Carmelite Monastery of St Joseph, Upper Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan (2026)

06/09/2026

LOVE: A Debt We Must Pay
Romans 13:8-10

One thing I believe that everyone dislikes is owing a debt. Twenty-five years ago, I had a car payment plan with the bank, and the day I made my last payment, it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. The Word of God also supports the act of paying off our debts, with one exception: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8).

This Scripture verse commands us to become indebted by owing love to everyone. This is difficult for me with individuals that hurt me. You too may find yourself in this same place of the "hard-to-give" love to certain individuals. But all is not lost if you are having difficulty in paying this debt of love. This is a good place to start a payment plan. Growth is possible when we acknowledge our flaws and struggles and seek help from the Lord. We can do all things through Christ who will give us the strength (Philippians 4:13).

The Scripture says: “Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore, love is the fulfilment of the law." (Romans 13:10). Love is a choice, and it can be a very difficult choice to exercise. The Lord knows it is difficult to show love to those who harmed, abused, and misused us. Yet, he commands us to pay that debt and to stay indebted to others for the payment of Love. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrong. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. LOVE NEVER FAILS (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a). These attributes of love are no "walk-in-the park” actions. Yet with the Holy Spirit's help, we can succeed.

The first step is to tell the Lord where we're having difficulty in paying a love debt. Second, ask the Lord to help you in exercising the attributes of love. The Scripture says love never fails. That means we must believe it regardless of how we feel towards a “hard-to-love” person and apply the word of God to our attitudes and actions towards them. Paying the love debt doesn't mean we will feel good about the person in the beginning, but that's not the focus. The objective is that we are making daily payments of love. My bitterness towards another can prevent me from expressing kindness to them, but Love is Kind. My anger towards another can prevent me from honouring them, but Love Does Not Dishonour. Someone actions may get you angry, but Love is Not Easily Angered. And here's another difficult one: Love Keeps No Records of Wrong.

Start with just one of the Love virtues. Do not let your feelings dictate your response. Let's practice at least one of the love attributes towards another even when our feelings are screaming Nooooooo! In your free time, think of unique ways to express love's attributes. Perform one act of kindness for that person. As author John Maxwell said in “Winning With People, "find the 1% good in the person, and give it 100% of yourself.

R.G. 04/09/26
Image created with Chat GPT
Text: Original by author

01/09/2026

WORLD DAY FOR CARE OF CREATION
1st September

How wonderful that this beautiful Small Copper Butterfly stopped by to say hello on the day of prayer for the care of creation!! All creatures of the Lord, praise the Lord!

PRAYER

We thank you for the beauty of this earth.
Forgive us for the damage we have done.
Pour out your Spirit to heal our land and renew our hearts.
Make us good stewards of our common home.
Help us to walk with justice, humility, and love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

30/08/2026

The Mind is a Battlefield
Romans 12:2

The Word of God says: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2).

This Scripture provides a proven principle to live wholesome lives irrespective of the inevitable that may visit us from time to time. The first part of the verse speaks about conformity with a negative emphasis, i.e. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world."
That DO NOT is a strong statement that is an attempt to save us from dire consequences if we continue to allow our lives to be shaped by the ways of this world. At the same time, the DO NOT offers a sure way of transformation through which we will understand the Lord's will for our lives. Understanding God's will allows us to pray more effectively and live with meaning and purpose. It will help us to make wise decisions and will increase the opportunities for us to experience the power and glory of God in all things.

Have you ever wondered if you are living at your fullest potential, using the gifts the Lord imparted for your life? Are you experiencing the unlimited power of God as He chooses to make it manifest? I know I am not living at my fullest potential. I know I am not experiencing the abundant life that Jesus said he came to give us. And I believe the cause of this is rooted in my way of thinking. Our thinking precedes how we act. Our thinking dictates if we will exercise “mountain-moving” faith. Our thinking will contribute to how we see the world and circumstances.

We must choose to stop the process of conformity to the pattern of this world, the ungodly systems and principles, cultural norms, or godless behaviour. We must draw that line in the sand of our hearts and say: "Enough is Enough!" It’s time to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. We must come to that place where we said, in all things I'll do hereafter, I will do it as if I am doing it for the Lord Jesus Christ and delight myself in Him.

We can change our beliefs, moods, feelings, attitudes, conversations, and actions by changing what we give attention to. In Philippians, the Scripture instructs us to think about the things that are pure, and lovely, and honest, and whatever is of good report. This is a winning principle to eliminate mental and emotional strongholds that trigger fear, doubt, worry, and weaken our relationship with the Lord.

We must choose to think constantly about God's power, His Sovereignty and Absolute authority over all creation. And when problems visit us, we must go back to think on these attributes of the Lord. Let's choose to win this battle in our mind by changing the things we meditate on and give power in our lives, or over our lives. Then we will know God's good, pleasing and perfect will for every area of our lives. Wouldn't it be nice to get to that place?

R.G. 29/08/26
Image: pixabay.com

23/08/2026

An Intimate Encounter with Jesus Christ
Matthew 16:13-16

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God"
(Matthew 16:13-16).

Who Jesus is to you? It is easy to confess that Jesus is our healer when you and I are not in pain, or say Jesus is our provider when all is going well financially. It is easy to say Jesus is our defender when there is no opposition against us. But can we say the same with confidence, unwavering trust and faith when the tide turns, or the pendulum swings in a direction that affects us severely?

John the Baptist witnessed a dove coming down upon Jesus and heard the voice of God's voice from heaven confirming that Jesus is His Son. And after that experience, he told the people Jesus is the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world. However, after John was cast into prison and realized his death was inescapable, he sent disciples to ask Jesus if he's the One or should they expect another. You see the irony here? John professed that Jesus is the Lamb of God -- the Messiah they have been waiting for. But when death loomed near, his belief was shaken to its core. Crisis has a way of tainting our perception of who the Lord is. Crisis creates portals through which fear and doubt enter and terrify us.

When the storm of life hits us, or expectations are not met, the answer to the question of “Who Jesus is to us” may be difficult to answer. Sometimes it is difficult to say with confidence, "Jesus is your deliverer," or "Jesus is your peace" when you are experiencing the opposite. My fellow believers, whenever you find yourself in this dilemma, do not lose heart. Jesus IS all that the Word of God says he is. He is still our healer when our health deteriorates. He is still our peace when we are tormented by fear and the worries of life. He is still the door to help us get out of a problem when it seems like there's no way out.

We can develop a stronger relationship with the Lord by spending more time in prayer and Scriptural reading and meditation. And the stronger the relationship gets, the firmer our faith and trust become. To pray without ceasing simply encourages you to talk to the Lord continuously. Whenever you are by yourself, talk to him; build up the relationship. Get to know him more each day. Ask questions, ask for revelation. Ask him to manifest his power and glory in your circumstances. Ask him where you need growth, where you need to align yourself more with his will and his word. Talk to him. Let Jesus become your go-to person, your best friend, your confidant. And as you strive to build a stronger relationship with the Lord, the answer to this question will become easier-- even during a crisis.

R.G. 21/08/26
Image created with ChatGPT

16/08/2026

The Qualified Call of God
Romans 11:29

We are called by God to minister to others in every aspect of life. Our calling gives our lives meaning and purpose and it should be viewed in light of what we love to do, what we can do, and what we would love to do if given that opportunity. Our calling should be connected to our passions, our visions, our gifts, skills and talents. What breaks your heart? The answer to this question can connect you to your calling. Some are even called to intercede in prayer, so you don't really need financial wealth to fulfil your call.

So how often do we see ourselves as "called by God?" The Scripture said, "whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord and not unto men." If you are a parent, caring for your children should be done as a service unto the Lord. If you are taking care of your elderly parents, your caretaker responsibilities are services unto the Lord. If you are a teacher, how you teach your students must be viewed as a service unto the Lord. If you are an employer, you are entrusted with a business to serve others with consumer goods or services. Therefore, everything your business do must be in alignment with these words: "Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord."

How often we see our ourselves as "Called of the Lord" will determine our intentional acts on a day-to-day basis. God did not call the qualified, He qualifies the called. And throughout the Bible, this statement is proven repeatedly. Israel's army had a face-off with a Philistine giant called Goliath for forty days. And during this period, David's father sent him to the battlefield with roasted grains, bread and cheese for his brothers and the commander of their unit. But from God's perspective, this act of food delivery was the beginning of David's call. The bread and cheese brought David into the vicinity of the battle, and his faith was stirred when he heard that Goliath blasphemed the name of the LORD. David requested to be sent to the battlefield to fight Goliath, but the king Saul told him he was just a young man and Goliath was a warrior. In the end, David defeated Goliath because he acted upon his call.

Moses was called to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt, but Moses asked the LORD, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" And God said, "I will be with you." (Exodus 3:11-12a). The call upon Moses' life was from God and the end result was for God's glory. Our Reflection verse today says: "for God's gifts and His call are irrevocable" (Romans 11:29). God does not change His mind with reference to His call. So, the question is: Do you know what your calling is? God shaped us all with a purpose in mind, but we must seek wisdom as to what is our purpose in life and fulfil it. The Lord gave us gifts and abilities to live a purpose-driven life that can be viewed as great investments in the lives of others. When we know our purpose, our passion becomes ablaze.

I heard a story awhile back about a professional gymnast who was fired up for the Lord. She attended a women's empowerment convention and on her way home, kept asking the Lord to use her to accomplish his will in her life. So, as she drove along the highway, she was illuminated with the thought to get off the highway at a particular exit. She obeyed and ended up in a little local county. Then the voice inspired her to turn into a parking lot where a Gift and Souvenir shop was located. As her car came to a stop at the Gift shop, she became confused as to what next. Then she felt led to go inside.

The bells on the door tingled and startled the clerk whose head was on the counter as if he was sleeping. The clerk looked at her, but before he could even ask if he could help her, she walked to a pole close to the counter, grabbed it and flipped upside down, with her head touching the ground, then balanced herself on her head with both hands. In this position she said: "Hey, look what I can do."

Instantly, the clerk's facial expression changed, he shook his head in defeat and rested his face in his hands. The gymnast, believing she had offended the clerk, got back to her feet and asked if she had offended him and that she was sorry. But in response, the clerk said, "No, you did not offend me. About fifteen minutes ago I prayed that if God is real, He should let someone come into my store and stand on their head. And here you came."

The gymnast had the skills and experience to flip upside down and stand on her head, balancing with both hands, and with that skill, God used it to prove His existence to someone that was struggling with his belief. At that point in her life, that was the gymnast's calling and she fulfilled it. Ask the Lord what yours is and with everything in you, fulfil it.

R.G. 15/08/2026
Image: pixabay.com

12/08/2026

We enjoyed the Partial Solar Eclipse this evening with an outdoor picnic!
It was spectacular to see the darkness fall and then the light return! We had 94.5% coverage for the eclipse here in Dublin.

We praise God for the marvels of Creation!! Brother Sun and Sister Moon - Praise the Lord!

09/08/2026

Move Forth in Faith, Not Fear
1 Kings 19:11-13

In this Reflection, I want to take a look at Elijah, through whom the Lord did some mighty works. Elijah was the one that proclaimed: "there shall not be dew nor rain these years but according to my word" (1 Kings 17:1), and it did not rain upon that region of the earth for three years. He raised a widow's son from the dead and he also called fire down from heaven… and whoosh, fire fell and burnt up the sacrifice he had prepared on the altar. However, after Elijah witnessed these manifestations of God's power and Jezebel sent a death threat to him, he fled for his life. Elijah sought refuge in the wilderness.

He arrived at a cave and lodged there, and the word of the Lord came to him, saying: What are you doing here Elijah? (1 Kings 19:9). Elijah responded out of his fear of Jezebel's death threat, rather than from his intimate knowledge of the greatness of God. Thus, the LORD instructed Elijah to go forth and stand upon the mountain before the LORD. And the Scriptures says: "Behold, the LORD passed by and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke into pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake, and after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out, and stood in the entrance of the cave (1 Kings 19:11-13).

There will be times when we'll experience a great work of the LORD, and in our circumstances, it cannot be disputed that it was a divine move of God. Then there will be times when it feels like the LORD is not listening to your prayers amid your circumstances. When these trying times visit us, we must remind ourselves that life has seasons. There will be times when we experience fruitfulness and other times when it seems like we are going through a drought. Whenever you find yourself at this place, take heart that the LORD of Elijah is the same we serve today.

Look at the things the Lord has done in your life in the past as milestones. Then use them to remind yourself that you serve a Great, Big, Wonderful God, and nothing is impossible for Him. In addition, do not place limits on the LORD based on your perception of your situation. Trust in the LORD with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Elijah saw the earthquake and the fire and the effects of the wind, but none of those represented the Lord's appearance. How you perceive the LORD will dictate how you see your circumstances. Perception will take us a long way in our faith. Israel's army saw Goliath and cried, "he's so big, we can't defeat him." And David saw the same giant--Goliath with the eyes of faith and said: "He's so big I can't miss him." Remove the limitation you put on the Lord and on your expectations and move forth to the cave entrance in faith to see the mighty work of the LORD in your life.

R.G. 09/08/2026
Image: pixabay.com

02/08/2026

The Relentless Love of God
Romans 8:35-39

Sometimes our understanding of God's love towards us raises questions when painful circumstances come upon us. I for one, question the Lord if He cares about me then why He allows certain things to happen in my life. I know the Lord loves me. I have countless divine interventions that prove this. Yet there are times when the degree of my pain and misunderstanding cause me to question God's love, which seems like I am questioning God's wisdom. Perhaps it is a trust issue, and I need to build up my trust by spending more time knowing the Lord, seeking knowledge and understanding of His character, will, power, and how He fulfils His purpose in our lives.

Our Scripture text from Romans today presents the following question:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall TROUBLE or HARDSHIP or PERSECUTION or FAMINE or NAKEDNESS or DANGER or SWORD?
Then it provides us with the answer: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us

Trials are inevitable. You and I will undergo painful circumstances from time to time. Some of us may go through longer seasons of depression, frustration, and challenges than others. Your season of winter is when all is at a standstill (e.g. no changes, dormancy state). Some people may have short winters and then experience early springtime (e.g. changes in their situation). When you are experiencing a season of decay where everything in your life is falling apart or falling away, others may be experiencing their season of summer, (e.g. fruitful season). And then the questions began to bombard your mind one after the other: Does Jesus care? Does the Lord love me? And if He does, why is He allowing this and that to happen?

If you find yourself at this place, get into the habit of saying out loud: "I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ." Imagine your dad, a boxer, won the heavy weight championship and when he came home, he gave you the trophy with all of its glory. You did not enter the fight, your dad did. But you were given the trophy with all its glory and splendour. You are more than a conqueror in this instance. And Jesus did that for us in Love. He died, and rose again, and ascended to the right hand of the Father, interceding on our behalf.

Do not let your circumstances allow you to doubt Jesus's love for you. When Jesus heard Lazarus was sick, he delayed in the place he was two more days, and Lazarus died. And Jesus told His disciples: “this sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, so that the Father will be gloried through the Son”. Jesus's love is patient and kind. It always protects, always preserves, and it never fails. Even when we make a mess of our lives, that doesn't change His love towards us. As the Lord told Israel: “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me” (Isaiah 49:16).

R.G. 01/08/26
Image: freebibleimages.org

Carmelite Monastery of St Joseph

06/09/2026

01/09/2026

30/08/2026

23/08/2026

16/08/2026

12/08/2026

09/08/2026

02/08/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request