There is much food for thought in today’s readings, especially in their invitation to consider the place of gratitude in our lives, writes Christian Brother Julian McDonald.

Our faith is really alive and active when we come to appreciate that we depend fully on the providence and graciousness of God. That realisation keeps us focused and truly humble, writes Christian Brother Julian McDonald.

Today’s gospel parable is a reminder to us all that, irrespective of the circumstances of our lives, we all have something from which others could benefit, even if it is only our time or a listening ear, writes Christian Brother Julian McDonald.

If the difficulties we face in life end up bringing us close to people, they will surely bring us close to God, writes Christian Brother Julian McDonald.

Coming home, recovering from our experiences of loss is all about allowing ourselves to be found by a God who searches us out rather than about anything we do ourselves. The best we can do is to recognise that our neediness is real and that it can be satisfied by none other than God. Recovering from our loss and coming home to ourselves, to one another and to God is the work of a God who loves us more than we will ever imagine, writes Christian Brother Julian McDonald.