A Moment to Pause - a short daily audio reflection rooted in Sacred Scripture

Good morning and welcome, and thank you for joining us for our morning prayer with the Oblate Family. Today we join Jocelyne Verdier in London on Friday the 21st of August.
Welcome to A Moment To Pause.Today's Gospel is about love. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. And you shall love your neighbour as yourself.This is the greatest commandment of all. Lord, in our imperfections and with a humble heart, we’ve come to you.Fill us with your Holy Spirit so we can love ourselves, love our neighbours, and above all, we can love you with all our being. Amen.
 
#catholic #goodnews #podcast #sunday #gospel 

Good morning and welcome, and thank you for joining us for our morning prayer with the Oblate Family. Today we join Jocelyne Verdier in London on Thursday the 20th of August.
Welcome to A Moment to pause. Today’s passage is from the first reading from the Prophet Ezekiel chapter 36, verse 23 to 28.In this reading, God promises to make us new.  He will give us a new heart and a new spirit so we can follow His ways. This shows God's greatest love and mercy.This passage reminds us that God can change our heart and help us become a better version of ourselves; even when we make mistakes, He does not give up on us. Dear Lord, we pray that you give us a clean heart, strengthen our faith, and help us live according to your will every day, amen.
#catholic #goodnews #podcast #sunday #gospel 

Good morning and welcome, and thank you for joining us for our morning prayer with the Oblate Family. Today we join Jocelyne Verdier in London on Wednesday the 19th of August.
Welcome to A Moment to pause. Today's Gospel is Matthew chapter 20, verse 1 to 16 
In this Gospel, Jesus let us know that his grace and compassion is not measured by our actions but by his generous love. He invites us to not compare ourselves to others, to not judge but to be kind andmerciful. 
Let us pray: Lord help us be grateful for the blessings in our life and rejoice for the blessing in other’s life. Thank you for your grace and loving us unconditionally, Amen. 
#catholic #goodnews #podcast #sunday #gospel 

Good morning and welcome, and thank you for joining us for our morning prayer with the Oblate Family. Today we join Jocelyne Verdier in London on Tuesday the 18th of August.
Welcome to A Moment to pause. Today's Gospel is Matthew chapter 19, Verse 23 to 30. 
Jesus said to his disciples that it is hard for rich people to go to heaven due to our attachment and comfort. He invites to not rely in our own strength and wealth but to surrender to him who can make all things possible by his grace. 
Then Peter reminded Jesus that they left everything to follow him and Jesus as a caring dad said to him that anyone who left lands and family to serve him, will receive far more than they have given up in this life and in eternal life. 
Let us pray: Lord thank you for these comforting words.  Give us a generous heart and the courage to follow Youand put all our trust in You, Amen 
#catholic #goodnews #podcast #sunday #gospel 

Good morning and welcome, and thank you for joining us for our morning prayer with the Oblate Family. Today we join Jocelyne Verdier in London on Monday the 17th of August.
Welcome to A Moment to pause. Today's Gospel is Matthew chapter 19, Verse 16 to 22. 
 A man asked Jesus: What good deed must I do to have eternal life? And Jesus answered by the 10 commandments and asked him to sell all his possessions. When the man heard it, he went away sorrowful.   
Sometimes as humans, we find it difficult to put them in practise in our daily life but the Lord Himself, promise to give us strength when we invite him in our prayers. 
Let's us pray:  Lord, thank you for your Holy Spirit, for the gift of life. Help us grow in faith and love in our mind and actions,  Amen 
 Thank you for joining us today.#catholic #goodnews #podcast #sunday #gospel 

Good morning and welcome, and thank you for joining us for our morning prayer with the Oblate Family. Today we join Rob Doherty in London on Sunday the 16th of August.
Today’s Gospel is from Matthew Chapter 15, verses 21-28The Canaanite woman debates with Jesus and saves her daughter In today’s Gospel, we meet a Canaanite woman who comes to Jesus because her daughter is suffering.  She refuses to give up, even when Jesus seems to turn her away.Her faith and determination are remarkable.  She trusts Jesus so deeply that she keeps asking for his help. In the end, Jesus praises her faith, and her daughter is healed.This Gospel reminds us that prayer does not always bring an immediate answer.  Sometimes we may feel that God is not listening, but like the Canaanite woman, we are called to keep trusting and not give up.Her story also reminds us that God’s love is for everyone.  No matter who we are or where we come from, we can come to Jesus with our hopes, our worries and our needs. Lord Jesus,when our prayers seem unanswered,help us not to give up.Give us the faith and trust of the Canaanite woman.Help us to believe that you hear our prayersand never stop loving us.Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy SpiritAmen Thank you for joining us today.#catholic #goodnews #podcast #sunday #gospel 

Good morning and welcome, and thank you for joining us for our morning prayer with the Oblate Family. Today we join Rob Doherty in London on the 15th of August and the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary..
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Today’s Gospel is from Luke Chapter 1, verses 39-56“The Almighty has done great things for me.” In today’s Gospel, Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth.  Mary has received an amazing message from God, yet she does not keep it to herself.  She goes to Elizabeth to offer help and support.Mary’s response to all that God has done for her is one of gratitude.  She says, “The Almighty has done great things for me.”Mary reminds us to recognise the good things God has done in our own lives.  Sometimes we can become so focused on our worries and difficulties that we forget to be thankful.Like Mary, we are also called to share God’s love with others—not just in words, but through kindness, help and simply being there for someone who needs us. Lord Jesus,help us to recognise the many blessings in our lives.Give us grateful hearts like Mary,and help us to share your lovewith those who need our kindness and support. Amen.Thank you for joining us today.#catholic #goodnews #podcast #assumption #mary 

Good morning and welcome, and thank you for joining us for our morning prayer on Friday 14th August with the Oblate Family. Today we join Rob Doherty in London.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Today’s Gospel is from Matthew Chapter 19, verses 3-12
“Husband and wife are no longer two, but one body”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about marriage and reminds us that husband and wife are no longer two, but one.
Marriage is more than simply living together. It is a relationship built on love, faithfulness, patience and commitment. Jesus reminds us that love is something we need to care for and nurture, especially when life becomes difficult.
The Gospel also reminds us that relationships are not always easy. We all have weaknesses and make mistakes. What matters is that we try to love, forgive and support one another.
Today, we can pray for all married couples—that they may have the strength to remain faithful to each other and that their love may continue to grow.
Lord Jesus, bless all husbands and wives. Help them to love, forgive and support one another. Give them patience when times are difficult and joy in the good times. May their love remain strong and faithful.
Amen.Thank you for joining us today.#catholic #goodnews #podcast 

Good morning and welcome, and thank you for joining us for our morning prayer with the Oblate Family. Today we join Rob Doherty in London.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.Today’s Gospel is from Matthew Chapter 18, verse 21 and Chapter 19 verse 1'How often must I forgive my brother?'Here, Peter asks Jesus a question many of us have asked: "How often must I forgive?" Surely there must be a limit.But Jesus' answer is surprising. He tells Peter to forgive not just seven times, but "seventy-seven times." He isn't asking us to keep count. He is reminding us that forgiveness should become a way of life.Jesus then tells the story of a servant who was forgiven an enormous debt but refused to forgive someone who owed him very little. The message is clear: we have received so much mercy from God, so we are called to show that same mercy to others.Forgiveness isn't always easy. It doesn't mean pretending we haven't been hurt. But it does mean refusing to let anger and resentment take hold of our hearts. When we forgive, we begin to experience the freedom and peace that God wants for us. Lord Jesus,you never stop forgiving us.  Help us to show the same mercy to others.When forgiveness is difficult, give us the strength to let go of resentmentand the grace to love as you love.  May our hearts reflect your mercy each day.Amen.In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy SpiritAmenThank you for joining us today.#catholic #goodnews #podcast

Good morning and welcome, and thank you for joining us for our morning prayer with the Oblate Family. Today we join Rob Doherty in London.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.Today’s Gospel is from Matthew Chapter 18, verses 15-20: ‘If your brother listens to you, you have won back your brother.’ In today's Gospel, Jesus teaches us how to deal with conflict. Instead of ignoring problems or speaking badly about others, he encourages us to speak to one another honestly and with love.The goal is never to win an argument or prove someone wrong. The goal is to heal a relationship. That is why Jesus says, "If your brother listens to you, you have won back your brother." The real victory is not being right—it is being reconciled.This Gospel also reminds us that we are not meant to face life's challenges alone. Jesus promises to be present whenever we gather in his name. He walks with us as we seek forgiveness, peace, and unity.Today, we might ask ourselves: Is there someone I need to forgive, or someone I need to reach out to? Even a small step towards reconciliation can open the door for Christ to bring healing. Lord Jesus,give us the courage to seek peace and the humility to forgive.Help us to heal broken relationships and to bring your love wherever there is hurt.Be with us always, and guide us in the ways of your peace.Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy SpiritAmenThank you for joining us today.#catholic #goodnews #podcast