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Sunday |
Feb-16 |
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Thought For The Week
'Inside of our marriages, families, churches, friendships and places of work we cannot promise that we won't disappoint each other. But we can promise that we won't walk away because of disappointment and hurt.' ~Ronald Rolheiser
Election Day in Ireland last Saturday, was the main story across Ireland for a few days. The long wait is finally over for our politicians and their followers. Democracy has a powerful voice because people have had their say. As the drama of the election unfolded, there were celebrations but also disappointments too.
Disappointments are part and parcel of life. Any attempt on our behalf to try and completely avoid disappointments will never work. The world we live in today strives for perfection and there is little room allowed for mistakes, disappointments and failure. The biggest stumbling block in many things we do each day is striving for perfection and trying to get everything right.
A key area in working with young people is to help them deal with mistakes, disappointments and failure. Their world often crumbles when faced with disappointments and failure. Their resilience levels have lowered compared to previous generations. They cannot be blamed for this entirely. As we know society has put young people under a lot of pressure because of high expectations and technology developments, especially in the whole area of social media.
When we set incredibly highs standards and when we expect a lot from others we are going to be disappointed. No person is the complete package. We do let each other down. Disappointments and hurt are an intricate part of life. They can't be avoided. The only response is to be there for each other.
In our Gospel stories we see how Jesus recognised how people get burdened with problems, hurts and disappointments. One of his most famous and beautiful lines is: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." In our failures, setbacks, uncertainties and disappointments we need support, reassurance, and encouragement. We need to be told "It's ok", and especially to be told this during our darkest hour and darkest moments.
Our prayer this weekend is: "Lord, we ask you to be with us through the many events of our daily lives. We especially ask you to be with us during our difficulties and disappointments too. Help us to feel your light and love. Help us to know you are close and near to us always. Amen."
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Saturday |
Feb-15 |
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'Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.' ~Henry Van Dyke
Some will say Valentine's Day is a load of hype and completely built up into something way too big. Despite the commercial side of the day, it is good to set aside at least one day to genuinely show someone we love and care. Routine and life's daily challenges keep us firmly focussed. But sometimes we forget and take for granted those who really matter. Life is far too short to forget those who really matter to us. Today is a day when we can show someone how much they really mean to us. We thank God for that someone special in our lives. We all fall well short in living up to be the perfect husband, wife, partner, friend, carer or whatever word best sums up our situation. But we make an honest effort in bringing the best out of the person who means the world to us.
Today we say thank you for the great blessings that genuine love can bring. For some today is a sad day because that someone special may have died or may just not be there. We remember them too today. We also remember most importantly how true love always has its roots in God. We celebrate on St Valentine's Day God's unique love for us. We are valuable because God loves us and nothing or no person can ever take that from any of us. |
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Thursday |
Feb-13 |
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Thought For The Week
'Inside of our marriages, families, churches, friendships and places of work we cannot promise that we won't disappoint each other. But we can promise that we won't walk away because of disappointment and hurt.' ~Ronald Rolheiser
Election Day in Ireland last Saturday, was the main story across Ireland for a few days. The long wait is finally over for our politicians and their followers. Democracy has a powerful voice because people have had their say. As the drama of the election unfolded, there were celebrations but also disappointments too.
Disappointments are part and parcel of life. Any attempt on our behalf to try and completely avoid disappointments will never work. The world we live in today strives for perfection and there is little room allowed for mistakes, disappointments and failure. The biggest stumbling block in many things we do each day is striving for perfection and trying to get everything right.
A key area in working with young people is to help them deal with mistakes, disappointments and failure. Their world often crumbles when faced with disappointments and failure. Their resilience levels have lowered compared to previous generations. They cannot be blamed for this entirely. As we know society has put young people under a lot of pressure because of high expectations and technology developments, especially in the whole area of social media.
When we set incredibly highs standards and when we expect a lot from others we are going to be disappointed. No person is the complete package. We do let each other down. Disappointments and hurt are an intricate part of life. They can't be avoided. The only response is to be there for each other.
In our Gospel stories we see how Jesus recognised how people get burdened with problems, hurts and disappointments. One of his most famous and beautiful lines is: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." In our failures, setbacks, uncertainties and disappointments we need support, reassurance, and encouragement. We need to be told "It's ok", and especially to be told this during our darkest hour and darkest moments.
Our prayer this weekend is: "Lord, we ask you to be with us through the many events of our daily lives. We especially ask you to be with us during our difficulties and disappointments too. Help us to feel your light and love. Help us to know you are close and near to us always. Amen."
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Wednesday |
Feb-12 |
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Thought For The Week
'Inside of our marriages, families, churches, friendships and places of work we cannot promise that we won't disappoint each other. But we can promise that we won't walk away because of disappointment and hurt.' ~Ronald Rolheiser
Election Day in Ireland last Saturday, was the main story across Ireland for a few days. The long wait is finally over for our politicians and their followers. Democracy has a powerful voice because people have had their say. As the drama of the election unfolded, there were celebrations but also disappointments too.
Disappointments are part and parcel of life. Any attempt on our behalf to try and completely avoid disappointments will never work. The world we live in today strives for perfection and there is little room allowed for mistakes, disappointments and failure. The biggest stumbling block in many things we do each day is striving for perfection and trying to get everything right.
A key area in working with young people is to help them deal with mistakes, disappointments and failure. Their world often crumbles when faced with disappointments and failure. Their resilience levels have lowered compared to previous generations. They cannot be blamed for this entirely. As we know society has put young people under a lot of pressure because of high expectations and technology developments, especially in the whole area of social media.
When we set incredibly highs standards and when we expect a lot from others we are going to be disappointed. No person is the complete package. We do let each other down. Disappointments and hurt are an intricate part of life. They can't be avoided. The only response is to be there for each other.
In our Gospel stories we see how Jesus recognised how people get burdened with problems, hurts and disappointments. One of his most famous and beautiful lines is: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." In our failures, setbacks, uncertainties and disappointments we need support, reassurance, and encouragement. We need to be told "It's ok", and especially to be told this during our darkest hour and darkest moments.
Our prayer this weekend is: "Lord, we ask you to be with us through the many events of our daily lives. We especially ask you to be with us during our difficulties and disappointments too. Help us to feel your light and love. Help us to know you are close and near to us always. Amen."
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Tuesday |
Feb-11 |
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Thought For The Week
'Inside of our marriages, families, churches, friendships and places of work we cannot promise that we won't disappoint each other. But we can promise that we won't walk away because of disappointment and hurt.' ~Ronald Rolheiser
Election Day in Ireland last Saturday, was the main story across Ireland over the weekend. The long wait is finally over for our politicians and their followers. Democracy has a powerful voice because people have had their say. As the drama of the election unfolds, there will be celebrations but also disappointments too.
Disappointments are part and parcel of life. Any attempt on our behalf to try and completely avoid disappointments will never work. The world we live in today strives for perfection and there is little room allowed for mistakes, disappointments and failure. The biggest stumbling block in many things we do each day is striving for perfection and trying to get everything right.
A key area in working with young people is to help them deal with mistakes, disappointments and failure. Their world often crumbles when faced with disappointments and failure. Their resilience levels have lowered compared to previous generations. They cannot be blamed for this entirely. As we know society has put young people under a lot of pressure because of high expectations and technology developments, especially in the whole area of social media.
When we set incredibly highs standards and when we expect a lot from others we are going to be disappointed. No person is the complete package. We do let each other down. Disappointments and hurt are an intricate part of life. They can't be avoided. The only response is to be there for each other.
In our Gospel stories we see how Jesus recognised how people get burdened with problems, hurts and disappointments. One of his most famous and beautiful lines is: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." In our failures, setbacks, uncertainties and disappointments we need support, reassurance, and encouragement. We need to be told "It's ok", and especially to be told this during our darkest hour and darkest moments.
Our prayer this weekend is: "Lord, we ask you to be with us through the many events of our daily lives. We especially ask you to be with us during our difficulties and disappointments too. Help us to feel your light and love. Help us to know you are close and near to us always. Amen."
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Monday |
Feb-10 |
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Thought For The Week
'Inside of our marriages, families, churches, friendships and places of work we cannot promise that we won't disappoint each other. But we can promise that we won't walk away because of disappointment and hurt.' ~Ronald Rolheiser
Election Day in Ireland last Saturday, was the main story across Ireland over the weekend. The long wait is finally over for our politicians and their followers. Democracy has a powerful voice because people have had their say. As the drama of the election unfolds, there will be celebrations but also disappointments too.
Disappointments are part and parcel of life. Any attempt on our behalf to try and completely avoid disappointments will never work. The world we live in today strives for perfection and there is little room allowed for mistakes, disappointments and failure. The biggest stumbling block in many things we do each day is striving for perfection and trying to get everything right.
A key area in working with young people is to help them deal with mistakes, disappointments and failure. Their world often crumbles when faced with disappointments and failure. Their resilience levels have lowered compared to previous generations. They cannot be blamed for this entirely. As we know society has put young people under a lot of pressure because of high expectations and technology developments, especially in the whole area of social media.
When we set incredibly highs standards and when we expect a lot from others we are going to be disappointed. No person is the complete package. We do let each other down. Disappointments and hurt are an intricate part of life. They can't be avoided. The only response is to be there for each other.
In our Gospel stories we see how Jesus recognised how people get burdened with problems, hurts and disappointments. One of his most famous and beautiful lines is: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." In our failures, setbacks, uncertainties and disappointments we need support, reassurance, and encouragement. We need to be told "It's ok", and especially to be told this during our darkest hour and darkest moments.
Our prayer this weekend is: "Lord, we ask you to be with us through the many events of our daily lives. We especially ask you to be with us during our difficulties and disappointments too. Help us to feel your light and love. Help us to know you are close and near to us always. Amen."
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Saturday |
Feb-08 |
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Thought For The Week
'The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have and should have.' ~Louis E. Boone
Last Saturday (Feb 1st) was the feast of St Brigid. In Ireland it is a significant feast day as we celebrate the achievements of a remarkable woman. Born in 454 she is famous for her hospitality, her generosity, her concern for the poor, her ability to stand up to those in authority and her unique ability to get what she wanted.
So instead of could have, might have and should have, Brigid just did it! She spoke a message to people who felt lost and alienated. Her message and her voice of hope are so relevant for today and 2020. Her relevance and importance is probably greater than it ever has been. It is time to give Brigid the spotlight she so richly deserves.
She is most famous for her St. Brigid's cross which she wove together using rushes. The many strands that make up a St. Brigid's cross represent the different strands of our own lives. They pick up on our joys and blessings but also on our struggles, problems and difficulties. She weaved them all uniquely together. The key message from her cross is that nothing in life is in isolation. Everything is connected and together. Joys and blessings go hand and hand with challenges and difficulties. They are all mixed together. This is the way life is, it is the way it always has been and it is the way it will continue to be.
Brigid's message is that God is present in this mix too, holding everything together. The message is loud and clear, that God is not the cause of struggles, problems or difficulties but rather the one who helps and guides us through them. As we work our way through them we find and experience the good moments too. We sometimes call them blessings and without them life would be so dull and dark.
The message of Brigid can be summed as follows: live life to the full, be yourself, do your best, expect everything and anything, know that you are always loved and to know that God is there to guide and direct you. Don't give up when it is easy to do so, keep trying, believe in yourself, nothing is in isolation and everything is connected. In all the connections God is always near and close to you. Such a message seems so relevant for the world of 2020 and especially relevant for how we live today.
Thought For The Week is updated each Monday
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Wednesday |
Feb-05 |
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Thought For The Week
'The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have and should have.' ~Louis E. Boone
Last Saturday (Feb 1st) was the feast of St Brigid. In Ireland it is a significant feast day as we celebrate the achievements of a remarkable woman. Born in 454 she is famous for her hospitality, her generosity, her concern for the poor, her ability to stand up to those in authority and her unique ability to get what she wanted.
So instead of could have, might have and should have, Brigid just did it! She spoke a message to people who felt lost and alienated. Her message and her voice of hope are so relevant for today and 2020. Her relevance and importance is probably greater than it ever has been. It is time to give Brigid the spotlight she so richly deserves.
She is most famous for her St. Brigid's cross which she wove together using rushes. The many strands that make up a St. Brigid's cross represent the different strands of our own lives. They pick up on our joys and blessings but also on our struggles, problems and difficulties. She weaved them all uniquely together. The key message from her cross is that nothing in life is in isolation. Everything is connected and together. Joys and blessings go hand and hand with challenges and difficulties. They are all mixed together. This is the way life is, it is the way it always has been and it is the way it will continue to be.
Brigid's message is that God is present in this mix too, holding everything together. The message is loud and clear, that God is not the cause of struggles, problems or difficulties but rather the one who helps and guides us through them. As we work our way through them we find and experience the good moments too. We sometimes call them blessings and without them life would be so dull and dark.
The message of Brigid can be summed as follows: live life to the full, be yourself, do your best, expect everything and anything, know that you are always loved and to know that God is there to guide and direct you. Don't give up when it is easy to do so, keep trying, believe in yourself, nothing is in isolation and everything is connected. In all the connections God is always near and close to you. Such a message seems so relevant for the world of 2020 and especially relevant for how we live today.
Thought For The Week is updated each Monday
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Tuesday |
Feb-04 |
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As a school chaplain I am very much aware of the wonderful work teachers do faithfully, day in - day out. The role is often misunderstood on the outside with the repeated line: "They have it so handy - look at all the holidays they get." Despite this many parents and students appreciate what their teachers do in school and the classroom. It is a combination of dedication, commitment, creativity, patience, enthusiasm, listening, encouragement and willingness to do ones best each day. Many of our schools are so lucky to have teachers who do this and much more besides. The following reflection is a prayer put together by a teacher called: 'I believe, Lord.'
I believe that each of my students is your child.
I believe that they are a reflection of your love.
I believe that each child possesses special gifts and talents.
I believe that you are entrusting me to help them discover these gifts
and nurture those talents.
I believe that each child is trying to find you,
and that I can be a model of how to look,
how to live, how to pray.
I believe that my job is actually a mission, a ministry;
that you have chosen me in this time and in this place
to be there for these young people.
I believe that there is nothing haphazard about my day,
about my experiences with my students or with their parents.
It is all part of your plan.
I believe that you have chosen me, Lord.
I believe. |
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Monday |
Feb-03 |
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Thought For The Week
'The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have and should have.' ~Louis E. Boone
Last Saturday (Feb 1st) was the feast of St Brigid. In Ireland it is a significant feast day as we celebrate the achievements of a remarkable woman. Born in 454 she is famous for her hospitality, her generosity, her concern for the poor, her ability to stand up to those in authority and her unique ability to get what she wanted.
So instead of could have, might have and should have, Brigid just did it! She spoke a message to people who felt lost and alienated. Her message and her voice of hope are so relevant for today and 2020. Her relevance and importance is probably greater than it ever has been. It is time to give Brigid the spotlight she so richly deserves.
She is most famous for her St. Brigid's cross which she wove together using rushes. The many strands that make up a St. Brigid's cross represent the different strands of our own lives. They pick up on our joys and blessings but also on our struggles, problems and difficulties. She weaved them all uniquely together. The key message from her cross is that nothing in life is in isolation. Everything is connected and together. Joys and blessings go hand and hand with challenges and difficulties. They are all mixed together. This is the way life is, it is the way it always has been and it is the way it will continue to be.
Brigid's message is that God is present in this mix too, holding everything together. The message is loud and clear, that God is not the cause of struggles, problems or difficulties but rather the one who helps and guides us through them. As we work our way through them we find and experience the good moments too. We sometimes call them blessings and without them life would be so dull and dark.
The message of Brigid can be summed as follows: live life to the full, be yourself, do your best, expect everything and anything, know that you are always loved and to know that God is there to guide and direct you. Don't give up when it is easy to do so, keep trying, believe in yourself, nothing is in isolation and everything is connected. In all the connections God is always near and close to you. Such a message seems so relevant for the world of 2020 and especially relevant for how we live today.
Thought For The Week is updated each Monday
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