Photo was taken on Croagh Patrick, Co.Mayo (Irl)

Croagh Patrick is barren and bleak. It’s rough and not for the faint hearted. Our photo today shows how bleak the landscape is on this mountain. Croagh Patrick is climbed by a million pilgrims each year.

Thought on Friday – March – 23/03/2012

‘Belief itself is not simple. It is not a single conviction or idea. It is a complex network of convictions that evolve over a lifetime into what becomes our philosophy of life and the engine that drives us’ ~Joseph Girzone

Every religion has its core beliefs. Like the rungs of a ladder they are meant to be solid, steady and a guide to scaling the many heights we have to face each day. These ladders of belief are important but for many people today these ladders can seem out of reach through one reason or another. There is a recognition that there are also other ladders of belief within our reach, especially our own personal ones. These evolve over time and what we held close and important to us many years ago may be quite different today. Our life circumstances change with time and importantly so do we. Developing our own philosophy of life is never easy but it is one that can open up so many exciting new possibilities for each of us. It is little surprise to find in our gospel stories many people rejoicing and celebrating new life and freedom. It all came down to the simple fact that Jesus allowed each person believe in themselves and in a loving God who journeyed with them each day. He brought something fresh and exciting into so many people’s lives. The same invitation is extended to each of us today.