Photo was taken yesterday in Clonakilty, West Cork (Irl)

Sunshine always brings out the best in everything. This floral display on the western entrance to Clonakilty with the plough in the middle is so eye catching. Despite all the rain this summer these flowers have done exceptionally well.

Thought on Sunday – August – 26/08/2012

The following reflection is by Triona Doherty

‘Does it seem to you that churches these days just expect too much from their people? Try us! We are the new and improved lite church. We have 24 per cent fewer commitments than other churches. We have only eight Commandments – you choose which ones apply each week. We are everything you want in a churc and less!’ ~Anon

In today’s Gospel, Jesus does not conform to his followers expectations. His teachings are too difficult to comprehend and to follow. They are annoyed and offended. ‘This is intolerable language,’ they grumble, ‘How could anyone accept it?’ Though they were happy to accept his healings and miraculous feeding, they find his claims about eternal life confusing and upsetting.

Jesus demands a lot of his followers, who must each decide whether or not they want to follow him. It’s a free choice. Some of those in today’s Gospel are not ready. Many of his disciples leave him. But, seeing what he has to offer, the twelve hang in there. ‘Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life,’ realises Peter. What is our reaction to some of the more difficult sayings of Jesus? Do we brush them aside and focus only on the ones that suit us? Or, like Joshua in our Old Testament reading, are we ready to boldly declare: ‘As for me and my House, we will serve the Lord’?