Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Truth will set us free...

Sometimes we can believe that if only people knew the Truth, then the world would be a better and more compassionate place to live in.  
This is true and yet, how does one know what is the Truth?
We all have our point of view and ideas and opinions which may well be tainted by our love for ourselves.
To find out what is the Truth in any given situation will depend on how honest we are, especially to ourselves.
It comes back to our belief system...
Am I christian-minded enough to believe in the words of Christ...
     'I am the Way, the Truth and the Life...'
If so, then I know what the Truth is and my job is to live a life that portrays that Truth.
Remember that we are a work-in-progress.  Each day we are invited to begin again.
Choose to live a Truthful life..


Sunday, November 12, 2017

KNOCK

The chance came and I availed of it, a trip to Knock in Co. Mayo.
A friend, with the loan of a car, was interested in coming too, so we set off, breaking our journey in Athlone. My first time to truly visit the city and avail of the wonderful Church buildings and modern shopping centres.
In a way, I enjoyed most the 'old' streets and the Friary Church run by the Franciscans.
The stain glass window depicting St. Anthony shone like a vision behind the main altar.
Somehow I felt at home there and was impressed by the bright-painted interior.
Of course, the river Shannon running through the city is a sight to see and I promised to come again in the summer and avail of a tour-boat along the river.
The sat-nav helped us to find the best way to Knock, through Roscommon and some very narrow and winding roads. Eventually, a sign assured us that we were approaching Knock village.
The Basilica is a wonderful sight to see, a huge white monument with room for thousands of pilgrims with the most artistic wall-sized picture of the vision of Our Lady's visit to Knock.
The original Church is being repaired and will be an extra bonus for visitors to enjoy.
My favourite place became the Reconciliation Chapel, a quiet place for the soul with priests available all day to administer the sacrament of confession.
An added bonus is the Knock House Hotel where we enjoyed a warm bowl of soup and relaxed in a comfortable environment.
So many memories came to mind of previous visits and I so long to return again to this blessed place of prayer and peace.


Friday, November 3, 2017

DISCIPLINE

Being creative, however and whichever way we are inspired is wonderful.
Take writing for an example...
A blank page with nothing on it, yet the desire to write is with us, deep in our creative mind.
Pen to paper, just write. Let the words flow and pay no attention to meaning or grammar, simply write!
Have we a theme or just a word that bounces into our head. Grab hold of it and don't let go.
If we do this with as much sincerity as we can muster up, we will be surprised and delighted by what comes to mind.
An example... the word,  discipline, such an uninspiring word, yet stick with it.
We need discipline to...
To write / to exercise / to develop a friendship / to love.
Now apply the word to a sentence...
I was unable to exercise, just couldn't discipline myself or so I believed... 
Then I joined a walking group,  such crazy people, out walking in all kinds of weather...
It was difficult at first, yet I began to enjoy the banter and laughs as we all suffered together getting soaked and blown around in the wind and rain.
Afterwards we met in the Mountain Inn and oh such a pleasure, the soup was like a taste of heaven!
and so on and so on....
This exercise can be applied to any word / any topic.
The lesson learned is found in delving into our unconscious mind and coming up with 'gems' of imaginative stories.
A little discipline teaches us to stick with the blank page and happily surprise ourselves.
'Wisdom is born of pain.'