The Garden of Carmel

It is especially in this Spring season that I ponder the beauty of the word ‘Carmel’ – which means ‘garden’.  I look out of the window on such a display of fresh colours pleasing to the eye.  I recall the Genesis story, which tells us that the first couple lived in a garden.  I am told that there is great beauty even in the desert, and I must believe it, but my vote goes to the garden.  How people love to visit the big gardens that are open to the public!  Carmel is a spiritual garden full of beautiful things in the midst of a cruel and discouraging world, it is an oasis in the deserts of life.  Carmel cannot solve all our problems, but it can help us to accept where we are as the plan of God for us, so that we stop fighting against that plan and complaining about it.  There is a mysterious power in the Garden of Carmel, a power that can change those who enter it for the better. 

Intercessions:

Louise Aldred OCDS RIP – a long-time member of the Nottingham Secular community

Brian Davis – cancer

Marie, Bernard (and wife Angela) - cancer

Siena, Elara – sick children

Wojtek – massive heart attack leaving him incapacitated

David - housebound

Sophia – blind infant

Rebekah – in hospital