A reflection on our times by a young chaplain from the parish of Ballincollig.
Thoughtful and thought provoking, we hope you find it useful.
“We can make a difference in our own small way.
It’s one small change, we can do that today.
Our mind’s getting bigger while the world’s getting smaller, but saving the Earth’s becoming a tall order.”
Chorus:
“Just one small change in the little things we do: we’ll show you how, and now it’s up to you.
It’s our future. It’s our Earth. We need to protect it for what it’s worth.
It’s our future. It’s our Earth. We need to protect it for what it’s worth.”
Very apt and appropriate words for what is facing so many of us in Europe right now, perhaps there are little changes we can all make, that we need to make for the betterment of the world around us.
I encourage all to stay safe and be well over the coming days and weeks, there is time like never before to rediscover a hobby, or explore a new previously hidden talent or skill and opportunities to get out in nature while maintaining social distance.
There is an expression in Irish: “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.” (Under the shelter of each other, people survive).
Many of us have had to retreat for long periods to the shelter of our homes – only venturing out for walks or to the shop for groceries. This time has allowed us to see just how fragile a thread is the one that binds all of us together and maybe many of us can see ever more clearly what is really important – how we treat each other. Hopefully when this passes (and it will) we will be kinder than before, kinder to ourselves, to each other and the environment that sustains us. So many parents are taking on in ways never before seen, their responsibility as their children’s primary educators and not just care givers a role we teachers hold in loco parentis in the place of parents. This time offers a real opportunity for connection and bonding between parents and children that can be viewed as silver lining.
“Though we live in a world that dreams of ending, that always seems about to give in something, that will not acknowledge conclusion, insists that we forever begin.” (From Brendan Kennelly’s beautiful poem ‘Begin Again’)
It is important at dark times to try and see glimpses of light no matter how difficult and in a modern world that can often feel cold and impersonal, we have been reminded these past weeks that there are very many good, generous and kind-hearted people who look out for one another when times are tough.
It turns out that buying things is not the key to a good or even a happy life. Similarly, perhaps we are learning that while technology can help us through difficult times, it is a very poor substitute for belonging, kinship and company. The virtual world will never adequately replace the real world resplendent in all its intricate design, interconnection and beauty that can just never be captured on a screen.
When this pandemic is over our world as we know it will not be the same. We will rethink the way we work, educate and prioritise; how we spend our time and maybe reconsider what’s truly important in life. All we can do now is live day to day or more precisely live in the present moment – perhaps to live in the ‘NOW’ means ‘No Opportunity Wasted’.
This public health emergency for our country will be an enormous challenge though, I have every faith in this country and its people to rise to the challenge and overcome it. All of us are in this together.
Though we are and need to be apart for now there will be so many human relationships that will face strain; partners who are not living together, girlfriends and boyfriends attempting to keep alive the flickering flame of love from a physical and social distance. Many of our young people whose home situation presents challenges of abuse, addiction or violence, will feel alone like never before, there are Grandparents among us who are trying to accept the loss so deeply felt as a result of the absence of a cuddle or hug from their beloved grandchildren. We place in the hands of the merciful and loving God all our struggles during this time.
In China where the virus began the word ‘crisis’ means ‘a dangerous opportunity’. Something of these times and maybe what is to come is captured therein. In Ireland we might with any luck and no small sacrifice have a better society when this is over with a renewed emphasis on family and community values, a collective, country-wide reassessment of what is truly important in all our lives.
What allows me and hopefully others to live out of faith and hope rather than fear and to rest easy at night is to look at this time of crisis for the helpers, those going towards the fire out of a sense of duty and vocation and indeed love because it is the right thing to do.
For that selfless service to others we can be grateful and incredibly thankful, whatever one’s role on the frontline, stocking shelves, medical personnel staffing ICU’s, emergency service workers and countless volunteers of every description. Never before has John F. Kennedy’s rallying cry of what you can do for your country been so overwhelmingly responded to on virtual platforms and on the ground in such staggering numbers. It has been heart-warming to witness such charitable, kindness often at a huge cost and personal risk.
Looking to the future as we must do with confidence as an Easter people who believe deeply the message of resurrection we can see perhaps, and even at this early stage have the eyes to catch a glimpse of a brighter future. The word Emmanuel comes from the Hebrew name (‘Immanu’el) meaning “God is with us”. Maybe this is our time in the desert and we must refocus and reorient towards Him more in this time of suffering for so many. Even though churches are closed and masses have moved online nothing can interfere with or limit our personal relationship with God being stronger when we are once again allowed to be in communion with one another. Wouldn’t that communion, celebration which is what the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith be all the more powerful for that strengthening in our personal devotion being renewed? Will it be our attitude?
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
I can only conclude: “If we winter this one out we can summer anywhere.” Courtesy of the brilliant mind that was Seamus Heaney.
“No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings.” (John F. Kennedy) “Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” (Dalai Lama)
‘The fruit of silence
is prayer; the fruit of prayer
is faith; the fruit of faith
is love; the fruit of love
is service; the fruit of
service is peace.’ (Mother Teresa 1910 – 1997)
I wish all a blessed, safe and peaceful Easter season.