This week's readings can be found here John 7.37 -39
Reflection John 7.37 -39
‘I want to be free, to get out of the house, to shoot the breeze and to live a little ‘….
‘I Know, I know … yes I know you want to go shopping. The shops are open today and you want some fun and laughter. There is money in your purse and you are itching to spend some of your savings.’
One day in LA Robbie Williams felt the same way. Robbie had a few dollars to spend so he went on a spree looking to buy a new car. He was feeling good and by the end of the day he had purchased seven new cars including a Ferrari, a Porsche and a Mercedes - all top of the range.
People love Robbie’s honesty and his willingness to express truth in his songs. By the end of the week Robbie was feeling down and he wrote a new song.
‘I just want to feel real love…..
There’s a hole in my soul
You can see it in my face,
It’s a real big place.’
For me, and possibly for you, the big hole in our souls is a God shaped hole. We are open to a hunger and thirst for God which cannot be filled by more stuff. For believers this hole can only be filled by Jesus and His gift of the Holy Spirit. (John 7.37 -39)
Bill Herbert
O Comforting Fire of Spirit
Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179)
O comforting fire of Spirit, Life, within the very Life of all Creation. Holy you are in giving life to All.
Holy you are in anointing those who are not whole; Holy you are in cleansing a festering wound.
O sacred breath, O fire of love, O sweetest taste in my breast which fills my heart with a fine aroma of virtues.
O most pure fountain through whom it is known that God has united strangers and inquired after the lost.
O breastplate of life and hope of uniting all members as One, O sword-belt of honor, enfold those who offer blessing.
Care for those who are imprisoned by the enemy and dissolve the bonds of those whom Divinity wishes to save.
O mightiest path which penetrates All, from the height to every Earthly abyss, you compose All, you unite All.
Through you clouds stream, ether flies, stones gain moisture, waters become streams, and the earth exudes Life.
You always draw out knowledge, bringing joy through Wisdom's inspiration.
Therefore, praise be to you who are the sound of praise and the greatest prize of Life, who are hope and richest honor bequeathing the reward of Light.
To Pray for
Our beautiful planet as we continue to fight climate change
Families who have loved ones missing, pray they return home unharmed
Those who have been affected by a brain injury as we near the end of Brain Injury Awareness Week