Oh how I love you, Holy Trinity, One God.
‘Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well’. (John 6:33)
Today’s beautiful prayer-sharing encounters might never have come to pass. Yes, I would share my prayer but no joyful sharings. No laughter!! What a loss!!
The young man who told me that he will remember me as the ‘Granny with a laminator’. Teenagers who relished Holy Spirit wisdom; ‘Pray it every morning. Can’t promise you nothing will be wrong but you’ll be strong’.
Yes indeed, laryngitis has gifted me much! My life before and after is how it feels right now. New beginnings.
Now it is Your voice, precious Lord. It is not mine.
“Live in Me. I am your principle, your fountain of life and joy, the day spring of your being. And that is why when you see Me you will be able to say ‘I recognise You, You whom I had never seen”. (Jesus to Gabrielle/He and I)
‘Each moment opens the wholeness of time’. (St. Pope John Paul 11)
‘But I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment’. (Matthew 12:36)
Kitty, who knows suffering, gently suggests; ‘Perhaps you talk too much’. Yes indeed dear Kitty!. Couldn’t have said it better myself!!
St. Anne’s Holy Rosary placed on hold for a few weeks. I shall miss my precious folk but, God willing, when my vocal chords are rested and strong, I shall return once again to that sacred sacrosanct space of healing, light, and unutterable joy.
‘Take rest, a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop’. (Ovid)
Dear lady from South Korea received my prayer yesterday. Prayer-sharing continues, despite and maybe even because of my limited word-power, more of Jesus, less of me.
Laminated in deepest Kerry, prayed in South Korea. Exhilarating!!
‘He must increase and I must decrease’. (John 3:30)
My holiday begins as I step outside of my own front door and not when my destination is reached. Every tiny thing is pure gift! Every journey a holiday no matter the circumstance, issue or trial.
Back home in bed now with laryngitis. No talking. No singing either. Silence is golden. We never miss the water till the well runs dry!!
Barely whispering with dear John about God’s divine gift of detachment. ‘Yes’, he replies gently; ‘To be unbothered no matter what’. True! Self preoccupation is the equivalent to misery!
Seemingly, guy one time, near here, earned himself the nick name; ‘Optician’. His conversations beginning and ending with ‘I’ every time and without fail.
‘I had a little tea party this afternoon at three. T’was very small - three guests in all, I, myself and me. Myself ate all the sandwiches, while I drank all the tea, t’was also I who ate the pie and passed the cake to me’. (Jessica Nelson North).
Derm’s childhood school poem. Fond memory. I could only recall the first line. Kind Google!
Back home again having spent most glorious time with family, awaiting Aria Grace’s delightful arrival. Waiting was easy for me!! Holy Mass every morning, forest strolls with Derm, early to bed, fun and laughter with my lovely Luna, calming chats with Shona.
Holy Priest beautiful in every way. When I told him that I loved his wise homily every morning (he speaks scripture like he is living every moment) and the way he offers Holy Mass no matter how many attend (sometimes only five). Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament before Holy Mass even though sometimes just Father and myself, his reply confirmed what I truly believe in my own life: ‘I show up. I do what God asks of me. That is all’. All for Jesus.
Wonderful encounter with elderly man who owns local store and Funeral Home (Mortuary). He was so funny!! He told me that he had many ‘near death experiences’, he is blessed to be still here. One time while in hospital, nurse asked if they could move him to another ward as the window beside his bed was cracked. ‘Oh begorra I don’t mind where you move me once it is not the mortuary’, was his witty reply.
He gave me a tour of his ‘state of the art’ Funeral Home. Dubious at first, he told me: ‘No need to be afraid. It is natural’. Never before have I witnessed anyone so utterly chuffed with a Funeral Home. Theology extraordinaire!!
Two artists two different mornings on my way to Holy Mass. Two wonderful encounters. One accepted my prayer. One did not. The one who did not pointed me along a really short-cut to Church. (Theology in that too!!) Every action a transaction!!
Something amazing has dawned on me!! I have definitely received the gift of detachment!! All glory to God. I can feel it in my bones. Better to like all seasons than to be eternally in love with spring!! Heard that quote many years ago and now I really know what it means.
Had Aria Grace arrived when I got there, had she not taken her time emerging, Luna and I would not have been so relaxed and happy together while parents were in the hospital. God works everything for our good all the time. We sang a song I learned sixty five years ago and now Luna sings it all the time. My children sang it and now my children’s children.;
‘When I see the sun I sing, Thankyou God for everything. The birds, the flowers, the humming bees, the ripen fruit, the tall green trees’.
Wonderful quote from Pope Benedict’s book, ‘Last Testament’, I reread on my week of bliss; ‘Today I will pay myself a visit. I do hope that I’m at home’. (Karl Valentin)
May we always be home in our heart, doing good, showing kindness, as we go.
‘If your heart-peace is unruffled, then every thought is a mighty force for ME. Then every act is one of power’. (Jesus/He and I)
No, Mr/Mrs Protestor, you are not protesting in my name!!
Ordinary folk like me are not benefiting, in fact you are hurting us. Maybe not so much this little old grandmother in deepest Kerry but countless are struggling because of your misguided shenanigans.
‘The snowflake never needs to feel sorry for the avalanche’. (Jon Ronson)
Oh yea, almost forgot! God had no country! We are all God’s family. God has no favourites.
The real Irish people are many, varied, all sizes, shapes and colour. Happy days!! We are all made in the likeness of God, regardless of our class, creed or colour.
When Mother Teresa was asked one time about ‘world peace’, she replied serenely; ‘ Love the folk you live with’. Not always easy to do but superb starting-point!
‘Let them turn away from evil and do good; Let them seek peace and pursue it’. (1Peter 3:11)
Easter Sunday, almost to his place I call John. ‘Did you eat the Easter egg John’. ‘I did. You didn’t jump fast enough’, he replies. ‘No problem John, I hope you enjoyed it’, I say. He did!!
Next morning he calls early; ‘Sorry about your Easter egg. I will get you something far better’. ‘You will not John’, I reply. ‘Our friendship is best gift of all’
Journeying with John is unutterably beautiful, heavenly, and totally undeserved. Pure gift! Ten years steadfast friends.
Again I quote Cardinal Robert Sarah; ‘Words spoil anything that surpasses them’.
This time, scarily high blood pressure. Receptionist, nurses, Docter, everyone doing all in their power to ease my anxiety and care for my every need. Come morning, blood tests yielding positive results, kind generous folk elated, witnessing favourable resolution. Homeward bound thank God.
Eight powerful prayers shared throughout the night. Eight wonderful encounters that would not have come to pass had my blood pressure not erupted. Jesus visiting His people.
Soon to be 70 years of glorious age and so being prescribed blood pressure meds is not at all shocking. In fact there are those who might suggest that perhaps I have gotten off light, not needing them until now.
Today, Good Friday Sacred ceremonies, I got to sing. ‘Were you there when they crucified my Lord’ as congregation queued to kiss the Holy Cross. Hauntingly beautiful melody, heard-rending lyrics.
Tonight my grand children sleep soundly in their beds. Parents relaxing for Easter in this compact, delightfully humble cottage, far away from the madding crowd.
‘I have never known real sorrow since the day I decided to serve with all my power, my Lord and Divine Consoler’. (St. Teresa of Avila)
‘Sainthood’ is simply another word for self-forgetfulness and generosity’, uttered somebody somewhere onetime!!
Reminding me of Diarmuid’s appraisal re folk who continually whine but do nothing; ‘Someone somewhere should do something about that’!!
How was it that I touched down in this quaint little town……How to put it in words!!
Dear lady called my phone last Saturday evening. Shocked seeing her name. She had been ill for some time, dementia too. Did not expect a call from her for sure. Up to now, no one seemed to know anything of her whereabouts. I enquired many times but always a brick wall.
‘I miss you terribly’, I blurt out to which she replies: ‘I probably miss you too but I have no idea who you are’.
Thing is, unaided she made that call, beyond remarkable!! Lady could have called anyone at all but God chose me. I am overjoyed.
So today I took the arduous ‘many bus journeys’ to be with her in her new Care Home. What a meeting!! No, she could not quite place me but my face rings a bell. No wonder!! We have shared many moments of joy and hilarity. Sadness too but always joy saved the day, even on the darkest of days.
Divine intervention phonecall!! No doubt about that. Truly amazing. Gladly I will take that arduous journey again and again, God willing.
Moments like these truly remind my heart that God is real! God is near!! Yes He is!!
“Keep the joy of loving God in your heart and share this joy with all you meet, especially your family. Be holy”. (St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta)
So many beautiful funny sad interesting encounters like;
Young guy, one whole year clean of drugs, alcohol and gambling. “You look really well”, I told him truthfully. ‘You did not hurt yourself much thank God’. ‘Mentally’, he uttered sadly. As we parted company, he gifted me a key ring with the words: ‘We don’t meet people by accident, they are meant to cross our path for a reason’. Wow!! I will gladly wear it on my backsack.
Older guy who at the moment is reading Alan Carr’s bestseller ‘How to control your drinking’. Thing is we had that same conversation over one year ago. He did not remember, “I may be still a little tipsy from last night’, he said and then laughingly added ‘“But of course you can not control your drinking, you must Stop. That’s the whole point of the book”. He is trying, he really is.
‘Heaven is full of converted sinners of all kinds and there is room for more’. (St. Joseph Cafasso)
Wow!! Will Father God say those same words to me one fine day: ‘I know you.You are Bridget’. I believe He will!! Oh happy day!!
I ask if she needs a Holy Bible. Her gentle reply: ‘Thankyou. I have one.’
‘Can you share your favourite Scripture verse’, I ask. Smiling all the while, lady replies slowly, with the gravity her words deserve: ‘Psalm 51:10’.
‘Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me’.
‘It is all we ever need’, we both agree, in this unutterably beautiful moment in time.
‘If I live constantly in the company of Jesus, I will look like Him and do as He did’. (St. Mother Teresa)
Oftentimes, (last night) I awaken in deepest night full of concern for what might come to pass. Ridiculous I know but extremely real and utterly upsetting. Then I read the above!!
Living in the present moment is not a new concept to me but somehow in some sweet way I receive this glorious gem more fully and deeply into my deepest spirit, this rainy morning in deepest Kerry.
My dear Mom would say; ‘No news is good news’. Truly, only this morning do I fully get what she meant! Actually ‘no news’ is beyond good!! ‘No news’ is truly great!!
‘Everything is a work of love done for Christ’s sake and all I have to be concerned about is doing the duty of the moment. This is where my anxiety turns to joy’. (Catherine Doherty/Madonna House)
On my way to Holy Mass, going by a Builders yard, Tom is searching frantically for something, darting here and there at the speed of light. ‘What are you looking for Tom’, I holler. Stopping in his tracks, Tom replies laughing; ‘I don’t know!’.
‘When they found Jesus they said to Him; “Everyone is looking for You’. (Mark 1-37)
Yes! Absolutely Lord of my life. I am sure!! Myriad moments every minute of every day without question or doubt.
My little grandson deep in play while I sat deep in worrisome thought. Next moment he jumps up giving me the warmest hug. No word spoken!
Guy seated next to me on bus. Rain pouring down and dear man turns to me smiling; ‘I call rain “Holy water” falling down from Heaven above’. Wow!! Blast from the past! Pushing my baby in his buggy, rain pouring down way back then too, all the while singing; ‘My God reigns/rains’!!
Three young girls somewhat taken aback, but oh so joyfully, loved my prayer. ‘I cannot promise you nothing will be wrong but you will be strong’, I told them. They will write those words down!! Prayer-sharing grandmothers vital in this our day and time.
Elderly lady asks; ‘What do I tell a young man who says Mass is boring’. ‘Introduce him to Jesus, He will do the rest’, I replied. Clutching my prayer, she walked happily away.
Elderly lady who told me that nowadays there is so much talk about love and no mention of consequences. I knew what she meant. Jesus did not condemn the lady at the well but their beautiful encounter prompted her wholeheartedly to change her ways for a better life. He loved her! Lady’s words were brilliant; ‘ Nowadays folk forget that Jesus said; “Don’t do it anymore”.
Lady overjoyed to hear my name is Bridget. She will say my prayer every day. She loves St. Brigid. In fact she is part of a St. Brigid circle. Definitely the real St. Brigid interceded for this dear lady. So many myths around St. Brigid.
Young guy who’s family member died tragically recently. ‘This is no mistake’, he told me, accepting my prayer.
Young guy whose phone stopped working as he tried to pay his bus fare to College. I got to do it!! He was so grateful but for sure my heart got a greater gift.
I leave home every time carrying countless prayers. I return with hardly any. Back to my laminator!!
So that’s it! No more plans, I await direction from You, Holy Trinity one God.
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future’. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Sharing my prayer of course. Laughter. Priceless wisdom flowing freely and joyfully absorbed.
One dear lady happily accepting my prayer, tells me that she hardly ever prays. She left home at an early age, she and her Mom clashed a lot. She adored her Dad. ‘I will pray this prayer’, she told me but I hope it doesn’t make me feel guilty’. ‘Of course not’, I reply. ‘Guilt is useless. Throw it over your shoulder’.
She did just that!!
Prayer changes everything. Innately we know it!! Without prayer our souls dehydrate and die.
Dear lady’s worried words still linger. FEAR - Face Everything And Recover. Love G’s version; Face Everything and Run!! (She knows!!)
‘Prayer gives us an interior knowing. That knowing is a touching of the Divine, where Gods is communicating’. (Frances Hogan)
Out of my bed earlier than usual this morning. Allowing Ruairi sleep on (well deserved!) while I spend valuable time with my glorious little grandson. Having slept poorly last night I had fully intended catching a nap at some point. Then, I read the following in Magnificat. I love Carlyle Houselander;
“Let your prayer be simply your offering of yourself to do God’s will, to rest and relax in Him, and to offer everything you do as a prayer; for example, if you have a little sleep, offer that”.
Tiredness gone!! Wonderful Holy Spirit!!
Just now I meet with Cass who has suffered much of late. ‘I awoke this morning at 4AM’, she told me. ‘From now on I will stress no more about lack of sleep. Instead I spend my time in prayer’. More wisdom from one who knows!!
‘But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My Name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you’. (John 14:26)
Wow!! ‘I did not’, I told him, ‘but here’s a beautiful morning prayer if you would like one’. Happily he accepted, one for guy in van too.
Walking on, I could plainly hear him tell other guy how sure and certain he was that I had called him. Then, loudly he declares; ‘It is our lucky day’.
How many prayers were in my pocket within easy reach? Yes exactly two!!
Amazingly beautiful!! Articulating what just occurred akin to building clouds from blocks!! Too precious to be lost though!!
Today, 3rd February, another young guy in a van accepted my prayer, somewhat shocked with the words; “Oh, thanks very much. I am actually trying to get back into it. (Prayer). This is no mistake”.
Every day I witness young folk desiring something more in their lives. Meaning! Purpose! Joy!
Know God, Know peace. No God, No peace.
