As I turn my attention to writing this letter of encouragement for our communities; the Ladies final at Wimbledon is due to take place in a few hours. I usually make such sporting calls on the wrong side, but I think the experience of the Czech lady will triumph over the obvious enthusiasm of Italian finalist at Roland Garros earlier this year.
I have spent two mini-sessions in the back garden this morning, pruning the border shrubbery (together with removing a seemingly over- abundance of weeds) – in order that the main bushes and plants may once again take prominence.
Which seemingly random musings bring us towards the summer season and the school holidays; where the need is brought to focus that we seek refreshment and perhaps recuperation from key events in our individual or collective lives.
It doesn’t need me to suggest that refreshment is that sense of pausing to re-charge our batteries, or even a continual re-fuelling of our engines for the journey of life; but perhaps we do all need to consider the ongoing Christian journey within the context of the gift of salvation that is offered to us through Christ Jesus, and the ever-present spiritual reality of repentance and sacramental forgiveness of our sins.
It may be hoped that we may all say the prayer which Jesus gave to each one of us, asking Him daily not to lead us into temptation, and to forgive us our sins. Some may even use the Angelus prayer around the midday hour, in which Our Lady is asked to pray for us, that we may be made worthy of the promises of God.
The balance between work, entertainment, leisure activity, rest, not forgetting prayer - is something that we all have to work out for ourselves; and the only person who can work that out is you, taking account of what you believe God is saying to you through the scriptures and the teaching of the ministers of the Church.
It may help to balance daily activity with a nightly recollection prior to the refreshment of sleep. This is a practice that I and many others utilise – expressing gratitude to our heavenly father for what we recognise as good in our lives and that are thankful for – and, asking for his help when we realize we have fallen short of the mark He asks from us (or even which we may have set for ourselves).
I have spent two mini-sessions in the back garden this morning, pruning the border shrubbery (together with removing a seemingly over- abundance of weeds) – in order that the main bushes and plants may once again take prominence.
Which seemingly random musings bring us towards the summer season and the school holidays; where the need is brought to focus that we seek refreshment and perhaps recuperation from key events in our individual or collective lives.
It doesn’t need me to suggest that refreshment is that sense of pausing to re-charge our batteries, or even a continual re-fuelling of our engines for the journey of life; but perhaps we do all need to consider the ongoing Christian journey within the context of the gift of salvation that is offered to us through Christ Jesus, and the ever-present spiritual reality of repentance and sacramental forgiveness of our sins.
It may be hoped that we may all say the prayer which Jesus gave to each one of us, asking Him daily not to lead us into temptation, and to forgive us our sins. Some may even use the Angelus prayer around the midday hour, in which Our Lady is asked to pray for us, that we may be made worthy of the promises of God.
The balance between work, entertainment, leisure activity, rest, not forgetting prayer - is something that we all have to work out for ourselves; and the only person who can work that out is you, taking account of what you believe God is saying to you through the scriptures and the teaching of the ministers of the Church.
It may help to balance daily activity with a nightly recollection prior to the refreshment of sleep. This is a practice that I and many others utilise – expressing gratitude to our heavenly father for what we recognise as good in our lives and that are thankful for – and, asking for his help when we realize we have fallen short of the mark He asks from us (or even which we may have set for ourselves).
There are many areas of our lives we may recognise, and many gifts which God has given us which we try to use. And part of life’s journey is to balance these component parts.
And in doing so, we remember that God created us as individuals to live both in and as a community in His name. Our jobs - if you may put it in this way - is to bear witness to our heavenly Father, and to offer Him the worship due.
So, as this letter is published, it will be the final days of July and into August. It is hoped we may all get away from home for a period to seek time to reset ourselves – to use the garden analogy - that the main bushes and plants may again take prominence.
Perhaps I may be permitted to re-use a reminder that I have mentioned before?
As we individually and collectively refresh ourselves during this summer holiday period, may we consider what it is we believe that God is asking of us?
In other words, may we re-assess where we are in life?
May we then adjust and re-purpose ourselves as prayer may inform us so to do?
And then may we re-engage with life, that His reflected light may be seen through us by all those we meet. And that life itself may be the winner rather than the individual or any given component part.
May I wish you all a time of rest and refreshment in His Name,
Dom Paul-Bernarde OSBA
And in doing so, we remember that God created us as individuals to live both in and as a community in His name. Our jobs - if you may put it in this way - is to bear witness to our heavenly Father, and to offer Him the worship due.
So, as this letter is published, it will be the final days of July and into August. It is hoped we may all get away from home for a period to seek time to reset ourselves – to use the garden analogy - that the main bushes and plants may again take prominence.
Perhaps I may be permitted to re-use a reminder that I have mentioned before?
As we individually and collectively refresh ourselves during this summer holiday period, may we consider what it is we believe that God is asking of us?
In other words, may we re-assess where we are in life?
May we then adjust and re-purpose ourselves as prayer may inform us so to do?
And then may we re-engage with life, that His reflected light may be seen through us by all those we meet. And that life itself may be the winner rather than the individual or any given component part.
May I wish you all a time of rest and refreshment in His Name,
Dom Paul-Bernarde OSBA
RSS Feed
