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	LISTING THOUGHT ARCHIVE

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Listing February - 2012

Wednesday

Feb-29

A leap year is added to our calendar to keep it working properly. The earth travels around the sun in one year but in fact it takes a little longer, 365 1/4 days. The Leap year every four years corrects this.'

The chances of being born in a Leap year are 1 in 1500. Any year that can be divided by 4 is a Leap Year. A woman can propose to her partner today. Of course for anyone whose birthday is today, it is indeed a special day. For all of us we too need to correct ourselves on occasions. We steer off course, we loose focus, we drift and particularly when it comes to spiritual matters. It is good to recheck and get going again. Thankfully with God we don't have to wait every four years! With God there is always a special welcome for us, we are loved and valued every day including extra days like today.

Tuesday

Feb-28

Prayer begins with you. Start where you are and stay with it. God is in you as you are and does not expect you to be any other than you are, except that there is a change that God is going to make in your life. You have to learn how to get together with God in your life so that the change can be made.' ~Mary Luke Tobin

When prayer becomes a chore or an effort it is time to step back and take a break. Sometimes when we look at things during or after a break we begin to see things a little clearer or gain a better understanding. If prayer is a chore it usually means we are expecting too much from it. The best starting point is to know that God is with us where we are right now. Whatever is going on for us right now is the most important moment to start with and stay with. This calls for honesty. It pulls in a whole range of feelings of where we might be right now, from content, upset, angry, anxious, unsure, scared, happy, sad, fulfilled, stressed, hopeful or whatever. Honesty in prayer and saying what's going on for us right now is so precious. It is never closed. It may lead to change or it may not. Having shared the honest moment means that the prayer has not been a waste of time. When we can weave these short little moments of prayer into our daily routine, we have the key to inner happiness and contentment. Money can buy lots of things but it can never buy such a key.

Monday

Feb-27

On a visit to Teach Altra Nursing Home in Newmarket yesterday, I came across the following lovely few verses up on a wall called 'A Golden Prayer'

Blessed are they who bring back memories of yesterday.
Blessed are they who understand my faltering steps and shaky hand.
Blessed are they who know that my ears today must strain to catch the things they say.
Blessed are they who seem to know that my eyes are dim and wits are slow.
Blessed are they who looked away when the cup spilled at my table today.
Blessed are they with a cheery smile who stop to chat for a little while.
Blessed are they who never say: "You've told the story twice today".
Blessed are they who make it known that I am loved, respected and not alone.
Blessed are they who know I am at a loss to find the strength to carry my cross.
Blessed are they who in loving ways ease the days on my journey home.

Sunday

Feb-26

The following reflection is by Jane Mellett called "Embrace the Wilderness, LIVE LENT"

Today's Gospel sends us out into the wilderness. And it's good. The text says that it is the Spirit who drove Jesus (not literally!) out into the wilderness, therefore it is God who is in control here. It may be an uncomfortable situation 'with the wild beasts' but wilderness can be a great thing. We often have to remove ourselves from the hum drum of daily life so that we can breathe a little. It's a bit like a stock take. What's here? What's here that shouldn't be? What's missing?Lent calls each of us to transform our lives and our relationships with the world around us. We won't automatically wake up on Easter morning transformed. It takes time, it takes practice. But we are KINGDOM PEOPLE, building, transforming and working in solidarity. With so much to do, we must take example from the first Sunday Gospel of this transforming season and allow ourselves to be led, like Jesus, 'into the wilderness'. LOVE LIFE; LIVE LENT; TRANSFORM YOUR WORLD.

Saturday

Feb-25

A few lines called 'The World Goes On' ~Author Unknown

If we pause for a brief moment and briefly forget all that we have to do. If we can pause for those few moments and forget everything. We will then make a surprising discovery, that the world actually goes on without us. This means that all we do and all our rushing about is not as important as we imagine. If we can realise this, that the world will actually go on without us, a healing process begins. We begin to relax in the presence of God. We realise that the most important thing is just being ourselves. We surrender ourselves into the hands of God. We are at peace. Even our dreams are put to rest.

Friday

Feb-24

Though the human body is born complete in one moment, the human heart is never completely born. It is being birthed in every experience of your life. Everything that happens to you has the potential to deepen you.' ~John O'Donoghue

As we begin our journey through Lent it is important to put the spotlight on the good and positive rather than just the negative. Lent has the potential to deepen and to allow us celebrate the great good within. If every experience of life touches us in some way, we need to appreciate that these can either uplift us or do the opposite. While our experiences can sometimes be challenging and difficult, there are many that continue to deepen and energise each of us. There is a lovely saying that says: "The more love you give away, the more love you will have." We tend to forget that there is a lot of love being sown, nurtured and shared. The effects are unique and make all the difference. Can you feel the difference this Lent?

Thursday

Feb-23

'I wish I were big enough to admit my shortcomings, brave enough to accept criticism, compassionate enough to understand human frailties, human enough to be thoughtful and open enough to be devoted to the love of God.' ~Gordon Taggart

As we begin our journey through Lent these words can give us a bit of comfort and inspiration. The starting point of Lent is that we all have shortcomings. No one can say they have it all worked out. We sometimes need to be open and honest in acknowledging our frailties and limitations. Such honesty is not meant to be a put down but more about giving us the opportunity to turn it all into our favour. The invitation is to take the next step and to be open to the love of God in our lives. Such love is like building solid foundations. It takes time which is why Lent is spread out over six weeks. We are encouraged to take our time and to build in a way that works for us. Such solid foundations bring stability and a sense of purpose in a world that often seems to be spinning a vacuum.

Wednesday

Feb-22

'Ash Wednesday is a kind of a spiritual New Year, a time to make resolutions, to wipe the old slate clean and begin again. Still others seek a more intimate connection with God. Some could not tell you why they search out a church on Ash Wednesday, it just seems the place to be.' ~Virginia Smith

Today Ash Wednesday is hugely popular. Why does the placing of some ashes on our foreheads seems so appealing? It is not a good luck gesture or magical. But like many Christian symbols it's intended to remind us of something. At one time, ashes were used to make soap. Ashes contain alkali, a soluble chemical that is a powerful cleaning agent. Symbolically and spiritually Lent can also be a time of cleaning and a washing away of negativity, hatred, selfishness, anger, hurts and other stuff that needs to be cleaned away. Ashes have also been traditionally used as a fertiliser. Farmers used to burn the stubble of last year's crops and the ashes were then ploughed into the soil. New crops could then grow with vigour and energy. Lent can also be a time to put some vigour and energy into our spiritual lives, to allow room for growth particularly light, hope, courage and many other blessings. Whether you get ashes or not today, what would you like cleaned or washed away in your life? What growth, new beginning would you like to see happen in your life? There is much to look forward to this Lent.

Tuesday

Feb-21

'Think simple', as my old master used to say - meaning reduce the whole of its parts into the simplest terms, getting back to first principles. ~Frank Lloyd Wright

Today is Shrove Tuesday or better known as Pancake Tuesday. It is the day before Ash Wednesday and traditionally it was a day of making and eating rich foods before the fasting season of Lent began. Sugar, fat and eggs which would be restricted during Lent were used in plenty on Shrove Tuesday. We hear so much these days about our over reliance on processed foods, overeating and increased obesity. Pancake Tuesday is a reminder how important it is to get back to basics when it comes to healthy and wholesome eating. Pancake Tuesday also has a spiritual message. Pancakes are simple and easy to make using flour, eggs, sugar and lemon juice. They are a reminder of the simple and important things that really matter in life. It's not always about big, eye catching or sensational news. Life is often sweeter and more precious in our everyday moments. God will always be found in those simple down to earth moments that make up our daily routine. Lent which begins tomorrow can be a time to rediscover the blessings that these simple moments can bring.

Monday

Feb-20

'Don't You Know?' ~from The Pioneer Magazine

Life isn't fair but it's still good.
When in doubt, just take the next small step.
You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
Make peace with your past so it won't mess up the present.
Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is about.
If a relationship has to be a secret you shouldn't be in it.
Be rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
Over prepare and then go with the flow.
No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
Frame every so called disaster with these words: 'In five years time, will this matter?'
Time heals everything. Give time time.
However good or bad a situation, it will change.
God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
Don't audit life. Show up, dress smart and make the most of it.
Life isn't tied with a bow but it's still a gift. The best is yet to come.

Sunday

Feb-19

The following reflection is by Jane Mellett called 'Fierce Friendship'

This is one of the many conflict stories in Mark where Jesus is challenged by the religious authorities. They are none too pleased that he is forgiving sins because as far as they are concerned, only God can do that. It is easy for them to use the words of forgiveness, but how many of them can heal the paralysed man and let him walk? Jesus wants to heal the man but also to show people that he has authority! And what of the faith of the paralysed man's friends - fierce friendship? They literally took the roof off so that they could get him to Jesus. You can imagine Jesus sitting there, teaching, and then the dust starts to fall......

'And I look out and I see paralysed men and women, paralysed congregations, paralysed ministries and I want to cry; "Your sins are forgiven. Rise, take up your bed and walk!" And I treasure those moments of intrusion, when the heavens are torn apart and the Spirit descends and I rise from the water and I know there is hope.' ~William Loader

Saturday

Feb-18

'The Happiness Cake'

Ingredients:
1 cup of good thoughts
1 cup of kind deeds
1 cup of condieration for others
2 cups of sacrifice
2 cups of well beaten faults
3 cups of forgiveness
Mix thoroughly Add tears of joy, sorrow and sympathy. Flavour with love and kindly service. Fold in 4 cups of prayer and faith. Blend well. Fold into daily life. Bake well with the warmth of human kindness and serve with a smile at any time. It will satisfy the hunger of many souls.

Friday

Feb-17

'The best colour in the whole world, is the one that looks good on you.' ~Coco Chanel

We are all affected by colours that we see around us each day. The colour of our clothes often picks up our mood and how we are feeling. Nature provides many contrasts of colours. Different flowers planted in different ways can give many variations of colour. During these weeks of February, the one colour that really stands out is yellow, because of so many daffodils standing proudly tall in our gardens. They are a visible sign of spring, longer days and that winter has lost its grip. The same goes for us in relation to colours as well. On our own we're just one colour, but working together as God's family can bring the best of colours together. We're good at seeing the colour and positives of others but much slower in believing what we have. The message of the gospels is quite clear. Be proud of who you are, be proud of your colours and share as many of them as you can with others. We don't have to be a rainbow every day but letting one or two stand out will make all the difference.

Thursday

Feb-16

People are spending their whole lives trying to earn what they already have, trying to be worthy of God. You don't get worthy; you are worthy. The only thing that initially separates you from God is the belief that you are separate!' ~Richard Rohr

There is so much food for thought in those beautiful words. Every single one of us is worthy, precious, special and unique in the eyes of God. Nothing has or will ever change this wonderful good news. But we are experts in putting to one side or running away from what seems too good to be true. We even try and come up with all sorts of reasons why God could not be bothered. Our usual line is: "well if God really knew me and my story, God would not be bothered." But God is bothered, does care and wants nothing but the best for you, me and those closest to us. It is we who put up the walls, who doubt, who fight, who find all sorts of excuses and so much more. Does God leave us? Not at all, God is completely on our side. What does it mean for me to be told I am worthy, precious, special and unique in the eyes of God?

Wednesday

Feb-15

'I am heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Whitney Houston. My heartfelt condolences to Whitney's family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.' ~Mariah Carey

The tributes continue to pour in for the late Whitney Houston. She touched millions with her truly amazing voice. She could hit the high notes and hold them like no other singer. Her fans will treasure many albums and an endless list of hit songs. While she brought so much happiness to others it was such a pity that she struggled to find personal happiness herself. Being a celebrity and having loads of money is never a guarantee to inner happiness. She turned to drink and drugs for comfort but sadly they became a slippery slope for which she could find no comeback. Many of her lyrics spoke about life and where she was. One of her songs called 'Jesus Is Love' particularly stands out. Some of the lyrics in this song are worth mentioning: "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong, they are weak but he is strong. Always guide me, Lord I pray, never fail to love me still. I'm never alone. See, sometimes I'm lonely but never alone, no. See, I know that he loves me, whether I'm right, whether I'm wrong, oh yes indeed, Jesus loves me." May she rest in peace.

Tuesday

Feb-14

'Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.' ~Henry Van Dyke

Some will say Valentine's Day is a load of hype and completely built up into something way too big. Despite the commercial side of the day, it is good to set aside at least one day to genuinely show someone we love and care. Routine and life's daily challenges keep us firmly focussed. But sometimes we forget and take for granted those who really matter. Life is far too short to forget those who really matter to us. Today is a day when we can show someone how much they really mean to us. We thank God for that someone special in our lives. We all fall well short in living up to be the perfect husband, wife, partner, friend, carer or whatever word best sums up our situation. But we make an honest effort in bringing the best out of the person who means the world to us. Today we say thank you for the great blessings that genuine love can bring. For some today is a sad day because that someone special may have died or may just not be there. We remember them too today. We also remember most importantly how true love always has its roots in God. We celebrate on St Valentine's Day God's unique love for us. We are valuable because God loves us and nothing or no person can ever take that from any of us.

Monday

Feb-13

'If you don't like something change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it.' ~Mary Engelbreit

A retreat master once asked a group of retreatants, "Tell me," he said, "how can I get the air out of this glass I have in my hand?" One man said, "Suck it out with a pump." But the master replied, "That would create a vacuum and shatter the glass." Finally, after many other suggestions, the retreat master picked up a pitcher of water and quietly filled the glass with water. "There," he said, "all the air is now removed." The image of a glass has often been used to get across a message. Filling the glass with water can be symbolic of many things. It could be filling the jar with positive and good stuff instead of negativity. It could be about the importance of getting rid of bad habits and bringing in a change we are comfortable with. It could also be a reminder that sometimes a simple solution is always at hand. It could also be symbolic spiritually. If we allow God into our lives then we will be filled with blessings. What blessings would I like today? What would I like to fill my day more with?

Sunday

Feb-12

The following reflection is by Jane Mellett

SSSSSSSssssshhhhhhhh
One of the features of the Gospel of Mark is the big SECRET, what scholars call the 'Messianic Secret'. Whenever Jesus heals people in Mark, he tells them not to tell anyone. On the odd occasion when the disciples show a little bit of understanding, he tells them not to say anything to anyone about his miracles. You would think that Jesus would want it shouted from the rooftops, never mind the torture it would be for people to try and keep something like this quiet. But Jesus is not that kind of Messiah. He doesn't want the publicity, not yet. He doesn't want people to have the wrong idea about what his MISSION involves. It is not about the glory, it is not meant to be easy, it is not without the difficult paths, the cross! It is all about service. We can think of the leper as all those people in society that we don't want near us, they are easily identified by this question: 'who do you not want living next door to you?'. Jesus reaches out to the alienated and by doing so, in today's Gospel, he himself becomes alienated.

Saturday

Feb-11

'A lot of people say they want to get out of pain, and I'm sure that's true, but they aren't willing to make healing a high priority. They aren't willing to look inside to see the source of their pain in order to deal with it.' ~Lindsay Wagner

Today (Feb 11th) is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is a day set aside to celebrate the anniversary of the apparitions witnessed by 14 year old Bernadette Soubirous and it also marks world day for sick people. Five million pilgrims visit Lourdes each year. Anyone who has been there will know it's a significant and special place. Love bubbles everywhere in Lourdes. Its effects are felt by everyone. It is contagious, life giving, refreshing and so alive. So many prayers are said in Lourdes for those who are sick. These prayers are heartfelt, special and beautiful. But they are not just confined to Lourdes. Today in every part of the world there will be prayers for those who are sick. It happens every day but today Saturday it is top of the list of priorities. We all can play our part. Today is a day to make sure that God's greatest medicine called love gets shared. All of us are instruments of God's healing love. We pray today for all who are sick and we include doctors, nurses, carers and anyone who needs our prayers on this special day.

Friday

Feb-10

'Our age has been called the age of anxiety. We no longer know where our foundations are. We want to get rid of that anxiety as quickly as we can. Yet, to be a good leader of anything today - a good pastor, bishop, father or mother - you have to be able to contain, to hold patiently, a certain degree of anxiety.' ~Richard Rohr

There is no denying that we carry much anxiety with us today. Anxiety can be called a burden, a worry, a problem or stress. It can be a difficult place to be and too much of it can drain us of energy and motivation. It also crosses every age group and the reasons why we are anxious are endless. The current economic stress has clearly added much anxiety. There are no easy options or quick fixes. It is clear that we all must carry some anxiety but not good if this becomes unmanageable. In our Gospel stories Jesus was constantly helping people to let go of much anxiety. Words such as "do not let your hearts be troubled" were often used by him. Prayer can also help us to unburden and at least help us to hold patiently a certain degree of anxiety. Am I anxious today? What am I most anxious about? We pray for help to carry or let go some of the anxiety that we carry around with us.

Thursday

Feb-09

'If we really want to pray we must give it time. We must also learn to step back from the malaise of our age with its insistence what we must be constantly active and instead learn to view time in a different light, as something to be embraced as a gift rather than bought or possessed' ~Joyce Huggett

How often we hear it said, "there is never enough time". If only we had that bit of extra time, we would squeeze in more time for friends and family, more time to rest, more time to relax and unwind. But something else always squeezes out that extra bit of time whenever it comes our way. How do some people seem to have time for the essential and important things in life? How is that they also seem more relaxed, less stressed and more at ease? Clearly these people see time as a gift rather than something just forced on us. If time is seen as a gift then our priorities will clearly change. There will be time given to the essentials like quiet time, rest, prayer and a quiet acceptance that one does not always have to be sucked into the slipstream of getting everything done now. This is not the same as escapism or laziness. It is knowing that today and this present moment is God's gift to you or me. I can enjoy the moment and make the most of it. Or I can lose it because I'm already thinking about the next one.

Wednesday

Feb-08

'There is something about our human limitations which we are afraid of and therefore we avoid confronting them.' ~Peter Hannah

There was a fable story told about a village in the middle of a forest. The people were terrified and lived in fear hoping that if they ignored the beast it would go away. They hired many hunters but all to no avail. Then one day a great warrior came to their village and promised to show them how to rid their lives of the beast. Each time he caught sight of it or heard its roar he noticed a strange thing happening. The beast began to look smaller and to sound less fearsome. Eventually when he cornered the beast he was amazed to see that it had become very small. Before plunging his lance into it, he asked, 'Who are you?' 'My name is Fear' replied the beast. Fear can paralyze us. It can take over our lives. It can drag us down. We need to be strong and to face our fears with courage and conviction. Jesus on so many occasions helped people face their fears and led them into a much better place. What am I most fearful of today? Can I do anything to lessen the fear or face it head on? Can I add some prayer to help me through whatever this fear might be right now?

Tuesday

Feb-07

Life is so very, very short. Why spend even one day doing something which you have outgrown? When something stops working for you, it is time to move on.' ~Joe Armstrong

No one likes anything that is stale or sour. We are all familiar with the taste of sour milk or bread that has gone off. It is quickly put to one side and we replenish with fresh supplies. There are many things in life that have gone stale or sour. What once brought us life, energy and enthusiasm may have become stale and lifeless. This often happens over a period of time and often so quietly we don't even notice it. If we have outgrown something and it's clearly not working, then it's time to move on. There is much to move onto that can be life giving and positive. Perhaps in time this too may become stale but one of the many Gospel messages is not to become a slave to anything that's static, stale or not life giving. What is not working for you at the moment? What have you outgrown? Can you choose something new and much more life giving?

Monday

Feb-06

'When the spaces of my heart seem cold, dark, barren, empty, fallow, dormant, infertile or inactive it is a hard place to be. It's a place that invites me, if I can, to wait for the thaw and the melting that leads to new life.' ~Finola Cunnane

Much of Europe is currently in the grip of freezing weather conditions. Even Rome experienced snow over the weekend, prompting Pope Benedict to mention it in his address yesterday: "The snowfall is beautiful but let's hope spring comes soon." On a spiritual level, the icy weather conditions can also speak at a deeper level. The starting point of spirituality is recognising that we all have cold, dark, barren, empty and bleak places within. These places are within every person so we should not feel that we are on our own. The next step is always the most important one and that is to know that we don't have to be stuck in these places. The invitation on a spiritual level is to allow God breathe new life, hope, energy and a sense of new beginnings into all these cold dark and dreary places. The Gospel stories are a constant reminder about the wonderful changes that can come about when we allow God into our lives. Does it mean that life will always be wonderful for ever more? It certainly doesn't but we are always in a much better position to maximise every spring like moment that comes our way. It may be cold now but spring is just around the corner.

Sunday

Feb-05

The following reflection is by Jane Mellett

It was still dark, deserted and prayerful. The Gospel today is a busy one. Jesus goes from teaching in the synagogue, to healing Peter's mother-in law, to curing everyone in the city who was sick or possessed. But there is one line in the midst of this text which stands out: 'In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.' We don't have to think too hard about the busyness of our own lives to realise the importance of stopping at some point in the middle of the mayhem to breathe, to give some space, prayer, reflection, whatever we can to focus our minds on the purpose of all the madness... God's Kingdom.

The Difference I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day. I had so much to accomplish that I didn't take time to pray. Problems just tumbled around me, and heavier came each task. 'Why doesn't God help me?' I wondered. He answered, 'You didn't ask.' I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on, grey and bleak. I wondered why God didn't show me, He said, 'But you didn't seek.' I tried to come into God's presence, I used all my keys at the lock. God gently and lovingly chided: 'My child, you didn't knock.' I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day; I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray. Author Unknown

Saturday

Feb-04

Sorry there is no Thought For Today available today

Friday

Feb-03

'Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God protect you from all ailments of the throat and from all forms of evil. Amen.' ~Blessing given on the feast of St.Blaise (3rd Feb)

Today is the feast of St.Blaise whose life was very simple and ordinary. He is known worldwide for his care of those who were sick and particularly those with ailments of the throat. Many people get their throats blessed today. Some may think it's a load of silly piety and yet for many it's a blessing that brings comfort and reassurance. Saint Blaise's protection of those with throat troubles apparently comes from a legend that a boy was brought to him who had a fishbone stuck in his throat. The boy was about to die when Saint Blaise healed him. He was a physician who was very close to God. The sick came in crowds to consult him and some even brought animals as well. St.Blaise cured many people of their ailments and always sent them away with his blessing. He cured not just physical ailments of the throat but spiritual ones as well. We pray to St.Blaise to heal us from all ailments of the throat, we ask for his protection and we ask his special blessings on each of us today.

Thursday

Feb-02

'A rooster crows only when it sees the light. Put him in the dark and he'll never crow. I have seen the light and I'm crowing.' ~Muhammad Ali

Much of Europe is feeling the icy grip of winds blowing down from Siberia. Despite the cold, it is hard to believe that the sun is going through its most active phase in recent years, throwing off spectacular solar flares. They travel at 6.7 million km/h towards earth and when they hit our atmosphere throw off red and green colours. The effect is known as the Northern Lights and can even be seen in some parts of Ireland. Light has always been seen as a symbol of hope. In the midst of darkness, light helps us find our bearings, find our direction and helps us on our way. Today is Candlemass Day and candles are particularly treasured and blessed today. A simple candle may not seem much, but in a dark room it is a dazzling light. As believers, it is our firm belief that Jesus is our light too, making such a difference in a world that can often be just so dark at times. This light knows no limits or boundaries. It can penetrate the deepest of darkness, it can shatter hopelessness and despair, it can uplift, guide and direct. Today we gently invite God's light into our lives and into the lives of those who crave for light, hope and peace.

Wednesday

Feb-01

'A great resurgence of interest in all aspects of our Celtic heritage is leading many individuals and groups to rediscover and draw inspiration from the lives of the early Irish saints. St Brigid, the patroness of Ireland, is emerging as one whose life has relevance and inspiration for us as we try to face the issues that confront our country and our world at this time.' ~Rita Minehan

The feast of St.Brigid traditionally marks the arrival of spring. But with bitterly cold winds blowing in from the east today, spring is on hold for a little while longer. The feast of St.Brigid is a day to reflect on all our present blessings and all the good around us. She had time for everyone including the poor but above all she inspired people to greater things. Using rushes she wove them all into a cross, to remind us that all the different strands of our lives are connected. They are connected not by chance but by the gentle presence of God in our lives. Brigid gathers our rushes of sorrows and gladnes, of happiness and pain, tears and laughter, kindness and caring, of voluntary groups and organisations, of families, relations and friends, of schools and hospitals, of work, sport and recreation and all the little things we do with faith, hope and love. Brigid weaves them all with loving hands into something richer and more beautiful. For her God is always at the centre of everything we weave and pull together. We ask her many blessings on us today.

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