Welcome to the Parish of Magheralin Parish Priest:  Fr. Feidhlimidh Magennis - Mobile:  07702665123. Fr Shajan CC   Tel 02892611347 or Mob: 07780087445. Parish email - e-mail on - magheralinparish@dromorediocese.org - Click on link or copy & paste or type it into your browser. Parish Office - Telephone & answering machine - 02892 617435 Parish Office Opening Hours for personal contact - Wednesday's 10.30 am to 1.00 pm.  You can also put your requests in the incoming mail post box situated on the eastern wall of the parish hall above the bottom of the entrance ramp. Bulletin notices may be placed by Tuesday night in this post box. All notices must be signed and have a contact number attached. Dromore Diocese Charity Commission No:  NIC105046 Sunday 5th February 2023 - Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A.   Responsorial Psalm 115. The good man is a light in the darkness for the upright. First Reading. First Reading  Isaiah 58:7-10. Genuine worship of God is shown forth in the practice of justice and concern for the poor and the needy. Second Reading. Second  Reading Corinthians 2:1-5. The success of the Gospel doesn't depend on human cleverness but on the power of God. Gospel Acclamation. Alleluia, alleluia. I am the light of the world, says the Lord, anyone who follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia! Gospel. In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses two metaphors to describe his disciples  ‘Salt -Light. Jesus said to his disciples, ‘you are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world’ In the ancient world, salt was one of the most important necessities of life, especially preserving and seasoning . Please note that Mass will be live streamed from Magheralin Church at 11.00am each Sunday. This stream can be accessed from the Parish of Magheralin Facebook page by clicking on or copying or typing the link below into your browser:- https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Religious-Organization/The-Parish-of-Magheralin-991714407531552/ St. Patrick's  & St Ronan's Magheralin Mass Times  Celebrations / Anniversaries Saturday 4th February 2023 - Vigil Mass 6.00 pm Owen & Rose Lavery. Sunday 5th February 2023 - Morning Mass 11.00 am Tara Conalty. Tom & Bridget McCullagh.  Monday 6th February 2023 - Morning Mass. 9.15 am. Wednesday 8th February 2023  - Morning Mass. 9.15 am. Saturday 11th February 2023 - Vigil Mass 6.00 pm Sunday 12th February 2023 - Morning Mass 11.00 am. Maura Heaney. Sammy Gowdy. St. Colman's Kilwarlin Mass Times  Celebrations / Anniversaries Sunday 5th February 2023 - Morning Mass 9.30 am Raymond Lavery. Tuesday 7th February 2023 - Morning Mass 9.00 am. Thursday 9th February 2023 - Morning Mass. 9.00 am Sunday 12th February 2023 - Morning Mass 9.30 am Annette Creaney. Sacrament of Penance Church duty for next weekend 11th & 12th February. Minister's of the Word   Readers Saturday 6.00 pm. Vigil Mass, Magheralin Church. Shauneen Boyle. Sunday 11.00 am Morning Mass, Magheralin Church.  Grainne Wilson. Sunday 9.30 am Morning Mass. Kilwarlin Church  Neil Colgan Minister's of the Eucharist Vigil Mass 6.00 pm Magheralin Church Gerard Brown. Sunday 11.00 am Magheralin Church Caitriona Hughes. Morning Mass. Sunday 9.30 am Kilwarlin Church Caroline Henderson. Offertory Collection Last  Week. Envelope Collection    805.50 Loose Plate                  182.35 Standing Orders           521.08 Total Collection     £1,508.93 Recently Deceased. Cecilia Garziano.. May she rest in peace. (Saints Patrick Ronan and Colman Pray for her). Offertory Gifts Procession. The offertory procession is that part of the Mass where members of the congregation present gifts of bread and wine to the priest at the altar. It symbolises the wish of the people to participate fully in the Eucharist. If you would like to take part in the procession, perhaps at an anniversary Mass for a loved one, please note your name and date of the Mass at which you wish to participate on the sheets in the porch of the Church. The children preparing for First Holy Communion will sometimes also be involved and we welcome this as part of their ‘Grow in Love’’ programme. Saint Brigid's Cross. The St Brigid’s Cross, in legend used by Brigid to explain the Christian faith, remains a popular sign of God’s protection. Crosses will be available at all the Masses this weekend, and at Magheralin on Monday morning and Kilwarlin on Tuesday morning. Crosses are free, but if you wish to make a voluntary donation to the Parish Building Fund, that is very welcome as always. Wednesday 8th February.  International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking.  ‘‘Human Trafficking: A crime against humanity, a scourge upon the body of Christ.’’ Pope Francis, 2014. Faith / Friendship. ( Moira Methodist Church ). Thursday 9th Feb 2023 @ 8.00pm. Word Day of the Sick. Saturday 11th February  2023 - Our Lady of Lourdes. In 1858 from February the 11th until July 16th the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared 18 times to a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous. Prayer for World Day of the Sick. O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you. Health of the sick….We seek refuge under your protection. O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas-we who are put to the test and deliver us from every danger O glorious and blessed Virgin. (Pope Francis). Dromore Diocesan Lourdes 50th Jubilee Pilgrimage 2023. The Dromore diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 17 May - 22 May 2023.  Cost is £750.00.  This includes general insurance cover (to include Covid 19), transport to/from airports, full board accommodation, a programme of ceremonies in Lourdes and assistance of travel agent representatives. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic we will not be using the hospital accommodation (Accueil) in Lourdes and will therefore be unable to support an assisted section in 2023.  This means we will not have support from doctors, nurses and volunteers as we had pre pandemic. There is only 1 aircraft (189 seats), and bookings will be accepted on first come basis.  This means a properly completed booking form and deposit (£150) (non-refundable) must be submitted to secure booking.  If you are interested in travelling to Lourdes as a pilgrim in May 2023, please contact Oliver McKeown (07759 033276) as soon as possible.  Bookings will close on Friday 10 February 2023 (or earlier if 189 reached before that). NI Cancer Pilgrimage To Lourdes - Sunday 28th May to Friday 2nd June 2023 The price of £799 ( with price reduction for Cancer Patients) will include; return flights from Belfast International Airport, operated by Northern Star Travel Ltd. Full board and accommodation at the Hotel Agena in Lourdes for five nights based on twin/double/triple rooms. Service of JWT guides in Lourdes. The party will consist of patients, ex-patients, relatives and friends accompanied by medical, nursing and other staff. To enquire or to obtain a booking form, please speak to a member of the committee on Tel 07874688388 or email - mail@nicancerpilgrimage.org.uk Pope’s Intention for February 2023. For parishes: We pray that parishes, placing communion at the centre, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those in need. St Patrick’s Indoor Bowling Club - Magheralin. Donation of £400.00 paid to the Parish The above club is asking anyone interested in playing bowls to get in touch . We play in the Parish Hall on Thursday evenings from 7.00pm onwards. Instruction will be given to newcomers. Men / Women welcome. Contact; Mona Byrne 02838324500 or Anne Byrne 02838322461. Little Ducklings Parent & Toddler Group. The Group meets on Tuesdays 10.30am-12.15pm in St Patrick’s Parish Hall. Any queries please contact Group Leader Joanne Hanna on 07925999609. All Welcome. Mass from Magheralin Church on U-Tube.The Sunday Morning Mass from Magheralin Church can be viewed on U-Tube via the Parish Facebook page by typing or copying and pasting the link below into your browser:- https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Religious-Organization/The-Parish-of-Magheralin-991714407531552/ Viewing Masses on Parish Webcams. To view where and when daily & weekend Masses can be viewed on church webcams, please go to the links page on this website and click on the appropriate links for the adjoining parishes. Mass Broadcasts in Magheralin Parish. Vigil Mass Sat 6.00pm - via Parish Radio. Sunday Mass at 11.00am live, also on Parish Face Book Page, see link above. Mass is also broadcast via the Parish Radio on Sunday morning Weekday Morning Mass Monday 9.15am, broadcast  via the Parish Radio. Marriages or Baptisms. For Baptisms & Weddings please contact the parish office by telephone on 02892617435 or by email at - magheralinparish@dromorediocese.org or call in to the sacristy at either church before or after Mass. Please note that Baptisms can take place on either Saturday or Sunday in Saints Patrick & Ronan's Church Magheralin at 12.00 noon. Booking Anniversary Masses. Please note that Anniversary Masses for the deceased should be booked using the new Anniversary Request Envelope.  Indicate the date and one of the Mass times when you wish the Mass to be said. These envelopes should be left into the parish office  or the parish office post box, or they can be put into the collection baskets at the weekend Masses. They should be in the Parish Office on a Wednesday morning two weeks before the date of the anniversary to ensure that they are included in the relevant bulletin. Thank You. Offertory Promise -  Envelopes. Anyone requiring envelopes for the first time, please leave your name, address & postcode and telephone number in the sacristy or place in an envelope and put it into the collection basket at the weekend masses.  Alternatively send an email to  the parish office magheralinparish@dromorediocese.org). We would appreciate being informed of any changes in names or addresses so that our parish records can be updated. You can also pay your weekly offering by standing order so please let us know if you wish to use this method which is simple to set up. The Offertory Promise envelopes and Gift Aid are the two main sources of income in the parish. We thank all those who contribute regularly and generously to the needs of the parish through the envelopes, direct debit or loose plate. Envelopes can be returned to the Parochial House Kilwarlin or placed before the start of Mass in the baskets in the back of both churches. The Parish of Magheralin Facebook Page. A Facebook page for the parish has been set up under the name - "The Parish of Magheralin" Click on or Copy & Paste or Type the link below into your browser.  https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Religious-Organization/The-Parish-of-Magheralin-991714407531552/

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Prayers & Reflections.

Reflection - Let your light shine.
The most important thing about each of us is our capacity for goodness. We can be a source of light. We have hands that can care, eyes that can see, ears that can hear, tongues that can speak, feet that can walk and above all hearts that can love.
Unfortunately, through laziness, selfishness, and cowardice our light can be dimmed, so that we become shadows of the people we could be. Lord, help us to believe in our goodness, and to let the light of goodness shine. On seeing this light others find their way, and you will be glorified.
(Flor McCarthy SDB).

Reflection.
The world today needs Christians who remain Christian.
(Albert Camus). 

Prayer - House Blessing.
O Lord make this house a home. May love dwell deep within its walls, and may peace and harmony reign.
May all who enter its doors, find comfort, solace and friendship.

Reflection - The Beatitudes.
The Beatitudes are the badges of a true disciple of Christ.
They are the mark of a child of God.
They make us rich in the sight of God.
They open our minds and hearts to a new way of seeing and judging.
They give us a whole new set of bearings.
The things the Beatitudes stand for are very beautiful and very precious.
Things such as peace, goodness, joy and love, gentleness, compassion, mercy, integrity ….
A person who lives according to the Beatitudes is already living in the kingdom of heaven.
Eternal life will merely be the full blossoming of a plant that is green with life.
(Flor McCarthy SDB)

Reflection - Healing the wounds of the heart.
All of us are wounded by sin.
The part of us which is deeply damaged by sin is the heart. The heart is so beautiful, so innocent, but it can be betrayed, scorned and broken. Darkness of heart is the blackest night of all. Emptiness of heart is the greatest poverty of all. A heavy heart is the most wearisome burden of all. A broken heart is the most painful wound of all. Only love can heal the wounds of the heart.
Lord send your Holy Spirit to us, to heal the wounds of our hearts so that we may produce the fruits of love.
Flor McCarthy SDB.

New Year Prayer.
Thank you Lord for giving me the brand new year ahead. Help me live the way I should as each new day I tread. Give me gentle wisdom that I may help a friend. Give me strength and courage so a shoulder I might lend. The year ahead is empty, help me fill it with good things, each new day filled with the joy and happiness it brings.
Amen.

Reflection.
I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year. Give me light that I may tread safely into the unknown! And he replied: ‘Go  out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God, That shall  be to you better than light and safer than a known way.’
Minnie Louise Haskins (1875-1957).
As Christians we are called to imitate Mary, our mother and model. We are called to say ‘‘yes’’ to God’s plan for us, wherever it may lead. Pray for the strength to say ‘‘yes’’ to God in your life.

Reflection. A reed in the wind.
John the Baptist was no reed swaying in the wind. A reed swaying in the wind is a symbol of those who are easily influenced, who go along with whatever is popular, and who have no convictions of their own. But the humble reed can teach us something. The fact that it is light means that it is at the mercy of every wind that blows. But it has great strength to. The greatest storm cannot uproot it. Even when giants oaks come crushing down, the slender reed still stands secure. Lord, teach us that there is strength in weakness and suppleness, and give us the wisdom to know when to bend and when to stand firm.
(Flor McCarthy,SDB)

Prayer - Light up our Lives.
Christ, come into our world of darkness , light up our lives with your coming.
Fulfil all our longings with the joy of your birth.
Strengthen our resolve to work for change in our world and to share the hope of your birth that each Advent brings.
(Sr Bridgetta Rooney).

Reflection.
I am neither an optimist nor a pessimist, I just carry hope in my heart. Hope is not a feeling of certainty that everything ends well. Hope is just a feeling that life and work have a meaning.
(Vaclav Havel)

Blessing.
The Lord, bless us and watch over us: the Lord make his face shine upon us and be gracious to us: the Lord look kindly on us and give us peace.

Reflection - The victory of Love.
On the cross Jesus endured insults and mockery. Yet his heart remained open, even to his enemies. He absorbed all the violence, transformed it, and returned it as love and forgiveness. One’s pain can easily turn into rage so that one wants only to lash out blindly at whoever happens to be within range. From the depths of his own pain, Jesus reached out to comfort the thief. Some people are like sugar cane; even when crushed in the mill, what they yield is sweetness . Jesus stretches our capacity for compassion. He challenges our idea of love. Each of us has a great capacity for love. The pity is that it is often goes unused. By our love people will know that we are followers of Christ the King.
(Flor McCarthy SDB)

Reflection.
If we can say, ‘I’m a sinner’ with conviction and humility, we are very close to God. I’m old enough to know that I am no better than others.’ 
(Carlo Carretto).

Reflection.
I am neither a man of letters nor of science, but I humbly claim to be a man of prayer. It is prayer that has saved my life .Without it I would have lost my reason long ago. If I did not lose my peace of soul, in the midst of many trials, it is because of the peace that came to me through prayer. One can live several days without food but not without prayer. Prayer is the key to each morning and the lock to each evening. It is a sacred alliance between God and us.. Let everyone try the experience, and they will find that daily prayer will add something new to their lives, something which cannot be found elsewhere.
(Mahatma Gandhi)

Reflection: Gratitude.
Once there was a young man who never thought of donating blood. But then his father got very ill and was hospitalized. One day the son was sitting by his father’s bedside and he was getting a blood transfusion. As he watched the blood flowing into his father’s veins, he suddenly realised that someone had donated the blood that was keeping his father alive. Straight away he made up his mind to become a blood donor and he was as good as his word. Many are willing to avail of the generosity of others, but few are willing to give something back. This is why gratitude is important. It makes us want to give something back.
(Flor McCarthy SDB)

Reflection.
We write in sand the benefits we receive.
But the injuries we write in marble.
(Thomas More). 

Reflection.
Do not be afraid. Let his power of truth and love enliven every aspect of your existence. 

Reflection: Towards the Beautiful Gate.
I must be filled with joy if my feet are on the right road and my face set towards the gate which is called beautiful, though I will fall many times in the mire and often go astray! Far off, like a perfect peace, one can see the City of God. It iso wonderful that it seems as if a child could reach it in a summers day. And so a child could. But with me and such as me is different. One can realise a thing in a single moment. But one loses it in the long hours that follow with laden feet. We think in terms of eternity, but we move slowly through time.       
(Oscar Wilde).

Reflection. 
How wealth is judged.
A week ago the sycamore tree was loaded with gold. However, instead of sitting back and enjoying it, it began to give it away. At first it was just a leaf here and a leaf there, whenever the wind ask for a contribution, but soon it was giving it away in fistfuls, without being asked, and without a thought for a wintry tomorrow? Wealth is judged not by the amount that has been accumulated, but by the amount given away. The only wealth that is worth having is the wealth of the heart.
To close one’s heart is to begin to die; to open it is to begin to live.
(Flor McCarthy,SDB).

Reflection. 
‘‘A way has to be found to enable everyone to benefit from the fruits of the earth, and not simply close the gap between the affluent and those who must be satisfied with the crumbs falling from the table, but above all to satisfy the demands of justice, fairness, and respect for every human being.’’
(Pope Francis).

Reflection Being with Christ.
Jesus says; who ever is not with me is against me; and whoever does not gather scatters!
I sometimes feel that my life is like scrubland halfway between garden and desert.
I sometimes feel that I live in a world of twilight, half way between day and night.
I sometimes feel like lukewarm water, half way between hot and cold.
I sometimes feel that I am in a state of indifference halfway between love and hate.
I sometimes feel that I am treading along a safe little path, halfway between good and evil. Lord, save me from the illusion that because that I am not against you, I am therefore for you, above all save me from being neutral.
(Flor McCarthy SDB).

Prayer.
Teach us good Lord to serve you as you deserve; to give and to not count the cost.
(Ignatius of Loyola.)

Reflection - One is important.
One is important to God: ‘I have carved you on the palm of my hand.’ One name is precious to God: I have called you by your name, you are mine.’

Reflection.
I do not agree with the big way of doing things, to us what matters is the individual.
(Mother Teresa).

Prayer Psalm 138 - God Cares.
O Lord, you search me and you know me; you know my resting and my rising;
I thank you for the wonder of my being, for the wonders of all creation. 

Reflection - Beatitudes
Blessed are those who realise that they cannot live on bread alone but need the word of God too : they will be fully nourished.
Blessed are those who, when they have sinned, follow the example of the prodigal son, and come back home to seek reconciliation; they will cause heaven to ring with joy.
Blessed are those who stop to attend to a wounded neighbour, pouring in the oil of compassion and the wine of hope: they are the Good Samaritans of today.
Blessed are those who remove the plank from their own eyes before telling their brother to remove the splinter from his: their efforts at reforming others will bear fruit.
And blessed are those who, having put their hand to the plough, refuse to look back: they will be found worthy of the Kingdom.
(Flor McCarthy, SDB)

Prayer / Reflection - Guests at his table.
Lord we thank you for having us as your guests at the banquet of the Eucharist. Here we have listened to your word and eaten the food of eternal life. May we go forth from here nourished, honoured, blessed humbled and yet exalted. May we be so sure of our worth before you that the honours of this world will never ensnare us. And in your goodness grant us a place at the heavenly banquet. Amen.
(Flor McCarthy, SDB)

Reflection-The Two Roads.
Jesus said that there are two roads to follow. The first is wide and easy to travel. It is downhill most of the way. It is the way of comfort and ease, pleasure and self-seeking, Many are fooled and travel down this road, but in the long run it leads them nowhere, They die in the desert. The second road is narrow and difficult. It is uphill a lot of the way, it is the way of struggle and sacrifice. Few take that road. buy they are the lucky ones. This road leads to the promised land. (Flor McCarthy, SDB).

Prayer.
Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry, a foundation for cheerfulness, a source of constant happiness, a protection against sadness.
St John Chrysostom.

Reflection.
We are not called to be successful only to be faithful.
(Mother Teresa)

Reflection    Beatitudes of Life.
Blessed are the faithful: they are like anchors in a world of broken moorings.
Blessed are the just: they are to society what leaven is to bread.
Blessed are the generous: they keep alive our faith in the essential goodness of people.
Blessed are the caring: they shine like beacons in a world darkened by indifference.
Blessed are the genuine : they glow like gems in a world of falseness.
Blessed are those who are not afraid of sacrifice: on the day of the harvest they will sing with joy.
And blessed are those who refuse to look back: they will be found worthy in the Kingdom of Heaven.
(Flor McCarthy S.D.B.)

Reflection. 
While out for an evening walk. Heavenly Glory.
I emerged from an area where streets were lit by bright lamps and came into an open park area. It was only then that I discovered that the sky was full of stars and I thought to myself: how easily and effectively the earthly lights extinguish the heavenly ones. Lord help me to seek the things that makes us rich in your sight and grant that the glitter of the world may not dim our hopes of heavenly glory.
(Flor McCarthy S.D.B.)

Reflection.
Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward and learning to enjoy whatever life has and this requires transforming greed into gratitude.
(St John Chrysostom).

Reflection.
For me prayer is a surge of the heart it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love embracing both trial and joy.
(St Therese of Lisieux)

Reflection.
If you judge people, you have no time to love them.
(Mother Teresa) 

Prayer For Summer.
Father creator of all, thank you for summer. Thank you for the warmth of the sun and the increased daylight. Thank you for the beauty I see all around me and for the opportunity to be outside and enjoy your creation. Thank you for the increased time I have to be with my friends and family, and for the more casual  pace of the summer season. Draw me closer to you this summer Teach me how I can pray no matter where I am or what I am doing. Warm my soul with awareness of your presence and light my path with your words of council. As I enjoy your creation, create in me a pure heart and a hunger and a thirst for you. Amen.

Prayer / Blessing.
Good and gracious God, I know you have blessed me beyond all measure through all my days. Give me confidence in your care as I strive to fulfil the obligations I face today those I can now anticipate and those that will come unexpectedly. May I recognize your presence in the people I meet and the opportunities I face.
Amen.

Reflection. 
Inner peace.
Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.
(St Francis de Sales)

Reflection.
The Gospel is the handbook of every Christian. 

Reflection  -  Sign posts on the footpath to peace.
To be glad of life, because it gives you a chance to love, to work , to play and look up at the stars. To despise nothing in the world except what is false and mean. To fear nothing except what is cowardly. To be guided by what you admire and love, rather than by what you hate. To envy nothing that is your neighbour’s, except his kindness of heart and gentleness of manner. To think seldom of your enemies, often of your friends, and everyday of Christ. And to spend as much time as you can, with body and with spirit in God’s out-of-doors. These are little signposts on the footpath of peace.
(Henry van Dyke)

Morning Prayer.
Lord God, let me not be separated from You today. Help me to choose to do Your will today and may everything I do be good and according to Your Holy Will. May I be of benefit to my family, friends, neighbours, and entire community.

Reflection.
God is nearer to us than we are to ourselves.
(Saint Augustine)

Reflection. 
It can happen that we lose interest in people, and even become blind to their strengths, when we discover their limitations. During his passion Jesus discovered the limitations of Peter. Yet he didn't write him off. He continued to believe in him, and in time he would become  good. Like Peter we are weak human beings, who are inconstant in our beliefs, we need someone to understand our weaknesses, who realizes that it may take time for us to overcome them, and who doesn't write us off because we don’t produce the goods at once.
Flor McCarthy SDB

Prayer of Saint Faustina.
‘‘O Jesus I want to live in the present moment, to live as if it were the last day of my life. I want to use every moment scrupulously for the greater glory of God, to use every circumstance for the benefit of my soul. I want to look on everything from the point of view that nothing happens without the will of God. God of unfathomable mercy, embrace the whole world and pour Yourself out upon us through the merciful Heart of Jesus.’’   
(Diary,1183)

Reflection - The First Christians.
‘Defending the Christians before the Emperor Hadrian. Aristides, a non Christian said of them; these Christians love one another. They never fail to help orphans,. They save orphans from those who would hurt them. If a man has something, he gives freely to the man who has nothing, if they see a stranger Christians take him in to their homes and treat him as a brother and if they hear that one of them is in jail or persecuted for professing the name of their redeemer, they all give him what he needs . If it is possible they will bail him out. If one of them is poor and there isn’t enough food to go around, they fast several  days to give him the food he needs . We are dealing with a new kind of person. There is something divine in them.’

Reflection -  Loved in our sins.
The prodigal son came home emptied handed. He had no trophies to show his father, no achievements with which to earn his praise, his welcome, and his love. He was a failure. Worse –he was a sinner. He deserved to be punished-and he knew it. Yet punishment was the last thing he needed. To punish him would be like pouring water on a dying fire. What happened? When the father saw his son coming towards him, his heart went out to him, and next minute they were in each others arms. It is an extraordinary experience to be loved in ones’ sinfulness. Such love is like a breeze to a dying fire, or rain falling on parched ground. Those who have experienced this kind of love, know something about the heart of God. Flor McCarthySDB.

Reflection.
Days pass and years vanish and we are sightless among miracles. Lord fill our eyes with seeing, and our minds with knowing. Let there be moments when the radiance of your presence illuminates the darkness in which we walk. Help us to see, whatever we gaze, that the bush burns, unconsumed. And we, clay touched by your hand, will reach out for holiness and exclaim in wonder, ‘How filled with awe is this place and we did not know it.
( Anon )

Morning Prayer
I arise today,
Through God’s strength to pilot me.
God’s might to uphold me.
God’s wisdom to guide me.
God’s eye to look before me.
Gods word to speak for me.

Reflection - Giving.
There are those who give but only on condition that they receive something in return, and receive it immediately. There are those who give on condition that they receive something in return later on and with a handsome profit. And there are those who give without expecting any thing in return now or ever: They scatter the seeds of the heart without looking for any harvest. These are imitating the generosity of God, who bestows his love on good and bad, and grants mercy to saints and sinners.
(Flor McCarthy, SDB)

Reflection    Beatitudes of the heart.
Blessed are the clean of heart they will see God.
Blessed are the humble of heart; they will find rest for their souls.
Blessed are the warm-hearted; they will radiate goodness.
Blessed are those who work with the heart; they will find joy in their work.
Blessed are those who do not lose heart; they will find the strength to persevere.
Blessed are those who set their hearts on the Kingdom of God; everything else will be given to them.

Reflection - Let your light shine.
Our dearest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘’‘‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous.’’ Actually, who are you not to be.? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking, so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are born to make manifest the Glory of God., that is within us . It’s not just in some of us, it’s in every one. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
From the inaugural speech of - Nelson Mandela.

Reflection - Water into wine.
Jesus brought the wine of God’s love into the world.
Everywhere he went the old was made new. For the couple at Cana he changed water into wine. For the widow of Nain he changed tears into joy. For Zacchaeus he changed despair into hope. And on Easter morning he changed death into life. Lord be present to us today and through our lives. And when through human weakness the wine of love is found wanting, touch our hearts and strengthen our wills, so that we may taste the wine of unselfish love.
Flor McCarthy, SDB

Reflection.
Do not walk through time without leaving worthy evidence of your passage.
(Saint Pope John XX111)

Reflection.
I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year. Give me light that I may tread safely into the unknown! And he replied; ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God, That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way’
Minnie Louise Haskins (1875-1957)

Reflection -  A Lesson from the Tree.
Not long ago the trees were laden with golden leaves. Though pretty to look at, they robbed me of the world beyond. But now the leaves have fallen I am able to look through the skeletal branches to the deep blue sky beyond. Teach us Good Lord, how to take care of our material needs without neglecting our spiritual needs; how to take care of ourselves without neglecting others, and how to live joyfully in this world with out losing sight of the world to come.
Flor McCarthy SDB

Reflection - Life is Fleeting.
The hill flowers fade , but will bloom again next year. But we never get back our youth. Life is a fragile gift which we enjoy briefly; our life is like the warming of oneself in the Sun. We live in a flash of light, before we know it, evening comes and night falls. But the very fleetingness of life makes it all the more precious. Lord may your gentle and sure light guide us on the unfolding road, so that we may walk with confidence towards the light that never fades and the life that never ends.   
Flor McCarthy SDB

The Kingdom of God.
Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world.’ Jesus does not rule as earthly kings rule. He has no palace, no throne, no crown, no army. Yet we give him an allegiance and loyalty, which we would not give to any other person or institution on earth. Alone and unarmed he stood before Pilate. Pilate had thousands of soldiers to call upon, Jesus had no soldier to call upon. Yet Jesus was incomparably the greatest of the two. Jesus is the hope of the human race. He rules, not by force, but by love. Lord Jesus, may your kingdom come and may you remember me on that day.
Flor McCarthy SDB.

Blessing.
The Lord, bless us and watch over us: the Lord make his face shine upon us and be gracious to us; the Lord look kindly on us and give us peace.

The Bible.
Others are bothered by the part of the Bible they can’t understand. I’m bothered about the parts I can understand.’  
(Mark Twain)

Prayer of trust.
Preserve me God I take refuge in you.
My happiness lies in you alone.
You are my portion and my cup. you yourself are my prize. I keep you ever in my sight., even at night you direct my heart. With you my at my right hand, I shall stand firm. And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad. For you will not leave my soul among the dead, nor let your beloved know decay. You will show me the path of life. the fullness of joy in your presence, at your right hand happiness for ever.
(From Psalm 15.)

Morning Prayer
Dear God, when I stand at the beginning of a new day, bless me with vision to see the best of things to come ,wisdom to make good decisions and most of all, faith that you are walking with me every step of the way. Amen

Prayer to the Holy Spirit.
O Divine Spirit, sent by the Father in the name of Jesus, Give aid and infallible guidance to your Church, Renew in our own days, your miracles as of a second Pentecost.
Pope John XX111.

Reflection
Helen Keller, who went blind and deaf at nineteen months, said: ‘One day I asked a friend of mine who had just returned from a long walk in the woods what she had seen. She replied, ‘‘Nothing in particular.’’  ‘How was this possible?’ I asked myself when I who cannot hear or see, find hundreds of things to interest me through mere touch. I feel the delicate shape and design of a leaf. I pass my hands lovingly over the rough bark of a pine tree. Occasionally, I place my hand quietly on a small tree, and if I am lucky, feel the happy quiver of a bird in full song. 
‘The greatest Calamity that can befall people, is not that they should be born blind, but they should have eyes, yet fail to see'.

Reflection - Count your Blessings
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the millions who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of starvation, you are ahead of 500million people in the world.
If you have food in the fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, or your wallet and spare change in your pocket, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.

Prayer.
Lord you have made us for yourself, therefore our hearts are restless until they rest in you.
( St Augustine )

Prayer.
O God, Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Pope Francis

Reflection.
Whoever has a heart full of love always has something to give.
(Saint Pope John XXIII.)

Reflection. 
To be grateful is to recognise the Love of God in everything He has given us, and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of his love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to a new wonder and to the praise of the goodness of God.  For the grateful person knows that God is good , not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.
(Thomas Merton)

Reflection 
Let us come alive to the splendour that is all around us and see the beauty in ordinary things. 
(Thomas Merton)

Reflection
Father in heaven you have made us for yourself, our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Fulfil this longing throughJesus, the bread of life, so that we may witness to him who alone satisfies the hungers of the human family. By the power of your Holy Spirit lead us to the heavenly table where we may feast on the vision of your glory forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer
Prayer is to the spiritual life what the beating of the pulse and the drawing of breath are to the life of the body.
John Henry Newman

Reflection 
‘‘Be Sure that you first preach by the way you live. If you do not, people will notice that you say one thing, but live otherwise, and your words will bring only cynical laughter and a derisive shake of the head.’’
(St Charles Borromeo) 

Reflection.
Be who you are & be that well.
St Francis De Sales

Prayer.
When the evening comes and the busy world is hushed, may God in his mercy give us a holy rest and peace at last. 

Reflection   Working for Christ
To do the work of Christ is really quite simple. It means to be faithful in  little things, for to be faithful in little things is a big thing. It means to do one’s task, no matter how humble, not only thoroughly but joyfully. It means to make oneself available, yet never to seek the limelight. It means to make oneself useful, without seeking to push oneself. It means to carry one’s own burden, without as far as possible, becoming a burden on others. In a word it means to be at one’s post, helpful and faithful, loyal and constant. Lord , make me an instrument for the building of your kingdom.
(Flor McCarthy,SDB)

Prayer.
Nothing is more powerful than prayer, indeed nothing is comparable to it.
(St John Chrysostom.)

Reflection.
You do not need to know precisely what his happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.
(Thomas Merton)

Reflection. 
Disturb us, O Lord when we are to well pleased with ourselves.
When our dreams have come true because we dreamed too little; when we have arrived safely because we have sailed too close to the shore.
Stir us, O Lord to dare more boldly, to venture more seas, where storms will show your mastery, where in losing sight of land we shall find the stars.
In the name of him who pushed back the horizons of our hopes and invited the brave to follow him.
Amen.
(Author unknown)

Preaching.
"Whoever wants to preach must be the first to let the word of God move them deeply and become incarnate in their daily lives.
(Evangelli Gaudium)

Time Apart.
Lord in my busy days of noise and action, remind me of my need for time alone and for peace and quiet and silence within.
Be with me now Lord, as I pause for a few moments in quietness.

Prayer For The Summer
Father creator of all, thank you for summer. Thank you for the warmth of the sun and the increased daylight. Thank you for the beauty I see all around me and for the opportunity to be outside and enjoy your creation. Thank you for the increased time I have to be with my friends and family, and for the more casual pace of the summer season. Draw me closer to you this summer. Teach me how I can pray no matter where I am or what I am doing. Warm my soul with the awareness of your presence and light my path with your words of council. As I enjoy your creation, create in me a pure heart and a hunger and a thirst for you.
Amen.

A Reflection - Faith Tested
My faith is tested many times everyday, and more times than I’d like to confess, I’m unable to keep the banner of faith aloft. If a promise is not kept, or if a secret is betrayed, or if I experience long lasting pain, I begin to doubt God and God’s love.
I fall into the chasm of disbelief and I cry out in despair. But then the spirit lifts me up again and once more I am secured in faith. I don’t know how that happens, save when I cry out earnestly I am answered immediately and am returned to faithfulness. I am once again filled with the spirit and firmly planted on solid ground.
(Maya Angelu.)

Inner Peace
Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.

(St Francis de Sales)

Trust in God.
‘‘My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going, I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. But I know that you will lead me by the right road even if I am not sure where to find it.’’
( Thomas Merton)

Prayer
O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of your presence, Your love, and Your strength. Help us to have perfect trust in Your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to you, we shall see Your hand, Your purpose, Your will through all things.
( St Ignatius of Loyola)

Prayer / Blessing.
Good and gracious God, I know you have blessed me beyond measure through all my days. Give me confidence in your care as I strive to fulfil the obligations I face today, those I can now anticipate and those that will come unexpectedly. May I recognize your presence in the people I meet and the opportunities I face. Amen.

Love & Justice.
"Hold fast to love & justice".
Hosea 12:6

Be Not Afraid.
Let His power of truth and love enlighten every aspect of your existence.
Amen.

Kindness.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
(Socrates)

Make Every Day Count.
Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again.

Beatitudes of Life.
Blessed are the faithful: they are safe anchors in a world of broken moorings.
Blessed are the just: they are to society what leaven is to bread.
Blessed are the generous: they keep alive our faith in the essential goodness of people.
Blessed are the caring: they shine like beacons in a world darkened by indifference.
Blessed are the genuine: they glow like gems in a world of falseness.
Blessed are those who are not afraid of sacrifice: on the day of the harvest they will sing with joy.
And blessed are those who refuse to look back: they will be found worthy of the Kingdom of God.

Into your Hands.
Dearest Jesus, I give myself to you today knowing that your will is my happiness and that you can bring this about in ways that I may not be able to understand. Help me this day not to be burdened with the problems I have but to place them in your hands and be free.

Today.
There are only two days in the year when nothing can be done.
One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow.
So today is the right day to love, believe, do and most importantly live.

Prayer of Petition.
I asked for help that I might do great things; I was given infirmity that I might do better things. I asked for riches that I might be happy; I was given poverty that I might be wise. I asked for power that I might have the praise of men; I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life; I was given life that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered. I am, among all men, most richly blessed.
(Anon)

Life.
Life is like the ocean, it can be calm and still or rough and rigid, but in the end it is always - beautiful.

Saint Augustine.
God is nearer to us than we are to ourselves.

Judgement.
In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human success but rather on how much we have loved.
(St. John of the Cross)

Prayer.
Nothing is more powerful than prayer, indeed nothing is comparable to it.
(St. John of the Cross)

Thanksgiving.
Jesus I thank you for the gift of my life and for every moment I live. I thank you for my parents, my family, my relatives and my friends.

Blessing.
Good and gracious God, I know you have blessed me beyond measure through all my days. Give me confidence in your care as I strive to fulfil the obligations I face today, those I can now anticipate and those that will come unexpectedly. May I recognize your presence in the people I meet and the opportunities I face.
Amen

Reflection - Remembering.
Jesus said to his apostles: "Do this in memory of me". We all love to be remembered. This was true of Jesus. But if we want to be remembered we have a duty also to remember. Memory is a powerful thing. Wrongly used it brings death; rightly used it brings life and is a form of immortality. It keeps the past alive. those we remember never die; they continue to walk and talk with us.Lord, when we celebrate the eucharist we are remembering you. May that remembering bring us life here and hereafter.

Prayer for Healing.
Lord Jesus, we ask you to bring your healing touch to those whom we know to be sick, afraid or worried. Bring them your peace and healing.

Praying for the Spirit.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come with strength for the weak, courage for the faithful, light for those in darkness, comfort for the sorrowful, healing for the sick and injured, guidance for those who are lost, faith for those who are in doubt, hope for those who have no hope and love for those who have no love.
Come Holy Spirit, kindle in us the fire of your love and we shall renew the face of the earth.
Flor McCarthy SDB.

Take Heart (John 14:16).
In the stillness of our very being we are invited to discover that God has been there waiting for us all the while. In the quiet of that humble place listen for the word of God that is for you!
The meaning and purpose of life, and our very selves is revealed in a single, sacred hope filled word. That word is Christ who is "the way, the truth and the life".

Time Apart.
Lord in my busy days of noise and action, remind me of my need for time alone and for peace and quiet and silence within.
Be with me now Lord as I pause for a few moments in quietness.

A Morning Prayer.
Refreshed from the night's sleep, I am filled with gratitude as I arise this morning. I pray that I will be strengthened by your grace this day. In the quiet of this moment I ask your blessing throughout the day. Help me to be mindful of your presence and of the needs of those I encounter. Open my heart in generosity, confident that you will give me what I need from moment to moment.
Amen

Living.
Make every day count.
Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can.
You may never be able to experience it again.

O Lord, Hear My Prayer
When I call, answer me O Lord, hear my prayer.
Come and listen to me.

Food.
Food for the body is not enough. There must be food for the soul.
(Dorothy Day)

A Blessing.
May you have:
Enough success to keep you eager;
Enough failure to keep you humble;
Enough joy to share with others;
Enough trials to keep you strong;
Enough hope to keep you happy;
Enough faith to banish depression;
Enough friends to give you comfort;
Enough determination to make each day better than yesterday.

Shine a light.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
Nelson Mandela

Someone Who Cares.
Lord, make my heart a haven where the lonely may find friendship, where the weary may find shelter, where the helpless may find refuge, where the hopeless may find hope and where all those who seek someone who cares may enter and find you.

Evening.
When the evening comes and the busy world is hushed, may God in his mercy give us a holy rest and peace at last.
In the twilight of life God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human success, but rather on how much we have loved.

When you seek me.
When you seek me with all your heart you will find me and I will come to you.

Into Your Hands
Dearest Jesus, I give myself to you today knowing that your will is my happiness and you can bring this about in ways that I may be unable to understand. Help me this day not to be burdened with the problems I have but to place them in your hands and be free.

Five Fingered Prayer (from "Pope Francis Selected Prayers")
This method of prayer, championed by Pope Francis, has been widely adopted in classrooms & parishes across the globe and has resonated particularly with children & young people.
The Thumb.
The closest finger to you reminds you to pray for those who are closest to us such as our family and friends.
The Index Finger.
The pointing finger reminds you to pray for wisdom and support for those who teach us and show us the way.
The Middle Finger.
The tallest finger reminds you to pray for guidance for our leaders and those in positions of authority.
The Ring Finger.
Your weakest finger reminds you to pray for the weakest in society, like those who are sick, poor or having problems.
The Little Finger.
The smallest finger reminds you to pray for yourself. When you have prayed for the other four groups you will be able to see your own needs but from the proper perspective. 

Prayer for the Family.
Father in heaven you called Saint Zelie and Louis Martin to holiness through their married life. You gave them as mother and father of St. Therese of Lisieux. Through their intercession we ask you to bless married couples, our children and grandchildren. Guide us as citizens to make the kind of decisions that will support family life.
We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reflections
(Thoughts from Pope Francis)
1. No family drops down from heaven perfectly formed; families need constantly to grow and mature in the ability to love. May we never loose heart because of our limitations or ever stop seeking that fulness of love and communion which God holds out before us.
Amoris Laetita 2016 
2. The church is a field hospital after battle. It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol or about the levels of his blood sugars! You have to heal his wounds.
Audience 2013
3. The family is the primary setting for socialisation, since it is where we first learn to relate to other, to listen and to share, to be patient and show respect, to help one another and to live as one. The task of education is to make us sense that the world and society are also our home: it trains us how to live together in this greater home. In the family we learn closeness, care and respect for others. We break out of our fatal self-absorption and come to realise that we are living with and alongside others who are worthy of our concern, our kindness and our affection.
Amoris Laetitia 2016
4.All family life is a 'shepherding' in mercy. Each of us, by our love and care, leaves a mark on the life of others: with Paul we can say: "you are our letter of recommendation, written on your hearts. Not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God" (2 Cor 3:2-3).
Amoris Laetitia 2016

Prayer to the Holy Family.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendour of true love; to you we turn with trust.
Holy family of Nazareth grant that our families may be places of communion and prayer; authentic schools of the gospel and small domestic churches.
Holy Family of Nazareth may families never again experience violence, rejection and division; may all who have been hurt or scandalised find ready comfort and healing.
Holy Family of Nazareth make us more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family and its beauty in God's plan.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph graciously hear our prayer.
Amen.
Amoris Laetitia 2016.

Thoughts for everyday.
Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. (Elanor Roosevelt).
Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak. (Saint Anthony of Padua)
May we learn to say thank you to God and to one another. We teach children to do it and then we forget to do it ourselves. (Pope Francis)

Healing
Each of us is capable of doing some healing because we have eyes that can see, ears that can hear, tongues that can speak, hands that can touch and above all a heart that can love.Lord make us instruments of your healing power.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
And where there is sadness, joy.

Loneliness.
We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.
(Dorothy Day)