In these days when many people are unable to participate in public Masses, it seems all the more important to utilize modern technology to communicate hope through God’s Word to our people in their homes or places of isolation. With that in view, ‘The Hook Of Faith’ is a platform that has begun to upload the daily readings with a reflection each day until all public Masses in the diocese can resume. There are two formats to choose from. One is the written word of God in the form of the daily readings with a reflection. The other is an audio of all the readings followed by an audio reflection. Sincere thanks to Frs. Jim Cogley and Martin Pender for making this possible. These reflections can be accessed immediately and daily at www.thehookoffaith.com
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO FR MARTIN PENDER'S READING OF THE SCRIPTURES AND DAILY REFLECTION FOR 18TH MARCH:
Lights in the Darkness - everyday hope with Fr Jim Cogley
18th March - Pandemic of Fear
As we descend deeper day by day into this Corona crisis it becomes all too easy to become gripped by fears for our own and our family safety, fear of the unknown and fears for the future. By consciously choosing to hold a position of faith rather than fear we can greatly improve our situation and not allow it to overwhelm us. If collectively we exercise faith it will make a huge difference and even influence the outcome. Here we may need to monitor the content of our conversation because by the words we use we will either be spreading the positive outlook that comes from faith or the contagion and negativity of fear.
From the East comes a story that is particularly relevant in these times. A wise man was out walking when he met Pandemic on his travels. ‘Where are you going,’ he asked. ‘To yonder city’ Pandemic replied, ‘and there I intend to claim five thousand lives.’ ‘So if it has to be,’ replied the wise man, ‘but not a single one above that, do you agree.’ ‘Yes’, said Pandemic, ‘five thousand it is and no more.’ A month later the wise man again met Pandemic on his way back. He was angry and accused him of taking fifty thousand lives when he had given his word that five thousand was going to be his limit. ‘In truth,’ said Pandemic, ‘I did faithfully keep my word. Just five thousand died of the disease but forty five thousand died from fear and panic when they saw me coming!’
The Lord is my Shepherd.
Walking through the dark valley,
I fear no evil.
For he is with me