The Retreat

At last I have watched the BBC series "The Retreat" and found it moving. This is the Muslim equivalent of the Worth Abbey programme set in Andalusia. Ramadan is daunting and makes our Lenten efforts seem paltry. My Lent so far has been very mixed with some excellent reading material and the Lent group. There's the preparations for Holy Week especially the St Luke Passion. The feeling of sadness every day especially today on Mothering Sunday when we enjoyed a lovely lunch of beef and Louise and Grandma were with us. The pilgrimage to Greece last year was a moving experience and like so many activities where one is working and worshipping with others uplifting. Singing in the chorus and working in a community are aspects of this communal activity. Society of St Gregory summer schools are like this too - hard work but very rewarding! It was heartening today to think about women in Zimbabwe and try to do something to support them - the USPG and Christian Aid daily prayers help to focus on the worldwide aspect of the church and Red Nose Day does the same thing too! I look at my diary and I try to find a balance between time at home and time out doing so many activities. I'll always want to be busy but ultimately what I need most is a hug from Liz! And a hug from God! There is a longing in our hearts O Lord for you to reveal yourself. Have mercy on us O Lord.Kyrie eleison. Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee. Requiem eternam dona eis Domine.