4 th SUNDAY – YEAR A

30 TH JANUARY 2005

S: Good morning, today we’re on about peace and gentleness in the context of the Beatitudes.

B: Our word of life for today comes from the beatitudes “Happy are the peacemakers” “Happy the gentle” – and you know peace and gentleness are definitely something we need more of in our world, or rather they are qualities that need to be highlighted more in our world – there is plenty of peace, gentleness and goodness but we just don’t hear about it.

S: Each of the Beatitudes deals with a different aspect of human life. To make peace and offer reconciliation requires firmness of character when the easier option is to lose one’s temper, cause a row and exact revenge. If we are courageous enough to stand our ground and uphold a friend’s reputation that is being torn to shreds, then we know what hungering and thirsting for justice is all about.

B: While meekness and gentleness might not help us climb the ladder of success in the workplace, we can really witness the strength of the gentle, and the patience of the meek, in compassionate carers who devote endless hours to looking after the elderly and the sick at home and in hospital. We find God wherever people are treated with courtesy, respect and kindness. And isn’t it interesting that all the promises in the Beatitudes are in the future tense, that even now, those suffering misfortune belong to God’s kingdom.

Blessed are the poor in spirit – theirs is the kingdom of heaven

S: Our reflection this morning is taken from the Desiderata:

Go Placidly amid the noise and haste

And remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible be on good terms with all people.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others,

Even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,

And whatever your labours and aspirations

In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham and drudgery and broken dreams,

It is still a beautiful world.

Be careful. Strive to be happy.

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. . Remember you can also print out your own copy of this thought by clicking on www.limerickdiocese.org

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

S & B: Bye……….

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