|
St. Thomas à Becket Foundation |
|
|
making a
difference |
|
| 7th.
September, 2008 |
 |
| Thought: |
“Make
your lives extraordinary” -
words addressed to his students by
the teacher, Mr Keating (Robin Williams), in the film “Dead
Poets’ Society”. |
|
September can for many
people feel like the beginning of a new year with children
returning to school following the summer break. It can
therefore provide us with an opportunity to revisit our ‘New
Year Resolutions’ and if needs be, make adjustments and
refocus our commitments.
And so let us begin a ‘new year’ by looking back on the last
‘academic year’ and celebrate our achievements. We can also
carefully consider ways in which we need to improve; things
we need to change so that we can grow as people. |
 |
Many years ago there
was a famous actor called Charlie Chaplin. From time to
time, one of his silent films is shown on TV. He was a
small man, with a moustache and a hat and a walking stick,
and a funny way of walking!
Because he was very popular “Charlie Chaplin LOOK-ALIKE
COMPETITIONS” were held, and a few people would line up and
be judged on who looked most like Charlie Chaplin, walking
like him and doing tricks like him. |
|
One
day, just for the fun of it, Charlie Chaplin himself entered
one of these “look-alike” competitions.
He didn’t win – he came third! |
 |
|
When
God looks at us with love, how close might we be to the true
“look-alike” that he calls us to be, having been made in
God’s own image and likeness? Ask yourself: ‘What changes
do I need to make in my life that I may succeed in the REAL
“look-alike” competition?’
We are not called to be like Charlie Chaplin. We are
not called to be like Mother Teresa or Nelson Mandela.
God calls each one of us is by name, by our own name, and
each of us are called to become our true self and live
extraordinary lives. |
|
Readings:
Scripture
Ezekiel 33:7-9; Psalm 94; Romans 13:8-10; Matthew 18:15-20 |
|
Prayers:
Sunday:
God our Father, may all of life’s experiences lead us to grow as
people who always put love into all that we do. May we live in such
a way that our attitude and words and actions reflect to all people
their own value, dignity and self-worth, helping people to feel
wanted and appreciated for who they are. Amen.
Monday: Lord, as we continue to
settle into the new term with its joys and difficulties, its
successes and struggles. Bless all that we do and help us to live
up to your expectations. Give all of us enough faith to see you in
our brothers and sisters. Give us enough hope to seek you in each
other. Let each of us be instruments of your peace, so that in all
we say and do, we work for you. We make this prayer in Jesus name.
Amen. |
|
Tuesday:
Father, you have enriched our lives in many ways. Give us this
day the wisdom to recognise which things are important and which
things are not. Show us how best to use the time and talents
you have given us. Help us to use all opportunities wisely that
we may give in service to others the good gifts we have received
from you. Amen.
Wednesday:
Lord sometimes friendships can be difficult. Help me today to
be patient and forgiving in all the relationships I have. Amen.
Thursday:
Father we thank you for our faith community, knowing that we can
each learn from each other and grow in faith. We pray for all
involved in proclaiming the gospel, that all of us may grow as
the people you call us to be. Amen. |
 |
Friday:
Lord, we come to you so that we may have life. Remind us now of
your life-giving presence so that we may live fully in your love
and live extraordinary lives. We make this prayer in Jesus
name. Amen.
Saturday:
Lord Jesus, new beginnings; new commitments and change can
sometimes bring various kinds of difficulty. We pray for
courage and strength to see things through and to be of support
to others when they |
|
