Ripples

Jo Kenny shares her story of discovering the depths of love. This was partly prompted from a beautiful passage in the Scriptures where Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” She recognised that this is a question that Jesus is also inviting her to answer everyday. Jo generously shares her story of love and how her greatest teachers about love have been her parents, siblings, her husband and their three children. She has learnt about love through their teachings and through the experiences of life, both the joy filled and the challenging moments. It is a moving story which invites us to reflect on our own story of love.

This program will include a 3 minute introduction and a 10 minute Meditation on Love. Throughout our lives we receive messages of love from many different people and situations. During this time of treasured stillness you will be invited to deeply listen to some inspired words from both the Mystics and from the Scriptures. These loving words from God can provide us with encouragement, support and peace. You may like to reflect on these quotes using a journal or you may choose to reflect on them internally. Allow the inspired words to sink in deeply and trust in the message of love for you. “Believe the whisperings of God to your own heart.” Mary MacKillop

Marie Harris shares the story of her son Andrew and her daughter Jane, who was one of our wonderful teachers in the Wollongong Diocese. Marie will reveal how through the death of Andrew and Jane she discovered the real meaning of HOPE. Andrew became one of her greatest teachers and a catalyst for growth and learning, as did Jane many years later. Through these challenging times Marie discovered that HOPE is an action word and is all wrapped up in trust and love. Hope draws us into the present moment and encourages us to be both accepting and grateful. And in our efforts to live in hope we are more able to experience moments of joy.

This program will include a 3 minute introduction and a 10 minute Meditation for HOPE. Using the format of Centering Prayer there will be a breathing relaxation and an opportunity to bring two words into the stillness. You will be invited to breathe in the word LOVE and breathe out the word HOPE. As we breathe in God’s love and the love that surrounds us, we are more able to breathe out hope into our lives and our world. “If you only carry one thing throughout your entire life, let it be hope.” Nikki Bannas

Patricia Thomas shares her experience of walking with others during times of grief and trauma, including this time of COVID-19. She draws on the wisdom of her own story and highlights the value of finding a language and of reaching out to others during these challenging times. Patricia acknowledges that this involves great courage and risk, however this presence can be one of the greatest gifts we can offer. In all of this, Patricia draws on her faith and sees first-hand the immense challenges and gifts of living the Paschal Mystery.

This program will include a 4 minute introduction and a 10 minute guided experience of Christian Meditation. Christian Meditation is a practice that has a long tradition and in recent years John Main OSB and Laurence Freeman OSB have played a significant part in its renewal. It involves bringing a single word into a time of stillness and this word is Maranatha. As we commit to the word, we begin to let go of our distractions and we open ourselves to God’s love and to new ways of responding to our lives. “When I meditate nothing happens, but my life is transformed.” Laurence Freeman

Gary Quinn reflects upon life during COVID-19, acknowledging that this presents both challenges and gifts. By living with awareness in the present moment and taking a contemplative stance, we are given the opportunity to re-evaluate what is truly important for us. Gary calls on the wisdom of others as we reimagine what our normal will be when we emerge from this time of pandemic, as we discern the way ahead.

This program will include a 2 minute introduction and an 8 minute Kindness Meditation. Over the years it has been found that meditations of this nature can support us in facing some of the more challenging emotions or moments in our day. There will be an invitation to send loving thoughts to yourself, to those with whom you are close and to those who are challenging you at this time. These compassionate words will be drawn from the Scriptures and are words Jesus offered to those he met along the way. We hope that this may be a time when you can experience the gifts of loving kindness and of God’s constant presence. “I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20

Robyn Gallagher explores the different ways in which we can respond to challenging moments in our lives. We can either react or respond and inevitably in our humanity we will do both. Robyn explores some different ways to remain measured and centered when challenging events confront us, so that our response is a more life-giving one. Robyn highlights the importance of good sleep, the pause button and prayer. Through sharing her story she encourages us to reflect on our own stories.

Jacqueline McCallum reflects on her experience of COVID-19 and on the gifts that she has discovered in this time of challenge. She recognizes that there has been a call for her to pause, ponder and pray. This beautifully reflective piece draws on scripture, story and silence and invites us all to pause, ponder and pray. Today Robyn Gallagher will read Jacqueline’s inspired words and you may like to bring your journal with you as you enter into this experience.