Pilgrim progress- a disciple on a journey!

It's that time of year where nasty flu's, colds and viruses are in the air! But here is one virus that it would do some people good to get! Advent Virus: Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world. Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus: A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment. A loss of interest in judging other people. A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others. A loss of interest in conflict. A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom!) Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation. Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.

The work is entitled: "Jose y Maria" Artist is a comic artist named Everett Patterson. Imagine the Christmas story Happening in our day: Mary and Joseph travelling on a bus on an Irish motorway. Instead of a bright and guiding star Only headlights from car, after car. The night: foggy, wet and cold. The bus they are in: rickety and old. Joseph: an anxious man, with fears since Mary, his beloved’s time is near. He spoke to the driver – a kindly man “Not to worry” he said “I’ll do what I can” He took the next exit and set them down At the local hospital in a busy town. The lady at the desk just shook her head “Due to HSE cuts, we just don’t have a bed. Perhaps you could go private at the local Nursing Home?” So then it was that Joseph and Mary begin to roam. Searching for shelter they went door to door Until it came that they could walk no more They stopped at a corner, welcomed by a homeless group Who smiled at them, offered some bread and shared from

"The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”  —Matthew 9:11-13 God, who is merciful, desires our mercy. Here are 54 ways to keep to mercy during the Jubilee Year. Try randomly selecting one each week and putting it into practice. (We gave you two extra; mix them up!) 1) Resist sarcasm; it is the antithesis of mercy: “Set, O Lord, a guard over my mouth; keep watch, O Lord, at the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141:3). 2) Pare down possessions: share your things with the needy. 3) Call someone who you know is lonely, even if you understand why they’re lonely. Especially if you do. 4) Write a letter of forgiveness to someone. If you cannot send it, sprinkle it with holy water, ask Christ Jesus to have mercy on you bo