A Moment to Pause - a short daily Christmas reflection

Good morning and welcome to the Oblate time of prayer and reflection today by Sarah Braid, a member of the Oblate Parish of St Joseph's, Colwyn Bay. Today's Gospel is from the Holy Gospel according to the Gospel of Mark, chapter 11, verses 11 to 26. As I reflected on this Gospel, I found myself moving slowly through the different parts the fig tree, the temple, then prayer and forgiveness.The fig tree appears alive, yet is not bearing fruit. Then Jesus enters the temple and sees that the outer courts where the the place where Gentiles could come close to God, had become transactional and crowded with merchants. It made me think about how easily faith, church life, and even volunteering can become more about activity and duty than prayer and welcome. But what stayed with me the most is that the Gospel feels like a call to integrity between outward action and inward truth. If we pray, we should pray wholeheartedly. If we seek forgiveness. We should try to forgive. If we have gifts. Perhaps we are meant to use them well. Thank you for reflecting with us today.

Good morning and welcome to the Oblate time of prayer and reflection today by Sarah Braid, a member of the Oblate Parish of St Joseph's, Colwyn Bay. Today's Gospel is from the Holy Gospel according to the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 26, verses 36 to 42. I find this Gospel quite upsetting because it shows that the people who love Jesus most could not stay awake and support him, while he was sorrowful and troubled. Peter and the disciples are very relatable here. They love Jesus and wanted to do what was right, but they were human, tired and perhaps overwhelmed. What strikes me is that Jesus does not hide his pain. He says his soul is sorrowful, yet he still accepts the will of my of the father. Not my will, but yours be done. There is something deeply powerful in that trust and love. Jesus also says the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. I think many of us can recognise ourselves in that we are not perfect. Sometimes our enduring, our endurance or resilience fails us even when our hearts and intentions are good. Our intention should always remain aligned with our values and with the good we are trying to live out. We know this and we try continually. This Gospel perhaps reminds us that God understands our humanity, our weakness, and our struggle and still walks beside us through it. Thank you for reflecting with us today.

Good morning and welcome to the Oblate time of prayer and reflection today by Sarah Braid, a member of the Oblate Parish of St Joseph's, Colwyn Bay. Today's Gospel is from the Holy Gospel according to the Gospel of Luke, chapter ten, verses 1 to 9. This Gospel feels unusually direct and clear. Jesus sends out the 72 with simple instructions. He knows they are vulnerable, describing them as lambs among wolves. And he also understands that not every town will welcome them. Yet the one thing they are asked to carry is peace. What stands out to me is Jesus does not tell them to carry power or status, but only peace. And he says that if their peace is not received, it will return to them. The Gospel also speaks about healing, and it makes me wonder if part of the healing Christ offers is healing from the inner disturbance we sometimes carry within ourselves. When we are not at peace, something in us often needs healing. Perhaps this Gospel reminds us that peace is not weakness, but it's a grace and a gift, something we receive from God and then carry into the world for others. Thank you for reflecting with us today.

Good morning and welcome to the Oblate time of prayer and reflection today by Sarah Braid, a member of the Oblate Parish of St Joseph's, Colwyn Bay. Today's gospel is from the Holy Gospel according to the gospel of Mark, chapter 10 verses 28-31. This gospel I feel, can be slightly confusing at first. Peter appears to be showing his loyalty, but perhaps also asking what is in it for them. Peter is being very human.What is interesting is that Jesus does not rebuke him. Instead, he acknowledges the sacrifice and says they will receive a hundredfold now in this time. I think Jesus is speaking about a new kind of family and a spiritual richness found through a community of believers. But he's also very clear that these blessings come with persecutions. Jesus understands that following faith and living by our values is not always the easy path. The final line is perhaps my favourite. It reminds us that humility is essential: “The first shall be the last, and the last shall be first.” True discipleship is not about status or recognition. It's about faithfulness, love, and humility. Thank you for reflecting with us today.

Good morning and welcome to the Oblate time of prayer and reflection today by Sarah Braid, a member of the Oblate Parish of St Joseph's, Colwyn Bay. Today's gospel is from the Holy Gospel according to the Gospel of John Chapter 19, verses 25 to 34. When I think about it and have a moment of reflection and a moment of pause the thing that jumps out of me is Mary's journey. Mary's journey is built on faith. At the Annunciation, she's asked to trust without fully understanding. And at the cross, that faith is tested in the most painful way imaginable for a mother. She stands before the violence, the hatred and the suffering inflicted on her son. But she refuses to abandon him. She remains present. She can't stop what's happening, but she won't leave. Many others have left, but she stays. Mary's courage is supported also by the presence of other women.Her friends beside her. This I also find wonderful. Maybe a reminder that even in grief, we are not meant to stand on our own and our friends can be there for us. In the midst of this horrific moment, Jesus's words are deeply tender. “Behold your mother.” “Behold your son.” So even when he's dying, he creates for eternity. He wants the community. He asks us to care. He asks people to look after one another and forms a new family rooted in love and fellowship and honour and obviously humanity. Often I don't think we fully understand what God is doing in our lives, but we can ask Mary to share with us her courage, her faithfulness, and her ability to remain present. This is very important in life to be there for people. Stand calmly and be present. And we can remember Christ's constant call to care for one another, and especially in moments of suffering. Thanks for joining us this morning. 

Good morning and welcome to the Oblate time of prayer and reflection today written by Mary Tyrrell. This passage is still pertinent today. Just as the disciples faced fear and uncertainty, millions of people around our world are feeling fearful, confused, anxious, and uncertain about the future. You might be one of them. There are so many threats to life, to health, to relationships and basic human needs. Dramatically we’re told Jesus,“came and stood among them and said  ‘Peace be with you”. These words convey more than just the absence of conflict; they remind the troubled disciples and us that God’s presence brings reassurance, and restoration to any situation.Jesus meets the disciples in their fear and transforms it into joy. We definitely need more Jesus in our hearts and world. We are called to be a presence of peace wherever we are. When I was a lot younger, I remember I travelled to London to take part in an anti war demonstration.We didn’t stop the war but I have always been happy, and quietly proud, that I took part in that march. Let’s pray in the words of St Francis: Lord, make me a channel of your peace, that where there is hatred, I may bring love; where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness where there is discord, I may bring harmony where there is despair, I may bring hope. Thanks for joining us today.

Good morning and welcome to the Oblate time of prayer and reflection today written by Mary Tyrrell. What a really interesting passage this is. I was struck by the last few lines. In this gospel of St John Chapter 20 verse 25 reads, ”But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.”Of course, it must be true, there probably were  millions of encounters Jesus had that we don’t know about because books weren’t written or were lost or people looked on their encounter as being personal.  And more importantly there was no television news broadcasts twenty four hours a day every day and definitely no internet. However did people find out about anything?  Of course, they talked to each other, they shared stories or some would have written letters to friends. Then during the week I came across this fact  each bible has blank pages at the end for us to write our own gospel stories. When we can write down our own encounters with Jesus in prayer. Times when Jesus was so close, so active, saving us, calling us or challenging us into discipleship. And we have all had those moments. Now where did I put my pen? Thanks for joining us today.    

Hello and good morning and welcome to the Oblate time of prayer and reflection today, on Friday the 22nd of May, written by Mary Tyrrell. What a lovely scene we are presented with in today’s Gospel, John chapter 21.The disciples eating fish cooked by Jesus on a barbecue beside the Sea of Galilee. Peter must still have been feeling vulnerable knowing he’d denied Jesus three times and wondering if their friendship could ever be salvaged. When Jesus asks Peter the wham bang question , “Do you love me?” and commissions him to feed his sheep thus reinforcing Peter’s role as a leader in the early Christian community. Do you love me not once but three times. I think my reaction would be like Peter’s Lord,“You know all things. You know that I love you.” Maybe Jesus didn’t need to hear the answer but maybe it was Peter who needed to hear himself profess his love for Jesus before he accepted his role as leader of the community. Leadership, which is currently dominating our national headlines, never comes without responsibility.Responsibility involves love, forgiveness and service.  I hope our politicians are aware of that. I know I love Jesus but I also know I have let Jesus down many times. I’m glad Jesus believes that ruptured relationships are never  permanent. Like Peter,I know God can see beyond my actions and value what’s in my heart. I pray that I strengthen my commitment to him and  to gratefully cherish God’s  presence within me.  Thanks for joining us today.  

Hello and good morning and welcome to the Oblate time of prayer and reflection today, on Thursday the 21st of May, written by Mary Tyrrell. In the final part of his priestly prayer Jesus prays for the unity of  his disciples which he describes as the most effective witness for promoting the message of the Gospel .Not unity as thinking the same and agreeing about everything but having the same unity of purpose and love among ourselves which binds Jesus and the Father……in his words ….that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.Love is the most effective message we can give. It is said that, in the early Church, people marvelled, “See those Christians, how they love each other.”  And yet they lived in a very divided society. Is that the witness that we are giving today?  What do people see when they look at our neighbourhoods or parishes?  What do they see when they look at our families?  Do I give witness to that statement, “See those Christians, how they love each other.”? Who can you show love to today? We pray: Glory be to the father and to the son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.  Saint Eugene de Mazenod, pray for us.  Thanks for joining us today.  

Hello and good morning and welcome to the Oblate time of prayer and reflection today, on Wednesday the 20th of May, written by Mary Tyrrell. Jesus knew his time on earth was coming to its end.He had left himself for his friends to share in the signs of bread and wine. But as we might feel bit anxious when someone we love is leaving us. I’m sure Jesus the man felt the same.We have mixed feelings, we want them to follow their hearts and we trust them but… I know I felt like that when my son went to Sierra Leone. I was glad he was doing what he wanted but I love him and neither of us knew what he’d face or how he’d fare in the new culture.At Manchester Airport I remember saying a quiet prayer “Well God, he’s in your hands now.” And I can honestly  say I have never worried about him since.I can understand why Jesus channeled his concern into prayer “Keep them in your name.”And then leave them to God.Jesus asked God that his disciples be sanctified in the truth as he wanted his disciples to dedicate the whole of their lives to continue giving witness to Jesus’ mission.He knew it would not be easy. They would be persecuted and afflicted and even martyred as many of them were.This prayer reminds is that divine protection is not about being remove from the world but about being guarded from evil while we are living in it. The passage calls is to trust in Jesus to open our hearts to and allow his peace and love to guide our actions and relationship. Pope Leo the Great said, “Jesus was so human, but so human, as only God can be human.” He knows how difficult it will be to live in opposition to the values of the world  but people united around the name of Jesus will never be conquered.

Hello and good morning and welcome to the Oblate time of prayer and reflection today, on Tuesday the 19th of May, written by Mary Tyrrell. Today at the beginning of chapter 17 we hear the words that Jesus shared with his disciples at the Last Supper. It is said that last words are powerful  because they define a person’s final thoughts and meant to make a lasting impact on those who hear them.Therefore they are very important. Jesus prayed for the disciples: “those whom you gave me”. For although Jesus had chosen the disciples they were ultimately the gift of the Father to continue the mission in the absence of Jesus. Throughout generations innumerable disciples have accepted that same task to continue the missionary work of Jesus. And as we are today’s disciples so Jesus is praying for us too. What a lovely thought!!!                 In this prayer Jesus reveals his deep loving relationship with the Father which he hopes we will share. We hear of his on-going concern for all his disciples who have heard and kept  the word of God and explains the concept of eternal life as more to do with having a personal relationship with God and not merely through rule-following or adherence to doctrine.Aware of leaving his disciples in the near future and mindful of the many pitfalls and dangers they would encounter as his followers, Jesus prays for their protection and unity revealing his constant love and care for them. Love and care that we experience every minute of every day. What a wonderful God we have!!!! Glory be to the Father to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.

Hello and good morning and welcome to the Oblate time of prayer and reflection today, on Monday the 18th of May, written by Mary Tyrrell. In Saint John's Gospel, chapter 16, verses 29 to 33, Jesus outlines the reality of what the disciples lives will be like after he's gone from them, stating, “In this world you will have trouble.” This is a reminder that suffering is inevitable for all men and women. It makes it clear that belief in Jesus doesn't make us immune to struggles, but it does provide us with a source of strength and comfort to get through any difficulties. Though the problems are different today, we too live in a very troubled world. People are despairing of what can be done about poverty, climate change, lack of peace, greed and a lack of faith - I could go on here - Jesus is reassuring his friends that though they, like us, will face trials in the world, we can all have peace. Jesus gives us all hope and encouragement with this powerful declaration: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” These words of Jesus are the foundation and the basis of Christian hope. Christian hope is much more than the optimism politicians promise but seldom provide. Christian hope gives it the disciples and us, the promise that in Christ we can find peace and strength to endure and overcome whatever challenges we may face. We have only to trust in those words of Jesus: “But take heart! I have overcome the world”, to bring us peace when we face challenges. But do we? Let's ponder this today as we bring our time of prayer to a close and we say, Our Lady Queen of peace, pray for us. Thanks for joining us this morning. God bless.

Good morning. It's great that you can be with the Oblate family again today for our time of reflection and prayer. We join Frankie in Glasgow again this morning on the 7th Sunday of Easter. Let's begin. In the name of the father and the son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. And let us remember especially to pray this month of peace. Let's ask Our Lady's help as we say Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Our Lady, Queen of peace, pray for us. Today's gospel is taken from Saint John's Gospel, chapter 17 and the reading taken from the Acts of the Apostles, chapter one. Jesus reaffirms his relationship with the father and draws attention to the honour given to the father and by default, that all honour should be given to the Father by us. He also confirms that he is going back to the Father. And we know from previous readings this week that he's sending us the Holy Spirit to be with us. And the reading in the acts relates to the disciples are journeying back to Jerusalem to assemble in the upper room with Our Lady and all of those who had remained in Jerusalem in waiting and Pentecost. Just this as we we're waiting in the descent of the Holy Spirit today, in fact, many of us will begin a Novena to the Holy Spirit in advance of Pentecost to prepare us not only for the Great Feast itself, but to prepare ourselves to receive freshly the spirit into our hearts and the lives and the lives of those that we love. Let us ask that the Holy Spirit brings peace to ourselves and our countries and to all places of conflict. But most of all, into our hearts that we may live as Jesus intends, as God's children, following the Father's will. Finally, it's been a great privilege to have been with you this week, and as we bring our time together to close, let us ask again for the intercession of Our Blessed Lady today as we seek that peace into our hearts. And remember all of those, especially those who are sick and housebound, at this time and all of those who have asked for our prayers.Our Lady of Lourdes, Health of the Sick, pray for us all. Thanks again for joining us in our reflection and prayer today. #faith #prayer #persecution #strong #peace #jesus #religion #christianity #saintpaul #mary #popeleo #feast #apostles

Good morning. It's great that you can be with the Oblate family again today for our time of reflection and prayer. We join Frankie in Glasgow again this morning during this 6th Week of Eastertide. Let us begin. In the name of the father and the son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. And remember especially to pray this month for peace in all areas of conflict in the world, and we seek  Our Lady's help as we say; Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Our Lady, Queen of peace, pray for us. Today's gospel is taken from Saint John's Gospel, chapter 16 and the reading from the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 18. We’re told in the Acts that Jesus’ message has reached this time Ephesus, which was a bustling city with a fabulous library, an amphitheater. And you can just picture the early disciples addressing the people there. We hear how two of the disciples Priscilla and Aquila, drew Apollos aside and explained Jesus teaching more fully, and therefore gave him a more accurate perspective to his teaching. They didn't call them out or make a fool of them, but they took them aside and gently explained the truth and a peaceful manner, avoiding conflict and dissent. In other words, they took Apollos under their  wing, and explained much more, that to the depth of Jesus's teaching. The learning point for us all is that there is always something more that we can learn, understand, and bring to bear in our faith. We have access to the resources of our parish and the wider teaching of the church by the Holy Fathers teaching, retreats or prayer groups. And finally, as we bring our time together to close, let us ask for the intercession of Our blessed Lady today as we seek peace in the world. And remember also all of those we know who are sick and housebound at this time. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us all. Thanks again for joining us in this reflection and prayer today. #faith #prayer #persecution #strong #peace #jesus #religion #christianity #saintpaul #mary #popeleo #feast #apostles

Good morning again. Thanks for joining the Oblate  family today for our time of reflection, and prayer also as we join Frankie MacDonald in Glasgow this week. Let's begin our day: in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Now let's remember to pray this month for peace. And as we see the Hail Mary while asking for peace in our communities, we invoke Our Lady. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Our Lady, Queen of peace, pray for us. Today's gospel is taken from Saint John's Gospel, chapter 16, and the reading is taken from the Acts of the Apostles, also chapter 16. We're given some historical background to the Acts, as we hear that Saint Paul is in Corinth. At that time Corinth was a very cosmopolitan port city, and not only was it given over to pagan worship, but also in morality. Yet it was in this environment that Saint Paul preached the message of the cross. As he stayed true to Jesus’ teachings in the midst of the threats from the leaders of the synagogue, Paul stood firm even under the scrutiny of the Roman proconsul, and was found without fault, causing his accusers to seek vengeance on some of their own number. The Cross of Jesus is the power behind Saint Paul's words, which reach the proconsul and impelled him to dismiss the accusers that Paul faced, and also the dire consequences for Saint Paul had the charges been upheld. Can we too have such faith in our dealings in this world? But more importantly, can we ensure that our dealings in this life are centred around Jesus's teachings? Let's try hard to follow the path that Jesus has set before us, and ask the Holy Spirit to help us now, in all this.  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Finally, let's ask for the intercession of Our Blessed Lady today as we seek peace in the world and remember all of those who are actually sick and housebound at this time that we know. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for them. Thanks again for joining us in this reflection. Amen. #faith #prayer #persecution #strong #peace #jesus #religion #christianity #saintpaul #mary #popeleo #feast #apostles 

Good morning on this Ascension Thursday and thank you for joining the Oblate family again today for our time of reflection and prayer. Let's begin. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. And let's remember to pray this month for peace as we say the Hail Mary while asking for peace in our countries as we seek the assistance of Our Lady. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Our Lady, Queen of peace, pray for us. Today's gospel is taken from Saint Matthew's Gospel, chapter 28. The remaining apostles at this time, and followers of Jesus, must have been completely in awe as they witness all that Jesus had told them he was going to do for us: die on the cross, rise from the dead, and now go ahead of us to prepare a place in heaven. What's more, as incredible as that sounded to his followers in advance of the events, how much more in awe were they as it unfolded, just as Jesus said it would. Those early days with Jesus, and hearing his words in the gospel remind us that we too have a home with him in heaven as we trust in him and follow his teaching. Let's try to follow that path that he set before us and ask the Holy Spirit to keep us on track now and always. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Let's ask for the intercession of Our Blessed Lady today again as we seek peace in the world. We also remember all of those who are infirm and housebound at this time, saying, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for them. Thanks again for joining us in our reflection and prayer today. #faith #prayer #persecution #strong #peace #Jesus #religion #Christianity #ascension

Good morning. Thank you for joining the Oblate family again today for a time of reflection and prayer as we join Frankie MacDonald in Glasgow this week. Let's begin. In the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. And let us too remember to pray this month for peace as we see the Hail Mary while asking for peace in our homes. As we ask Our Lady; Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Our Lady Queen of Peace, pray for us. Today's gospel is taken from Saint John's Gospel, chapter 16. And Jesus again reminds us that the Holy Spirit is coming. The reading from the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 17, reminds us of the challenges faced by Saint Paul when he was speaking to the Athenians and appealed to the Greeks’ belief in the unknown God, and reaffirms this is the very one to honour and obey, and is the very same as the father. I was reminded yesterday of the first encounter with the Holy Spirit that I can remember when my nephew, Patrick made his confirmation. I think we can all still think back to that special moment when we wondered the God's majesty and never wanted to be separated from Him.  A  feeling captured deep within us back then can still be ours each time we sincerely and reverently ask the Spirit to be with us. And now as  we bring our time together to a close, let's remember that today is the feast of the Lady of Fatima, who delivered the message of peace to the three little shepherds. Let us ask for their intercession today as we seek peace in the world, where we remember all of those who are infirm and housebound at this time, Our Lady of Fatima, Pray for them. Thanks again for joining us today in our reflection and prayer. #faith #prayer #persecution #strong #peace #jesus #religion #christianity #fatima #mary #popeleo #feast #ourladyoffatima

Good morning. Thank you for joining all of the Oblate family today for a time of reflection and prayer. We join Frankie MacDonald in Glasgow this week. Let's begin. In the name of the father and the son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. And let's remember Pope Leo’s request for us all to pray this month for peace, especially peace in our families as we asked Our Lady: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Our Lady Queen of peace pray for us. Today's gospel is taken from Saint John's Gospel, chapter 16, and the reading is taken from the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 16 two and they remind us of the challenges faced by Saint Paul and his disciples. And the gospel reaffirms how Jesus will send the Holy Spirit and describes, in Acts, the conversion and how the conversion came to Saint Paul's jailer. I'm just back from Hungary, and I'm reminded how the church leaders in Hungary were imprisoned for living the Christian vocations 80 years ago. And moreover, they were still oppressed in their  Christianity up until 36 years ago. That is, until the fall of the totalitarian regimes repressing religious belief. And in some countries, this is still going on. Can we be as strong in our faith, as the clergy were in 1946 through to 1990? Can we too defy the norms of an increasingly secular society that subtly attacks religion by indifference? Can we express our religion and ignore the slights or exclusion from the rest of the herd because we are openly followers of Jesus? Can we support our brothers and sisters and keep them in our daily prayers, particularly those who are expressing their views of the gospel in the face of oppression? Can we challenge society's stance that the birth of Jesus is celebrated for a maximum of a week in December? And all things Christian should just be put away until the following year? You know, Jesus didn't say celebrate my birthday and then have the rest of the year off! He's asking us this in the gospel: He's asking us to speak the truth, to stand up for him to declare the truth of the gospel. He's asking us to stand up and be counted, to live our lives in a way that reflects his teaching, so that others may know Jesus not only through our words, but through our actions too. It's very easy to think that the clergy has this task of spreading the gospel, but so do we. This is especially true given the falling numbers of active clergy at home and throughout Europe. It's up to us to take up this challenge and do what we can to be the arms, the legs, the voice, and the presence of Jesus in society today. And as we remember that as Pentecost approaches, let's ask the Holy Spirit today  for the help to live as God's children and to follow his teaching. And again, as we say: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. And now, as we end our time of reflection today, let's not forget our brothers and sisters who are infirm and housebound at this time: Our  Lady of Lourdes, Help of the sick. Pray for them. Thanks again for joining us in reflection and prayer today.

Good morning. Thank you for joining all of the Oblate Family today for our time of reflection and prayer with Frankie MacDonald in Glasgow this week.  Let's begin. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. And let's remember Pope Leo’s request this month for us all to pray this month for peace, especially as we see the Hail Mary while remembering all our brothers and sisters who are living in conflict, and commit them to the protection of Our Lady. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Our Lady, Queen of peace for us. Today's gospel is taken from Saint John's Gospel, chapter 15, and it's quite challenging. It describes how Jesus will send the Holy Spirit to help us face the challenges of hostility to the gospel and to ourselves as messengers of the gospel. It reminds us that we too need to witness the truth, and the Holy Spirit will be with us and support us in that. We know that hostility and indifference to religion is evident in society today, and it's discouraging that so many have fallen away from the church, and it's all the more important for us not to be discouraged and to persevere. It's very easy to think that the gospel describing the difficulties faced by the early church doesn't apply to these times that we live in, but we couldn't be more wrong as these challenges are still very much present. Lives of Christians are endangered in parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia. We in Europe and in the Western world face indifference and scorn for expressing our faith. The views we express from the gospel can, on the one hand, be seen as relics of the past, earning us the status of being quirky or in the other hand, just a attract direct derision and hostility. It's possible that we can be indifferent to indifference and persevere through hostility. Are we not called upon to live our lives in a way that allows people to see that we not only follow God's Word, but live it too? As Pentecost approaches, let's ask the Holy Spirit today for his help, to live as God's children and to follow his teaching: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. And as we end our time of reflection today, we remember our sisters and brothers who are ill and infirm at this time. Our Lady of Lourdes, Help of the sick. Pray for them. Thanks again for joining us in this reflection.   #prayer #podcast #faith #bible #scripture #gospel #christian #catholic #church #reflection #peaceful #ambient #listening #quiet 

We join Kirk Jacob for this morning’s short audio reflection on the Sixth Sunday of Easter. Today is Sunday, 10th May and this morning’s Oblate podcast is from the Scriptures of John 14:18 – ‘I will not leave you Orphans’. Good morning. We begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.  On this 6th Sunday of Easter, I am drawn to the Scripture phrase: ‘I will not leave you Orphans’. Both Mum and Dad died in their 60s and as a result, my source conversations with them have ceased in this earthly life. So being an orphan feels real for me.  I recall after my Dad’s funeral when I felt in denial that I was going through loss and grief. I was trying to be stoically strong! I went into work, not feeling myself, just pushing everything and everyone away. It suddenly dawned on me that I hadn’t cried enough for my beloved Dad. I remember needing to take time out for a few days. So, I did it and chose to spend a few days in the nearby New Forest, thanks to a good friend and just giving permission for grief to surface. I felt numb walking in the forest though I allowed myself to cry and cry! Unlike, the case with my late Mum, I felt I had grieved her loss more easily. Each of us has to deal with grief in our own way. We are living in a world which falsely tells us that grief makes us look weak! Jesus reminds us today that we are never alone and that ‘he will send another Helper- to be with us forever’.  We pray: Lord Jesus, send your Helper, Holy Spirit of Truth into areas of our lives that resist your love. Amen. Stay Blessed! 

We join Kirk Jacob for this morning’s short audio reflection during the 5th week of Eastertide. Today is Saturday, 9th May and this morning’s Oblate podcast is from the Scripture of John 15:20:  ‘a servant is not greater than his master’.  Good morning. We begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.  In today’s Gospel Jesus speaks to His Disciples, his inner circle, reminding them of the importance of SERVICE. He  shares these words:  ‘A servant is not greater than his master’.  So, how do we understand servant-master relationships in Society? Or is it a taboo subject left only for the privileged classes of society? Our Oblate Founder, Eugene De Mazenod came from an Aristocratic family. He had 12 servants serving his every need in Aix at France. Did he learn anything from his servants or was he just someone who gave the orders since he felt he had an entitlement to it? As a boy, Eugene gave away the coat on his back to a poor fellow charcoal boy which certainly wasn’t in becoming of his aristocratic status. So, we see an interweaving nature between servant and masterhood classes in Eugene’s life.  I felt something of this nature as well as I grew up in a middle class household in Madras, India with 8 children and being looked after by my late parents/ sometimes grandparents.   We hired an ‘Ayya’ ,a term of respect for our servant helper, who I recalled sometimes lived at our home. Besides helping our Mum, our Ayya looked after us when we were sick with chicken pox and when our parents were at work. So, their role was at times like a surrogate grandparent. Maybe you have your own story as well.   Lord Jesus, we say ‘THANK YOU’ for help us draw meaning from your Servanthood. Amen. Stay Blessed!  

We join Kirk Jacob for this morning’s short audio reflection during the 5th week of Eastertide. Today is Friday, 8th May and this morning’s Oblate podcast is on the Scripture text of John 15:14 – ‘You are my friends if you do what I COMMAND you’.  Good morning to you. We begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.  Oh! Boy.. what a challenging Gospel as Jesus looks you and me in the eye with a deep compassionate heart saying: ‘You, Kirk, You Mary, You Dave, You Jackie, your own name.. are my friends if you do what I COMMAND you!’. It leaves me feelingrestless hearing this direct soulful words of Jesus. The Command is to open my hearts to Jesus’ Unconditional Love.   I don’tknow about you the listener, I find myself struggling with that word: ‘command’ even though I understand the need for it.Parents, Teachers, people in Authority give commands to subordinates, children, young people under them normally yield to their authority albeit with some resistance. Though we know fully well that it's not the case always. Recent news here at some schools in England, we witnessed some students reacting violently to authority and authority figures, using knives and kicking out at Teachers and fellow pupils in primary and secondary schools, Police and Army (in some cases) have had to be brought in to places meant for learning. A sad state of affairs. This thinking may have been alien to you and me in our growing up years.   We ask you Lord Jesus to help us follow your commands of love to neighbour, self, country respecting other’s boundaries and sharing our resources globally. Amen. Have a blessed day!  

We join Kirk Jacob for this morning’s short audio reflection during the 5th week of Eastertide. Today is Thursday, 7th May and this morning’s Oblate podcast is on the Scripture text of John 15:10 – Abide in my love.  Good morning to you. We begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.  The word: ‘ABIDE’ occurs 3 times in today’s Scriptures.           What comes to mind is that  famous Hymn ‘ABIDE WITH ME’ – a tear bringer at funerals! I did a little research on this hymn – thanks to ‘Uncle Google’! In 1847, an Anglican cleric and poet Henry Francis Lyte composed it. Writing it shortly before dying with TB, Henry’s prayer reminds us of that transit journey moving from this earthly life to divine presence. The hymn is supported by William Monk ‘s ‘Eventide’  tune.  ‘ABIDE WITH ME’ is really a prayer seeking God to remain present at the hour of our death whenever that moment is in God’s time.  Here is a reminder of those lyrics: Be present to how you feel hearing it:  "Abide with me, fast falls the eventide.  The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide.  When other helpers fail and comforts flee,  Help of the Helpless, Oh, abide with me."  And Its richness is summed up in the last verse’s last two lines: "In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me".  Jesus prayer for each of us today: May his Joy abide in us so that our joy may be full. Do we really get it?  We bring our time of reflection to a close. I invite you to: ‘Be the very JOY that you have been possibly been waiting for many a year! Amen.

We join Kirk Jacob for this morning’s short audio reflection during the 5th week of Eastertide. Today is Wednesday, 6th May and this morning’s Oblate podcast is on the Scripture text of John 15:4 ‘Abide in me and I in you’.  Good morning to you. We begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.  This morning we take a few deep breaths and notice the cool and warm air entering and leaving our bodily being. …(quiet moments). We imagine a fruit that is close to our hearts where we are one with this special fruit both in its texture and taste…  Similar to the fruit, think of a specific area in your life as it is just now where you experience ONENESS with the Risen Lord Jesus? You feel his Presence truly abiding in you and you dwelling in Christ?  The Hebrew word is Shekina.. it points to that indwelling sacred space of oneness with your God and this space is not even for your spouse or partner! A clue could be by recognising feelings of stillness remaining long after the event has passed…(quiet)  A Young man Eugene De Mazenod experienced this oneness  when he accepted Jesus as His Lord and Saviour which in turn lead him to being co-operator of His Saviour. It started on a Good Friday in 1807, tears rolling down his face and it was a turning point for him and the Oblate family when he felt drawn to share Jesus’ love with others! So, notice where your turning point has been and where you feel this deep embrace of Christ which stirs your heart to share the Good News? Today: Give gratitude to Jesus for that Shekina presence: being of ‘one heart, one soul for his Mission’ through the gift of your life. Have a Blessed day!

We join Kirk Jacob for this morning’s short audio reflection during the 5th week of Eastertide. Today is Tuesday, 5th May and this morning’s Oblate podcast is on the Scripture text of John 14: 28: "Let not your hearts be troubled."  Good morning to you. We begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.  Today, we remember those who carry anxious hearts in our communities. In beautiful Bedford, I live close to a prison.  Just the other day on the high street, I spotted a young woman handcuffed, standing still and swaying a bit as she was intoxicated with some drug. 3 Police officers were guarding her from the public and just trying to get her to stand still.  Today, with the huge availability of illicit drugs so cheap and accessible in shops even on our high streets, we do wonder how the loved ones of those trapped in addiction get directly impacted and pick up the pieces for the challenges left by loved ones. We stop for a few moments today.. place a hand on our heart.. hold a wee thought for the stranger in our midst who needs to feel love and be accepted especially if our internal voice may feel to be judgemental and critical.   Lord Jesus, we thank you and bless you for giving us your deep inner peace today. Let not our hearts be troubled when pain enters into our filters of what we let in and what we keep out.             We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Today is Monday, 4th May and this morning’s Oblate podcast is on the Scripture text of Acts 7:58: Lord Jesus receive my spirit.  Good morning. We begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.  Today is the feast of the English Martyrs. Not very far from our Oblate Parish at Tower Hill is located a little enclosure near the Tower of London which holds a little memorial plaque wiith St. Thomas More, St. John Fisher. The spot of their martyrdom.Lord, we thank you for the deep faith of our Martyrs. We equally remember our Oblate Martyrs of Pozuelo, Spain, Laos and elsewhere.  Today’s 1st Reading focuses on the stoning of Stephen by Saul, later to be known as St. Paul after his conversion. Stephen cried out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit’.   We think of people in difficult war torn and violent conflicts who call out loudly today: ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit’.   We think of countries like Tanzania whose natural resources like gold are being robbed openly by greedy Corporates based in powerful countries like UAE, America, Israel and our own. They too pray: ‘Lord Jesus, receive our spirits’.  We think of those in deep despair due to heavy debt, living with a life threatening illness or even accepting complex dimensions in their given sexuality as they feel hopeless, and sometimes consider suicidal thoughts. We listen to their voice as they whisper: ‘Lord Jesus, receive our spirits’.   So, Lord Jesus, we ask you to receive our spirit as we surrender this day to You. Amen.    

We join Pat Hughes for this morning’s short audio reflection during Eastertide. Sunday 3rd May Gospel Reading John 14:1-12 Good morning. I would ask you now to close your eyes and say “Welcome, Jesus to be with me this day. “ Over the last few days we have explored and prayed this Gospel reading of John 14:1-12.   It is part of the Farewell Discourse at the Last Supper where Jesus explains his relationship to the Father and promises that those who believe in Him will do the works that He has done if they but model Him and remember He is the Way, the truth and the life. Jesus begins by saying “Do not let your hearts be troubled”.  In these days of seemingly endless worries about the world it is difficult to not let our hearts be troubled.  If we think back to what the disciples were about to face… Jesus’ passion, death and seeming absence as the disciples fled  Jerusalem, it would seem we have learnt nothing. We  have only to remember that Jesus kept his promise and sent the Holy Spirit , a time we will celebrate soon at Pentecost ! Let us remember meantime, to model Jesus , to know and trust in Him, and the Father and the Holy Spirit. To keep Hope in our hearts and our lives and to spread the Good News. May we all have a blessed Sunday . Thank you for praying together.

We join Pat Hughes for this morning’s short audio reflection during Eastertide. Saturday May 2nd 2026 Gospel John 14:7-14 Good morning and Welcome to our moment to pause on Saturday 2nd May. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Jesus is speaking with Philip and asked “Believe you not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? “  The passage encourages Christians to find the Divine in the face of Jesus,and thus,  knowing that He is in the Father, so God is knowable. Further along the passage Jesus promised that through faith and the Holy Spirit,  believers will do “ greater works”, to continue His mission.  He also promises to answer prayers made in His name for the Father’s glory. “If you ask me for anything in my name , I will do it.” What a gift and what a responsibility to do greater works, to continue His mission.  Thank God He sent the Holy Spirit to be with us. Let us today remember the Spirit’s presence as we say together: Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit , as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be , world without end. Amen Have a blessed Saturday. And thank you for joining the Oblates today.

We join Pat Hughes for this morning’s short audio reflection during Eastertide. Friday 1st May Gospel reading John 14:1-6 Though it is the Feast of St Joseph the Worker , who is my favourite saint, I have chosen to reflect on John’s gospel reading as it is the Fourth week of Eastertide.  But the reading for St Joseph the Worker would be Matthew 13:54-58 which is about Jesus being rejected as a prophet in his own town as he was”the carpenter’s son”. This is an interesting comparison as John 14 is about Jesus’ identity as the Son of the Father and his divinity. In John’s reading Jesus speaks to his disciples, urging them not to let their hearts be troubled. Jesus says “Believe in God, believe in me .” “In my Father’s house there are many mansions” “I go to prepare a place for you.” When Thomas asks the way , Jesus famously replies “I am the Way, the truth and the life . No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the source of eternal life and true ,purposeful existence. This passage is a powerful reminder to trust in Jesus’ presence as a daily reality rather than just a ‘Sunday faith’. Thank you for being with the Oblates today and God Bless us all.

We join Pat Hughes for this morning’s short audio reflection during Eastertide. Thursday 30 April 26 Gospel reading John 13:16-20 Good morning . Let us bless ourselves this Thursday with the sign of the cross: in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit . Amen. My main take from this passage is Christ’s unconditional love. The passage comes just after the washing of all the disciples’ feet, and so includes Judas :”the man who shared my food turned against me” as said in scripture is a reference to Judas. This reminds us that the way Jesus relates to us is not determined by how we relate to him. He continues to give himself to us all even when there is something of a Judas in us. St Paul said that can nothing separate us from the love of Christ.  I would add unless it is only our own persistent refusal to receive it! “ I am telling you the truth: whoever receives anyone I send receives me also; and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.” As Jesus says in our gospel reading, ‘whoever welcomes the one I send, welcomes me’. Jesus wants to come to others through each one of us. Let us go about our day with this in mind. We now bless ourselves with the sign of the Cross: in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen Thank you for listening .

We join Pat Hughes for this morning’s short audio reflection during Eastertide. Wednesday 29 April 26 Gospel John12:44-50 Good morning. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. There are several messages in today’s Gospel. The  first I wish to pick out is “I have come into this world as LIGHT, so that everyone who believes in me, should not remain in darkness.” This is a reference to spiritual light versus darkness and also references eternal life.  Jesus also said  ” I come not to judge the world but to save it.” And lastly he said”This is true, because I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has commanded me what to speak.” These statements give me a complete sense of peace and security. If I had been present at this time in history, before Jesus’ death and resurrection, I may well have been confused but  how blessed are we to have hindsight .  I pray for all listening , and trust that you will too, that our moments of doubt are just that, momentary, and do not linger! As you go through today take Jesus’ spiritual light with you and pass it on to all you see. Thank you for praying with us today. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit .

We join Pat Hughes for this morning’s short audio reflection during Eastertide. Tuesday 28th April Gospel John10:22-30 Good morning. Let us make the sign of the Cross . In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. “Are you the Messiah?” was the question in this passage that caused Jesus to respond “I have told you but you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name are my witness, but you do not believe, because you are no sheep of mine.”   This is an invitation to move beyond demanding miracles and to trust in Jesus’ ongoing presence and care with the focus of the profound gift of eternal life!  “NO-one can take them away from the Father’s care.” Says Jesus. And then Jesus claims his divinity by stating : “ My Father and I are one” I wonder how long Jesus had waited to say that out loud and so emphatically. I think he would have breathed a sigh of relief even though underlying the statement would have been his full knowledge of his mortal death. We give thanks for His Resurrection. Let us show our Joy  and Thanks this Eastertide. Let us pray Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever will be. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit .Amen. Thank you for praying with and for the Oblates today.

We join Pat Hughes for this morning’s short audio reflection on this Monday, 27th April. Good morning and welcome to a Moment  to Pause on this Monday 27April 2026  where we reflect on a passage from John’s Gospel 10:12-18 In the name of The Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit The encompassing sentence for me is “I am the Good Shepherd and I know mine , and mine know me. “ Jesus holds the authority to willingly lay down his life and to take it up again. This passage also refers  to ‘other sheep not of this fold’ highlighting the mission to extend to all peoples But I want to concentrate on the statement ‘I know mine and mine know me’.  Sheep like to be led; they know their shepherd’s voice and they listen and follow . They can distinguish their shepherd’s voice from a hired hand!  We are Jesus’s followers  and this passage provides us with deep assurance and comfort showing us that we are loved by a shepherd who knows us individually and who  is fully committed, even to willingly lay down his life for us . On our part all we have to do is listen, follow and love as willingly as Jesus ! Let us bless ourselves: In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Thank you for joining in today.

Dear *|FNAME|* We join Fr Udara OMI for this morning’s short audio reflection on this Saturday, 25th April. Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters. Let us begin this day with the Word of God, through which we can be sustained, strengthened, and guided. In Mark chapter 16, verses 15 to 20, Jesus sends his followers out into the world, asking them to share the good news. It's a big mission, but notice something important. He doesn't send them alone. He promises to work with them to confirm their efforts to be present in every step they take. As you hear this, think gently about your own life. Where is God inviting you to step forward? Where might you be called to bring hope, kindness, or truth? This mission isn't only for the bold or the confident. It's for the ordinary, the unsure, the ones who feel small. It is for anyone willing to let God work through them. So ask yourself quietly, what simple act of love or courage is God asking of me today? Where can I be a sign of his presence? As you move into the rest of your day, hold on to this truth. You are not sent alone. Christ goes with you, strengthened you, and works through you even in the smallest and simplest moments. Let us pray. Lord Jesus, you send your followers into the world with courage and hope and your promise to be with them in every step they take. Today I ask you to send me too, not too far, but into the ordinary moments of my life. Give me a heart that listens for your nudges. Even to notice those who need kindness and courage to speak or to act, love is needed. Remind me that I don't go alone. That you work through my small efforts. By quiet words, by simple acts of care. Strengthen my faith when I feel unsure. Steady my spirit when I feel overwhelmed. And help me trust that your presence goes before me. And stays with me. Lord, let my life reflect your good news today in gentleness and compassion, in truth. Use me in whatever way you choose and keep me close to you as I go. Amen. Thank you. May God bless you. #dailyreadings #scripture #gospel #bible #catholic #prayer #jesus #miracle #eucharist #disciples #resurrection #podcast #manna #breadoflife #disciples #retreat #peace #hope #goodnews

We join Fr Udara OMI for this morning’s short audio reflection on this Friday, 24th April. Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters. Let us begin this beautiful day with God's love. Let's take a comfortable posture. In John chapter six, verses 52 to 59, Jesus speaks words that are challenging and intimate. He tells the crowd that his flesh is true food, and his blood is true drink. An invitation not just to believe in him, but to receive his very life within us. As you hear these words, think differently about your own life. That you need real nourishment right now. Where do you feel tired, empty, or stretched thin? Jesus offers more than comfort. He offers himself a steady presence when you feel uncertain. Strengthen when you feel weak. Life when something inside you feels worn down. So ask yourself quietly. Where do I need his life to take root in my life today? Where do I need to let his love become my strength? As you move forward, hold on to this simple truth. Jesus desires to dwell within you, to nourish you, sustain you, and bring you to life from the inside out. Thank you. May God bless you. #dailyreadings #scripture #gospel #bible #catholic #prayer #jesus #miracle #eucharist #disciples #resurrection #podcast #manna #breadoflife

We join Fr Udara OMI for this morning’s short audio reflection on this Thursday, 23rd April. Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters. Let us feel the presence of the Lord. And allow ourselves to be present in this very moment. In John chapter six, verses 44 to 51, Jesus speaks of being drawn by the father, of being taught by God, and of offering himself as a living bread come down from heaven. He tells us that whoever eats this bread will live forever. These are tender words, words of invitation, not pressure. As you hear them, think gently about your life. Where do you sense God drawing you right now? Where do you feel a quiet pull towards something deeper, something truer? Maybe this longing for peace in a place of folly, maybe its desire for healing, or a nudge towards honesty, or a hunger for a closer relationship with God. These small moments of the heart are not accidents. They are invitations. Jesus offers himself as the bread that gives life, not a quick fix, not a temporary comfort, but a steady nourishment for us all. So you ask yourself softly, what part of my life needs this life today? Where do I need to let myself be fed, strengthened, or renewed? As you move forward, hold on to this simple truth: God is driving you gently and patiently toward life. Thank you. May God bless you all. #dailyreadings #scripture #gospel #bible #catholic #prayer #jesus #miracle #eucharist #disciples #resurrection #podcast #manna #breadoflife  

We join Fr Udara OMI for this morning’s short audio reflection on this Wednesday, 22nd April. Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters. Let us pause for a while and allow your heart to become still. In John 6:35 to 40, Jesus says, “I am the bread of life.” He isn't offering something temporary or shallow, He's offering himself the one who can satisfy the deepest hunger within us. As you hear these words, think quietly about your own life. Where do you feel hungry right now? Where do you long for peace, direction or healing? We often try to fill these places with our own efforts busyness, control instructions. But Jesus reminds us that real life, lasting life comes from coming to him as we are. He promises, whoever comes to me, I will never reject you. So consider gently, where do I need to stop striving and start trusting? Where is Jesus inviting me to let him nourish what feels tired or empty? As you move forward today, hold on to this simple truth. Jesus desires to give you life. Steady, sustaining, enduring life. And he welcomes you. Just as you are. Let that promise rest in you. Let us pray. Lord Jesus, you call yourself the Bread of Life, the one who can satisfy the deepest hunger in my heart. Today I come to you with all that feels empty, all that feels uncertain. All that longs for your peace, your promise that whoever comes to you will never be turned away. So I come just as I am. With my worries, with my hopes, my questions, my need for you. Show me where I have been trying to fill my life with things that don't last. Teach me to trust you and love more than my own efforts. Nourish what is tired in me. Strengthen what is weak in me. And bring life to that place. Hold me close today, Lord, and lead me towards the life you desire for me. A life rooted in your promise, your presence and your gentle care. Amen. Thank you. May God bless you all. #dailyreadings #scripture #gospel #bible #catholic #prayer #jesus #miracle #eucharist #disciples #resurrection #podcast #manna #breadoflife

We join Fr Udara OMI for this morning's short audio reflection. Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters. Take a moment to breathe. Let your mind settle and to arrive fully in this moment. In John six verses 30 to 35, the crowd asks Jesus for a sign. Something to prove who he is. They remind him of the manna in the desert, hoping for another miracle. But Jesus directs them. He tells them the true bread from heaven isn't something they can see or collect. It is him. “I am the bread of life,” He says, “whoever comes to me will never hunger.” Let those words touch your own life. Where are you hungry right now? Where are you searching for meaning? Peace or reassurance? Think of the things you turn to for comfort or control. Success. Approval. Distractions. They may help for a moment, but they don't last. Jesus invites you to bring your real hunger to him. The deep longing beneath everything else. So as we sit quietly, what am I feeding my heart with? And is it truly nourishing me? As you move forward today, hold on to his promise: “I am the bread of life.” He offers not a quick fix, but a love that truly satisfies. Let that truth rest gently in your heart. It has power. It's in prayer. Jesus, you know the hunger I carry inside, longing for peace, for clarity, for something that truly lasts. You call yourself the Bread of Life, the one who can satisfy, but nothing else can reach. Help me turn away from the things that only fill me for a moment. Help me come to you with honesty. With my real needs, my real hopes, my real hunger. Teach me to trust that you are enough for me today. Feed my heart with your presence and guide me toward  the life you desire for me. Amen. Thank you and God bless you all. #dailyreadings #scripture #gospel #bible #catholic #prayer #jesus #miracle #eucharist #disciples #resurrection #podcast #manna #breadoflife

We join Fr Udara OMI for this morning's short audio reflection. Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters. Take a moment to breathe. Let your mind settle and to arrive fully in this moment. In John six verses 30 to 35, the crowd asks Jesus for a sign. Something to prove who he is. They remind him of the manna in the desert, hoping for another miracle. But Jesus directs them. He tells them the true bread from heaven isn't something they can see or collect. It is him. “I am the bread of life,” He says, “whoever comes to me will never hunger.” Let those words touch your own life. Where are you hungry right now? Where are you searching for meaning? Peace or reassurance? Think of the things you turn to for comfort or control. Success. Approval. Distractions. They may help for a moment, but they don't last. Jesus invites you to bring your real hunger to him. The deep longing beneath everything else. So as we sit quietly, what am I feeding my heart with? And is it truly nourishing me? As you move forward today, hold on to his promise: “I am the bread of life.” He offers not a quick fix, but a love that truly satisfies. Let that truth rest gently in your heart. It has power. It's in prayer. Jesus, you know the hunger I carry inside, longing for peace, for clarity, for something that truly lasts. You call yourself the Bread of Life, the one who can satisfy, but nothing else can reach. Help me turn away from the things that only fill me for a moment. Help me come to you with honesty. With my real needs, my real hopes, my real hunger. Teach me to trust that you are enough for me today. Feed my heart with your presence and guide me toward  the life you desire for me. Amen. Thank you and God bless you all. #dailyreadings #scripture #gospel #bible #catholic #prayer #jesus #miracle #eucharist #disciples #resurrection #podcast #manna #breadoflife

Fr Udara Dharamarathne OMI of Darndale-Belcamp Parish leads our short podcast reflection today and this week. Good morning to you, my dear brothers and sisters. Let us take a moment now, let your shoulders relax, let your breath  slow and allow yourself to be fully present. In John Chapter 6 verses 22 to 29, the crowd searches for Jesus after the miracle of the Loaves. They want more of what filled them the day before. But Jesus invites them to look deeper. He tells them not to work for food that fades, but for the food that truly gives life. As you hear this, let simple questions arise in your heart. What am I looking for? What am I chasing each day? Think of the things that take your energy, your worries, your routines, your calls, some are good, even necessary, but do they nourish you or just keep you moving? Maybe there is a quiet emptiness inside you, a restlessness you can't quite name. Maybe you have been reaching for things that satisfy for a moment, but leaves you wanting more. Jesus’ words invite you to pause, to look beneath the surface, to ask what truly feeds your soul? Where might you be called to shift your focus towards honesty in relationship to his purpose you have been avoiding, towards a deeper connection with God that you have longed for, but haven't made space for. As this moment closes, hold one gentle question. What is the food that endures for me today? And what small step can I take towards it? Let that guide you in to the rest of your day. Thank you for joining us this morning, please pray for one another and for all who are following A Moment to Pause.  #dailyreadings #scripture #gospel #bible #catholic #prayer #jesus #miracle #eucharist #disciples #resurrection #podcast #loaves

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.  Welcome to today's podcast on Sunday 19th April 2026, the third Sunday of Easter. Mary O'Brien in Dublin leads us in our reflection this morning. Today's gospel is from Luke chapter 24, 13 to 35. And this is the gospel story of two disciples meeting Jesus as they travel on the road to Emmaus. They don't recognise him until he breaks bread with them. As they walk and talk, the disciples seem both sad that Jesus, a man they describe as a great prophet, had been crucified, yet also confused and maybe hopeful because they had heard that Jesus was alive. But no one seemed to have seen him. This is a very complex story. So what I take out of just the beginning of it is that Jesus is with us, even when we don't know it. Even when we don't recognise his presence with us. At first he listened to them. He invited them to share what was in their hearts and on their minds. In this way, Jesus teaches us how we should walk with each other on our journey talking, listening, opening ourselves up to another's pain. Being there for one another. We are the face of Christ and the love of Christ for each other. By our actions we reveal his love. Thank you for joining us. May the Lord bless us all and keep us safe this day. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. #dailyreadings #scripture #gospel #bible #catholic #prayer #jesus #miracle #eucharist #disciples #resurrection #podcast #emmaus

Welcome to our Oblate morning reflection with Mary O'Brien in Dublin. Today's gospel is from John chapter 6 verses 16 to 21. This is the piece of scripture we often refer to as “Jesus walking on water”. The disciples had got into their boat and as they left the shore, the waters became rough. This will have made them uneasy. We know from the end of yesterday's gospel that Jesus had gone up a mountain to be by himself. So had he noticed their anxiety, because for whatever the reason, he came across the water to be with his disciples, as the gospel says, “They saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming towards the boat.” As he neared the boat, he said, “It is I! Do not be afraid.” For me, the message here is that Jesus will be with us in the times of storms and trouble in our lives. He does not abandon us. One of the well-known Easter songs is; “Stay with us, Lord, we pray you. Alleluia!” Let that be our prayer today. Thank you for joining us. May the Lord bless us all and keep us safe this day. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.  #dailyreadings #scripture #gospel #bible #catholic #prayer #jesus #miracle #benotafraid 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Welcome to our Oblate morning reflection with Mary O'Brien in Dublin.  Today's gospel is from John chapter 6:12-15. Now this is a gospel text we all know well; the story of the Loaves and Fish. As I read it when preparing this reflection, a sentence jumped out at me that I had maybe never really noticed before: “One of his disciples, Andrew, said,‘There is a small boy here with five barley loaves and two fish.’” I wondered what made Andrew say this. How do you sense that Jesus could make more of what little there was? After all, he had already seen Jesus work miracles. It made me think that God can make much of all our efforts, no matter how small. If we do something with love, the ripple effects can go far and wide. This is the miracle of love. I kiss the wounds in your Sacred Heart With sorrow deep and true. May every beat of my heart today be a million acts of love for you. Thank you for joining us. May the Lord bless us all and keep us safe this day. In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. #loavesandfish #dailyreadings #scripture #gospel #bible #catholic #prayer #jesus #miracle 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Welcome to our Oblate morning reflection. Today's gospel is from John chapter 3:31-36. The first words of this gospel are from John the Baptist. He is telling his followers what he knows of God and Jesus. He says, “He whom God has sent speaks God's own words. God gives him the spirit without reserve. The Father loves the Son and has entrusted everything to him.” These words point to the nature, I think, of the relationship between father and son. It is one we might all hope to have, but of course, this is the highest form of any relationship because God the Father and Jesus are one. This is love and trust without limits. Jesus speaks for the Father and acts for him. Together we pray.  Glory be to the Father and of the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you for joining us. May the Lord bless us all and keep us safe this day. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. #johnthebaptist #dailyreadings #scripture #gospel #bible #catholic #prayer 

Welcome to our morning reflection with Mary O'Brien in Dublin on Wednesday 15th April of the 2nd week of Easter. Our gospel today is from John 3:16 to 21. It opens with the text: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost, but may have eternal life.” I think this is one of the most powerful words in Scripture. One of the most challenging and most reassuring texts. Through this action, God reveals his love for each and every one of us. Love, at its very best, is always life giving. God's love for us is beyond that. The gospel tells us this we are to have eternal life. We are to be now and forever held in the light and love of God. This gift calls us to respond by trying, as best we can, to live out the commandment of Jesus, to love one another as he has loved us. I'd like to finish with the first part of a prayer I often say: I kiss the wounds of your sacred head with sorrow, deep and true. May every thought of mine today be a perfect act of love for you. So may the Lord bless us all and keep us safe this day. In the name of the father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thanks for joining us this morning.    #john316 #scripture #gospel #god #love   

"What does it mean to be reborn in the spirit?" Welcome to our morning reflection with Mary O'Brien in Dublin on Tuesday 14th April of the 2nd week of Easter. In name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Welcome to our morning reflection. Our gospel today is from John three 7 to 15, and is a continuation of a discussion between Nicodemus and Jesus. Nicodemus appears to be struggling to understand what reborn in the spirit might mean. Jesus says, “if you do not believe me when I speak about things in this world, how are you going to believe me when I speak to you about heavenly things?” For me, this text is about listening with hearts of faith. Nicodemus will have heard of the things Jesus did, the miracles, the cures, the raising of the dead. He is both surprised and perhaps shocked. As a teacher of the Jews he thought he knew about the things of God. Jesus says that the only way to truly understand these things is to be born again, through water and the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we also might see through the eyes of old ways, old ideas. This morning we pray that, guided by the Holy Spirit, we may have an open heart, an open mind, a listening ear. I thank you for joining us and may you be blessed this day. In the name of the father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In the name of the father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Welcome to our morning reflection with Mary O'Brien in Dublin on Monday 13th April of the 2nd week of Easter. Our gospel today is from John chapter three, verses 1 to 8. In this gospel, Nicodemus, a Pharisee, is trying to understand who Jesus is. He says, “Rabbi, no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with that person.” Jesus knows that Nicodemus is searching and points to baptism as a way to enter the kingdom of God. When we receive water in the spirit, we are open to being led by God. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear it sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. That is how it is with all who are born of the spirit, guided by the spirit. Nicodemus must be ready for his life to be led in a different direction. Lord, as we journey through life, may we keep listening and searching for the Spirit's call in our lives, and may we be open to following the path along which you lead us. Thank you for joining us, and may you be blessed this day. In the name of the father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Welcome to a Moment to Pause with Rob Doherty on Divine Mercy Sunday. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit  Amen  Good morning, welcome.  Today’s Gospel is from John Chapter 20, verses 19-31  “Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’’  In the Gospel, the risen Jesus always does two things: he shows his wounds, and he says, “Peace be with you.”  The wounds are not just proof—it’s a sign that his love has not changed. The cross is not erased. His love remains.  And when he shows his wounds, he meets the disciples in their failure. They had run away—but he does not blame them. He offers forgiveness.  Then he says, “Peace be with you.” Not just a greeting, but a gift.  The wounds show his love. The peace shows what that love brings.  Lord Jesus,  you come to us with your wounds and your peace.  When we feel our failures and fears,  remind us that your love is greater.  Show us that your wounds are signs of love,  and fill our hearts with your peace.  Help us to trust in your mercy  and to begin again with you.  Amen.  In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit  Amen  Thank you for joining us today. 

Welcome to a Moment to Pause with Rob Doherty during Easter.   In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit  Amen    Good morning, welcome.    Today’s Gospel is from Mark Chapter 16, verses 9-15  ‘Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News’.    Reflection  In the Gospel, we hear how Jesus appeared again and again after Easter— to Mary Magdalene, to two disciples on the road, and to the Eleven. And Paul reminds us there were many more who saw him.  But what’s striking is this: even then, it wasn’t easy to believe. They doubted. They hesitated. Even good news can be hard to take in.  It was only when Jesus stood among them that their fear turned into faith.  We weren’t there—but we share their story. And today we’re invited to trust that this good news is true, even when it feels almost too good to believe.    Lord Jesus,  you came to your disciples in their doubt and fear.  Come to us when we struggle to believe.  When good news feels too much to trust,  fill us with your peace.  Help us to believe in your resurrection  and to live in its hope.    Amen.  In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.    Amen  Thank you for joining us today. 

Welcome to a Moment to Pause with Rob Doherty during Easter. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Good morning. Welcome. Today's Gospel is from John chapter 21, verses 1 to 14. In today's Gospel the risen Jesus Christ comes to disciples who had failed him and returned to their old lives. After a long, fruitless night of fishing, they stand empty handed, tired and discouraged. It is in this moment that Jesus appears. At his word, their nets are filled and their calling is renewed. Then he invites them. Come and have breakfast. He does not reproach them, but restores them through his presence and a shared meal. In the same way the Lord meets us in our failures not to condemn but to invite us back into communion, especially in the Eucharist. Lord Jesus Christ. You come to me in my weakness and meet me in my failures. When my efforts feel empty and my heart is tired, I stand on the shore of my life and call me back to you. Feed me with your presence. Restore what is broken within me. And draw me again into communion with you in the Eucharist. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you for joining us today.