I took this photo at the Nano Nagle Centre, Ballygriffin, Co.Cork at the weekend. Beautiful sunshine across Ireland and indeed Western Europe has meant that all our trees and shrubs are pushing forth their beautiful green leaves, in what I describe as the great unfolding. It is unstoppable. Nature is bursting with life and energy. This year it is extra special as it coincides with Easter, a beautiful celebration of light, hope and new beginnings.
Quote For Today
“Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit.” ~Khalil Gibran
Did You Know
Pine trees can tell if it’s about to rain. Next time you see a pine cone, take a close look. If it’s closed, that’s because the air is humid, which can indicate rain is on its way.
My recent videos🎥
I took the video below in West Cork with an important theme of finding peace, quiet, calm and stillness. My next new video will be up at the start of next week working in the theme of Holy Week/Easter
A Daily Prayer Video below – short but sweet!
This is a recent video below and it is called ‘A Spring Prayer in Lent’.
With Lent having begun – this video underneath that I put together last year still has a very relevant message
If you would like to see a selection of my other videos on YouTube you are welcome to have a look at some of them here: https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMcSweeneyFr/videos
Spiritual Thought For The Week
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands. You are continually before me.’ ~Isaiah 49:10
There are many holy wells to be found throughout Cork. One that has frequent visitors is the well of St Gobnait at Ballyvourney in Co.Cork . It is a place of quiet reflection that bubbles with the gentle presence of God. Many do the rounds, by walking and praying. There are rocks everywhere with deep imprints of crosses as people rub the imprint with a sharp stone. It is a quiet ritual that touches something deep within. The same happens in nearby Gougane Barra.
We are told that each of us is carved upon the hands of God. It means that everything we do is somehow connected to God. Our Celtic ancestors sensed this so naturally. God has chosen us, we are loved, special and unique. God will never forget any of us. We will always be in God’s tender loving care.
Even when life throws everything at us, we are not on our own. We will be helped to find balance and calm through everything we have to face each day. Anne Costa puts it so well when she says that with a whisper, God can make us whole. We may be off balance today for different reasons but we pray to God to help us to be open to those whispers of God’s gentle presence all around us.
