Photo was taken at Cortijo Salinas, Montecorto, Spain

A chance to get to Andalucia in Southern Spain during the week was a huge bonus. The pictures for the coming week will come from this spot where spring is taking a firm hold and new life is bursting forth everywhere.

Thought on Sunday – February – 17/02/2013

The reflection today is by Triona Doherty

To cease smoking is the easiest thing I ever did. I ought to know because I’ve done it a thousand times’
~ Mark Twain

Temptation – songs are written about it, novels and film plots are centred around it, ‘tell all’ tabloid stories delight in it, advertising depends on it and the gambling industry thrives on it. Temptation is everywhere; while we might be able to stay away from certain triggers, we can’t avoid it altogether. It’s how we respond to temptation that matters. Before any of us were tempted, Jesus went through it first. While we may never have had the privilege of being offered all the kingdoms of the world, the thrust of the temptations undergone by Jesus is familiar. Give up your convictions for a quick fix or easy pleasure. Cast aside your deeply held beliefs in return for wealth, power and prestige. Be reckless in order to prove your worth. Take the easy way out. But the devil is no match for Jesus, who is armed with steely resolve and a sense of greater purpose. Every time we pray the Our Father, we say the words ‘Lead us not into temptation’. Lent is the perfect time to reflect on the temptations that plague us most. Perhaps we can also pray the Our Father with renewed meaning this Lent.