Photo was taken at Minor Row, Millstreet, Co.Cork (Irl)

A bee sits on a Wedding Tree flower, making the most of the sunshine yesterday. Even though it looks as if it’s very warm, temperatures struggled to reach 12 yesterday, with a cold northerly wind blowing.

Thought on Sunday – April – 28/04/2013

The following reflection is by Triona Doherty called ‘Step by Step’

I had the pleasure of speaking to some members of various religious congregations recently about the work they carry out and how their mission has evolved over the past fifty or so years. While many are no longer involved in traditional teaching and nursing roles, they are making their mark in other areas as chaplains, social workers, counsellors, retreat workers and lecturers, working with prisoners, asylum seekers, those with addiction problems and others. They are deliberately diversifying to meet the needs of their communities.

From the writings of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, we read: ‘Let us take one day only in the hands at a time, merely making a resolve for tomorrow. Thus we may hope to go on, taking short, careful steps, not great strides%u2026 Each day is a step we take towards Eternity. The final step will bring us into the presence of God.’
These words came to mind when reading today’s First Reading, which describes the travels of Paul and Barnabas to encourage the early Church members in their faith. They ‘put fresh heart into the disciples’ – a lovely expression. Step by step they were building up the church. Those religious I spoke to are doing the same, many in a quiet, humble way. They are optimistic about the future and looking for new ways to interpret the goals and teachings of their founders, and to communicate and live out the Gospel message of love.