Photo was taken at Gougane Barra, West Cork (Irl)

This group of Transition Year Students seem to be enjoying a lighter moment during their Retreat Day at Gougane Barra.

Thought on Friday – October – 05/10/2012

‘Many religious people become exceptionally impatient with the invisibility of God. After years of devotion, their knees worn, trials endured and faith never weakened, they feel they have the right to a little glimpse through the veil. This is one of the hungers behind the epidemic of moving statues that we had in Ireland a few years ago. Religious people, impatient with the invisibility of God were extremely grateful for the slightest little wiggle that an obliging statue would give.’ ~John O’Donohue

We long to touch, feel and see God. We’d be happy if could just get a glimpse of something spiritual. This is what makes prayer difficult also. There is nothing visible or within our reach. At times it feels as if there is nothing there. Why bother? It’s all a waste of time. This is a trapdoor and let’s be honest we all fall into it on occasions. But every spiritual trapdoor has a ladder to climb back up again, giving us a chance to resume our journey.

God may be invisible just like beauty, silence, time, sound and wind. But the invisible has so much to offer us, allowing each of us to find meaning, peace and fulfilment as we journey through life. There is nothing to be afraid of. We came from a spiritual world and we eventually return to it. The invisible is our friend and always a gentle reminder that we are constantly surrounded by light and love. No one can ever take this away from us.