The Journey Podcast

On The Journey This Week: Fr Mark De Battista says true prayer is not about asking for whatever we want. Using Google Maps reminds Mother Hilda that God also has his own SAT NAV system for us. Plus, Bishop Tony Percy, Pete Gilmore and Mark Raue

Pete Gilmore says "heaping burning coals on their head" refers to the ancient practice of sharing hot coals by carrying hot coals atop one's head to share with impoverished neighbours, symbolising restoring warmth, life, and hope through acts of compassion

Mark Raue says Jesus' command to love one's neighbour demands universal, unconditional charity toward everyone—not just those who share our background, beliefs, or nationality. This love is a deliberate "discipline of the heart" that must extend into social structures

Fr Mark De Battista says true prayer is not about asking for whatever we want but allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our prayers according to God's will. When prayers seem unanswered, we are invited to trust God's wisdom, seek what He is teaching us, and rely on His grace with perseverance

Bishop Tony Percy says that when we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit prays within us, interceding for us in our weakness when we lack words. Offering our hurt to the Holy Spirit enables Him to transform injury into compassion and pain into intercessory prayer

Week 676–Wisdom from the Abbey–Mother Hilda Scott OSB–The Satellite Picture by The Journey hosted by Jude Hennessy

Mother Hilda says God works quietly and gracefully within us, simply, unobtrusively, bringing out what is already there. When we decide to put ourselves out of the picture and focus on someone else, we are working beautifully with God’s space the way he works with the space of our hearts.

Bishop Tony Percy says the generous Sower throws seed everywhere because Christ knows that the abundant fruit—thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold—will far exceed the losses. We’re called to generously share the gospel's good news of faith, hope, and love with a lonely world hungry for meaning and purpose

Fr Mike Delaney has been reflecting on the image of the "Bridgewater Jerry" fog on the Derwent River, a metaphor for how challenges can obscure deeper truths. Much like fog hides the sun, it’s a reminder that beyond every difficulty, God's love remains steadfast, bringing peace, clarity, and hope when we lift our eyes beyond our immediate struggles

Byron & Francine Pirola say it’s easy to love our spouse when the affection is mutual – but what about when it isn’t reciprocated? Couples are invited to trust God's grace during difficult seasons, loving selflessly and remaining faithful even when their efforts seem unreciprocated.