Clonskeagh Parish RCN:20016166

A Few Words from Fr Joe…………………….

Last Sunday, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, was also the last day for my Christmas tree, decorations and lights. One by one the balls came off the tree, then all the little bits and pieces that I’ve gathered up over the years, mementoes of places visited, ornaments and gifts received, some odd little family heirlooms, were wrapped up and returned to the attic. I find great comfort and joy in those days when the house is full of light, life, good food and treats, visitors, cards and joy. January really can be a very testing time! But it is a New Year and all of us can use the quieter days of this month to look ahead into the months to come. If we made resolutions, brilliant, even if some have been broken already.  Plans for the summer might be on our minds, places to go, people to see, new experiences to be enjoyed. When it’s not too cold, windy or wet, the odd walk in the park, by the sea, or in the hills can be a good tonic. Looking at the bare trees, the empty fields, in the watery winter light, is beautiful in some deep and moving way. We know that soon enough the earth will warm a little, buds will come on branches, snowdrops and daffodils, will force their way up, and their blossom will herald Spring. God’s creative energy transforms the bleak mid-winter of nature and can work powerfully in our lives too. Whether we simply repeat the familiar cycle of the liturgical year, from Ash Wednesday on, or adopt some new and creative aspect of the journey of faith, the divine will be moving in our hearts and minds. God wants us to grow, to be more alive, to deepen our connection to the Spirit and to each other in this community of faith. Let’s be alert to how we might be moved, from deep within our being, to make another wonderful year on the journey of faith, love and charity.