The end is but a beginning

I have recently been talking to a couple of men who are to be received into the Church soon – one at Easter, one at Pentecost.  There is something special about souls on the verge of joining us, there is a freshness and an excitement in them.  Both of these men have made a particular impression on me, each in a different way.  One of them is already thinking about Carmel, as he explained to me.  He realises that although it may feel like the end of a long search, entering the Church is actually only the beginning of something.  He has identified Carmel as a place where he would be able to go deeper into that which he is already professing.  I am moved by this sense of purpose and the underlying resolve to make the commitment of the day a lasting one.  This desire to go deeper reminds me of the saying of Isaiah - ‘Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.’ (Isaiah 55, 1)

Intercessions:

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Theresa K, Fr Jon Bielowski (Plymouth Diocese), Catherine, Alex (43 with five children), Sister Daranee Teapthong

Illness:  Hilary Solomon, Katy Keeling

Siena, Elara – sick children

David OCDS – housebound

Sophia – blind infant

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

Mark – brain infection

Michael – youngster with occult influences

Defence of the unborn and the elderly

RIP Connor Calleja (20 yrs old)

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.