhere.

Reflections

• To be present.

• We speak often about love, mercy, forgiveness, justice and compassion………...

• Embracing the scandal of the cross – reflection for This Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Human Rights Commission says data centres a threat to human rights

• Wrestling with faith in the face of genocide?

Musical Reflection

• Whatsoever You Do

Fulfilling the Father’s will, whatever the cost.

Just a few thoughts

• We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. -- Winston Churchill

• We pray for a use of social media which is wise, wholesome and respectful, so that seeking truth, we will use it for the good and enrichment of human society.

• Social Justice Sunday -We pray for the church in Australia. May today’s observance of Social Justice Sunday urge the Catholic community to promote unity and common purpose across the land.

Reflections

• Two Minute Homily

• God’s way of loving

• Frank Brennan’s Homily – reflection for Next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• The world is living beyond its water means

• Social Justice Sunday -“Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division”

Musical Reflection

• Act Justly

 

Martyrdom is not merely a relic of the past but a present reality.

Just a few thoughts

• Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more. -- Tony Robbins

• We pray that parents will not dominate the lives of their children but give them freedom to make their own choices by nurturing in them a good conscience.

• We pray for families caring for children with special needs. May they have all the support they need and treasure the grace of each day.

Reflections

• Having the courage to speak the truth and challenge injustice, corruption and sin.

• God calls the imperfect

• What’s in a Name? – reflection for Next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• What is Purgatory?

• Why banning social media won’t make young Australians less anxious

Musical Reflection

• The Fullness Of God

Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.

Just a few thoughts

• Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. -- Albert Einstein

• We pray that those whose lives have become without meaning may discover the holy wisdom of St Augustine, “Lord you made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.”

• We pray for children, their parents and teachers. May they all enjoy a ‘Symphony of Stories’ during Children’s Book Week and throughout the year.

Reflections

• Wakefulness

• Ready When He Comes

• My Ways Are Not Your Ways – reflection for Next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Active participation in liturgy leads us to relationship with God

• Debunking mass deportation hype

Musical Reflection

• Come To Us Creative Spirit

No prayer offered in love is ever wasted

Just a few thoughts

• Always smile. Life isn’t always full of reasons to smile, but your smile itself is a reason for others to smile too!. -- Sebastiano Serafini

• We pray that those who have taken on the service of proving food to vulnerable people, families, those unemployed, international students and others in need during this time of economic difficulties.

• We pray for the Australian national community. May the Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division promote unity and common purpose across the land.

Reflections

• God’s gifts of faith

• Plan well, and continue to develop

• The Way of Love – reflection for Next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Pope tells Catholic legislators to put family at heart of AI policy

• Cooperative relationships

Musical Reflection

• Centre of My Life

Caring for your soul

Just a few thoughts

• Always smile. Life isn’t always full of reasons to smile, but your smile itself is a reason for others to smile tool. -- Sebastiano Serafini

• May we never give up on anyone, but know that God’s grace brings forgiveness, hope and peace.

• World Water Week - We pray for the many people enduring heatwaves, fires and droughts. May it highlight the need for civic leaders to manage this vital resource ‘for people and progress.

Reflections

• Pharisaism

• Australian Diced Tomatoes

The Signs Of The Times

• Change of heart needed to end wars and heal Earth: - Pope Leo

• Anger and fear is real – but don't blame migrants

Musical Reflection

• There is a Longing in our hearts

A heart filled with God’s love will ultimately always be visible on the outside

Just a few thoughts

• If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life but still the same amount of snow. -- James Clear

• May we also have a heart that is pure in imitation of Jesus

• We pray for church leaders. May they use the keys of the kingdom to open the door to God’s healing mercy.

Reflections

• We only have to try!

• From the Inside Out

• Engulfed in Christ – reflection for Last Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• New push to raise JobSeeker payments

• Advances in AI making scams more convincing, Vinnies warns

Musical Reflection

• Open the eyes of my heart lord

Come and see!

Just a few thoughts

• If you see me talking to myself, don’t be alarmed. I’m getting expert advice! -- Anon

• We pray that the courage of St Bartholomew, who faced a most painful martyrdom, may be a particular encouragement for those who are imprisoned and tortured for their Christian faith today.

• We pray for all who have been invested with civic authority, that they will exercise it wisely and justly for the common good.

• Sadly my favourite Christian Art site was not available today....

Reflections

• Lord, help us keep our hearts open

• Believing and embracing the self-giving model of the Messiah – reflection for This Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Reflection and Poems on Heartbreak

• Adelaide Diocesan Synod agreement

Musical Reflection

• The Summons

The responsibility of caring for the Church

Just a few thoughts

• Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth. -- William Faulkner

• We pray for nations facing the increase of Ebola, that God will deliver them from present danger, heal the sick, comfort the sorrowful, enlighten researchers, make wise their leaders.

Reflections

• Two-Minute Homily

• Frank Brennan’s Homily – reflection for This Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Cooperative relationships

• Called to the Holy Land: places we don’t choose to travel to

Musical Reflection

• Lord of creation, to you be all praise

Keep trusting, one step at a time

Just a few thoughts

• Your greatest contribution to the universe may not be something you do, but someone you raise. – Anon

• True heroism is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost. -- Arthur Ashe

Reflections

• Placing God at the centre of our lives

• It Takes Two – reflection for Next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• When the Bloom Has Left the Rose

• NDIS reform is putting the cuts before the safety net

Musical Reflection

• These Alone Are Enough

A passage to the next life

Just a few thoughts

• Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you. -- Ruth Bader Ginsburg

• May Christians above all else, be known for their love of neighbour, especially the ones who are needy and poor at this time.

• We pray for social educators working to change the culture of domestic violence. May they succeed in making every home a haven for all.

Reflections

• All creation is God’s gracious gift

• Love gives life to the world around us

• Authority – reflection for Next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• A surprisingly hopeful dialogue with AI

• A Prophetic Dream of Peace

Musical Reflection

• We Remember

Encouraging prayer, silence and contemplation.

Just a few thoughts

• No matter who you are, no matter what you did, no matter where you've come from, you can always change, become a better version of yourself. – Madonna

• May governments and scientists find ways to prevent the spread of bird flu, so that food supplies are secure and our native birds and animals are protected.

• We pray for all whose creativity and imagination enrich our culture. May their inspired works be honoured, not stolen, by the merchants of artificial intelligence.

Reflections

• All are Welcome to the Feast

• God’s loving invitation

• Faithful Stewards – reflection for Next Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Collaboration helps in the fight against modern slavery

• Prophets Work in Community

Musical Reflection

• Table of Plenty

Generosity freely given

Just a few thoughts

• Families are like fudge — mostly sweet with a few nuts. -- Les Dawson

• May we never feel jealous when good things happen to other people, but rather rejoice with those who rejoice.

• We pray for nations facing a multitude of people displaced by war, persecution, drought, hunger and poverty. May all member countries of the international community join forces to alleviate this humanitarian crisis.

Reflections

• A  ‘family wage’.

• If only we can do the same.

• The words of the Popes – reflection for this Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Spirituality and Steadiness

• Are the rich and old to be pitched against the young and poor?

Musical Reflection

• God Of Mercy And Compassion

Paradoxes

Just a few thoughts

• There are two kinds of people — those who do the work and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there. -- Indira Gandhi

• May those who are rich not become self-centred, but discover ways in which they can act with justice and so relieve suffering in the world

• We pray for communities in Europe and North America devastated by fires, heatwaves and drought. May their disastrous losses summon the world to act as one on climate change.

Reflections

• …...and the last will be first.

• Those with comparatively little often share most freely.

• Enlarge our hearts – reflection for this Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• West Bank Christians feel ‘forgotten’ over settler violence

• Why the Australian Church needs a vision, not just a process

Musical Reflection

• Micah's Song

Eternal life always involve actively loving those around us.

Just a few thoughts

• Leadership is about empathy. It is about having the ability to relate to and connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives. -- Oprah Winfrey

• May we seek good and not evil, and dedicate ourselves to growing in virtue, following the way of Jesus Christ.

• We pray for the many different peoples that dwell on earth. May they all come to know the saving power of God.

Reflections

• It's not all about you

• Come, follow me

• We live in a time of heightened tension. – reflection for this Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• Reading The Southern Cross online

Musical Reflection

• In Christ there is no east or west

Uniquely chosen by God.

Just a few thoughts

• Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light shining somewhere nearby. -- Ruth E. Renkel

• We pray for our Australian and world leaders: that they may, with their citizens, have a care for justice and always act with integrity.

Reflections

• Much good work is done for Christ outside the fold

• Two Minute Homily

• Frank Brennan’s Homily – reflection for this Sunday

The Signs Of The Times

• What courage looks like: David McBride walks free

Musical Reflection

• All Are Welcome