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“Seek the Lord while he is to be found,
call to him while he is near.” Is 55
Twelve months ago today I was in Oamaru for a reflection day with parishioners. I remember the date because it was my parents’ wedding anniversary and they were married in the magnificent basilica in the town.
Since that Oamaru visit last September I have been privileged to lead retreats and offer formation sessions in many parts of the world. Last weekend I was in Waitomo with students and teachers from the three NZ de la Salle Colleges. A few days earlier there was a formation evening with parents from Christchurch Catholic schools.
Last month I was in Italy with the wonderful group of young people pictured above, a week-long gathering of 350 people in the north of Italy, a retreat with a community of contemplative nuns and a five-day gathering of 600 people from 80 countries focussed on maturity of Catholic faith.
I spent time last week finalising details of visits to parishes in Kaikoura, Upper Hutt, Kapiti and Winton. Watch these posts for further details.
A highlight yesterday was time with residents of Nazareth House, a retirement village in Christchurch, and this morning I will celebrate Mass at Kaiapoi, just north of Christchurch city.
The first words you will hear today when you sit for the Liturgy of the Word is the seek the Lord, call to him invitation from the well-known section of Isaiah which begins: come to the water, you who are thirsty, though you have no money, come!
In every encounter, local and afar, with people of every age and at every stage of life, the struggles and joys of people are remarkably similar. We humans are created with healthy hopes that can never be satisfied apart from an awareness of and relationship with the divine.
In one way or another every moment of every day and every night is a search for what will satisfy.
And this is why the person who experiences restlessness is on the right track.
The rich depth and breadth of life we seek is not a human achievement but a divine gift, given in abundance to all who seek and call.
Dear John, your retreat participants are very fortunate! Your words reminded me of my favourite hymn written by the late John Foley SJ ‘Come to the Warers’ whose lyrics and beautiful reflective music reflect your words perfectly. Thank you John. Blessings. Joy
Amen beautiful reflection