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LISTING THOUGHT ARCHIVE

  January

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 Listing January - 2022
 
  Monday
Jan-24
Thought For The Week (Updated each Monday morning)

'There is nothing so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.' ~ Saint Francis de Sales

There is great strength when we support each other. On our own we can sometimes struggle and be isolated. But once we allow others to support us, especially with love and kindness, we become incredibly strong. We find great strength when we support each other during difficult and challenging times. This has been the glue that held us all together during the past two years of Covid. We all can now look forward to so much freedom with the lifting of restrictions. (at least in Ireland anyway)

I like to explain this idea with a bundle of sticks especially to young people. If you take one stick it is very easy to break it. But when you put a few of them together and try and break them it is next to impossible. They become super strong and again remind us that there is great strength when we support each other.

So how do we support each other? You can do so by extending love and kindness to someone who needs it. You can pray for them. You can encourage them. You can tell them quite simply that you don't have all the answers but that you are willing to walk with them during their difficult and challenging time.

This is all that really matters. You are giving someone else strength by simply being there for them. And you also have a choice. Do you remain just like the one stick? Or can you allow others to walk with you and beside you? One stick has now become a few. Again, great strength begins to happen when we support each other.

Next time you are out for a walk in the woods and you come across a few broken sticks under a tree. Pick them up. See how easy it is to break one. Put a few of them together and try and break them. It becomes nearly impossible.

Spiritually, we all need help too. We can't do it on our own. As we journey through life we need the help of family and friends. A prayer moment might be: Loving God, thank you for being my helping hand and my support when I need it. Amen
 
 
 
  Sunday
Jan-23
Thought For The Week

'They have no wine' ~John 2:3

The shocking death of Ashling Murphy has made headlines near and far. We have all been touched and deeply moved that such a young beautiful life was ended in such a cruel horrible way. So many people have marked it in their own way. So many candles have been lit, prayers have been said, vigils have been held and the clear message is enough is enough.

This cannot happen again. Violence to women has to stop. Our world and community needs to be safer for everyone especially women. Out of total darkness, a great swell of light and hope has risen. I don't think it's short term. It can't be. With this great swell of light and hope something good has to come out of the awfulness that has happened.

The Gospel story of the wedding at Cana has a key message. You can read the story literally but it also has a much deeper meaning. It is a sign of God's incredible generosity. When it seems all is over, when it seems everything has run out or when there is no more - the message is that out of nothing comes an overflowing of generosity. It is an overflowing of God's amazing love for each of us. It is an overflowing of hope, of kindness, of blessings and so much more.

A question we can all ask is where was God when Ashling ran along that canal and walkway? The words of Jesus are also relevant: "My God My God why have you forsaken me." But God hasn't forsaken us. From the depth of darkness, from seemingly nothing, God is with us. The great outpouring of love and light in every parish and community over the past few days is a clear sign of God's love and generosity. No one can take that away from us.
 
 
 
  Saturday
Jan-22
Thought For The Week

'They have no wine' ~John 2:3

The shocking death of Ashling Murphy has made headlines near and far. We have all been touched and deeply moved that such a young beautiful life was ended in such a cruel horrible way. So many people have marked it in their own way. So many candles have been lit, prayers have been said, vigils have been held and the clear message is enough is enough.

This cannot happen again. Violence to women has to stop. Our world and community needs to be safer for everyone especially women. Out of total darkness, a great swell of light and hope has risen. I don't think it's short term. It can't be. With this great swell of light and hope something good has to come out of the awfulness that has happened.

The Gospel story of the wedding at Cana has a key message. You can read the story literally but it also has a much deeper meaning. It is a sign of God's incredible generosity. When it seems all is over, when it seems everything has run out or when there is no more - the message is that out of nothing comes an overflowing of generosity. It is an overflowing of God's amazing love for each of us. It is an overflowing of hope, of kindness, of blessings and so much more.

A question we can all ask is where was God when Ashling ran along that canal and walkway? The words of Jesus are also relevant: "My God My God why have you forsaken me." But God hasn't forsaken us. From the depth of darkness, from seemingly nothing, God is with us. The great outpouring of love and light in every parish and community over the past few days is a clear sign of God's love and generosity. No one can take that away from us.
 
 
 
  Friday
Jan-21
Thought For The Week

'They have no wine' ~John 2:3

The shocking death of Ashling Murphy has made headlines near and far. We have all been touched and deeply moved that such a young beautiful life was ended in such a cruel horrible way. So many people have marked it in their own way. So many candles have been lit, prayers have been said, vigils have been held and the clear message is enough is enough.

This cannot happen again. Violence to women has to stop. Our world and community needs to be safer for everyone especially women. Out of total darkness, a great swell of light and hope has risen. I don't think it's short term. It can't be. With this great swell of light and hope something good has to come out of the awfulness that has happened.

The Gospel story of the wedding at Cana has a key message. You can read the story literally but it also has a much deeper meaning. It is a sign of God's incredible generosity. When it seems all is over, when it seems everything has run out or when there is no more - the message is that out of nothing comes an overflowing of generosity. It is an overflowing of God's amazing love for each of us. It is an overflowing of hope, of kindness, of blessings and so much more.

A question we can all ask is where was God when Ashling ran along that canal and walkway? The words of Jesus are also relevant: "My God My God why have you forsaken me." But God hasn't forsaken us. From the depth of darkness, from seemingly nothing, God is with us. The great outpouring of love and light in every parish and community over the past few days is a clear sign of God's love and generosity. No one can take that away from us.
 
 
 
  Thursday
Jan-20
Thought For The Week

'They have no wine' ~John 2:3

The shocking death of Ashling Murphy has made headlines near and far. We have all been touched and deeply moved that such a young beautiful life was ended in such a cruel horrible way. So many people have marked it in their own way. So many candles have been lit, prayers have been said, vigils have been held and the clear message is enough is enough.

This cannot happen again. Violence to women has to stop. Our world and community needs to be safer for everyone especially women. Out of total darkness, a great swell of light and hope has risen. I don't think it's short term. It can't be. With this great swell of light and hope something good has to come out of the awfulness that has happened.

The Gospel story of the wedding at Cana has a key message. You can read the story literally but it also has a much deeper meaning. It is a sign of God's incredible generosity. When it seems all is over, when it seems everything has run out or when there is no more - the message is that out of nothing comes an overflowing of generosity. It is an overflowing of God's amazing love for each of us. It is an overflowing of hope, of kindness, of blessings and so much more.

A question we can all ask is where was God when Ashling ran along that canal and walkway? The words of Jesus are also relevant: "My God My God why have you forsaken me." But God hasn't forsaken us. From the depth of darkness, from seemingly nothing, God is with us. The great outpouring of love and light in every parish and community over the past few days is a clear sign of God's love and generosity. No one can take that away from us.
 
 
 
  Wednesday
Jan-19
Thought For The Week

'They have no wine' ~John 2:3

The shocking death of Ashling Murphy has made headlines near and far. We have all been touched and deeply moved that such a young beautiful life was ended in such a cruel horrible way. So many people have marked it in their own way. So many candles have been lit, prayers have been said, vigils have been held and the clear message is enough is enough.

This cannot happen again. Violence to women has to stop. Our world and community needs to be safer for everyone especially women. Out of total darkness, a great swell of light and hope has risen. I don't think it's short term. It can't be. With this great swell of light and hope something good has to come out of the awfulness that has happened.

The Gospel story of the wedding at Cana has a key message. You can read the story literally but it also has a much deeper meaning. It is a sign of God's incredible generosity. When it seems all is over, when it seems everything has run out or when there is no more - the message is that out of nothing comes an overflowing of generosity. It is an overflowing of God's amazing love for each of us. It is an overflowing of hope, of kindness, of blessings and so much more.

A question we can all ask is where was God when Ashling ran along that canal and walkway? The words of Jesus are also relevant: "My God My God why have you forsaken me." But God hasn't forsaken us. From the depth of darkness, from seemingly nothing, God is with us. The great outpouring of love and light in every parish and community over the past few days is a clear sign of God's love and generosity. No one can take that away from us.
 
 
 
  Tuesday
Jan-18
'They have no wine' ~John 2:3

The shocking death of Ashling Murphy has made headlines near and far. We have all been touched and deeply moved that such a young beautiful life was ended in such a cruel horrible way. So many people have marked it in their own way. So many candles have been lit, prayers have been said, vigils have been held and the clear message is enough is enough.

This cannot happen again. Violence to women has to stop. Our world and community needs to be safer for everyone especially women. Out of total darkness, a great swell of light and hope has risen. I don't think it's short term. It can't be. With this great swell of light and hope something good has to come out of the awfulness that has happened.

The Gospel story of the wedding at Cana has a key message. You can read the story literally but it also has a much deeper meaning. It is a sign of God's incredible generosity. When it seems all is over, when it seems everything has run out or when there is no more - the message is that out of nothing comes an overflowing of generosity. It is an overflowing of God's amazing love for each of us. It is an overflowing of hope, of kindness, of blessings and so much more.

A question we can all ask is where was God when Ashling ran along that canal and walkway? The words of Jesus are also relevant: "My God My God why have you forsaken me." But God hasn't forsaken us. From the depth of darkness, from seemingly nothing, God is with us. The great outpouring of love and light in every parish and community over the past few days is a clear sign of God's love and generosity. No one can take that away from us.
 
 
 
  Monday
Jan-17
'They have no wine' ~John 2:3

The shocking death of Ashling Murphy has made headlines near and far. We have all been touched and deeply moved that such a young beautiful life was ended in such a cruel horrible way. So many people have marked it in their own way. So many candles have been lit, prayers have been said, vigils have been held and the clear message is enough is enough.

This cannot happen again. Violence to women has to stop. Our world and community needs to be safer for everyone especially women. Out of total darkness, a great swell of light and hope has risen. I don't think it's short term. It can't be. With this great swell of light and hope something good has to come out of the awfulness that has happened.

The Gospel story of the wedding at Cana has a key message. You can read the story literally but it also has a much deeper meaning. It is a sign of God's incredible generosity. When it seems all is over, when it seems everything has run out or when there is no more - the message is that out of nothing comes an overflowing of generosity. It is an overflowing of God's amazing love for each of us. It is an overflowing of hope, of kindness, of blessings and so much more.

A question we can all ask is where was God when Ashling ran along that canal and walkway? The words of Jesus are also relevant: "My God My God why have you forsaken me." But God hasn't forsaken us. From the depth of darkness, from seemingly nothing, God is with us. The great outpouring of love and light in every parish and community over the past few days is a clear sign of God's love and generosity. No one can take that away from us.
 
 
 
  Sunday
Jan-16
It is fair to say that we were all deeply sickened, shocked, angry and scared by the shocking murder of Ashling Murphy in Tullamore on Wednesday afternoon. How could a young teacher out for a quick run in beautiful sunshine end up with her life brutally taken from her?

It is truly beyond words. We continuously hear of tragic and shocking stories. They register with us but don't really impact on us because they are elsewhere. But Ashling's death has shattered that. We have been bowled over wondering how could such a tragedy happen? How could such a beautiful talented young woman's life end so tragically?

Many women have shared their fear and anxiety of being out and about alone. They have honestly shared about not feeling safe. Everyone has a right to be safe and feel safe. Has this been robbed from us forever?

Conversations have started with great momentum on how women need to be treated so much better, with respect and with love. So many men are also totally horrified and shocked by what has happened to Ashling. We need to stand up so much more and call out on misogyny and violence against women. We can't give up. The right to be safe and feel safe will always be a priority. It has to be.

But right now the most important priority is to remember Ashling with love. We pray for her heartbroken family, her Mum and Dad, Kathleen and Raymond, her brother Cathal, her sister Amy and all her extended family. May God give them comfort and strenth to cope with this terrible ordeal. May Ashling's gentle and beautiful soul rest in peace.
 
 
 
  Saturday
Jan-15
It is fair to say that we were all deeply sickened, shocked, angry and scared by the shocking murder of Ashling Murphy in Tullamore on Wednesday afternoon. How could a young teacher out for a quick run in beautiful sunshine end up with her life brutally taken from her?

It is truly beyond words. We continuously hear of tragic and shocking stories. They register with us but don't really impact on us because they are elsewhere. But Ashling's death has shattered that. We have been bowled over wondering how could such a tragedy happen? How could such a beautiful talented young woman's life end so tragically?

Many women have shared their fear and anxiety of being out and about alone. They have honestly shared about not feeling safe. Everyone has a right to be safe and feel safe. Has this been robbed from us forever?

Conversations have started with great momentum on how women need to be treated so much better, with respect and with love. So many men are also totally horrified and shocked by what has happened to Ashling. We need to stand up so much more and call out on misogyny and violence against women. We can't give up. The right to be safe and feel safe will always be a priority. It has to be.

But right now the most important priority is to remember Ashling with love. We pray for her heartbroken family, her Mum and Dad, Kathleen and Raymond, her brother Cathal, her sister Amy and all her extended family. May God give them comfort and strenth to cope with this terrible ordeal. May Ashling's gentle and beautiful soul rest in peace.
 
 
 
  Friday
Jan-14
It is fair to say that we were all deeply sickened, shocked, angry and scared by the shocking murder of Ashling Murphy in Tullamore on Wednesday afternoon. How could a young teacher out for a quick run in beautiful sunshine end up with her life brutally taken from her?

It is truly beyond words. We continuously hear of tragic and shocking stories. They register with us but don't really impact on us because they are elsewhere. But Ashling's death has shattered that. We have been bowled over wondering how could such a tragedy happen? How could such a beautiful talented young woman's life end so tragically?

Many women have shared their fear and anxiety of being out and about alone. They have honestly shared about not feeling safe. Everyone has a right to be safe and feel safe. Has this been robbed from us forever?

Conversations have started with great momentum on how women need to be treated so much better, with respect and with love. So many men are also totally horrified and shocked by what has happened to Ashling. We need to stand up so much more and call out on misogyny and violence against women. We can't give up. The right to be safe and feel safe will always be a priority. It has to be.

But right now the most important priority is to remember Ashling with love. We pray for her heartbroken family, her Mum and Dad, Kathleen and Raymond, her brother Cathal, her sister Amy and all her extended family. May God give them comfort and strenth to cope with this terrible ordeal. May Ashling's gentle and beautiful soul rest in peace.
 
 
 
  Thursday
Jan-13
Thought For The Week

'It is with the smallest brushes that the artist paints the most exquisitely beautiful pictures' ~Andre Bessette

We all have our own favourite painting hanging up at home. We may have got it as a gift but the chances are high that you bought it and you did so because it caught your eye and imagination. Lots of brushes are used to create each painting but it's the smallest ones that bring out the finer details.

The same goes with all we do in life. Big sweeping changes and big life changing events in life are rare. It might be tempting to try something big at the start of a new year. But God always invites us to work with the smallest of brushes. We have lots of colours to choose from. It's with all the small bits and pieces put together that God creates something special. That masterpiece is you.

It is the very same with the feast of the baptism of Jesus, which we celebrated at the weekend. We tend to think of our baptism as just a once off event, we know it's a big box ticked and once ticked we don't have to return to it anymore.

But the effects of our baptism last a lifetime. Our baptism is lived out each day. It is like an artist working with the smallest of brushes. It's the small brushes that bring out the finer details. Our baptism brings out the best in us. They all add up into something really special.
 
 
 
  Wednesday
Jan-12
Thought For The Week

'It is with the smallest brushes that the artist paints the most exquisitely beautiful pictures' ~Andre Bessette

We all have our own favourite painting hanging up at home. We may have got it as a gift but the chances are high that you bought it and you did so because it caught your eye and imagination. Lots of brushes are used to create each painting but it's the smallest ones that bring out the finer details.

The same goes with all we do in life. Big sweeping changes and big life changing events in life are rare. It might be tempting to try something big at the start of a new year. But God always invites us to work with the smallest of brushes. We have lots of colours to choose from. It's with all the small bits and pieces put together that God creates something special. That masterpiece is you.

It is the very same with the feast of the baptism of Jesus, which we celebrated at the weekend. We tend to think of our baptism as just a once off event, we know it's a big box ticked and once ticked we don't have to return to it anymore.

But the effects of our baptism last a lifetime. Our baptism is lived out each day. It is like an artist working with the smallest of brushes. It's the small brushes that bring out the finer details. Our baptism brings out the best in us. They all add up into something really special.
 
 
 
  Tuesday
Jan-11
Thought For The Week

'It is with the smallest brushes that the artist paints the most exquisitely beautiful pictures' ~Andre Bessette

We all have our own favourite painting hanging up at home. We may have got it as a gift but the chances are high that you bought it and you did so because it caught your eye and imagination. Lots of brushes are used to create each painting but it's the smallest ones that bring out the finer details.

The same goes with all we do in life. Big sweeping changes and big life changing events in life are rare. It might be tempting to try something big at the start of a new year. But God always invites us to work with the smallest of brushes. We have lots of colours to choose from. It's with all the small bits and pieces put together that God creates something special. That masterpiece is you.

It is the very same with the feast of the baptism of Jesus, which we celebrated at the weekend. We tend to think of our baptism as just a once off event, we know it's a big box ticked and once ticked we don't have to return to it anymore.

But the effects of our baptism last a lifetime. Our baptism is lived out each day. It is like an artist working with the smallest of brushes. It's the small brushes that bring out the finer details. Our baptism brings out the best in us. They all add up into something really special.
 
 
 
  Monday
Jan-10
Thought For The Week

'It is with the smallest brushes that the artist paints the most exquisitely beautiful pictures' ~Andre Bessette

We all have our own favourite painting hanging up at home. We may have got it as a gift but the chances are high that you bought it and you did so because it caught your eye and imagination. Lots of brushes are used to create each painting but it's the smallest ones that bring out the finer details.

The same goes with all we do in life. Big sweeping changes and big life changing events in life are rare. It might be tempting to try something big at the start of a new year. But God always invites us to work with the smallest of brushes. We have lots of colours to choose from. It's with all the small bits and pieces put together that God creates something special. That masterpiece is you.

It is the very same with the feast of the baptism of Jesus, which we celebrated yesterday. We tend to think of our baptism as just a once off event, we know it's a big box ticked and once ticked we don't have to return to it anymore.

But the effects of our baptism last a lifetime. Our baptism is lived out each day. It is like an artist working with the smallest of brushes. It's the small brushes that bring out the finer details. Our baptism brings out the best in us. They all add up into something really special.
 
 
 
  Sunday
Jan-09
The following reflection is printed this week in the Millstreet Parish Newsletter

My life is a gift given, not in years, but a day at a time.
Today is the day the Lord has made for me, and he planned it to be the most important day of my life.
Yesterday is gone, never to return.
I must not worry about it, but leave it in the hands of God.
Tomorrow and all it holds is God's secret.
Only today is mine.
Each day, arranged by God with infinite wisdom and goodness is God's gift.
It is God's act of love for me.
In thanksgiving I will offer God every day the gift of myself,
my prayer, works, joys and sufferings.
Dear God, receive them graciously.
 
 
 
  Saturday
Jan-08
Thought For The Week

Last Thursday we celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany. The story of the wise men is fascinating. Like a jigsaw we only have a few of the pieces but we can still put together a very interesting picture of their story. The Epiphany is celebrated all over the world and yet their feast day (January 6th) comes at a time when most people are taking down their Christmas decorations!

Yes we know some bits about their story and there is also so much more we don't know too. This adds to the mystery of the Magi and the reason why of their visit. I admire their sense of adventure, determination, courage, bravery and their willingness to take a risk.

I am fully convinced their story has a message for all of us too especially during these difficult and challenging times that is Covid 19. They remind us that light is always stronger than darkness and to never give up when life gets challenging. They went home by a different route reminding us that it's good to try something different too in life, whatever that may be for us.
 
 
 
  Friday
Jan-07
Thought For The Week

Yesterday we celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany. The story of the wise men is fascinating. Like a jigsaw we only have a few of the pieces but we can still put together a very interesting picture of their story. The Epiphany is celebrated all over the world and yet their feast day (January 6th) comes at a time when most people are taking down their Christmas decorations!

Yes we know some bits about their story and there is also so much more we don't know too. This adds to the mystery of the Magi and the reason why of their visit. I admire their sense of adventure, determination, courage, bravery and their willingness to take a risk.

I am fully convinced their story has a message for all of us too especially during these difficult and challenging times that is Covid 19. They remind us that light is always stronger than darkness and to never give up when life gets challenging. They went home by a different route reminding us that it's good to try something different too in life, whatever that may be for us.
 
 
 
  Thursday
Jan-06
The story of the wise men is fascinating. Like a jigsaw we only have a few of the pieces but we can still put together a very interesting picture of their story. The Epiphany is celebrated all over the world and yet their feast day (January 6th) comes at a time when most people are taking down their Christmas decorations! It's fair to say that story of the three wise men gets a bit lost.

Yes we know some bits about their story and there is also so much more we don't know too. This adds to the mystery of the Magi and the reason why of their visit. I admire their sense of adventure, determination, courage, bravery and their willingness to take a risk.

I am fully convinced their story has a message for all of us too especially during these difficult and challenging times that is Covid 19. They remind us that light is always stronger than darkness and to never give up when life gets challenging. They went home by a different route reminding us that it's good to try something different too in life, whatever that may be for us. Happy Nollaig na Mban
 
 
 
  Wednesday
Jan-05
A Prayer Blessing for the New Year

Loving God, thank you for this New Year. It is a time of new beginnings and a time too for letting go of old stuff that I don't need to carry forward in my life.

As we all know new year resolutions come and go but your love for me is everlasting and it is constantly steady. As I start the new year may I be a person of light, hope and love.

May I have the strength and courage to be myself and to welcome each day as a new beginning.
May I be kind to others, but particularly may I be kind and gentle with myself.

Loving God, as we start the new year with hope and perhaps some anxiety, may we find your compassion, healing and strength. Give us breath and depth to everything we do. In a world where may things are trivial and shallow, give me something more constant and meaningful.

Finally, bless me, my family and those special in my life. May my new year be filled with peace, blessings and love. Amen
 
 
 
  Monday
Jan-03
A Prayer Blessing for the New Year

Loving God, thank you for this New Year. It is a time of new beginnings and a time too for letting go of old stuff that I don't need to carry forward in my life.

As we all know new year resolutions come and go but your love for me is everlasting and it is constantly steady. As I start the new year may I be a person of light, hope and love.

May I have the strength and courage to be myself and to welcome each day as a new beginning.
May I be kind to others, but particularly may I be kind and gentle with myself.

Loving God, as we start the new year with hope and perhaps some anxiety, may we find your compassion, healing and strength. Give us breath and depth to everything we do. In a world where may things are trivial and shallow, give me something more constant and meaningful.

Finally, bless me, my family and those special in my life. May my new year be filled with peace, blessings and love. Amen
 
 
 
  Saturday
Jan-01
A Prayer Blessing for the New Year

Loving God, thank you for this New Year. It is a time of new beginnings and a time too for letting go of old stuff that I don't need to carry forward in my life.

As we all know new year resolutions come and go but your love for me is everlasting and it is constantly steady. As I start the new year may I be a person of light, hope and love.

May I have the strength and courage to be myself and to welcome each day as a new beginning.
May I be kind to others, but particularly may I be kind and gentle with myself.

Loving God, as we start the new year with hope and perhaps some anxiety, may we find your compassion, healing and strength. Give us breath and depth to everything we do. In a world where may things are trivial and shallow, give me something more constant and meaningful.

Finally, bless me, my family and those special in my life. May my new year be filled with peace, blessings and love. Amen
 
 

 
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