Month: May 2025

Broken bones

May 19, 2025

Have you ever broken a bone?

Yes I have broken a bone. I broke my thumb when I was 13.

I was playing a game of British Bulldog at school. It is a bit like Rugby or American Football with no ball, you start at one end and run as fast as you can to the other end. There are people in the middle who tackle you.

As you can imagine, it is pretty rough and physical with no referees. We had so many injuries that the school band us from playing.

The funny thing about my thumb was that it was sore for a few days before I went to the doctor. Then the x-rays showed a break.

As it was my right hand I could not write at school for a bit because of the splint and then a cast. As I swan for my Rheumatoid Arthritis they gave me a water proof cast.

At the time I thought it was cool. I could still swim and I got out of some school work. As painful as it was, as a 13 year old I thought it was pretty cool.

You raise me up

May 19, 2025

My sister sent me this video today. It is the song “You raise me up” with video of scenes from Jesus’ life and ministry. Please enjoy.

A Prayer to the Holy Spirit

May 18, 2025

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.

Pope Leo

May 13, 2025

The Catholic Church has a new leader – Pope Leo XIV.

I must say he has been very impressive so far. I have really enjoyed the first things he has done. Here are a few I have enjoyed.

1. First Sermon – I loved his first words as Pope, they were about peace, blessing and our hope in Jesus Christ the one true Saviour. Reading a translation in English touch my heart.

2. Clothing – I really loved his wearing of the traditional outfit. It showed he is attached to tradition and values it highly.

3. Augustinian – Leo is from the Augustinian order. They are deeply religious, contemplative, servant-hearted and relational. This gives me hope.

4. No War – In his first chance to speak as Pope he called for an end to the wars going on in the world. He reminded us that we are all in this together and must look after each other.

5. World Attention – I really love the whole world stops to look for smoke from a chimney. Not all Christians are Catholic, but the election of the Pope is something very special to us all.

6. Young Age – At only 69 Pope Leo could be in the role for a long time. It is good to see a spritely Pope moving around by himself. I heard he still plays weekly tennis!

7. Languages – I really like he can speak in multiple languages. I understand he is fluent in Italian, Spanish, Latin, English and can read German. This is great for the worldwide church.

These are just some of the things I have liked and enjoyed so far. I am hopeful he will be a great leader for the church. I am hoping he is for a time such as this.

Saint Benedict

May 7, 2025

I have to admit I did not pay too much attention to the Saints for most of my walk. More recently I have been reading about some of the more famous ones.

Recently I have been looking at St Benedict…

St. Benedict was a 6th-century monk who profoundly shaped Western monasticism and civilization through his Rule, which balanced prayer, work, and community life. Born to a noble Roman family around 480, he abandoned his studies in Rome, disgusted by the city’s corruption, to live as a hermit in Subiaco. His holiness attracted followers, leading him to establish twelve monasteries before founding the great abbey of Monte Cassino, where he wrote his famous Rule. The Rule of St. Benedict, marked by its wisdom, moderation, and flexibility, provided a practical guide for monastic life that spread throughout Europe and remains influential today.

There are quite a few things I find interesting about Benedict.

1. One is that he was born to a family who was well off and he gave it up to follow God.

2. I also admire the way he lived his life drew people to follow him as he followed Jesus.

3. Lastly, he became a hermit in Subiaco. As someone who is introverted being a hermit is quite appealing to me.

Reading about the Saints has been a real blessing to me. They are much like the heroes of faith the Bible mentions in Hebrews 11. Their lives can encourage and inspire us now.