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LISTING THOUGHT ARCHIVE

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 Listing July - 2019
 
  Saturday
Jul-27
Thought For The Week

One of my favourite spiritual writers is Fr. Daniel O'Leary. Sadly Daniel died from cancer on Jan 21st earlier this year. He was originally from Rathmore but worked as a priest in the Diocese of Leeds. He was known across the world as an inspiring author, speaker and retreat facilitator. Over many years his theology and spirituality were a source of inspiration and solace for so many people. The many books he wrote were written in a simple language for everyone to understand. The following is an extract from one of his books called "The Happiness Habit".

'Your thinking has astonishing powers - to darken your life or to make it radiant.' ~Daniel O'Leary

You may not know it, but thinking constantly about something, good or bad, is drawing that situation into your own experience. There is a law that orders every moment. There is an extraordinary power in your thinking, in the images of your mind. That is how you attract the light or the darkness in your heart. Your thoughts become your reality!

This 'law of attraction' will give you what your thoughts are focusing on. So be careful! Winston Churchill said that day by day we create our own universe. Your life, your happiness, is in your hands. No matter what may have gone before, you can now change every situation in your life. Jesus says that whatever you ask for in true prayer, you are already given, even before you ask for it. What you think about and pray about, you bring about.
 
 
 
  Friday
Jul-26
Thought For The Week

One of my favourite spiritual writers is Fr. Daniel O'Leary. Sadly Daniel died from cancer on Jan 21st earlier this year. He was originally from Rathmore but worked as a priest in the Diocese of Leeds. He was known across the world as an inspiring author, speaker and retreat facilitator. Over many years his theology and spirituality were a source of inspiration and solace for so many people. The many books he wrote were written in a simple language for everyone to understand. The following is an extract from one of his books called "The Happiness Habit".

'Your thinking has astonishing powers - to darken your life or to make it radiant.' ~Daniel O'Leary

You may not know it, but thinking constantly about something, good or bad, is drawing that situation into your own experience. There is a law that orders every moment. There is an extraordinary power in your thinking, in the images of your mind. That is how you attract the light or the darkness in your heart. Your thoughts become your reality!

This 'law of attraction' will give you what your thoughts are focusing on. So be careful! Winston Churchill said that day by day we create our own universe. Your life, your happiness, is in your hands. No matter what may have gone before, you can now change every situation in your life. Jesus says that whatever you ask for in true prayer, you are already given, even before you ask for it. What you think about and pray about, you bring about.
 
 
 
  Thursday
Jul-25
The following is another piece from the reflection called 'What I've Learned'. The author is unknown and the final part comes tomorrow.

I've learned that two people can look at exactly the same thing and see something totally different.
I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up again.
I've learned that just because someone doesn't love the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I've learned that maturity has more to do with the types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I've learned that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
 
 
 
  Wednesday
Jul-24
Thought For The Week

One of my favourite spiritual writers is Fr. Daniel O'Leary. Sadly Daniel died from cancer on Jan 21st earlier this year. He was originally from Rathmore but worked as a priest in the Diocese of Leeds. He was known across the world as an inspiring author, speaker and retreat facilitator. Over many years his theology and spirituality were a source of inspiration and solace for so many people. The many books he wrote were written in a simple language for everyone to understand. The following is an extract from one of his books called "The Happiness Habit".

'Your thinking has astonishing powers - to darken your life or to make it radiant.' ~Daniel O'Leary

You may not know it, but thinking constantly about something, good or bad, is drawing that situation into your own experience. There is a law that orders every moment. There is an extraordinary power in your thinking, in the images of your mind. That is how you attract the light or the darkness in your heart. Your thoughts become your reality!

This 'law of attraction' will give you what your thoughts are focusing on. So be careful! Winston Churchill said that day by day we create our own universe. Your life, your happiness, is in your hands. No matter what may have gone before, you can now change every situation in your life. Jesus says that whatever you ask for in true prayer, you are already given, even before you ask for it. What you think about and pray about, you bring about.
 
 
 
  Tuesday
Jul-23
Thought For The Week

One of my favourite spiritual writers is Fr. Daniel O'Leary. Sadly Daniel died from cancer on Jan 21st earlier this year. He was originally from Rathmore but worked as a priest in the Diocese of Leeds. He was known across the world as an inspiring author, speaker and retreat facilitator. Over many years his theology and spirituality were a source of inspiration and solace for so many people. The many books he wrote were written in a simple language for everyone to understand. The following is an extract from one of his books called "The Happiness Habit".

'Your thinking has astonishing powers - to darken your life or to make it radiant.' ~Daniel O'Leary

You may not know it, but thinking constantly about something, good or bad, is drawing that situation into your own experience. There is a law that orders every moment. There is an extraordinary power in your thinking, in the images of your mind. That is how you attract the light or the darkness in your heart. Your thoughts become your reality!

This 'law of attraction' will give you what your thoughts are focusing on. So be careful! Winston Churchill said that day by day we create our own universe. Your life, your happiness, is in your hands. No matter what may have gone before, you can now change every situation in your life. Jesus says that whatever you ask for in true prayer, you are already given, even before you ask for it. What you think about and pray about, you bring about.
 
 
 
  Sunday
Jul-21
Thought For Today called 'Martha and Mary'

Jesus visits the home of Martha. For such a short Gospel passage, this text has created much discussion among biblical scholars. It seems everyone is this story is breaking the rules: Jesus rebukes his host, Mary does not help her sister, and Martha is not sitting at Jesus' feet like a good disciple.

Luke's gospel is all about 'reversal': what you expect to happen does not happen, often the opposite happens! Confused? Mary is positioned here as a disciple learning from her Teacher. Martha as one who is trying to serve through 'many tasks.' Throughout his Gospel, Luke places a special emphasis on the wider circle of Jesus' disciples, and names the women who follow Him. Luke is perhaps reminding us in this text that being a follower of Jesus requires an upset of the norms and a reversal of roles. This story occurs in Luke immediately after the Good Samaritan, where the importance of service and action are clearly emphasised. It seems unfair that Martha is being told off for serving those who come to her. If Jesus arrived with a hungry entourage, what host would not be stressed out! Jesus frees Martha from these duties, not because they are not important, but so that she too can be nourished by him. Frantic activity is never good or sustainable for us.

Let today's Gospel be a reminder that when we are bogged down in the craziness around us, we can sit and listen to Him. Then we may be better prepared for the challenges that we face, whether they be in our homes or our wider communities.
 
 
 
  Saturday
Jul-20
Thought For The Week

A summer prayer by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr

May you breathe in the beauty of summer with its power of transformation.

May you seek and find spaces of repose during these summer months.

May these moments refresh and restore the tired places within you.

May you be open to times of celebration and recreation that are so much a part of summer.

May your eyes see the wonders of summer's colours.

May these colours delight you and entice you into contemplation and joy.

May you feel energy of summer rains penetrating thirsty gardens, golf courses and farmlands.

May your inner self be refreshed, restored and renewed.

May you enjoy the unexpected and find surprises of beauty and happiness as you travel the roads on summer holidays.
 
 
 
  Friday
Jul-19
Thought For The Week

A summer prayer by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr

May you breathe in the beauty of summer with its power of transformation.

May you seek and find spaces of repose during these summer months.

May these moments refresh and restore the tired places within you.

May you be open to times of celebration and recreation that are so much a part of summer.

May your eyes see the wonders of summer's colours.

May these colours delight you and entice you into contemplation and joy.

May you feel energy of summer rains penetrating thirsty gardens, golf courses and farmlands.

May your inner self be refreshed, restored and renewed.

May you enjoy the unexpected and find surprises of beauty and happiness as you travel the roads on summer holidays.
 
 
 
  Thursday
Jul-18
Thought For The Week

A summer prayer by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr

May you breathe in the beauty of summer with its power of transformation.

May you seek and find spaces of repose during these summer months.

May these moments refresh and restore the tired places within you.

May you be open to times of celebration and recreation that are so much a part of summer.

May your eyes see the wonders of summer's colours.

May these colours delight you and entice you into contemplation and joy.

May you feel energy of summer rains penetrating thirsty gardens, golf courses and farmlands.

May your inner self be refreshed, restored and renewed.

May you enjoy the unexpected and find surprises of beauty and happiness as you travel the roads on summer holidays.
 
 
 
  Wednesday
Jul-17
'A society without God is a society without a compass.' ~Pope Benedict

With huge advances in technology and the arrival of satellite navigation systems, it might seem that a compass is a thing of the past. But it still plays a very important role in land and sea navigation. There are many ways to describe the importance of something but comparing God to a compass is simple but clever. Life at the best of times is complex, fragile, with unexpected twists and turns each day. No person can be prepared for every eventuality but we can have the basics ready to help us cope and adapt. If God is present in our lives we are at a distinct advantage. We are in a better position to cope, to find our feet, to adapt, to get renewed strength and to start again on our journey.
 
 
 
  Monday
Jul-15
'We can no more go back to the way we were, than we can put toothpaste back into a tube.' ~Brendan Hoban

There are many things we will try and get on well. But if we try and put toothpaste back into a tube again, we know it will be a task very much beyond us! This can reflect on other things in life too. When we make a mistake or do something wrong we can often be like the toothpaste. It can't go back in and we can't go back on what we have done wrong. The only way forward is to start again, learn from where we went wrong and do our best not to make the same mistake.

The image of the toothpaste and the tube can also refer to what is old and new. Sometimes we're stuck in the past, stuck to what we know, stuck in what is sometimes old, stale and lacking energy. We're slow to try something new or do something different. In many of our Gospel stories Jesus gently invites us from the old and stale. We are encouraged to embrace life and do things that bring us energy and inspiration. This will be different for everyone and can be quite different each day. As the month of July swiftly moves along, what gives you energy at this time of year? What do you like doing that helps you unwind? What in your life is stale and negative? Can you do anything today to let go of one thing that's old, stale or negative? Then in place of that one thing, what can you do to try something that is new, refreshing and energising?
 
 
 
  Sunday
Jul-14
'Efficiency is doing better what is already being done.'~Peter Drucker

An old lady went into a pharmacy and bought a packet of mothballs. The next day she returned and bought another packet. On the third day she did the same. When she appeared on the fourth day, the chemist could not restrain his curiosity. 'You must have a lot of moths, Mrs Murphy?', he queried. 'Yes I have' she replied. 'And I've been throwing these balls at them for three days now and I haven't hit one yet!'

We sometimes waste a lot of time, energy and effort in doing things each day that are simply not worth the effort. Often it is habit that keeps the momentum going. Even when it comes to spiritual matters we also waste a lot of time and energy. It's not always about long prayers, lots of words and aimless piety. Much more important is an honest relationship with God, some short but honest words from the heart and just to be open to what this day may bring. In what areas of my life could I be more efficient?
 
 
 
  Friday
Jul-12
Thought For The Week

'Don't ever be your own worst critic. Always try to be your own best friend. There are times when it helps to acknowledge that: I am aware that I am less than some people prefer me to be, but most people are unaware that I am so much more than what they see.' ~Douglas Pagels

If we are honest we know we are our own worst critic. We put ourselves down, we blame ourselves, we feel others are so much better than us and we don't ever give ourselves praise or credit for what we do. What makes it worse is that we give ourselves permission to enter this mind-set. It is unhealthy and not good to be in it over a period of time.

Our starting point is that we are not perfect and that we have lots of limitations but so does everyone else. The next important step is to believe in what you have to offer. Nobody can do it in quite the way you can. You bring your own unique personality and your colour and energy. You bring something that nobody else can ever bring in the way you do. We need to be more affirming and gentle with ourselves.

What do we achieve by being so hard on ourselves? Absolutely nothing. All the stories in the Gospels are stories where Jesus encouraged, affirmed and helped people to find their niche, their spot, their strength, their blessing and to find the something special that they brought to each day. Jesus encourages, affirms and gives us thumbs up as well, not yesterday or tomorrow or today but in the beauty of this present moment. It is up to us to make the most of it.
 
 
 
  Thursday
Jul-11
Thought For The Week

'Don't ever be your own worst critic. Always try to be your own best friend. There are times when it helps to acknowledge that: I am aware that I am less than some people prefer me to be, but most people are unaware that I am so much more than what they see.' ~Douglas Pagels

If we are honest we know we are our own worst critic. We put ourselves down, we blame ourselves, we feel others are so much better than us and we don't ever give ourselves praise or credit for what we do. What makes it worse is that we give ourselves permission to enter this mind-set. It is unhealthy and not good to be in it over a period of time.

Our starting point is that we are not perfect and that we have lots of limitations but so does everyone else. The next important step is to believe in what you have to offer. Nobody can do it in quite the way you can. You bring your own unique personality and your colour and energy. You bring something that nobody else can ever bring in the way you do. We need to be more affirming and gentle with ourselves.

What do we achieve by being so hard on ourselves? Absolutely nothing. All the stories in the Gospels are stories where Jesus encouraged, affirmed and helped people to find their niche, their spot, their strength, their blessing and to find the something special that they brought to each day. Jesus encourages, affirms and gives us thumbs up as well, not yesterday or tomorrow or today but in the beauty of this present moment. It is up to us to make the most of it.
 
 
 
  Wednesday
Jul-10
Thought For The Week

'Don't ever be your own worst critic. Always try to be your own best friend. There are times when it helps to acknowledge that: I am aware that I am less than some people prefer me to be, but most people are unaware that I am so much more than what they see.' ~Douglas Pagels

If we are honest we know we are our own worst critic. We put ourselves down, we blame ourselves, we feel others are so much better than us and we don't ever give ourselves praise or credit for what we do. What makes it worse is that we give ourselves permission to enter this mind-set. It is unhealthy and not good to be in it over a period of time.

Our starting point is that we are not perfect and that we have lots of limitations but so does everyone else. The next important step is to believe in what you have to offer. Nobody can do it in quite the way you can. You bring your own unique personality and your colour and energy. You bring something that nobody else can ever bring in the way you do. We need to be more affirming and gentle with ourselves.

What do we achieve by being so hard on ourselves? Absolutely nothing. All the stories in the Gospels are stories where Jesus encouraged, affirmed and helped people to find their niche, their spot, their strength, their blessing and to find the something special that they brought to each day. Jesus encourages, affirms and gives us thumbs up as well, not yesterday or tomorrow or today but in the beauty of this present moment. It is up to us to make the most of it.
 
 
 
  Tuesday
Jul-09
Thought For The Week

'Don't ever be your own worst critic. Always try to be your own best friend. There are times when it helps to acknowledge that: I am aware that I am less than some people prefer me to be, but most people are unaware that I am so much more than what they see.' ~Douglas Pagels

If we are honest we know we are our own worst critic. We put ourselves down, we blame ourselves, we feel others are so much better than us and we don't ever give ourselves praise or credit for what we do. What makes it worse is that we give ourselves permission to enter this mind-set. It is unhealthy and not good to be in it over a period of time.

Our starting point is that we are not perfect and that we have lots of limitations but so does everyone else. The next important step is to believe in what you have to offer. Nobody can do it in quite the way you can. You bring your own unique personality and your colour and energy. You bring something that nobody else can ever bring in the way you do. We need to be more affirming and gentle with ourselves.

What do we achieve by being so hard on ourselves? Absolutely nothing. All the stories in the Gospels are stories where Jesus encouraged, affirmed and helped people to find their niche, their spot, their strength, their blessing and to find the something special that they brought to each day. Jesus encourages, affirms and gives us thumbs up as well, not yesterday or tomorrow or today but in the beauty of this present moment. It is up to us to make the most of it.
 
 
 
  Monday
Jul-08
Thought For The Week

'Don't ever be your own worst critic. Always try to be your own best friend. There are times when it helps to acknowledge that: I am aware that I am less than some people prefer me to be, but most people are unaware that I am so much more than what they see.' ~Douglas Pagels

If we are honest we know we are our own worst critic. We put ourselves down, we blame ourselves, we feel others are so much better than us and we don't ever give ourselves praise or credit for what we do. What makes it worse is that we give ourselves permission to enter this mind-set. It is unhealthy and not good to be in it over a period of time.

Our starting point is that we are not perfect and that we have lots of limitations but so does everyone else. The next important step is to believe in what you have to offer. Nobody can do it in quite the way you can. You bring your own unique personality and your colour and energy. You bring something that nobody else can ever bring in the way you do. We need to be more affirming and gentle with ourselves.

What do we achieve by being so hard on ourselves? Absolutely nothing. All the stories in the Gospels are stories where Jesus encouraged, affirmed and helped people to find their niche, their spot, their strength, their blessing and to find the something special that they brought to each day. Jesus encourages, affirms and gives us thumbs up as well, not yesterday or tomorrow or today but in the beauty of this present moment. It is up to us to make the most of it.
 
 
 
  Sunday
Jul-07
Thought For The Week

The most famous book in the world is of course the bible. It has inspired millions and given so many renewed direction and hope. If one could summarize it in a few lines the following reflection is a good attempt.

Miracles do happen.
Somebody loves me, constantly and consistently.
I am not alone.
Love transforms people.
The majority are not always right.
Wonderful things can happen in the darkest moments of our lives because of the Resurrection.
Things can often look better in three days.
Death is a transition not an end in itself.
All things can work together for good.
A sigh can become a song.
Tomorrow does not have to be the same as today or yesterday.
There is a light behind every shadow.
We get what we give and equally we find what we expect.
One person can make a difference especially the person of Jesus in our lives.
 
 
 
  Saturday
Jul-06
Thought For The Week

The most famous book in the world is of course the bible. It has inspired millions and given so many renewed direction and hope. If one could summarize it in a few lines the following reflection is a good attempt.

Miracles do happen.
Somebody loves me, constantly and consistently.
I am not alone.
Love transforms people.
The majority are not always right.
Wonderful things can happen in the darkest moments of our lives because of the Resurrection.
Things can often look better in three days.
Death is a transition not an end in itself.
All things can work together for good.
A sigh can become a song.
Tomorrow does not have to be the same as today or yesterday.
There is a light behind every shadow.
We get what we give and equally we find what we expect.
One person can make a difference especially the person of Jesus in our lives.
 
 
 
  Thursday
Jul-04
%u201DOur security is no longer based on anything we might possess or accomplish but rather on our conviction of God's unfailing protection and readiness to forgive. Hence we are not easily disturbed by the ebb and flow of human events and our emotional reactions to them.%u201D~Thomas Keating

We all hunger for a sense of security and that we're going to be okay. This hunger is inbuilt. It's a need that can be artificially met by many things including possessions, gadgets and technology. No matter how advanced or good these may be, there is always a longing for something more. That's why family and friends can go so much further in helping us feel secure, loved and included. But even here there are setbacks, tragedies and disappointments. There is no perfect family or no perfect recipe for happiness. We all keep going as best we can. As believers we take it a step further knowing that God can give us a great sense of security and peace. Again there's no such thing as a perfect believer! But it's good to know that our belief in God no matter how strong or feeble is worthwhile and has a deep lasting value.
 
 
 
  Wednesday
Jul-03
Thought For The Week

The most famous book in the world is of course the bible. It has inspired millions and given so many renewed direction and hope. If one could summarize it in a few lines the following reflection is a good attempt.

Miracles do happen.
Somebody loves me, constantly and consistently.
I am not alone.
Love transforms people.
The majority are not always right.
Wonderful things can happen in the darkest moments of our lives because of the Resurrection.
Things can often look better in three days.
Death is a transition not an end in itself.
All things can work together for good.
A sigh can become a song.
Tomorrow does not have to be the same as today or yesterday.
There is a light behind every shadow.
We get what we give and equally we find what we expect.
One person can make a difference especially the person of Jesus in our lives.
 
 
 
  Tuesday
Jul-02
The most famous book in the world is of course the bible. It has inspired millions and given so many renewed direction and hope. If one could summarize it in a few lines the following reflection is a good attempt.

Miracles do happen.
Somebody loves me, constantly and consistently.
I am not alone.
Love transforms people.
The majority are not always right.
Wonderful things can happen in the darkest moments of our lives because of the Resurrection.
Things can often look better in three days.
Death is a transition not an end in itself.
All things can work together for good.
A sigh can become a song.
Tomorrow does not have to be the same as today or yesterday.
There is a light behind every shadow.
We get what we give and equally we find what we expect.
One person can make a difference especially the person of Jesus in our lives.
 
 
 
  Monday
Jul-01
Over a thousand people were present at the North Cathedral yesterday for the ordination of Bishop Fintan Gavin. The event was streamed live to Skibereen Cathedral and was streamed online as well. It was a beautiful ceremony, that was life giving, meaningful, colourful and a wonderful celebration of so many gifts and talents. The ceremony lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes but for those present it didn't feel as long at all. So many people wished Bishop Fintan well and there was a large crowd outside in lovely sunshine to greet him afterwards

During his closing speech the new Bishop said the Church must reach out to those on the margins and those who have lost their faith if it is to be an authentic Christian community. The newly ordained Bishop said; "Pope Francis reminds us of the mission of the Church, is to go beyond itself, to be open and welcoming, reaching out to those on the margins and the peripheries, going towards the last, the lost, and least among us."

"He names among those on the margins as the hungry, the unemployed, those in prison, those who have lost their faith. As a Christian community if we are to be authentic, we need to be in solidarity and reach out in concrete action."

"To those who have lost their faith or are struggling to hang in there because of the awful things individuals or institutions have done in the name of the Church, we need to stretch out a hand of dialogue and listening so their voices are heard."

There are few certainties in life as we know but one certainty for sure is that the new Bishop will be given a very warm welcome in Cork. He might be from Dublin but nobody in Cork will hold that against him even if the Dublin footballers win the 5 in a row this year! We wish him the very best in his ministry ahead as Bishop of Cork and Ross.
 
 

 
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