fr. liam's Reflections

On the May Bank Holiday Monday, I visited a brother of mine in the midlands. As he showed me around his garden pointing out the work he had done since my last visit, I heard the sound of a Cuckoo emanating from a group of trees across the fields. It is such as distinctive sound and in this quiet country area it was very noticeable.

Summer was definitely on its way, even though the air was on the chilly side! But as May unfolds, the beauty of creation is very evident as the fresh green of new leaf on trees and bushes gradually covers the bare branches. Blossoms abound and the bird chorus reaches a crescendo. The bright days are with us and I notice a change in mood in myself despite the battle with hay fever!

The Easter Ceremonies, which we celebrated in the Church of the Assumption a few weeks ago were the first to be held with a congregation since 2019. It was wonderful to have the attendance ‘in person’, after two years of restrictions. People are returning to the church for Mass, though some are still hesitant. But it is heartening to gather as a faith community.

May is the month for First Communions and we are celebrating this special moment with children and families at our Sunday Masses. Congratulations to all the boys and girls from our local schools who are receiving their First Holy Communion. They are now invited to come to Mass frequently and to be nourished by the Word of God and the Bread of Life.

We are already preparing for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation in June!

Please pray for the children and their families as they grow in their faith journey.

The ongoing war in Ukraine is a cause of great sorrow and heartbreak for the citizens of Ukraine who have had to flee their homes and many more are suffering from the horror of bombing and being forced to shelter in train stations and other underground refuges. At this point in time it does not appear that Russia is willing to withdraw.

The rush to provide arms for defence, while understandable, is a cause for worry. The escalation of war does not encourage peace. The sad reality as we know from other conflicts is that the damage caused to humans never fully goes away.

I pray as you all do, that God’s spirit of peace may enter into the hearts of the aggressors to find a peaceful solution. The fact that Christians are engaged in the prosecution of the war is deeply troubling, even if the motivation is broader than just a religious conflict.

At Easter, a couple who had fled Ukraine and were staying with a family in Dalkey, presented to the Church a brass candelabra which was brought from Ukraine. It was a family heirloom and a treasured piece. It was a wonderfully kind gesture and it reminds us of the kindness of the suffering people of Ukraine in the midst of their horror.

Our Lady, Queen of peace, pray for us.
 

We are now in the month of April. Nature is coming back to life in a profusion of colour.

Easter is upon us. The story of Jesus’ death and resurrection is marked once again. This year it may have a different meaning for us as each year has its own story and we look differently at the message.

Jesus’ suffering and death reminds us that there is hope beyond our own suffering. Jesus entered into new life through his resurrection. St Paul refers to Christ's suffering and death in many of his letters. In writing to the Christian community in Philippi (Philippians 3:8-11) and also to the Christian community in Corinth (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) Paul compares his own suffering to the redemptive suffering of Jesus. In his letter to the Romans (Rom 5:3-5, Rom 8: 28-37). Nothing can come between us and the love of Christ. He goes on to explain that even the worst that we see happening cannot separate us from God’s love.

For us today those words can speak to us. Although many people question the existence of God when they witness unspeakable suffering, nevertheless, the Christian retains the hope that all is not lost. For the people of Ukraine it has particular relevance. In the letter to the Hebrews the writer also speaks to us. “For the suffering he himself passed through while being put to the test enables him to help others when they are being put to the test. (Heb 2:18)

Recently the First Communion children celebrated their First Confession. One of the songs that they sang tells the story of God’s love for us all. “God wraps us in his love each day, speaks gently to us on our way, even when we disobey, God’s love is always there, God loves us every day” (I’m Sorry God)

Sometimes it is very hard to recognise these sentiments when plagued by pain or anxiety, yet as St. Paul experienced it when he was at his weakest, that is when God was strongest. I am fortunate that I have not experienced the pain that some people go through or the awful circumstances that others have to endure, but in my limited experience of pain and suffering, usually brought about by anxiety or worry, sickness and death, I have been uplifted by the kindness of others.

I have learned a valuable lesson that one cannot hold in one’s pain all the time and think that one can get the better of it. ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’ is the old saying. It is not to moan, or to burden others with my tale of woe, but Jesus said: “Come to me all you who labour and are heavily burdened and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me for I am gentle and humble of heart. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light”. (Matt 11:28-30)

St. Paul said: Let the message of Christ find a home in you (Colossians 3:16).


So, with these thoughts I wish you a very Happy Easter! Alleluia! Praise the Lord!

Slán

Fr. Liam