Meditations

It’s easy to feel that Christmas has already passed us by — but the Church insists otherwise. In this meditation, Fr Gavan reflects on the Christmas Octave and the wisdom of lingering with a mystery too large for a single day. Drawing on Our Lady’s quiet pondering of the events of Bethlehem, he invites us to let the visible beauty of Christmas lift us toward the invisible love of God Himself. As d...

Because the Father gave us His Son, everything about who we are is changed. In this meditation, Fr Gavan reflects with St John the Evangelist on the astonishing truth that we are not merely called children of God — we truly are. Knowing that we are loved by the Father before we do anything transforms how we live, what we desire, and where we seek fulfilment. This reflection invites us to rediscove...

Christmas brings us face to face with tenderness, beauty, and joy — and then, almost without warning, the Church places before us the martyrdom of St Stephen. In this meditation, Fr Gavn reflects on why the Church does this so deliberately: to remind us that the Child in the manger and the man on the Cross are one and the same. Stephen shows us that real love is never sentimental, but always costs...

What does it mean to call Jesus “Emmanuel — God with us”? In this final O Antiphon, Fr Gavan reflects on the climax of Advent’s longing: the God who is no longer distant in majesty or hidden in prophecy, but who comes to dwell with us as a tiny child. Drawing on Isaiah’s prophecy, the acrostic ero cras — “I will be with you tomorrow” — and the tender way God chooses to win our hearts, we discover...

What does it mean to call Jesus the “Cornerstone” and “King of the Nations”? In this meditation, Fr Gavan reflects on O Rex Gentium, the antiphon that presents Christ as the stone rejected by the builders yet chosen to anchor all humanity. Drawing on the ancient role of the cornerstone, St Paul’s teaching on the unity of Jew and Gentile, and our own frailty as creatures formed from dust, he shows...

What does it mean to call Jesus the “Dayspring” or rising sun? In this meditation, Fr Gavan reflects on O Oriens, the antiphon that celebrates Christ as the splendor of eternal light who breaks into our darkness. Drawing on Malachi’s prophecy of the “sun of righteousness,” the turning point of the winter solstice, and the early Christian practice of praying toward the East, he shows how the light...

What does it mean to call Jesus the “Key of David”? In this meditation, Fr Gavan reflects on O Clavis David , the antiphon that proclaims Christ as the one who opens what no one can shut and shuts what no one can open. Drawing on Isaiah’s prophecy, the image of the key laid upon the shoulder, and the deep symbolism of midwinter’s darkness, we discover how Christ alone can unlock the prisons within...

What does it mean to call Jesus the “Root of Jesse”? In this meditation, Fr Gavan reflects on the O Antiphon O Radix Jesse , the promise that from a dead royal line a new shoot would spring forth — the Messiah born for all peoples. Drawing on Isaiah’s prophecies, the silence of kings before Christ, and the longing of the nations symbolised in the Magi, we discover that the Child in the manger come...

What kind of God draws near to us at Christmas? In this meditation, Fr Gavan reflects on the O Antiphon O Adonai — “O Lord” — the ancient title that reveals the Child of Bethlehem as the same God who spoke to Moses from the burning bush. Standing before the holiness of Sinai, Israel trembled at God’s power, yet in the manger that same majesty becomes small enough to hold in our arms. Through this...

What are you longing for this Advent? In this meditation, Fr Gavan reflects on the first of the O Antiphons, O Sapientia — “O Wisdom.” In this brief invocation prayed each evening before Christmas, the Church reveals Christ as the eternal Logos who orders all things “mightily and sweetly,” even in the hidden smallness of the Child in the manger. Through this ancient prayer, we explore what it mean...

What are you really looking for in life? In this meditation, Fr Gavan reflects on Simeon’s canticle, the Nunc Dimittis – “Now, Lord, let your servant depart in peace.” Holding the infant Jesus in his arms, Simeon knows his deepest desire has been fulfilled. Through this short passage from Luke’s Gospel, we explore what it means to “see” Christ, why so many distractions leave us restless, and how f...

What made Mary’s heart overflow with joy? In this meditation, Fr Gavan reflects on the Magnificat — Our Lady’s song of praise after the Annunciation. Her joy wasn’t rooted in honour or recognition, but in humility and wonder at God’s goodness. Drawing on Scripture and the wisdom of the saints, Fr. Gavan shows how the Magnificat reveals the secret to Christian joy: self-forgetfulness and thanksgivi...

In this meditation, Fr Gavan reflects on the Benedictus – Zechariah’s hymn of praise after the birth of John the Baptist. Once struck silent, Zechariah’s voice returns in thanksgiving, blessing God for His faithfulness through generations. Fr Gavan explores how this canticle invites us to see ourselves within that same living tradition — heirs of faith, called to prepare the way for Christ in our...

In this meditation, Fr Gavan reflects on the mid-morning hymn “Custodi mentem Ordinata”, traditionally prayed at Terce—the third hour of the day, around 9am. Rooted in the moment of Pentecost, this hymn invites us to recognise God’s sacred order woven into the rhythm of time. Through faith, hope and charity, we are called to become a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit, even in the midst of daily w...

In this meditation, Fr Gavan reflects on the ancient Vespers hymn Deus Creator Omnium — “God, Creator of All Things” — composed by St Ambrose in a time of persecution and fear. This powerful evening prayer invites us to hand over our burdens, anxieties, and exhaustion to God at day’s end, trusting in His providence and loving care. Explore how rest becomes an act of faith, how night can be filled...

In this meditation, Fr Gavan reflects on the ancient hymn Te Lucis Ante Terminum — “Before the Ending of the Day” — traditionally sung at Compline, the Church’s night prayer. This simple and beautiful hymn is a quiet plea for God’s protection through the night, entrusting our final thoughts to Him. Discover how the early Church approached nighttime with faith rather than fear, and learn to hand ov...

What does it mean to entrust our nights to God? In this meditation, Fr Gavan reflects on Deus Creator Omnium, the ancient hymn by St Ambrose written for Saturday evening prayer. Through its verses, we discover God’s providential care in creation, His gift of sleep as preparation for new life, and the call to end each day with thanksgiving. Even in life’s darkness, faith shines as a new light. 🔴 ...

How does Christ bring light to the dark places of our hearts? In this meditation, Fr Gavan reflects on a beautiful ancient hymn from the Church’s morning prayer. Like the rising sun banishing night, Christ breaks through the clouds of sin and despair, bringing color, vibrancy, and hope back into our lives. Journey stanza by stanza through this prayerful hymn, learning how to let His gaze heal your...

Why does the Church celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary? In this episode, Fr Gavan reflects on Mary’s birth — one of only three birthdays celebrated in the Church’s liturgical calendar. Discover why this day is called the dawn of salvation, how it paved the way for Jesus’ coming, and two simple ways you can joyfully honor Our Lady on her feast day. 🔴  ABOUT US Called to More is a Ca...

Why are we so drawn to beauty — and why does it never seem to fully satisfy us? In this reflection, Fr Gavan explores the restless heart of St. Augustine, a man who chased earthly beauty only to discover that his deepest desire was for God Himself. Drawing from Augustine’s Confessions and the wisdom of the Church, we’ll discover how our longing for beauty points us to the Creator, the only One who...

When life feels like a trap, where do we turn? In this episode, Father Gavan explores the feeling of being spiritually stuck—when sin, fear, or despair seem to close in with no escape. Drawing from Scripture and the hope of Christ’s redemption, he reveals how God’s grace meets us in our darkest moments. Even when we see no way forward, the Lord opens a path to freedom and new life. 🔴  ABOUT US Ca...

What does true joy look like after confession? Fr. Gavan shares a remarkable story of a woman whose joy after being reconciled with God radiated to everyone around her. This episode reflects on how confession restores the soul, strengthens relationships, and brings a peace that can’t be manufactured. It’s a reminder that returning to God’s mercy is not a chore—it’s a celebration. 🔴  ABOUT US Call...

How far will God go to bring someone back to Him? In this episode, Father Gavan shares a remarkable story of providence: a tourist robbed in Dublin, a missed pilgrimage, and an unexpected confession after 25 years away. What looked like loss became grace, reminding us that God never forgets us—and that His mercy can turn even misfortune into salvation 🔴  ABOUT US Called to More is a Catholic not-...

How can we hold on to hope in the face of evil? This episode reflects on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary and her role as a sign of triumph over evil. Through vivid imagery from the Book of Revelation, Fr. Gavan reveals how Mary’s victory reminds us that God defeats evil unambiguously. Her humility and trust become our hope, especially when evil seems overwhelming, reminding us to turn to her i...

What makes a truly good confession? Reflecting on the life of St. John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests, this episode explores the power and beauty of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Gavan highlights four qualities of a good confession—complete, concrete, concise, and contrite—and shares how confession renews both priest and penitent. Inspired by Vianney’s example, it calls us to embra...