|
Dear friends,
The following reflection comes from “Set Your Heart Free” by Francis de Sales. My Day Begins We are on a journey to a more blessed life. Let us not, along the way, be angry with one another. Instead let us go forward with our fellow travellers, our brothers and sisters, gently, in peace and in love. And whatever happens along the way, however great the provocation, do not let anger into your heart. Take with you the advice of Joseph when he bid his brothers good-bye: “be not angry along the way.” Don’t let anger get the smallest foothold in your heart. Exclude absolutely, as Augustine advises, even its slightest presence, however justified and reasonable it may seem. For once it gets into your heart it is hard to uproot. A mote rapidly becomes a beam. It will stay with you and if you ignore the apostle Paul’s advice, and let the sun go down on your anger, it will harden into hatred. Constantly fed by imaginings and delusions, it will become all but impossible to set yourself free of it. It is best to avoid all anger rather than try to come to terms with it; for if we give anger an inch it will surely take a mile. God love you Fr Frank
0 Comments
Dear friends
The following reflection comes from “Set Your Heart Free” by Francis de Sales. My Day Begins “Learn from me,” Jesus said, “for I am meek and humble of heart.” “Learn from me,” he was saying, “to be patient and gentle with your neighbour, and humble before my Father.” “Learn from me,” he was saying, “to be patient and gentle with everyone, but especially with yourself.” Don’t be anxious to condemn yourself every time you fall. Instead, patiently, gently, pick yourself up and start all over again. There is no better way to grow toward perfection than to be willing- and patient enough - to start over again and again. To follow this simple advice is to discover the secret of a truly devout life. God will give you an inward peace and all the patience you need, but you must sincerely ask him for it. And you must put it to work day by day. Use every opportunity to perform acts of patient gentleness, no matter how small they may seem at the time,’ for our Lord has promised: “To the person who is faithful in little things, greater ones will be given.” God love you Fr Frank Dear friends
Jesus tells his disciples to push the boat out further into deeper water. This is quite a challenge for the weary disciples after they had been exhausted from working all night and having had no success with a catch of fish. It seems like just when you have had enough, you may be challenged to keep going and persevere until you have achieved what you fought for in the first place. Perseverance is a virtue that is sorely needed today. It is quite easy to be enthusiastic to help or begin a project at first glance. It is not until the long night appears after an extended time of sheer hard work that we are called to go that extra mile. Fewer people reach the finishing line compared to those who began. Time, effort, hardship and sacrifice seem to be the cause of so many who fall out of the race. Perseverance is that steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state of life or commitment especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles or discouragement. In our Christian faith, perseverance means continuing to live in a state of grace to the end which leads to our eternal reward. Putting out into the deep requires a real relationship with Jesus, true faith in spite of the fog and darkness of night. Dawn always arrives, endurance always conquers. It is the tenacity to keep going, like being glued and determined against all the odds. This type of faith will always make us winners. The character of any man or woman or child is found in their perseverance. Believing in Jesus despite all the difficulties will create a person who is never overcome. A person who will resolutely find joy in being faithful and true. Faith can only be won through perseverance. Keep going, never give up. God love you Fr Frank Dear friends,
As St Paul says today in the second reading “There are three things that last; faith, hope and love: and the greatest of these is love. As Christians, our whole faith is summed up in that reality called love. However to love is no easy thing. As Jesus says, “the gate to life is narrow and the way that leads to it is narrow and it is hard.” “Love hurts’ is another common expression. Mother Teresa would say “love until it costs.” If we really believe that love will bring us true life and true joy then we also acknowledge that it will cost us a great deal. The good news is that if we love, as the Lord has shown us, then we find the joy of God’s presence in our life. We find He is all around us and our joy will be full. True patience, kindness and true forgiveness are the best way to start. Never give up says Jesus, just simply keep going and then we will see God face to face. God love you Fr Frank |
Categories |
RSS Feed