Benedict XVI and Freedom

"One of the greatest challenges facing us today is how to speak convincingly of

 the wisdom and liberating power of God's word 

to a world which all too often sees the Gospel 

as a constriction of human freedom,

 instead of the 

truth which liberates our minds and enlightens our efforts

 to live wisely and well,

 both as individuals and as members of society."

Homily at Westminster Cathedral

Happy New Year

May this picture of cherry blossom in the garden of  St Thomas More's, Lancaster,

 be a symbol of a beautiful and fruitful 2013 for all.

And in the words of the Book of Numbers

"May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

May the Lord uncover his face to you

and

BRING YOU  PEACE

Song of Songs

The first reading at Mass this morning (Sg 2:8-14) is taken from the lovely Old Testament love songs known as the Song of Songs. These songs express something of the intimate, longing love God has for each one of us; they portray God as the bridegroom and the people of Israel as the bride. Angela was very at home with this metaphor. In the Prologue to her Rule she  describes herself and her companions as brides of the Son of God.

"We are called  to so glorious a life as to be spouses of the Son of God." 

However, this image is not only true of consecrated persons. Every one is called to intimacy with God. This is what the incarnation is all about. The baby in the cradle at Bethlehem cries out aloud how much God wants to be one with us. 

"My beloved lifts up his voice,he says to me,"Come then ,my love,my lovely one,come." (2.10)

Do read more!

Prayer of the Heart: October

Our "Prayer of the heart" for October is a line from Ps 42 "Deep is calling on deep". The whole Psalm is worth a read.It is entitled "Lament of a Levite in exile" but can be read as a personal spiritual journey with which one can identify in places. Have a read.

Provincial Chapter

The Biblical text that we have chosen as the theme for our Provincial Chapter is taken from Luke 5.4 

“Go out into deep water and lower

your nets for a catch.” 

We need to pray for courage and wisdom to do so. 

Fishing nets