Photo: Kenny Joseph

Nothing paralyses us so much as fear- fear of the unknown, fear of the dangers in our society, fear of failure.

The bird in the photo is about to take its first flight. It seems to be gripping tightly to the branch and looking fearfully out.

Unless it takes off, it will not know the joy of flying.

Anne Marie Javouhey who founded the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny 200 years ago once advised her sisters that they should be like birds on a branch ready to take off as soon as they discerned God's call.

Jesus looked to the birds for inspiration to trust in the Father's providential care of even the most ordinary birds- like the rather colourless one in the photo!

Our teens are graduating soon, leaving the relative safety of home and school eager to take on the challenge of a career in dancing or research, whether in Hong Kong or Australia. To them and their parents I pass on a quote from a friend who e-mailed me from Ireland:

“When we walk to the edge of all the light we have… and take the step into the darkness of the unknown…one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for us to stand on...or we will be taught to fly.”