Photo was taken near Derrinagree, Co.Cork (Irl)

This photo was taken while out on a recent cycle. Even on a bike there are still opportunities for a picture. Despite the rain that was falling and using a mobile phone, this lovely moment was captured. A few minutes later and the moment was gone!

Thought on Wednesday – February – 13/02/2013

‘Lent is above all a time of prayer, for withdrawing a little from the hustle and bustle of daily life to be alone with God.’ ~Vincent Twomey

It seems like yesterday that we put away the Christmas decorations and here we are today celebrating Ash Wednesday! Despite so many changes in how people express their beliefs and spirituality, Ash Wednesday still holds big appeal. Why do we put dirty ashes on our foreheads today? It’s not a good luck charm but an outward sign that we’re mortal, fragile and merely pilgrims passing through this world. We take the ashes to remind ourselves that we are not perfect and that we struggle sometimes with different things happening in life including our faith. We take them to remind us that we are part of God’s creation and that we’re also equal in God’s eyes. The ashes are also a sign of hope reminding others that we’re willing to do something positive in our spiritual lives. Lent starts today and perhaps we may not be quite ready for it but it has the promise and potential to be a worthwhile journey.