| 33 RD SUNDAY YEAR C
18 TH NOVEMBER 2007
D: Good morning. Today we ask “Do we trust in God, even in the middle of desperate situations? I suppose in recent times we only have to think of the war in Iraq . the Sunami, famine situations around the world, the mistreatment of women , men and children.
B: I guess these situations do bring up a lot of questions for us. Our Word of Life for today comes from St. Luke’s Gospel:
“When you hear of wars and revolutions do not be frightened. Your endurance will win you your lives”.
And I suppose there will always be times when what seems to be stable and secure in our lives gives way. Who would ever have imagined that the magnificent temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed or again who would ever have imagined that the World Trade Centre would be destroyed .
D: Yeah, these unnatural atrocities remind us of our vulnerability and we find it hard to fathom the depth of evil to which the human heart can plummet. But of course we also know that the human heart can soar to great heights. When I see the heroism, endurance and skill of rescue workers and great people in our world, it reminds me that if such good qualities are present in humans, how much more they are in God – the source of all that is good.
B: Can you think of times in your life when you experienced pain and suffering or witnessed pain and suffering that may have caused you to question your faith?
Many good people loose their faith when they see pain and suffering in the world. But Jesus calls on his followers to endure in spite of the horror and suffering. If we had all the answers our faith would not have to endure. But because the questions are still with us we pray for an enduring faith.
D: Our reflection this morning is called “The Deer’s Cry”. It’s a prayer of hope in the midst of difficult situations. It’s also known as St. Patrick’s breastplate.
(MUSIC………… 0:43 – 2:05 )
I arise today
Through Gods strength to pilot me
God’s eye to look before me
God’s wisdom to guide me
God’s way to lie before me
God’s shield to protect me
From all who wish me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone and in a multitude
Against every cruel merciless power
That may oppose my body and soul………. (1 minute 15 seconds)
D: That little piece from The Deer’s Cry is taken from Shaun Davy’s album called The Pilgrim.
When we do find it hard to trust in God,
Here is a saying or a little MANTRA you could say to yourself or outloud a few times a day
TRUST….SURRENDER…BELIEVE….RECEIVE……
TRUST….SURRENDER…BELIEVE….RECEIVE…… . TRUST….SURRENDER…BELIEVE….RECEIVE……….......
You’ve been listening to ‘Just a thought’ with David Bracken
B: And Brenda Cribbin. We can be contacted through the Limerick Diocesan Offices at Henry Street.
D: We look forward to your company again next week, so in the mean time, take care
B&S: Byeee……
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