I have always thought of the first day of a new month as a new beginning, something like a little “New Year’s” day. Sunday every week is the same new beginning opportunity, as is the dawning of each new day.

It is easy for the demands of the day to be the first thought when we wake. But I think I have begun this new month of April well by hearing Pope Francis’ homily from yesterday morning. Most days he celebrates the early morning Mass for Vatican workers and others at the Casa Santa Marta where he lives.

I like his walking or wandering challenge. Too often our intentional walking towards God falls victim to the unhelpful influence of others and we are nudged off track. Our walk becomes a wander and we drift in every direction without purpose. Such an existence is hardly a life.

You might like to take a couple of minutes to savour the pope’s reflection: