On The Journey This Week: Fr Chima Ofor’s Gospel reflection – happy those who trust in me. Mother Hilda has a tip for naming when God is in our life. Plus, extra Advent reflections from Fr Antony Jukes and Br Lewis Harwood, and Men Alive’s Stephen Bird on spiritual brotherhood.

MenAlive--Stephen Bird--Spiritual Brotherhood (Journey Editor, max Norden in conversation with Men Alive member, Stephen Bird on the role that a spiritual brotherhood is so much more than just a group of mates. Stephen says that there are five key attributes to a successful men’s spiritual group; (1) always being real with each other, (2) taking off our masks to share honestly, (3) being transparent and sharing life’s pain events, (4) being consistent and intentional in checking in with each other, and (5) being positive and interested in each other.)

Wisdom from the Abbey–Mother Hilda–Give It A Name (One of the most valuable tools in dealing with life is our growing capacity to name things. Once we can do that, we seem to be able to deal a little more easily and constructively with the presenting issue. We can name grief, depression in its many forms, post-traumatic stress syndrome. The list goes on and on. The point is that once the thing is named, we know what we're dealing with and can plot a way forward. So it is with God. Joy makes its way across our hearts. Do we call out, that's God? A dream is fulfilled, or an answer found, and we really can accurately say, that's God. You will rightly say though, but bad things happen, is that God too? And I say this to you. Every day, take a moment to actually ask God to be in your life. Invite him into your heart. Then you will always be able to tell what is God and what isn't.)

Advent Series–Fr Antony Jukes OFM—Courage! Do Not Be Afraid (read by Sr Monica Barlow) (In the incarnation—when God came down from heaven—the first problem God seeks to address is not the problem of sin, but the problem of fear, because one of the terrible consequences of sin is that we become afraid of God. The first words actually spoken in the Gospels are the words, “Do not be afraid”. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah in the Temple, when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, asking her to be the mother of Jesus, when Joseph was concerned that Mary was already with child, and when the angel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds in the field.)

Gospel Reflection–Fr Matthew Meagher--An Open-heart Welcome (Fr Matthew asks How do we prepare for the coming again of the Christ Child at Christmas? How do we prepare a way for the Lord in our lives in our hearts? He says it is about turning everything of our life. Everything of our heart, all parts of us, firmly towards God. It's a radical transformation of our whole heart, of our whole self, towards God as we prepare for Christmas to welcome Jesus Christ into our lives yet again.)

Advent Series–Ken Bryant--Look Your God Is Coming (Ken Bryant continues with more from Isaiah 35:1-10 in our second Advent reflection this week. Isaiah speaks of renewal, of new possibility and growth, and announces that the Lord is coming! Images that befit the beauty of creation evolving from winter, through spring and into summer that all speak of a God who is present in our world. Yet, in all the beauty and wonder so evident in the world, nothing can compare to God’s presence in the incarnation of Jesus—the Babe born in a humble stable in the small town of Bethlehem. While the pageantry of the Christmas season entrance us all, it is the life and teachings of Jesus—our God incarnate—that informs, nourishes and extols us to embrace life anew.)

On The Journey This Week: Fr Michael Meagher’s Gospel reflection – An open-hearted welcome. Mother Hilda tells how to pray when we feel there’s nothing in it for us. Plus, extra Advent reflections from Fr Mark De Battista and Ken Bryant.

God in the Everyday—Fr Mike Delaney—Arranging A Holiday (As Fr Mike is going through the process of organising a holiday, albeit a sort of working one, to Norfolk Island, he is reminded of the Greek Philosopher Socrates suggestion that ‘To Know thyself is the beginning of wisdom’. Organising skills is not one of Fr Mikes greatest strengths, unlike his stronger strength of strategic planning. Fortunately, some of his peers have offered advice and assistance which caused him to ponder, Do you know what your strengths are? Do you have some people who are there to help you when things become difficult and you’re not sure what to do next?)

Advent Series–Fr Mark De Battista—Isaiah’s Hope (In this reflection Fr Mark breaks open the Old Testament reading for this Sunday, Isaiah 11:1-10. The greatest hope of ancient Israel in the time of Jesus was the coming of the Messiah. The picture painted for us by Isaiah shows an epoch ushered in by the coming of the Messiah. He would restore a reign that would be governed by the Spirit of God. This passage is the first place where we first see the gifts of the Spirit listed. Furthermore, we see that the reign to be ushered in by the Messiah will not only influence people but will have an effect over the whole of creation, but we also know that its fullness has yet to be revealed.)

Wisdom from the Abbey–Mother Hilda–All for God (Mother Hilda uses a fairy tale of a prince and his servant musician who goes deaf as an example for people who are tempted to give up on prayer 'cause they can't see anything for it. They feel that it can't be pleasing to God because there seems to be nothing in it. And yet, this far from the truth. As in her fairy tale story, the fact that you don't get anything out of it makes the notes of your prayer even sweeter because it's all for God.)