The Most Reverend Dr Richard Umbers is a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei. He holds a doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Navarre and is an Auxilary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Sydney.
As Christians we need to make time for prayer, but can often be put off by the challenges and distractions that make it difficult. In this edition of Living Faith, Fr Umbers reminds us of the importance of perseverance in prayer and suggests some practical ways to help us grow in relationship with God.
How could someone like Judas, one of Christ’s closest 12, become His betrayer? Fr Richard Umbers reflects on how lukewarmness and spiritual laziness can be the downfall of any of us. He points out some of the common pitfalls to watch out for, and reminds us to be diligent and ‘watch and pray’ with Christ.
In this edition of Living Faith, Fr Richard Umbers reflects on the importance of integrity in the Christian life. We cannot live our faith half-heartedly, or compartmentalise our lives, but must be Christians always and everywhere: true witnesses to Christ in this world.
Reflecting on the parable of the prodigal son, Fr Richard Umbers looks at the reality of sin and mercy in our own lives. He challenges us to show mercy to others, and be conscious of our own pride and sinfulness.
It is no easy life that we are called to as Christians: Christ asks us to forget ourselves and our own desires to follow Him. How do we live this? Fr Richard Umbers reflects…
What keeps you from spending time in the presence of the One Who loves you? Drawing on last Sunday’s Gospel account of the transfiguration, Fr Umbers reflects on the power of contemplative prayer to transform us and fill us with joy.
Social ‘dogma’ seems to demand that faith ought to be kept behind closed doors and out of the public sphere. Fr Richard Umbers reflects on why this can’t be so, particularly within the Catholic and apostolic Church, and how we must continue to share our faith for the good of our neighbour and society as a whole.
Prayer is a non-negotiable in the daily life of a Christian, but so many of us don’t know where to start. How do we find the time? What do we do? What is mental prayer, and what difference does it all make?