We arise in haste...Lisbon 2023

 We arise in haste in spite of everything...

It is not for nothing that we do so; for there is always much to do that if we counted the cost, we would never move.

We arise in haste to go and serve when have so much to do already.

We say yes, knowing it comes with more responsibility and sacrifices.

We arise in haste, because our very profession of faith demands it.

We leave everything to go off and serve no matter how brief or how long, because the love of God compels us to go on.

We arise in haste; there is a rush in the air.

We say yes to love; over and over again.

Angela Azumah Alu 

15/07/2023

Image from: https://vocationnetwork.org/en/articles/show/730-join-vision-in-lisbon-for-world-youth-day-2023

Congratulations on your ordination

An ordination is the beginning of an even longer journey than the journey to the priesthood.

Reminds me of Joseph's life....13 years as a slave and prisoner were 11% of his 110 years...necessary years of preparation for a life of service and impact.

We pray for all our new priests, may the God who called you and has moulded you into a priest fill you with every grace needed for the journey ahead.

As a priest, you're a father mother, brother, sister, spiritual director and so much more...an often thankless job that can leave you weary.

May God's daily new mercies renew your strength for each day as you guide His people on the mutual journey to heaven.

Congratulations!

Angela Azumah Alu 

15/07/2023

Specially dedicated to Frs. Jonas and James, SVD and all newly ordained priests.

Come Holy Spirit

 Come Holy Spirit!

Come!

Come and renew my heart!

Come and stir up your gifts!

Come and cause these dry bones to live!

Come and give me and new heart!

Come and fill me wholly!

Burn out everything that is not of you.

Set me ablaze with love.

Fill this heart with your grace that I may fully live out my three fold ministry of prophet, priest and King.

Come, great comforter come!

Come Holy Spirit!

Teach me to speak words of life.

Teach me to proclaim as Christ did.

Remind me to turn to you at every point.

Let the signs promised follow my daily life.

Come, Holy Spirit come!

Show me how to navigate difficult situations with your wisdom and discernment.

Reveal those things that are hidden.

Renew my faith and increase it.

Come Holy Spirit!

Fill me that I may daily be a beacon of hope.

Fill me that I may bear fruit in all circumstances.

Fill me that I may proclaim Christ in every thought, word and deed.

Come Holy Spirit!

Angela Azumah Alu, 5th June 2022

Image from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/240731542556559086/

Timing

 Tis spring and the flamboyants are in bloom; or in Ghana where there is no spring, it's the season of the flamboyants. They light up the streets with their crimson blossoms creating such a kaleidoscope of colour that you wonder if it's the same plants that hitherto looked green and almost as if they could not bloom.

How like our lives this is! Reminding us that God makes all things beautiful in his own time.

When the time is right, I the LORD, will make it happen.

Angela Azumah Alu

On waiting and hoping

 What do you do when your dreams come true?

Have you ever wanted something which never seemed to come to you?

Have you ever wanted something for so long that it almost seemed unattainable?

Have you ever wanted something for so long that it seemed easier to just give up hoping?

When you want something or hope for something, keep hoping.

When you are waiting for something, enjoy the journey....knowing that it will arrive.

When you are waiting, prepare....because usually things which delay come in doubles and triples.

And when you are waiting, be kind....to yourself and others who are waiting. :-)

And when your gifts arrive, enjoy them! Everyday!

Even when they bring you troubles or seem to turn your life upside down, enjoy them!

Make all the memories you can and enjoy the topsy turviness, always knowing how hard you prayed and how long you waited!

And make every minute count....it's really the only way to enjoy the things you have waited for.

Angela Azumah Alu 

1st February 2022

Romans 5:5a and hope does not disappoint us

A dream of home

 Sometimes I dream of home...although it comes with thoughts of her hydra headed problems which both annoy and depress me.

But the thoughts of time spent with family and friends,

the smell of Ghanaian food,

the sights and sounds of the city,

time spent in the village and 

the warmth of the sun,

give me a warm feeling until I almost start grinning.

And then I realize I'm at home but it is winter.

Angela Azumah Alu, 22nd January 2022

image from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accra
 

The Prayer of Blind Bartimaeus

 Oh God, I cry out loud and shout to you.

I have borne the brunt of society's insults long enough.

Everything that could have gone wrong has gone wrong.

My tears seem to have no end.

Have mercy Oh Lord and show yourself strong for my enemies seem to have triumphed long enough.

Do not forsake your servant for I have no one but you.

Show yourself strong and glorify yourself.

Hear my cry for your own name's sake.

Amen

Angela Azumah Alu, Legon

Image from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/147422587780496341/