Photo was taken this weekend at Altamount, Millstreet, Co.Cork (Irl)

Beautiful sunshine over the weekend brought the best out of this tulip

Thought on Monday – April – 10/04/2017

‘To lift up the hands in prayer gives God glory, but a man with a dung-fork in his hands, a woman with a slop basin give him glory too. God is so great that all things give glory to God if you mean they should.’ ~Gerard Manley Hopkins

Hopkins (1844-1889) was considered an early modern poet ahead of his time. His poetry is notable for his use of sprung rhythm and intricate use of language and rhyme. He was also a Jesuit priest and was very much in touch with the presence of God in everything around him. We may have beautiful churches, cathedrals and places of worship. Many find it easier to make a connection with God when they gather to pray in such places. But this is never exclusive or the best way or the only way. Gerard Manley Hopkins felt that we can connect with God no matter who we are, wherever we are and whenever we want. If this means it is in the middle of a dirty job or maybe not the nicest job in the world then so be it. God doesn’t mind. It is we who have created the obstacles and the barriers.

Today is a good day to know that we can find God whenever and wherever we want. God is most certainly not into perfection or a perfect prayer. It is good to start where you are and with what you are doing. Throughout this coming Holy Week we will be reminded of the incredible love that God has for each of us. Holy Week is a good time to get a sense of this love. It is foundation on which many of our lives depend. Sometimes we take it for granted but not so this week.