Moses’ 120 years — as prince, shepherd, and prophet — were full of unexpected turns. From Pharaoh’s palace to Midian’s pastures to leading a stubborn people through the desert, he kept saying “yes” to God. His life reminds us that God’s plan often looks nothing like ours. Whether we’re waiting in “cold storage” or facing the heat of mission, we can trust His timing, walk by faith, and lead with humility — ready to step aside when our mission is complete.

Reflection Question: When my plans are disrupted, how can I respond with the same faith and trust in God that Moses lived by?

Scripture reminds us that leadership is never exercised in a vacuum. Just as the faith of leaders can uplift the community, so too can the discouragement of the community weigh heavily on its leaders. From Moses and Aaron in the desert, to Peter struggling to grasp Jesus’ mission, we see how the faith of leaders and the community are deeply connected.

The journey of faith is not a solo mission. We are called to walk it together: strengthening one another. Let us reflect on how we can be a source of strength and support, especially to those called to lead us in faith.

Reflection Question: How can I be a source of strength and encouragement to those who lead me in faith, especially when I’m struggling myself?

Even those who serve in ministry, preach the Gospel, or labour for the Church can experience spiritual dryness and a sense of abandonment. Yet in the Transfiguration, Jesus shows us what it means to receive direction, affirmation, and strength from the Father — not for the mountaintop alone, but for the journey that lies ahead.

Spiritual experiences, though powerful, are not ends in themselves. As the apostles were left in silent awe, we too are invited to pause and reflect on these encounters — to ask what God is revealing in them. True happiness and lasting growth come not merely from the experience, but from the fruits they bear: love, joy, peace, and the courage to follow Christ even when the road is hard.

Ultimately, these moments are meant to lead to deeper transformation — a renewed vision, a clearer purpose, and a life more fully conformed to Christ. Just as Jesus descended the mountain with renewed resolve, we are called to bask in the Father’s love, listen to His voice, and allow that encounter to strengthen our daily walk with Him.

Reflection Question: How am I seeking direction in life, not just to make the right choices, but to find the peace that comes from knowing I’m walking with God?

We often pour ourselves into service or ministry, hoping to fill an inner void through the appreciation and affirmation of others. Yet, as the Gospel reminds us, true joy and self-worth do not come from external praise, but from prioritising prayer and seeking God's undivided attention. Paradoxically, those most engaged in service often neglect this vital practice because prayer, unlike visible work, yields no immediate human accolades.

We cannot truly love others or serve selflessly unless we have first experienced God's radical love and attention for us. When we sit at the feet of Jesus in prayer, we receive His full attention and bask in His immense love. This becomes the wellspring of our self-worth, not what we do or how others perceive us.

Reflection Question: How can I cultivate a deep sense of self-worth based on God's love, rather than relying on the appreciation of others?

True Christian leadership, as revealed by Christ, stands in stark contrast to the world’s definition of a good leader. It is a call to selfless service, prioritising the well-being of others above personal gain or recognition.

So while our roles as leaders might be marked with difficulties and persecution, we are invited to unite ourselves with the cross of Christ and to look to His perfect example of suffering for humanity. Let us not allow our sufferings to go to waste or succumb to despair when we face trials as leaders, but offer every suffering for Him and for the good of all.

Reflection Question: How can I grow in union with Christ so that I might be able to “suffer well” in my role as a leader?

How can we foster a deeper, more enduring encounter with God? It begins with preparation and purification. Just as Moses called the Israelites to ready themselves before God’s descent upon Mount Sinai, we too are invited to dispose our hearts and minds to receive Him. Often, it is distraction or spiritual insensitivity that blinds us to the many ways God is already present: in nature, in the quiet moments of our day, and most especially in the Eucharist.

This call to attentiveness carries into the liturgy. When we prepare ourselves through reflection, the confession of sins, and a spirit of reconciliation, the Eucharist ceases to be routine and becomes a living encounter with Christ. God may not always come to us in thunder and lightning. More often, He comes gently: in silence, through grace, and in hearts made ready. And when we do meet Him there, even in the smallest of moments, our lives are never quite the same.

Reflection Question: How am I preparing my heart to encounter God in the ordinary moments of daily life?

Our effort of sharing God’s Word can sometimes be disturbed and unwelcomed by those we seek to bring it to. Yet, the Parable of the Sower encourages us to persevere and to be patient in allowing His will to unfold. We need to look through the lens of faith so that we will not be overwhelmed by despair when our efforts seem to yield little immediate visible fruit. Because He is constantly at work; and His grace can make the seemingly impossible possible.

Reflection Question: How can I grow in patience in my ministry?

As we celebrate the Feast of St Mary Magdalene, we’re invited to reflect on the nature of our faith and our desire for a real relationship with God.

Pope Benedict XVI, in Deus Caritas Est, emphasised that experiencing God's love as an event and encountering Christ as a person transforms us. It gives our lives meaning and direction, not just through ideas, but through love.

Love reveals who we truly are, beyond philosophical reflection. Mary Magdalene shows us what this looks like. Her devotion for the Lord was unreserved. Her sorrow at His absence was real. Her joy at His Resurrection was overwhelming. She loved deeply and that love moved her to give her life to Him.

Reflection Question: How does my prayer life look, am I simply saying prayers or do I truly pray with my heart?