A WONDERFUL DAY

Today was special, a trip to Glendalough in our camper; a first trip outside the 5km and even more special, a day of sunshine! 

Such a wonderful place. Already, several cars packed with families were there ahead of us, and still coming. It was good to be there. God's Cottage was open for quiet meditation and with lovely cards.

My feet feel tired from walking, and my mind is full of happy inspirations. I do believe that the spirit of Saint Kevin and his monks remain in Glendalough, prompting us to appreciate the Goodness of God in the beautiful lakes and countryside.

Perhaps, this will always be the case where holy and prayerful people like Saint Kevin, leave their imprint on the places where they lived.  I'm looking forward to my next trip to Glendalough!

INNER PEACE

 The most important treasure we can possess is Inner Peace. 

This is a challenge because we can so easily lose our sense of peace and wellbeing, sometimes through no fault of our own;  sometimes the fault is definitely ours.

There is a story of a painting that was discarded and put up into an attic. It just didn't blend in with the Library room where it had been hanging for years, so the younger generation who took over this fine house, put the painting out of sight.  

Later on, the attic itself needed a good clean out and the painting was found. One member of the family liked it and so it became their possession. It turned out to be famous, and worth millions.  (Can you guess?)

Our inner peace can be like that. If it is not prized as the gift it is, we can lose it and forget how valuable our inner peace truly is, a treasure that money could never buy.

The person who values Inner Peace will be rewarded with Wisdom and Knowledge of the finer and more subtle gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Without even knowing it, they will be guided through life with a profound awareness of the Presence of God. They will become God-like.  With Humility they will guard this Gift forever.

               

                      

PATIENCE

 Now that our major lockdown has re-opened, at least partially, we may find ourselves impatient to become more free / more able to travel and make plans for the future.

It's good to make plans, yet can also be a little dangerous.  As soon as we become impatient about what we want to do, we open ourselves to disappointments and failure.

In truth, lockdown has taught us a lot about being patient and to look on the bright side of life.  Small examples bring this to mind, sitting on a bench sharing a coffee with a friend and having a good chat, keeping social distance in mind.

Sitting out in our garden on a sunny day and relaxing, with closed eyes we might just as well be in an exotic place.  What we cannot do bodily, our mind and imagination is free to do.

Will we still remember to make that daily call to an older friend or neighbour / offer to shop for them / send a get-well card?  Say a prayer for those in need, mentally and physically?  So many acts of kindness are taking place which creates a wonderful atmosphere of friendship.  

We can be joyful about our extended freedom, and still continue to be patient with all that is taking place in this wonderful world of ours.

COMPASSION

The word, COMPASSION could well be out of date and yet, true compassion is expressed a lot in everyday life. It happens when one who is strong is able to bow down and care for someone who is weak.

I had an experience a long time ago. I was in Dublin meeting my sisters and the three of us were sauntering down O'Connell street. This was a special occasion as my sister Mairead, only comes home on holiday every three years.  We were determined to make the most of our time together, full of chat and laughter.

That's when I noticed the young girl, sitting on the pavement outside a shop.  How old was she I wondered; more importantly why was she begging?  Of course, Mairead, who has a big heart, was the first to offer her money.  I was searching for small change, when two women came along...  ' Don't give her anything.  Look at her, she has a cigarette in her mouth, and you are only encouraging her to beg.' 

Tears began to roll down the young girl's face, ' A friend gave me the cigarette...'  She was being judged, without evidence of any kind.  She didn't need to be humiliated.  She needed compassion.  

Years ago, in our younger and more adventurous years, we went on what was called the QUEST.  The idea was to go, two by two, and travel from Dublin to Copenhagen, without funds of any kind, like the pilgrims of old. This meant begging for our fares and a place to stay!   It was mad / it was terrifying / it was an adventure we will never forget.  At times, we were spoiled; other times hungry and wishing we had stayed at home.  

For me, one of the great lessons was to realize that nobody begs for the fun of it. It is humbling and puts oneself at the kindness and mercy of others. And, a great way to learn the value of Compassion. 

FEAR NOT...

 'Fear not, I am with you always...'

Such comforting words, to know that we are never alone. We have God's love with us everyday and everything we do.

Perhaps, the secret of believing this is true is found in our ability to recognize all the ways in our lives where we are supported and encouraged by others.

Of course, our Faith teaches us to know and believe in how much God loves us, yet we may easily forget, or not recognize His love coming to us, through others.

This can be a wonderful practice, to become aware of all the many little, or big happenings in our lives, and see how Love comes our way.

Also, this is a good encouragement for us to become an instrument of Love!

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PASSION

 When we say a person has great passion / great interest in what they do , it means the person is willing and able to give ALL!  There is no holding back.

In relation to the Passion of Christ, we are presented with a Man who gave ALL in responding to God's Will.  The fact that Christ is the Son of God makes it even more terrible, both for Christ the Son and God the Father.

These are mysteries that may not be fully understood. The Passion of Christ is beyond understanding and yet, as limited human beings, we understand the enormous sacrifice to give ALL.  Perhaps, we can begin to understand God's love for us, when we ourselves are willing to give ALL in response to our calling to love God.

Love demands ALL.  When we respond to the Call of Love, in a limited way, we experience the tremendous Love that God has for us.