​Gratitude, he said, is at it's very essence a simple thank you - an awareness, that at a deeper level, leads to an appreciation of what I have, as opposed to what I want.

It is a message all too easily lost in our fast paced world where the overriding mentality seems to be, 'every man for himself'; where we're so easily caught up in consumerism and the pursuit of material things; where what we own - the size of our house, the size of our car, even the size of our television set defines us rather than who we are.

It's not easy for us to escape commercialism when all around us, advertising is "telling" us what we want and what we need - and that we deserve it! No need for thanks.
​
The American monk, Thomas Merton, said, "Your life is shaped by the ends you live for" and Mike challenged us to consider what message shapes our lives; you are made in the image of what you desire - what do I desire, what ends do I live for?

​What message shapes my life?
Of all God's gifts, love is the one we take for granted the most.

It is no coincidence that being thankful is at the very heart of the Christian message.

Mike concluded by quoting Meister Eckhart,
"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough".
 
Listen to Mike O'Sullivan's full sermon by clicking here:

​It’s August!
That means many things but among others:
- the summer is officially half way through  :(
- students and their parents begin to nervously look forward to ‘A’ Level results!

You try to put it out of your head but as the month progresses there’s no escaping well meaning friends and, “…not be long now!”

For most, of course, the day will bring the good news that sufficient grades have been achieved to ensure a place at university. Many others will successfully enter and leave the “Clearing House”.

And that’s that! Fourteen years of school are behind and you look forward to Freshers’ Week 
 
It’s an important time in life. You are “flying the nest”. At eighteen you officially become an adult and take responsibility for your own direction. Bring it on!

No doubt you’ll be making a list of all the things you have to do; things you have to find out; items you have to acquire and pack for university life.

I would suggest that your list should include spending a little quality time with your parents and friends. After all, you couldn’t have done it without them. They’ve been there at every step; helped you at every hurdle; supported you as you prepared for every exam; celebrated every success; paid for….well pretty most everything!

God values honouring our parents enough to include it in the Ten Commandments. It means to have love, appreciation, affection towards them. Honour is something that begins internally, and then it manifests itself externally. As you have honour in your heart, it comes out in your words and actions.
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I know I’m a wee bit biased, but I think your parents would really appreciate you suggesting a Portrait Session to mark your “coming of age” – they’ll even pay for it!