Those who hunger for the Lord will always incur opposition. Sometimes from a quarter one least expects it. At worst it may be outright mockery; at the very least, the facial grimace or the rolling of the eyes suggests one is a little odd.

While it is commendable to pray for the more obvious Christian virtues of charity, mercy, patience, chastity, etc., we would also be wise to pray for courage. Especially in these times of declining religious fervour. It is not easy to sail against the wind of public opinion, but sometimes we have to do so.

Father Barry Tobin is a retired parish priest of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Victoria. He was ordained on 24 July 1965. More Random Reflections is his third book which brings together more of his faithful observations on Scripture, sacred and secular history, and the Christian messages of literature, music, and film. Written with the warmth and clarity that will be familiar to readers of his first two books, More Random Reflections is a perceptive, readable addition to any Catholic bookshelf.

160 pages.