You are most likely aware that Lent starts tomorrow. And perhaps you have already considered what you want to take on or give up in order to strengthen your relationship with Jesus as we again prepare to celebrate the great mystery of his death and resurrection.

Whether you have or haven’t, Pope Francis has just released his Lenten message for this year, and it is filled with pearls of wisdom which may just inspire you as you consider what Lent will look like for you this year.

I have always loved doing jigsaw puzzles, perhaps because I enjoy the challenge. However, on a deeper level, I have spent time pondering the parallels between my journey of faith and the process of piecing together a puzzle. I also see it as an apt metaphor for what it means for me to journey with others.

Whenever I complete a puzzle, the image I choose is one that is attractive to me in some way given that I will spend hours poring over the pieces. Yet the puzzle of life is different, for the image it bears cannot be chosen or fully seen. Instead, it is an rich unfolding tapestry of joys, sorrows, challenges, blessings, dreams, possibilities, hopes and fears, some of which have already taken place and some of which are yet to be, some of which we are aware and can articulate, and others which lie hidden, meaning that we need others to help us discover and understand them.  I believe this to be true for my own life, just as much as for people who I journey alongside in life.

Not so long ago as I enjoyed a pizza with a friend, I was struck by how good the base of this pizza was – just the right thickness, crispy and delicious. Without it, the toppings would have fallen everywhere and made a mess. As I ate, I began to realise that this was a great metaphor for discernment.

Writing an icon is a reverent, unhurried process of becoming absorbed into the subject in such a way that the Holy Spirit gradually “writes” the scriptural mystery in our own spirit. It then slowly emerges on the board in such a way as to capture the contemplative gaze of the onlooker, and hopefully then draws them into the same mystery.

Painting is both fun and an expression of prayer. Using colour to re-create the beauty I see around me or make visible the pictures formed in my imagination is magic! It’s a participation in the creative power of God. Painting becomes contemplative when I use it to express what I’ve experienced in prayer.

As Missionaries of God’s Love Sisters, we have a heart for intercession. Intercession is praying on behalf of people, situations and for our world. We cry out to God, asking for His grace to bring peace, hope, healing, life, provision, protection, whatever it is that may be needed. In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis says, “intercession is like a leaven in the heart of the Trinity”. Prayer brings transformation. We pray in intercession to our Father, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We also ask for the help of our friends in Heaven, the Saints. 

Whether we are at home with the Sisters or in the context of our community Disciples of Jesus, praise is one of my favourite ways of praying. In praising God I am reminded about the fundamentals of what I believe and no matter what is happening or how I feel the reality is that God is Good and worthy of praise.

Music has always had a great deal of power in my life. It helps me remember things, it changes my mood, and I can’t help singing when a chance comment triggers a song! On retreat a few years ago I was impatiently wondering when I was going to become the holy woman trusting in God that I longed to be. I was sitting on the beach and I felt God speaking to me through the coastline before me, that had been shaped over millions of years.

There is nothing like New Year’s Day to remind us of the gift of new beginnings. 2020 has begun. It is common for many people at this time to make New Year’s Resolutions, probably because this practice has some value in helping us re-set, take time to reflect on what matters for us, and to consider the path forward in the year to come. When we consider our Christian journey, it makes sense that we would find a way to include God in this, so that we reflect on not only our own hopes and dreams, but God’s hopes and dreams for us.

Christmas is a very special time for our family. Our tradition was always staying at our Grandparents house, along with the rest of our family. On Christmas Eve we would go to the local park for a BBQ. The night included singing Christmas carols, taking a tour of the houses decorated in Christmas lights in the back of a fire truck, as well as waiting for Father Christmas to make a last minute visit.

On this Christmas Eve, we invite you to take some time to reflect on the gift of our Saviour, whose birth we celebrae tomorrow.

 Today is the final day of praying with the 'O' Antiphons. Let us welcome the Saviour who came to be with us. 

 Today is Day 6 of the O Antiphons. Christmas is almost here - take some time in prayer today to draw close to the Saviour.

Day 5 of the 'O' Antiphon reflections

O Rising Sun you are the splendor of eternal light and the sun of justice. O come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

We are halfway through this time of reflecting on the 'O' Antiphons.

O key of David and sceptre of Israel, what you open no one else can close again; what you close no one can open. O come to lead the captive from prison, free those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

The 'O' Antiphons are a beautiful way to journey through Advent.

O root of Jesse, you stand as a signal for the nations and kings fall silent before you whom the people acclaim. O come to deliver us and do not delay.

Our journey through Advent with the 'O' Antiphons continues.

O Adonai and leader of Israel, you appeared to Moses in a burning bush and you gave him the Law on Sinai. O come and save us with your mighty power.

Are you seeking a way to deepen in prayer in these last days of Advent? The 'O' Antiphons are a beautiful gift to prepare our hearts and minds for Christmas. 

O Wisdom, you come forth from the mouth of the Most High. You fill the universe and hold all things together in a strong yet gentle manner. O come to teach us the way of truth.

Wanting a beautiful way to pray in these last days of Advent? If that is you, keep reading...... 

Have you heard of the O Antiphons? They are a gift to us from the church in the final stretch of our advent preparation which help us reflect more deeply on the rapidly approaching birth of Jesus. Each O Antiphon is usually sung at Evening Prayer before the Magnificat from December 17-23, but if you are not a regular pray-er of the Divine Office you can simply use them in your daily prayer as a point of inspiration. 

Have a read of our latest newsletter

Unlike Lent which gives us 6 weeks to settle into the idea that there are things in our lives which need our attention, during Advent we only have 4 weeks to prepare. This means that action needs to take place immediately for the season not to be consumed by presents and the celebrations that typically lead up to Christmas.

Getting ready for something takes planning and serious consideration. We are invited to prepare as Mary too got ready for the final weeks of her pregnancy. Mary had to prepare for the birth of her child and make a journey to Bethlehem. I don’t envy her making this journey whilst being heavily pregnant. The ultimate birthplace of Jesus was a stable, probably not what she imagined as the perfect place.

Want to know all the inside information on the Amazing Race adventure that God took Judy and Therese on.....

Who would have thought God would get us on television on The Amazing Race Australia. We look for creative ways to share the Gospel, but this was a wild card straight from God. When the idea was suggested to me, I thought immediately that it might be from God because Therese was due to go on a three-month sabbatical at the same time as they proposed to send two MGL sisters, all expenses paid, around the world on a televised travel adventure.

Anyone who has been near a shopping centre since the beginning of October would know that Christmas is on the way. There has been trees and decorations, wrapping paper and gift suggestions, as well as carols and lights. In addition to this, a cursory glance at a social media feed often reveals how many days are left, more often than not as a reminder to get to the shops and spend big.

Yet surely there is something more, for preparations for Christmas are not just about food, presents and decorations. Surely we cannot really be prepared for Christmas unless we also prepare ourselves spiritually. The birth of Jesus is a profound gift, and in her wisdom, the Church gives us the season of Advent to prepare to receive this gift in a greater way than ever before.

Each of our sisters has a different story of how God has called them to the MGLs. This blog features Kathryn's story of life, love and adventure. 

This may surprise you, but us MGL Sisters weren’t always MGL Sisters.  Once upon a time we were all just single women on the same path of discernment as you.  And we know all the little signs that mean there may be a little calling to the Sisters stirring in your heart…