23 rd April, 2006

Second Sunday of Easter - Year B

S: Good morning - the question of faith is the question of today’s Gospel, where we hear the story of the doubting Thomas.

B: Sometimes people get upset when others express doubts about what they believe, but Jesus accepts the doubts of Thomas and through that experience he comes to believe that Jesus is risen from the dead with the words “My Lord and my God”.

S: I guess we all have our own doubts from time to time and we shouldn’t really get disheartened by them. If anything they help us in the development of our faith.

B: Sometimes you see people going through some really rough patches and they manage to keep it together, and this can often be helped by talking to a friend, so don’t be afraid to talk to friends about your doubts - if they are true friends like Jesus they will accept your doubts and listen to you.

S: I guess what all of this is saying to me is that God is present even in the midst of great doubt. I’d like to read a little reflection this morning, it’s really saying that God is present in every human situation.

Our first task in approaching another people,

another culture, another religion,

is to take off our shoes,

for the place we are approaching is holy.

Else we may find ourselves treading on another’s dream.

More serious still, we may forget ...

that God was there before our arrival.

B: Just a reminder that the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, which leaves Shannon on the 21 st June, is still taking bookings. If you are interested in going the fare is €628 and bookings are on a first come first served basis. To book your place you can contact the Social Services Centre on 061 314111.

S: Finally, please remember to get the money from your Trocaire boxes to your local churches as soon as you can. The contribution made by the Limerick diocese last year was well up on the previous year and they hope to at least match last years contribution which was over €300,000. As you may be aware the proceeds of this years Lenten campaign are going to help children caught up in slave labour, particularly in Nicaragua. Also you may not be aware that Trocaire through various Government grants can match every euro you donate with another euro, so every €10 you donate becomes €20 for Trocaire! Please be generous.

B. You’ve been listening to “Just a thought” with Brenda Cribbin

S: and Seamus Madigan. We can be contacted through the Limerick Diocesan Offices at 66 O’ Connell Street or by e-mailing smadigan@limerickdiocese.org. If you would like your own copy of this reflection you can download it by clicking on limerickdiocese.org

B: We look forward to your company again next week, so take care…..

S& B: Bye ………

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