FAMILY

Today was a given opportunity for me to visit family members.

I had promised myself that it would not be a day of stress, trying to meet and connect with everybody.

It would be a day of grace, enjoying the pleasure that comes from human bonding.

While I treated myself to a cup of coffee in Dublin, I met Paddy.  He, like me, was enjoying a cuppa in a warm place on a cold winter day.  We got chatting. It was a pleasure for me to chat away so freely to a stranger who seemed more like a friend.

Later, I availed of the opportunity to visit my brother Thomas in his lovely warm home.

Prayerful music in the background, I enjoyed the visit. We often chat on phone, yet seeing each other and being in the presence of a person means so much more.

My next visit was to my big brother Liam.  He looked well, yet still a little unwell and we chatted over a cup of tea!

My last visit was to Vino and Win in their lovely modernised home.

I reminded myself that there was no need to rush.  Just relax and enjoy my brother's company.

Win came and we shared photos and then it seemed right to make tracks for home.

Bus 39a almost immediately and so to Kildare street to wait with others for 133 bus to come.

Met Nina on bus and walked her to taxi rank in Wicklow, then home for a nice cup of tea!

Yes, it was a good day. 

 I thought of the Holy Family and how it must have been for them, living in a state of grace. always.

Good Company...

Christmas day 25th December 2017 and all is well.

We had a feast on the eve of Christmas, danish style and then highlighted the day with evening Mass.

What a splendid way to welcome the Christ Child; a Church filled to capacity with friends, neighbours and visitors.  

The Choir sang carols and hymns as an introduction to the evening.

Fr. Donal carried the 'Baby image' in procession up to the Altar and placed it in the Crib.  Then the Mass began. The readings told us of the journey of the Holy Family looking for a place to stay, a good reminder of so many displaced people looking for a home.

I had the privilege of being one of the ministers of the Eucharist and was so impressed with all who participated, young and old alike.

Faith in Ireland may be weak at times, yet still alive and wonderful to see in the hearts of all who respond to the call to share in the Birthday of Christ.

The Mystery of Weakness.

Part of the mystery of Christmas is the coming of Christ as new born Baby, dependent on his loving Mother, Mary and his foster father, Joseph.

Why did He not come in splendour and glory, evident to the world as a Leader, someone to lead His people out of bondage?

When we begin to understand the mystery of weakness, then it will become clear to us that God sent His loving Son to show us the Power and Strength of Love.

'In my weakness, I find my strength...'

Learn from the Master...

At this time of year, coming up to Christmas, we often receive beautiful Christmas cards depicting the Mother and Child painted so many years ago by Masters of Art.

The one I'm looking at now is the image of our Lady, fondly looking at her Infant Child.

There is no mention of the artist's name, yet obviously a work of genius.

As a Christian, a follower of Christ, we are invited to learn from the Master, to imitate His love and His compassion for mankind.

No matter how weak or frail we are, we have it in us to become Christ-like and help to make this wonderful world of ours a more loving place to live in.

Learn from the Master...

Prepare the Way...

Christmas is such a special time of year, a preparation for the coming Birth of Jesus.

When a mother is expecting a child, it's a great and yet anxious time for all concerned.

Will all go well?

It's the same for each one of us. As a Christian we are preparing for the Redemption of the World!

Christ coming to us as a new born baby is awesome and almost unbelievable.

For God to become Man is in itself a marvel...

To come as a baby, vulnerable and dependent on the good will of people to care for Him and his blessed Mother...  Why so?  

Perhaps the lesson we learn is the amazing and beautiful example of an Infant Child.

There is no room for us to be afraid, just simply to love with all our heart / soul and mind.

The Child Jesus teaches us how to love as a child. 

No fear, only Love!

Christmas Spirit

Today was a day of activity, plenty to prepare and do for the coming Christmas 2017!

First list was cards and letters, especially to those far away with limited time for postage.

We might ask ourselves, how did we suddenly jump into the month of December?

Has Y2017 truly disappeared so quickly?

However, with a little reflection, we will begin to realise that Time is a gift and is given to us, daily.

The most rewarding attitude to have is to live each day as a special time to prepare for Christmas,

the birth of Christ.

The awareness of being able to do one thing at a time is special.

Perhaps the best way is to simply pray and allow ourselves to be guided by what is best in each present moment.

The secret ingredient is to put LOVE into all we do.