In a moment, Ombara, who comes from Kenya and is spending a year with us, will speak. But first, some thoughts on Sunday's Gospel: Matthew's account of the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus withdraws by boat to a deserted place after learning of John the Baptist's death. He needs time alone, to pray and reflect. But when he arrives, a huge crowd is already waiting — his planned retreat is undone. How do we react when our plans are frustrated? Do we turn inward and grow disappointed, or do we a

During this week, wherever you are from, you have all come with your own challenges. I hope that the times of sharing and common prayer have helped you discover a deeper unity in the midst of your diversity. Listening to people who are different from us can be a real gift. It helps us overcome the barriers behind which we so easily hide and resist the traps of polarisation and prejudice, which promise security but ultimately bring only sadness and isolation. Are we ready for that challenge? Para

When I look at the dry meadows around us, this naturally raises questions about our concern for the care of God's creation, our common home. What steps can each one of us take in order to contribute to safeguarding the beauty of creation so that everyone can continue to enjoy it? At the same time, I wonder: are we beings of thirst? And if so, what is it that we are thirsting for? Like the earth, we too sometimes have to live in the waiting for rain. But do we dare to follow our deepest thirst? I

On 29 December 2012, brothers of our Taizé Community were gathered for prayer in St Peter’s Square with 45,000 young people, during our European Meeting, which was being held in Rome, together with Pope Benedict XVI. Little did we know that this would be one of his last major public appearances before he announced his resignation on 11 February 2013. As the cardinals gathered for the conclave to elect the new Pope, I was travelling for the community in Russia. On 13 March, I was staying with a C