Good morning and welcome to our Advent moment podcast.  Thanks to Mary Tyrrell for sharing a short reflection on today's Gospel, Mark 16:15-20. In todays gospel, even though Jesus went up into the hills, a crowd still followed him. I’ve often wonder where did all those people with disabilities appear from? I always presumed they were part of the crowd that followed Jesus for three days. Then, there certainly must have been some tired, hurting ,worried, hungry even grumpy people who sat down with Jesus that day. Once again our compassionate God ensured there was enough food or all and that those who ususally cared for others found their own needs met. God indeed looks after everyone. Just note, it was the disciple who gave out the food not Jesus. We are today’s disciples and we are trusted to carry on Jesus mission in the world.  Christmas is a time for giving.  Maybe this year we could give (a little more) to charity. To people, in the greatest need whether locally, nationally, or overseas, who are unable to pay us back personally.  Let us pray  Loving God may my heart be more open to recognise the blessings I enjoy in life. Help me to be a more grateful and more giving person. Let me not abandon those who have need of the bare necessities of life. Open my eyes to  see opportunities to help them in any way I can , and not just at Christmas.  Amen. Thank you for joining us today   #advent #podcast #reflection #religion #spirituality #faith #christmas

Good morning and welcome to our Advent moment podcast.  Thanks to Mary Tyrrell for sharing a short reflection on today's Gospel: Luke 10:21-24  The most wonderful thing has happened to us all. We can declare ourselves as blessed by God not in our own power or because of anything we have done but in the power of the Holy Spirit. And as we read this gospel we are reminded of the tremendous privileges that are ours because we know and follow Jesus. It is a free gift to us and is available to everyone. It makes me sad as we approach Christmas every year that so many people celebrate the birthdayof Jesus but don’t know it. Jesus is never mentioned and is almost made irrelevant to the celebration. But today we read as Jesus met seventy -two of his disciples returning from their mission  he let them know how blessed they were. Who were these disciples ? They were ordinary people who accepted the vision and message of Jesus. Discples of every age have thus been blessed. And so are we as modern day disciples. It is for us to make real the word of God in our lives and and the lives of those around us. Christmas is a good season to do this. We can give gentle reminders to others that Jesus is the reason for the season by the cards we send, putting our cribs in a prominent, visible position. It might remind, us, too, we are blessed too.  Let us bring this question to our hearts as we pray together:  Our Father, Who art in heaven,  Hallowed be Thy Name.  Thy Kingdom come.  Thy Will be done,  on earth as it is in Heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses,  as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation,  but deliver us from evil. Amen. Prayer  Loving and creative God, thank you for opening my eyes and my ears to see and hear your message. May that message live even stronger in my heart when the Christmas celebrations are finished. I praise you for the blessing of being able to celebrate my Saviour’s birth. I pray for people who are not free to celebrate this season with other Christian people because of the social or political situations they live with. May I always remember how blessed I am.  #advent #podcast #reflection #religion #spirituality #faith #christmas

Good morning and welcome to our Advent moment podcast.   Thanks to Mary Tyrrell for sharing a short reflection on todays Gospel from   Matthew 8:5-11 'I am not worthy to have you under my roof: give the word, and my servant will be healed' This story tells of the faith of the Roman centurion who had seen Jesus in action teaching and healing people. The soldier was a foreigner in Capernaum yet he believed that the word of God could reach across time, space and prejudices. We’re told Jesus was amazed by this Gentile’s faith. His faith truly demonstrates the universality of the kingdom of God which is for everyone from the East and the West. Jesus wants all people to have faith so wherever Jesus finds faith he inevitably praises it. In Advent as we journey towards Bethlehem and the birth of the Prince of Peace, we have four weeks to think about how I, as a follower of Jesus, am continuing God’s work of peace and love for everyone everywhere. I am challenged, by this reading, to reflect on the question how is my faith life growing? Let us bring this question to our hearts as we pray together:  Our Father, Who art in heaven,  Hallowed be Thy Name.  Thy Kingdom come.  Thy Will be done,  on earth as it is in Heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses,  as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation,  but deliver us from evil. Amen.  Loving God may I welcome all my brothers and sisters from East and West with whom I share my faith. It is so difficult to be a foreigner in a strange land no matter how they have travelled to arrive here. A smile can mean so much and can be the beginning of a real friendship. In these four weeks help me to welcome and get to know at least one new stranger /parishioner so that we will eventually build the family of God in our place. Amen  Thank you for joining us today.     #advent #podcast #reflection #religion #spirituality #faith #christmas 

Welcome to today’s episode of Advent Moment on the First Sunday of Advent. Thanks to Martina Cullen for today’s reflection.  Today is the first Sunday of Advent and new beginning in the churches’ year, and the sacred season of preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ at Christmas. In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that life can seem ordinary even when extraordinary change is near. Like the days of Noah, people were unaware of what was coming, and I see how easily I, too, can become distracted or complacent. His words challenge me to live with spiritual alertness, not waiting for a dramatic sign to turn to God. We are called to align our daily actions with faith, mercy, and love, so that we are always ready. Living intentionally, we can find peace in trusting God’s timing and presence, confident that he walks with us every day. Thanks for joining us today for our Advent Moment.    The Lord bless us, and keep us as we start out our day. Thank you for spending time to reflect with us this morning.Amen.   #adventmoment #advent #reflection #adventprayer #advent2025

"Advent Moment", a short, daily reflection podcast by the Oblate Family, brings you a 90-second daily reflection rooted in scripture, as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Christ our Saviour this Christmas.  Come, Lord Jesus. Join us for your daily Advent Moment from this Sunday, November 30th.    #advent #reflection #faith #spirituality #prayer #christmas 

"Advent Moment", a short, daily reflection podcast by the Oblate Family, brings you a 90-second daily reflection rooted in scripture, as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Christ our Saviour this Christmas.  Come, Lord Jesus. Join us for your daily Advent Moment.   #advent #reflection #faith #spirituality #prayer #christmas