Sometimes we think of the prophets as bearing a negative message - 'blood and thunder' - but the fierce words of exhortation and warning are always accompanied by words of hope and encouragement. God does not forget his own, and no negative experience is ever final. Before the dust has even settled from the disasters that life sometimes brings our way, God is already at work planning our new life and future. It is important not to give in to despair or negativity when difficult times come; and self-pity or cynicism are both destructive. Times of struggle should be times of great faith and hope - God never sleeps.

Trying to grasp new ideas with old mindsets is like pouring new wine into old and worn wineskins. They burst - they are not strong enough to contain the wine - and all is lost. When we are presented with new ideas, images, symbols, and ways of understanding our world, we need to create a mind and heart able to contain them. Old ideas and ways of doing things sometimes have to be set aside if we are to grow and move forward. That which does not change and adapt dies or becomes petrified, and that also applies to our spiritual consciousness. As Cardinal Newman said, 'To live is to change; to be perfect is to have changed often.' Let us not be rigid and fearful of change or cling to what is familiar or easy.