I don’t know if you have encountered the ‘flat white?’ It’s the latest in the world of coffee. I have been opting for it over the latte or cappuccino. I think I have been telling myself that it’s more healthy. Less cream, less sugar, less froth, less frills. Though of course in the commercial world things do not remain plain for long. Before I could settle in with the flat white it became the flat white with coconut. This Read more…
I think between the book, a few media appearances and a couple of the rumblings I have got the name of being something of a prophet of gloom. A lot of people are inclined to associate me with the phrase ‘the death of the church’. I think some, especially those who do not know me, are more and more likely to see me as a bit negative. Worse still, if I am honest, even cynical. This certainly does not Read more…
What a fall! That was a real fall from grace. He used to be flavour of the month. She could do no wrong. Everything she touched turned to gold. Local boy makes good. These, and many more we could add, are all examples of statements we use to describe or evaluate each other. However, more than this, far be it a harmless neutral summing up of the other, such statements tend to be somewhat dismissive of the other. Read more…
I am really too old for this now! So much so I lie on my bed until the very last minute these mornings. Once the radio clicks off I know I better move to go downstairs. I am happy it’s another day but I have grown to hate the stairs. Actually I don’t know which is worse, the stairs or getting into the car. My bones are real stiff. In my head I think I can do lots Read more…
Lent seems an opportune moment to explore the burden of Jesus. The Pope said recently that Lent was a great time to come home. I think this was what got me thinking. The idea of coming home, of returning to what is important, to re – focus is of course very much part of the Lenten journey. Apart from the specifics of giving up something or doing something special for Lenten, my overall hope is that by the time Read more…
Whilst we are probably not there yet, I am coming round to the notion that perhaps the only thing that will save the Irish Church is a revolution. Of course I am not speaking of violence. This is not a call to arms. No, this is a call to engage in a very pro-active way with the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is our call through our Baptism and Confirmation. We are called to be alive in Read more…
No I am not swayed by arguments, stats and Gory pictures. Nor am I swayed by the one who says you are her body because You are in it. No I am not swayed by fear and threat Even that attributed to the Divine. Nor am I swayed by your unasked for, uninvited Inconvenient presence. No. I am swayed by your little heel Recoiled in ouch, and yes I am swayed as you suck on Read more…
It is perhaps my single greatest disappointment, certainly it is a recurring sadness, in my life as a priest. I speak of how many of us miss the fact that we as Catholics are called to have a unique personal relationship with Jesus. I appreciate these words are easily spoken and I have regularly encountered people, including people of strong faith, who have difficulty accepting this concept. These difficulties range from people who have never actually heard the invitation, to Read more…
EAVESDROPPING ON A BANK HOLIDAY How tired he is Minding children that are not his own And his as well Clearly he loves her as he admires the great mother she is Yet he yearns for ‘quality time’ with her Beer has loosened his tongue He tells them way more than he should More than anything he longs to be heard He pours it all out His loneliness screams Not doubting his goodness I see Read more…
Dear Ben, First of all thanks for your lovely letter. I had hoped you might write. I know you have been struggling for a while. Your letter is so fresh, so honest. It is great when we can be as real as that with each other. I smiled at the idea that I would be offended by your little bit of rough language, and no it’s not the same as disrespecting the sacred. I am delighted that you Read more…