Pilgrim progress- a disciple on a journey!

MESSAGE OF POPE FRANCIS FOR THE 51st WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS 11 MAY 2014 - FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Theme: Vocations, Witness to the Truth  Dear Brothers and Sisters, 1. The Gospel says that “Jesus went about all the cities and villages... When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest’” (Mt 9:35-38). These words surprise us, because we all know that it is necessary first to plow, sow and cultivate to then, in due time, reap an abundant harvest. Jesus says instead that “the harvest is plentiful”. But who did the work to bring about these results? There is only one answer: God. Clearly the field of which Jesus is speaking is humanity, us. And the efficacious action which has borne “much fruit” is the grace of God, that is, commu...

Every year I have a mini-dilemma: should I ‘do’ resolutions? What do I want to change about myself? What do I need to do better? How can I be better, holier, freer? The list goes on. However I did come up with one life change for this year which I can share with you. Here comes 2014: a resolution- pray, simply pray and pray simply! God's in control. The New Year unfolds like pages in a book yet to be written, bringing hope and endless possibilities. When I look at 2013 and some of the things that went wrong or disappointments or let-downs which I felt, one word comes to mind: HOPE. I hope for better days. I hope that I can be true to myself. I hope. Hope comes from God and this is the only way that all things can be possible with Him if we do them in the name of Jesus his Son. For the Feast of the Holy Family, we had that lovely reading from the Letter to the Colossians (3,12-21), it reminds us: “ And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord...

Yes, it has been a while since the blog got something to eat so what better day to feed it than the last day of the year. Today is the day where social media goes a bit mental. People post their thoughts, their experiences, their joys, their sufferings of 2013. Many hope for a better 2014 and are quick to bid adieu to 2013. Some see the 1st of January just as 'another day' in the calendar to get through, nothing special. We are all very different when it comes to marking events. Personally, I see New Year's as being significant for stopping to take stock of life: to look at the year past and thank God, to entrust the coming year into His hands, come what may! Usually the 31st of December is a day of prayer and silence for many of our communities throughout the world. This helps us to cultivate gratitude and also our need for the Providence of God in all things. My last three New Year’s Eve and Day have been spent in three different countries and each of them ve...