I’m at morning Mass
in St Mary’s church
in the centre of Belfast.
It’s not a case
of wanting to be at Mass today –
it’s more a case
of needing to be at Mass today.
You see, today I feel drained
physically, spiritually,
emotionally
and it’s not even 9.00 am yet!

During Mass
Fr James prays for people by name:
Jimmy who has died
and another parishioner
who has recently undergone surgery.
As Fr James speaks it’s clear
that he is not simply reading out
names from a list –
I sense a genuine concern and interest
for each of these people
whom Fr James obviously knows well.

I sense
that the concern shown by Fr James
for his parishioners
mirrors the concern
that Jesus has for me this morning.

I take heart from this
and as I leave the chapel
at the end of Mass
I feel refreshed.

Thank you, Lord,
for that glimpse today
into the love and concern
that you have for me
and that left me this morning
feeling so uplifted.

© Claire Murray, 23rd August 2017