Photo was taken next to Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

Whereever people gather there will always be opportunists. These birds make the most of the presence of tourists and any opportunity to get some food ahead of someone else will always be seized.

Thought on Friday – February – 10/02/2012

‘Our age has been called the age of anxiety. We no longer know where our foundations are. We want to get rid of that anxiety as quickly as we can. Yet, to be a good leader of anything today – a good pastor, bishop, father or mother – you have to be able to contain, to hold patiently, a certain degree of anxiety.’ ~Richard Rohr

There is no denying that we carry much anxiety with us today. Anxiety can be called a burden, a worry, a problem or stress. It can be a difficult place to be and too much of it can drain us of energy and motivation. It also crosses every age group and the reasons why we are anxious are endless. The current economic stress has clearly added much anxiety. There are no easy options or quick fixes. It is clear that we all must carry some anxiety but not good if this becomes unmanageable. In our Gospel stories Jesus was constantly helping people to let go of much anxiety. Words such as “do not let your hearts be troubled” were often used by him. Prayer can also help us to unburden and at least help us to hold patiently a certain degree of anxiety. Am I anxious today? What am I most anxious about? We pray for help to carry or let go some of the anxiety that we carry around with us.