Why me. Thank God. A new day. Those words are the morning prayer of Sister Melanie Svoboda. Amazing Grace, Jesus tells, is that with God The Father, all is given. Gods Loving Plan and Forgiveness, cannot be earned. It is like gold treasure hidden in a field, to be found, but it is there already, or like a pearl in the ocean, already given, or like good or bad fish. They are there for us. We do not merit Gods Grace, but we can respond. Why me. I had nothing to do with my own making. It was given. I could not earn or merit my parents love. It was given. The new day is totally gift. I am a receiver. ’’Thanks ‘’ is the only response. ’’Thanks ‘’ is a powerful word in everyday life, and ‘’Thanks’’ is celebrated at every Mass. The modern St.Therese of Lisieux caught this love message, in her young life. She said ‘’I have no works to merit God’s Love. I have only empty hands. God is my lift’’. The constant loving assurance of God accepting us, frail humans, failing seven times a day, is surely a reason for joy. Lord, open our eyes to see Your Hand at work in the splendour of creation, in the beauty of human life.

Liam Hickey, St.Ciarans, Hartstown, Dublin 15.