There are some moments in life when the situations around us and the conditions of

life leave us in a state of desolation and despair. In such moments of life, God is always there with us.  The Gospel reading on Sunday presents to us two miracles of our Lord Jesus Christ, the raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead and the healing of the woman suffering from haemorrhage.  In each of these miracles, we see the face of humanity collectively and individually plagued by one problem or the other.  It can never be overemphasised that as our faces are different, so also are our problems and challenges and pains.  One central message we must take from the Gospel narrative is the fact that God remains the only true and sure source of the solution to all of our problems, challenges, difficulties, pains and sufferings.  From Jairus and this woman, we are invited to learn to bring our problems to God in humility, even when they seem most impossible because “with man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God” (Mk 10:27).  

This week at Holy Spirit, we value stewardship.  The earth and all life on it are part of God’s creation and we are called to respect this gift.  We are responsible for taking care of the world we live in and for sharing all the wonders and resources the earth gives us.  This week we pray our students be stewards of God’s creation. 

I came across “A Creed for Those Who Have Suffered” by Roy Campanella, who picks up the complexity of our prayers and as we approach the end of the term, it gives us good food for thought.

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.

I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey…

I asked for health, that I might do great things.

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things…

I asked for riches, that I might be happy.

I was given poverty, that I might be wise…

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God…

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.

I was given life, that I might enjoy all things…

I got nothing I asked for – but everything I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered…

Have a great week and a relaxing break.

God bless

Caroline Fuller