A Van Gough painting that I can remember ,shows a little child in a garden, learning to walk. The father waits at a distance with open arms encouraging the little one ,to come,come,come. There are falls on the way,distractions,and tears,but eventually there is the warm strong embrace of the father,lifting his child with delight.The Good Lord , paints an image of the journey of life to day ,that is far from pleasant,but reminding us ,that though we may fall seven times a day ,we are still forgiven ,and welcome is always waiting ,because God is Good. To day in the midst of recession and set backs,disappointment ,and tragedies,The Lord,says that not a hair of your head will be lost.The worst may happen.Evil may seem successful,but it is The Good that wins out ,because God is Good.Faith is clinging to belief in that kind of God ....The Loving Father ,that made us to live for Him, and for each other .

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