Photo was taken at Hyde Park, London (Eng)

Across Ireland today is a very historic day, as Queen Elizabeth begins her official four day visit to Ireland. She will be here until Friday, with importantly her last stop off at Cork! It is fitting today that the rose in our photo was photographed in Hyde Park.

Thought on Tuesday – June – 17/05/2011

‘Some people believe too strongly. Of course religious leaders will say the opposite, that faith can never be too strong. Maybe just a dot of belief would save the secularist from absorption into their culture and a dot of unbelief might save the devotee from drowning in their faith.’ ~Thomas Moore

Striking the balance in what we do is a life long task and more so when it comes to matters of belief. It has been well documented the many benefits of believing in God, but some people believe too strongly. Pure belief leaves little room for movement and openness. There is no room for reflection, no freedom to question and there is a sense of having it all worked out. But no one can surely have it all worked out in a world more infinitely complex than our own beliefs. A small amount of unbelief is normal, important and is an honest recognition that we live in a complex world. That is why St.Thomas is such an important figure in our Gospel stories. He doubted, he questioned and most importantly he went on to become an inspiration to so many.