Faith

Father Wilfrid McGreal

Father Wilfrid McGreal's Introduction

"Lent is a journey to Easter; a journey that comes to a climax with Jesus dying on the Cross, but his death is a victory over death and Easter Day sees Jesus risen, alive in glory. What about our Lent this year; where is our journey taking us? Could our  journey be seen as as something akin to Pilgrim’s Progress.

We live in a world of the material, we ourselves, our bodies are part of that material world and yet we talk of our soul and our spiritual destiny. Is there a battle between the spiritual and the material? Is it enough to satisfy our body with food, drink and wonderful comforts or do we want something more?Is our dissatisfaction a sign that cars, houses, gadgets, gizmos are not enough?

Being a pilgrim, setting our sights on something more feels challenging and yet is it too much?

Should we really go for a goal that needs immense hope or will we stop somewhere on the way and say this will do, its not perfect but we're only human, so let's find a comfort zone!

So can we be pilgrims journeying with hope like Pilgrim in Pilgrim’s Progress. So really nothing can waylay us but is there something or somewhere that might seem to be enough if we feel washed up or worn out but again we journey well, we can be real, and come to our Easter, our fulfilled journeys end."

Programme One

A journey from security - answering the call of love.
Starting out on the journey needs courage and living the present moment, all we need is a small step and then we can leave our comfort zone. So the present moment is the only moment so let's go towards Easter.

Programme Two

What about my image - how do people see me?
Image seems to be everything; my weight, the right gear, but if I'm made in God's image I can step out with confidence - I can be myself. I'm meant to be God's work of art.

Programme Three

Where is my treasure? What is my treasure?
Can I travel light or do I need to stop for some retail therapy, to have gismos and gadgets to keep me happy. What really gives meaning to my life, who matters most?

Programme Four

We are as old as we feel - old heads or young hearts.
Are we too old for the journey or too young and lacking experience? Are we meant to search for external youth or can young and old rub along well, listening and respecting? P.S. Abraham began his journey when he was a pensioner!

Programme Five

Is there life outside work?
As I journey do I worry because it is time off work? Do I feel guilty not working? Does my job define me, have I no energy for relationships? Can I risk all for love? Christ did.