Fr. Joe’s writings and rumblings.
I have been reflecting on the ‘walks’ or ‘journeys’ or ‘movements’ of Jesus. From the journey pre-birth forming in his mother’s womb as she made her way to spend three months with Elizabeth, to the flight into Egypt when he was carried as a little baby, by his parents, fleeing Read more…
Believe it or not there are people who love talking about the devil. The seldom time I speak publicly about the devil there is a small group who are delighted and will implore me to do this more often. I, for my part, refrain from speaking on such a theme Read more…
Recently I have heard people commenting on how hard it is to be a Catholic today and then following on from that some of them actually asked me for any advice I might have in that regard. In one way I am loath to offer advice as I feel it Read more…
I have been asked a few times to say a little bit about my practice of contemplative prayer. These are just a few private notes or observations on what I have tried to talk about. Let me say I am no expert in the area, if such a thing exists. Read more…
(These are ten snakes that are alive and well in the Ireland of today. Clearly they must have given St. Patrick the slip. They are particularly evident in the Irish Church). fideitepidis (literally tepid or lukewarm about faith) probably one of the most common of today’s snakes. People are often Read more…
I think I’ll give up apples for Lent! I guess to most people this immediately sounds a bit wacky. I mean if I loved apples such a statement might have some merit. The truth of the matter is I rarely eat an apple. I know I should. I mean we Read more…
On Monday, yes this Monday, March 4th, something is happening here in St. Matthew’s which I genuinely believe you will regret missing. That is, if you do, and I hope you won’t. Hence this message. That’s why I want to alert you to it. It’s one of those things that Read more…
As the Papal Commission on Clerical Abuse meets this week in Rome my thoughts have drifted back to my appointment with Pope Francis at the end of August last year on the Navan Road. Let’s pray for the important work going on this week, that the Lord will bless it Read more…
What a strange title? Indeed what a strange title for a column written by a Parish Priest in a Parish Newsletter. I agree it is a bit unusual as far as titles go and yet here in the Bunker I hope we can address topics that are of interest and Read more…
I have come to realise that inner darkness is quite common. I am not talking about being in grief. I am not talking about having received bad news. In fact one of the core characteristics of the darkness that I am speaking of, is the problem of not really knowing Read more…