Pilgrim progress- a disciple on a journey!

  Only God can create, but we are called upon to value that creation.  Only God can give life, but we are called to transmit it and respect it.  Only God can make growth happen, but we are called to guide it and give it direction.  Only God can give faith, but we are called to be signs of God to one another.  Only God can give love, but we are called to grow in caring for each other.  Only God can give hope, but we are called to enable people to believe in themselves.  Only God can give power and energy, but we are called upon to get things going.  Only God can give peace, but we are called to build bonds that bring people together.  Only God can give happiness, but we are invited to laugh.  Only God is the way, but we are called to show it to others.  Only God is the light, but we are called to let it shine forth in the world.  Only God can make miracles happen, we are invited to offer our five loaves and two fishes.  Only God can do the impossible, but it is up to us to do what is po

3 years ago we were giving thanks for being able to return to public worship...here are some thoughts I penned at that time. Who would have thought that we would shed tears of joy and emotion as we gathered for Mass after 6 months of not gathering with friends and fellow pilgrims? Who would have thought that we would ask people not to sing 'Alleluia' but to sing in the depth of their hearts, nourishing the Resurrection cry, a burst of hope which for the moment remains silent from the assembly? Who would have thought that we would refrain from shaking the hand of another but look each other in the eye at the sign of peace- our eyes being the smile hidden behind our protective masks, an exchange of true shalom? Who would have thought that we would weep because once more we can receive Jesus in the Eucharist, our Bread of Life? Who would have thought that we would awkwardly 'elbow-bump' with each other when we meet, knowing this social convention is us silently saying to e

  My Dad's garden Not a cry of distress but a reminder of a feastday we have in Ireland- May Day (1st of May).  I was thinking back to the years in primary school where we prepared May altars religiously. My Dad was a brilliant gardener and had a beautiful garden, however we weren’t allowed to pick the flowers that often! One of those few occasions was for the school May Altar when it was ‘our turn’ to bring the flowers. I was always so proud to bring in that big bunch of red homegrown roses, purple lupin, bright orange marigolds, pretty forget-me-nots, vibrant dahlias and pure white lilies. Not only did they look beautiful but the perfume would fill the classroom and the other teachers who popped in would all comment on the beautiful flowers! I remember other times when the younger kids from the neighbourhood would try and ‘borrow’ some flowers. My Dad, possessive as he was of his hybrid roses, would give in and often snip one off and give it to the child, who would skip away, hap

Woman, run and announce that the washed feet at the Agape of Love are now the feet which bring tidings of hope, peace, joy to all the world.  Woman, run and proclaim the Good News that Jesus lives, life has sprung from the tomb of death. Woman, run and tell the world that He calls each one by name: Mary- Rabbuni-the intimacy of love. Woman, run and shout to humanity that even when it seems hope has been extinguished, it will burst from the shackles of oppression and conquer death, hatred and fear.  Woman, run- because you are alive, He is alive! Alleluia!   “The dawn has come and the morning star rises!” (2 Pet 1: 19)  With hope-filled greetings for you for a blessed and peaceful Easter! Sr .M. Louise

 

  There is absolutely nothing we can do on Holy Saturday, and that is the point. It is a day of desolation and nothingness, a day of darkness and utter emptiness. The day is and should be the most calm and quiet day of the entire Church year, a day broken by no liturgical function. Christ lies in the grave, the Church sits near and mourns. After the great battle He is resting in peace, but upon Him we see the scars of intense suffering. The mortal wounds on His Body remain visible.  There is nothing to do now except wait… and waiting is the hardest part in this digital and instant age. Holy Saturday is the silent pause between what we have done and what God will do – what only God can do. On this day God is silent, yet God is still at work. Scripture tells us Holy Saturday is the day Christ descended and ministered to those in Hades, or the place of the dead. This is not a trivial or side matter, which is why “He descended to the dead” finds mention in the Apostles’ Creed. Christ goes