Photo was taken yesterday at Tooreenbawn, Millstreet, Co.Cork (Irl)

The showers yesterday morning were heavy and prolonged. But after lunchtime the sun came out, and this Lily flower was looking its best in the moments that followed

Thought on Wednesday – June – 13/06/2012

‘The old path is worn out and not very inviting to most people. But the meadow itself is fresh and vibrant, always growing and changing. It would be a tragic mistake to abandon the meadow when we reject the old path. There can be many refreshing paths into this magnificent landscape.’ ~Tolbert McCarroll

The Eucharistic Congress taking place all this week is putting the spotlight on the Eucharist, what it means, how it should be celebrated and connecting it to our everyday lives. There is an honest attempt to put the spotlight onto good news while recognising that some old paths have worn themselves out. If the Eucharist is like a meadow then there are endless new pathways which are fresh, vibrant and refreshing. Most importantly they are waiting to be discovered.

Many people are also spiritually hungry and are searching for these new pathways. The Eucharist is like a bridge in helping people find these new pathways. There have been enough obstacles put in peoples way like the recent English translation of the Roman Missal. It would seem that there are some who are very comfortable walking along old pathways that have simply worn themselves out. Let’s hope and pray that the events of the Eucharistic Congress will lead to a renewed sense of optimism and renewal. At the heart of the Eucharist is Jesus, who will always lead us to what is fresh, vibrant and energetic.