Patrick Muldoon

The Easter liturgies are a reminder to me of the culminating truth of the Christian faith, the gift of God’s grace and the new life that Jesus offers through his Resurrection…Throughout my life journey the Cross has been a powerful symbol of hope for me because it is not the end. I think of the healing and new life that God has given me through my faith in the Resurrection. I have always believed that Jesus could heal and is healing me. But healing is a process which takes time.

This year’s Kinsale 10 Mile organised by Riverstick Kinsale AC was a sell-out, with 927 athletes from across Ireland braving relentless winds and heavy rain for most of the race. I had a psychological battle as to whether I would run at all but my inner resilence and strength kicked in and I focused on the thrill of competing, the adrenalin of running and the positive endorphins I would feel at the finish.

I believe that holding onto faith helps Christians to have hope during trials and adversity, and ultimately belief in the eternal life of endless happiness in heaven. Each of us has a cross to carry in life and the Christian community can support one another in solidarity, prayer and acts of charity. Lent is a particular time of grace which can help believers refocus on the wonderful gift of faith.

I have been blessed to travel to many places on pilgrimages and retreats. This January however I felt God was prompting me to go on a holiday to rest and relax and to feel that sense of being fully alive in the sunshine. I knew that going on a sun holiday would lift my mood. I’ve experienced how getting more sunshine can be a remedy for stress, worry, anxiety and depression, so going to Lanzarote was the perfect opportunity to to get out in the sun and enjoy what I love – being in the outdoors.

Sometimes when I am alone in a church, or in nature, I like to sing praise and worship songs and pray to the Holy Spirit to act in my life; while at home I listen to Spirit Radio to help me to be in a positive frame of mind. The lyrics of the song ‘In Jesus Name (God Of Possible)’ by American Christian musician Katy Nichole spoke to my heart and prompted me to see the ‘breakthrough’ and healing that God has accomplished in my life over the past year.