Photo was taken at Cadamstown, Co.Offaly (Irl)
I went into my photo archive and came across this photo taken at dawn in a forest with the bluebells in full bloom. At dawn this morning (4.15 a.m) thousands of people all over Ireland and indeed in other countries are taking part in a 5km run/walk. The event is called ‘Darkness Into Light’ and it is to raise money for Pieta House (Self harm/Suicide centre). Well done to the organisers, to those taking part and to everyone who is part of Pieta House for the wonderful work you do.
Thought on Saturday – May – 10/05/2014
Thought For The Week
“Two of the disciples of Jesus were on their way to village called Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem and they were talking together about all that had happened. Now as they talked this over, Jesus himself came up and walked by their side but something prevented them from recognising him.” ~Luke 24:1-2
We have started this month of May and it may seem as if Easter is all over but there are still three weeks left in the season of Easter. There are lots of Easter stories in our Gospels and throughout the weeks of Easter we get a chance to hear them all. The story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus is one of the best known. Maybe because we know it so well, it does not impact on us anymore. But it is a story that contains so much.
Fr. Liam Lawton has written many albums and has sung to audiences all over the world. His most famous song is called ‘Clouds Veil’ and has been used for various 9/11 memorial services. The words of the song have healed and comforted many people. It goes as follows:
Even though the rain hides the stars,
Even though the mist swirls the hills,
Even when the dark clouds veil the sky,
You are by my side.
Even when the sun shall fall in sleep,
Even when at dawn the sky shall weep,
Even in the night when storms shall rise,
You are by my side. You are by my side.
The words of this song also resonate with the Emmaus story. The two disciples were feeling very sad and upset as they walked that road. But despite lots of mist, rain and darkness in their own lives, God was at their side. The two disciples who walked that road, represent you and me today. They touch into moments in our own lives when we have felt downcast, fed up, unsure, sad, upset and not knowing what to do next. It is often at these difficult times in our lives that we sometimes ask where God is. The story of Emmaus gently reminds us that God walks with us through the good days but significantly that God is with us through the tough days too. When life is difficult and when we really need strength and help, God is by our side.
This is at the heart of what we believe in. It is our reason why. It is why we get up in the morning and why we try to do our best each day. Like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, we discover that we are not on our own. Our God who loves us deeply is with us through everything and especially with us in the mist, rain and darkness. God is by our side, always.
(Weekly update is each Monday)
