Association Of Catholic Bloggers

I'm working on a  new novel and I've struggled to understand the fundamental motivation of one of my own characters. I know what  he wants, but not why. I've had to 'interview' him virtually non-stop for over a week. While I walked, drove, cooked, stared into the computer…I've felt like shaking him, 'why? Why do you desire this goal? It's a crazy goal, but you desperately want it. Why?' You and I desire  many things; a healthy body, a successful novel, recognition in the workplace, a stable income, loving relationships. None of these are bad. Many of these God desires for us. Wisdom is knowing  that if our fundamental desire is for God, He knows best which of these desires He will satisfy. 'Seek first the kingdom of heaven, and all these will be given you.' Matthew 6:33

Wisdom Reflection by Malcolm Davies I've spent many working hours traveling around the country, waiting in airports. The most powerful experiences of prayer were facing the rising sun out of the windows at Adelaide airport. Those opportunities opened me to the gift of Wisdom - the integration of spirit and flesh. The one who gets wisdom loves life; Proverbs 19:8 Excerpt from: http://susannetimpani.blogspot.com.au/

Reflection by Louise Crossley When I think of the Gift of Wisdom, I think of the famous poem 'Even this shall pass away.' It follows the life of a king and his happy and sad occasions through life. While this king has many opportunities to satisfy his desires, he realises that everything in this world is temporary. In the end, even death shall pass away.                                                                                                                                                     Wisdom is knowing that in the end... 'Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you.' Psalm 73:25 Wisdom is knowing that God alone can give us this desire....and that it's a free gift. Struck with palsy, sore and old, Waiting at the Gates of Gold, Said he with his dying breath, “Life is done, but what is Death?” Then, in answer to the king, Fell a sunbeam on his ring, Showing by a heavenly ray, “Even thi

Who doesn't enjoy  a beautiful wedding? Our senses are delighted with music, food, flowers, the colours and textures of fabrics, the transforming impact of hairstyles and makeup and the elegance of jewellery. Our spirit is lifted by the palpable joy between the couple. Like any event, weddings  don't just happen.  Hours of hard work, negotiation - conflict management - and careful planning have set the scene. My own wedding preparation was no different. When we requested a non-traditional hymn in the church repertoire, the musician obliged, but not before muttering, 'that's an odd choice of song for a wedding.'

I recently received the gift of tickets to see Andre Rieu. The concert isn’t scheduled for another six months so I've stored the tickets away until I need them. Imagine if I lose them! Or if I forget I even had them! I will never experience the true joy the gift was intended to bring me. Nor could I genuinely show appreciation to my generous gift giver. God has provided us with spiritual gifts with which to live the spiritual life. Over the next 7 months, the 10 Minute Daily Retreat will reflect on 7 of these gifts; one every month. In June, we will reflect on the gift of Wisdom. 'Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you.' Proverbs 4:6 Join us on our journey! Reflections can be sent by email. Details on: 10 Minute Daily Retreat Blog

'There are two dangers in life. First, there is the danger of a too constant activity. Second, there is the danger of too much withdrawal. The rhythm of the Christian life is the alternate meeting with God in the secret place and serving people in the marketplace.' (William Barclay) 'He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.' Mark 6:31-33 http://susannetimpani.blogspot.com.au/

A mighty wind invades the world, So strong and free on beating wing: It is the Spirit of the Lord From whom all truth and freedom spring. The Spirit is a fountain clear Forever   leaping to the sky, Whose waters give unending life, Whose timeless source is never dry. The Spirit comes in tounges of flame, With love and wisdom burning bright, The wind, the fountain and the fire Combine in this great feast of light. O tranquil Spirit, bring us peace, With God the Father and the Son. We praise you, blessed Trinity, Unchanging, and forever One. (Hymn from The Divine Office)

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.”   But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.   Luke 1:26-29     Surely Mary, the  mother of Jesus, holds the greatest honour amongst mothers? Mary responded to the invitation to bear Jesus by 'pondering.' This is a wonderful example for us. Pondering implies a  careful weighing of a problem or, often, prolonged inconclusive thinking about a matter – reflection, meditation. Don’t be fooled  into thinking that little decisions don’t need our pondering.  Whatever we choose  brings us closer to God or further away, and either brings others closer to God or further away.  Regular ‘pondering’ facilitates  the reshaping of our minds and hearts so we m

We are chosen  for love. We are sent out into the world to love one another.  Sometimes we live as if we were sent into the world to compete with one another, or to dispute with one another, or even to quarrel with one another. But the Christian is  to live in such a way that he shows what is meant  by loving. It is here that Jesus makes another of his great claims. Read on:  10 Minute Daily Retreat I have loved you just as the Father has loved me. John 15:23-24

Have you ever  shed tears over the experience of utter rejection? The devastation in relationship breakdown runs about as deep as it gets. Or perhaps the rejection is the loss of a dream, a goal we worked so desperately to achieve?  Writers are encouraged  to re-enter those experiences, examine them and from the depths, produce a story written from the heart. Yet, it's not  the pain readers want to experience. That's only part of the story. Whether Fact or Fiction, the power of a story is in victory over adversity. It's the power of love, the promise of hope, the moment when tears are wiped away. No one can escape  episodes of grief and pain. Today's reading tells us that God is with us in those moments, and that He promises to wipe away our tears.   This is a sampler  of the heavenly promise that one day there will be no more tears at all.

  John 10:27   " My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they ...[stop and listen].

Jesus said to  them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. (John 21:12)     Lent is over  and many of us have returned to our pre-lenten routine. We've stored away those extra prayers and acts of good will for another year. Likewise, after Jesus died the disciples returned to their fishing business. Yet the Resurrection  changes everything.    Today we read how Jesus returns to His disciples, not as a vision or a ghost, but as the Risen Lord.  He calls His  disciples from their work and over breakfast explains how their life as His disciples can never be the same. They have His mission to continue.  Jesus extends the  same invitation to us.To join Him for 'breakfast' - per daily prayer – and discover new possibilities for a deeper relationship with Him, the Resurrected Lord.