12th Sunday – Year A
19th June 2005

S: Good morning today’s we’re on about trust.

B: Our word of life for today comes from Matthew’s Gospel, “do not be afraid”. This is the most commonly used phrase of Jesus in the Gospels. And he was obviously aware that fear is a big factor in all our lives and isn’t it the same today. We’re afraid of many things – that our families will fall apart, of losing our jobs, of not having enough, we’re afraid of being robbed or assaulted, of getting sick especially maybe cancer we fear death, our own or that of a loved one – so fear is a very real part of our lives.

S: I don’t know if you’ve ever been part of a Trust Walk or even know what it is. It’s where people are split into pairs – one of the couple is blindfolded and the other leads them around an obstacle course. The person who is blindfolded has to put their complete trust in the person who is leading and the exercise brings to the fore all sorts of fears or anxieties. Jesus this morning invites us to put our complete trust in him – not to be afraid – that he will lead us along life’s obstacle course.

B: Recently the Arch-Bishop of Dublin Dr. Diarmuid Martin launched a new yellow and white wristband with the words “Be not Afraid” written on it. This band is the brain child of Daniel Philbin Bowman the son of the late Jonathan Philbin Bowman. Arch- Bishop Martin said that he was delighted that the Dublin Diocese was able to support this project and congratulated Daniel on his initiative and perseverance in bringing this project to fruition. Daniel is in Transition Year and was so touched by the final journey of Pope John Paul II and his motto “Be not Afraid” that he decided to organize these bands in aid of charity. The proceeds of the charity are going to The Irish Red Cross for their project in Darfur and to the ‘Turning the tide of Suicide’ organization. Diarmuid Martin said at the launch of the bands: “I have great belief in the energy and the goodness of young people and in their capacity to change society for the better. Well done to all involved, and hopefully we will see those wrist-bands here in Limerick fairly soon.

S: Now our reflection this morning is “A Prayer Before an Operation”,
and we dedicate it to anyone who may be in hospital at this time.

O God, You understand my feelings at this moment: You know my fears
And my nervousness: You know the thoughts that I cannot put into words.

I thank you for all the skill and wisdom of the surgeon, the
Anesthetist and the nursing staff. Give them your strength during all
Their work today, and help me to place myself in their hands.

I now place myself confidently in your loving hands, knowing that
Nothing can separate me from your love in Christ Jesus.
Like my saviour long ago, I say to you, ‘Father into your hands
I commit myself … may your will be done.

B: Before we go this morning we would like to wish a Happy Fathers Day to all the dads and grand-dads who may be listening. Have a good day!!!

S: You’ve been listening to "Just a thought" with Seamus Madigan...

B: and Brenda Cribbin. We can be contacted by e-mail on smadigan@limerickdiocese.org. If you would like your own copy of this reflection you can download it by clicking on www.limerickdiocese.org
Or we can be contacted through the Limerick Diocesan Offices at 66 O’Connell Street.

S: We look forward to your company next week, so take care...
S & B: Bye

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