It is commonly wrongly thought that the call of God is at odds with our deepest human longings. But when we do set out on the paths that God has revealed, we discover that we are truly ourselves.
Desire
to forgive
My lack of forgiveness rarely affects the one who has caused my pain, but it has a huge negative effect on me emotionally, physically, psychologically and therefore spiritually.
our holy longing
While at times we are faced with decisions involving good and evil, most often our choices are between something good, something better, and perhaps a best option.
easily pleased
It’s 56 years today since CS Lewis died. One of my favourite Lewis quotes is about the boy making mud-pies: “…We are far too easily pleased”
following desire
In every moment, any human is motivated by attraction, or by resistance. Those who are beginners in life’s journey simply go with attraction and act against whatever they consider to be distasteful.
can I be sure?
The mature person of prayer knows that the deepest human desire is not to have our little prayers magically answered, but to know that God is with us in our joys, hopes, griefs and anxieties.
fully human
It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us
progress
Earlier in the year I moved into the heart of Christchurch city where I now live in the Cathedral presbytery beside the earthquaked Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. You can see the remains of the destroyed Cathedral sanctuary behind me in this video clip – an appropriate backdrop for this first Advent reflection on making progress and moving forward
in great company
It was a delight to spend time last night with five of our six seminarians for the diocese of Christchurch at Holy Cross Seminary in Auckland, and later in the evening...
mud pies
After the Good Shepherd Parish Masses yesterday morning I drove down to Christchurch for a couple of meetings. The latter meeting was with the Vocations Team, the group...
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adult faith
Healthy doubt develops faith that is rooted in God and grounded
in reality.
leadership
The ONE who brings us together is Jesus Christ, risen, present and active among us.
the beach brunch
His question gives them a chance to express their feeling at their lack of success.
let’s get physical
Note the physicality of today’s gospel: hearts, hands, feet, mouth, eyes, and human feelings: peace, alarm, fright, agitation, doubt
talking together
FFF gatherings in cafes and bars have begun, following the disciples talking together on the road