A Plan

My dear friend Pha-Raine and I have decided to get together on Monday mornings and pray the rosary, do a little Bible study, study the Catechism, and pray again. After that we can socialise together!  I am praying  it works out as we have have been keen to start something like this for a long time.  When we have 'test driven' it, and know it works we may open it up to others.  And we are keen to think of a name for it....I'm praying.

Latin Mass 2

Another Sunday and another Latin Mass attended.  Around 20adults there I think, and about 10 children, so the tiny church felt quite full.  It is such a blessed time for me...and for us al lI'm sure.  I talked to lots of people afterwards which is always lovely, but it is the Latin Mass itself that I go for.  Quiet, gentle and totally focused on Our Beloved Lord on the altar.  No hustle and bustle, no 'ministers' parading to and from the altar, just the quiet murmurs of the priest and altar server and the (mostly) silent devotion of the people. Maybe it's not 'relevant' maybe it's old fashioned (like 500 years old) but it's moving and holy and when you reluctantly leave, you feel spiritually filled and peaceful.

Thank you for this blessing Lord.

Following

A few weeks ago I was reading about Mary (of Bethany) sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to him and I thought how wonderful that would be.  So I decided to read the Gospel of Mark and every time I came to Jesus' actual words I would take them as HIM talking to me. Today He said to me "Follow me" (Mark 2:14).  I have been thinking and praying about that.  Could I do as Levi (Matthew) did who 'arose and followed him'?  I keep praying: "Help me to follow you...to truly follow you.  Jesus help your poor hesitant follower to become whole hearted."

Graceful Task

Today at Mass, Father Joel said "Grace is not only a blessing it is a TASK."  What a challenge! So Grace not  to make life easier for US but so that we can be a blessing to others!  Scary.

Am I a blessing to others? I'm going to have to think and pray more about this.

Joyful Sorrow

My dear Friend P-R's husband died yesterday.  She has nursed him faithfully and lovingly for many years and his death was in many ways a happy release, but because she loved him she mourns.  And alas he died without faith...and she had prayed so much for a deathbed conversion.  But we talked about the paralitic in Mark's Gospel, where Jesus looked at THEIR Faith and said "My son, your sins are forgiven".  Maybe because of HER faith he is forgiven and welcomed by The Beloved.  We even had a laugh at the thought of him arriving in front of Jesus and saying "Gee! My wife was right!." But we're sad and wept together. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord.

The Latin Mass

Today was the highlight of my fortnight when I went to the Latin Mass.  Our Bishop only allows us to have it once every 2 weeks but I'm grateful that he allows it at all.  It is such a joy, such a holy, devout experience.  And such a friendly and joyful community.  We talked, after Mass, for an hour!! Praise God.

Anniversary

DH and I have been married 51 years tomorrow!  Amazing.  He was only 18 when I met him and now he's 72!!!  Even more amazing.  It hasn't been an easy marriage, many downs amid the ups, but I've always loved him and through the grace of God we've stayed together.  Thank you Lord.