Jigsaw

Jigsaw

Philippines 4:8-9

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Every single one of us is different and unique, we bring differences to our families, to our friends, to our parish community and to the stranger.

We are linked together like a jigsaw, we are all part of this one world, God's world, our world which makes the picture of life. We each have a part to play for the good of all, here and now, in this present moment.

If a piece is missing it leaves a gap, the jigsaw is incomplete.

Take a few moments to reflect and write down one of the many gifts a family member, a friend or someone who has or is making a difference to you at this time of uncertainty. May we nurture these gifts and may they continue grow in the love, care and support of each one of us as we strive together to make this world the loving place we strive it to be, today and tomorrow.

Keep your piece to the puzzle to remind you each day of how important each and everyone of us is and that however difficult things seem or become you will never really be alone.

We give thanks for the friendships that have just begun and for those that have grown.

For the faith that has been lived in our daily struggles,

For the hope that has lifted our hearts on the dark days

And for the love that has kept us going.

We give thanks for the community that we are and we ask you Lord,

Bless our families and friend may your Spirit inspire them with confidence and calmness

Bless each one of us, memories we cherish help us face each day with hope and a peaceful open heart.

Pour out your love on us that we may return renewed and refreshed to continue our journey together when it is your will.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Lift me up

LIFT ME UP

Lift me up with hands that hold me steady

I am not strong enough to stand alone

Yet one day I will walk the ways you lead me

I am the fruit of seeds that you have sown.

Touch my hand with hands that can be gentle

I am yet weak but strength has weakness too

For I have noticed sometimes when you’re smiling

You hide big tears that choke the way mine do.

Love me much for I am ever growing

My soul can dry up just like flowers that die

Feed me with the love of people and nature

Give me strength, and set my standards high.

Give me justice, freedom and the future

Let my mind and heart stay undefiled

Be my friend and helper while I’m learning

And give me trust, for I am but a child.

(Prayer composed by Rhonda Rice.)

The Long View

THE LONG VIEW

Oscar Romero

It helps now and then, to step back and take the long view.

The Kingdom of God is not only beyond our efforts.

It is even beyond our vision.

We accomplish in our lifetime

only a fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work.

Nothing we do is complete,

which is another way of saying that the Kingdom lies beyond us.

No statement says all that could be said.

No prayer fully expresses our faith.

No confession brings perfection.

No pastoral visit brings wholeness.

No programme accomplishes the Church’s mission.

No set of goals and objectives includes everything.

This is what we are about:

We plant seeds that one day will grow.

We water seeds already planted knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces effects beyond our capabilities. We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing it. This enables us to do something and do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for God's grace to enter and do the rest.

We may never see the end results,

but that is the difference between the Master Builder and the worker.

We are workers, not master builders;

ministers not messiahs.

We are prophets of a future not our own.