Coming Down the Mountain

Although I myself did not have the privilege of attending the recent World Meeting of the Secular Carmelites in Avila, I have heard reports from one or two who were present, and they have been deeply moved by the experience: their excitement is palpable.  However, coming back from a period of exceptional inspiration to immerse oneself again in the humdrum realities of daily living can itself be a bit of a struggle.  I have never forgotten a beautiful fortnight I once spent in the Holy Land as part of a group of Secular Carmelites invited to participate in a renewal course.  After enjoying a special experience in the course of the fortnight, I asked a fellow Carmelite whether the inspiration arising from such experiences could evaporate over time and end up being just another fading memory, but she answered me unforgettably, saying ‘Once you have been up the mountain and seen the Lord, you are never the same again.’ 

Intercessions

RIP Fr Jon Bielawski, Jacqui, Sister Maisie

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Catherine, Alex (43 with five children), Theresa K, Elena

Sophie – newborn having heart surgery; Sianna, young child in the post-operative phase; James, recovering from heart surgery

Ivy – sick child

Brian (recovering from Pneumonia)

Kevin (heart attack)

William Gove (in recovery)

Illness:  Katy Keeling

Siena, Elara – sick children

David OCDS – housebound

Grace – troubling ailments, job difficulties, family (deceased mother and health of father)

Mark – brain infection

Michael, Kira – vulnerable youngsters

Defence of the unborn and the elderly

We are asked to pray for the Diocese of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand, as the Northern Mission celebrates its centenary. The process of selecting a new bishop continues.