Two-Minute Homily by Fr Rony Chacko MCBS for the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord 2026, Year A. "Like the Magi, we are all on a journey of faith, searching for meaning, hope, and truth."

To our wonderful community of two-minute homily and reflection contributors and followers, thank you for journeying with us in faith throughout the year! In the spirit of Christian joy (and a little humility), we’re opening the doors behind the scenes. Because even when we share God’s Word, there are plenty of moments filled with laughter, stumbles and surprises. So sit back, smile and enjoy this year’s bloopers, a joyful reminder that God works through us, imperfections and all!

Merry Christmas!  This year is a special one for Archbishop Shane Mackinlay as he shares his first Christmas message with us and celebrates his first Christmas in Brisbane. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, he reminds us that God is truly with us and offers his heartfelt wishes for a Christmas filled with peace, hope and joy. May you and your loved ones enjoy a blessed day celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Two-Minute Homily by Fr Saldie Resolado OSA for the Feast of the Holy Family 2025, Year A. "Will we be like the Holy Family, protecting what’s holy and trusting God’s plan even when it’s inconvenient?"

Let's Pray with Shane Pianta a prayer for the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Jessie and Ramona share their experience of motherhood and faith.

Two-Minute Homily by Fr Joseph Vu for the Fourth Sunday of Advent 2025, Year A. "If we remain attentive and open, and if we have courage to say 'yes' as Joseph did, then we too can take part in God’s saving work in the world."

Have you prepared your gifts for Christmas? As we enter the final week of Advent, our hearts turn toward the joy and wonder of Christ’s coming. Seminarians Dylan and Gabriel bring our Advent series to a close with a meaningful gift exchange. Join them as they share the gifts they’ve prepared for one another, wrap them with care and reflect on the spirit of giving that flows from God’s ultimate gift to us, His Son, Jesus Christ. Watch and witness the joy that comes from giving and receiving in faith.

How are you preparing your heart to welcome the baby Jesus this Christmas? Fr Elie, a married Melkite Catholic priest serving in the Archdiocese of Brisbane, shares how he and his family prepare their home and hearts for the coming of Christ at Christmas. They enter into the beauty of their Eastern Catholic tradition, readying their house with love and reverence as they make room for the newborn King in their daily life and prayer.

Two-Minute Homily by Fr Josh Whitehead for the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) 2025, Year A. "As we eagerly anticipate Christmas, Gaudete Sunday is all about rejoicing at Jesus’ presence in our lives."

Fire has long been a sign of God’s presence, from Moses before the burning bush, to Elijah carried to heaven in a fiery chariot, to Jesus whose eyes are described as flames of fire. Each time we light a candle, we are reminded of these moments when God revealed Himself through light and warmth. As we pray with Father Will, may the light of Jesus shine in our hearts and be made known in every moment of prayer.

Two-Minute Homily by Fr Gerard Lai for the Second Sunday of Advent 2025, Year A. "As we make Advent a time of active preparation, rather than just passive waiting, may we turn back to God with open hearts."

As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Cathedral of St Stephen Schola lift their voices in reverent song, honouring Our Lady with Alma Redemptoris Mater by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525–1594). This timeless work invites us to pause and enter into the gentle mystery of Mary’s motherhood. May this feast day inspire us to lift our hearts to Mary in prayer and praise, trusting in her intercession and love.   Alma Redemptoris Mater, quae pervia caeli porta manes, et stella maris, succurre cadenti surgere qui curat populo: Tu quae genuisti, natura mirante, tuum sanctum Genitorem: Virgo prius ac posterius, Gabrielis ab ore sumens illud Ave, peccatorum miserere. Loving Mother of the Redeemer, who remains the gate by which we mortals enter heaven, and star of the sea, help your fallen people who strive to rise: You who gave birth, amazing nature, to your sacred Creator: Virgin prior and following, taking from the mouth of Gabriel that Hail! have mercy on our sins.

We invite you back on the journey this Advent with seminarians Dylan and Gabriel as they help us get our hearts ready for the joy of Jesus’ birth. This week, they build and decorate a gingerbread house and chat about the fun family traditions that made their homes feel like Christmas growing up. We would love to hear about your favourite Christmas traditions and how you prepare your home for Jesus.

Pray the Pope’s monthly prayer intention for December, for Christians in areas of conflict, with Fr Fadi Salame.

Two-Minute Homily by Fr Louie Jimenez for the First Sunday of Advent 2025, Year A. "Christ could return at any moment. Our lives could shift without warning. So how do we stay ready?"

Have you prayed the Christmas novena before? The novena begins each year on the Feast of St Andrew, November 30. Traditionally, this prayer is recited fifteen times daily until Christmas Eve, offering a beautiful way to fix our minds and hearts on the mystery of the Incarnation. You are warmly invited to pray the novena below. Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen.

This Advent, we invite you to journey with seminarians Dylan and Gabriel as they help prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. This week, they decorate a Christmas tree and share their reflections on the meaning of Christmas and the family traditions that shape their celebration. As we enter into the spirit of this holy season, may these joyful preparations for the Nativity draw us closer to Christ. What’s your favourite way to decorate for Christmas?