20 th February 2005
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT – YEAR A
S: Good morning today on the 2 nd Sunday of Lent we’re on about courage – courage to listen and to see God’s work at hand in everything around us.
B: Our word of life for today comes from Matthews Gospel “ Be not afraid” – this phrase is repeated hundreds of times in the Gospel but in today’s context Jesus says this at the transfiguration, telling Peter, James and John not to be afraid when they saw Jesus in a very different light. It was almost like Heaven and Earth touched in a very unique way and their experience was both frightening and amazing.
S: So much so in fact that they wanted to stay up the mountain with Jesus – but Jesus lets them know very quickly that we can’t always stay with the high experiences of life. So we have to come back down from the mountain to the reality of everyday living.
B: The experience of being at the mountain top is amazing. And I guess that’s why it not surprising that many places of pilgrimage are on mountain tops. We only have to think of our own Croagh Patrick. This instinct, to climb the mountain, you will find all over the world in all different faiths. And while we need these high points in our lives we know that it is the repetitive tasks of rising, working and caring that makes all the difference. Our faithfulness & commitment down the mountain counts. God does notice and I’m sure he is well pleased.
S: Our reflection this morning is called “Thank You, Lord”
I guess it reminds us that when we have a special experience where we feel close to God – sometimes all we can say is ‘Thanks’.
I marvel at the splendour that surrounds me,
The beauty that expands from the sky to sea.
Oh, God, how can I ever start to thank You
For all the wondrous things you have given to me.
I thank you Lord for trees that grace the woodland,
For every growing thing that’s bright and fair.
For mountains high and every golden meadow,
For wherever there is beauty, You are there.
I see the stars, I feel the sun,
Your majesty spreads far and wide.
I see the light, I feel your love,
I am safe because You’re at my side.
I thank you, Lord, for many countless blessings,
For promises and answers to my prayer.
I never want or fear because you love me,
Dearest Lord, because I know You truly care.
B: Before we go I would just like to let you know of two events which are happening in the coming week. In the Pastoral Centre there is a “Twilight Retreat for Teachers next Wednesday 23 rd February from 7.30 to 10pm. And next Saturday 26 th February there is a day of training for new Eucharistic Ministers in the Woodlands House Hotel, Adare, from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Booking is essential and further details can be got from the Limerick Diocesan Pastoral Centre on 061 400133.
S: You’ve been listening to "Just a thought" with Seamus Madigan...
B: and Brenda Cribbin. We can be contacted through the Limerick Diocesan Offices at 66 O’Connell Street. If you would like a copy of this reflection you can download it by clicking on www.limerickdiocese.org
S: We look forward to your company next week, so in the mean-time take care...
S & B: Bye………….
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