Sunday, April 4, 2010

A Passion for Irish Ressurection


On Good Friday, the faithful walk into their local churches, heads bowed. Before them stands a sanctuary empty of the Body of Christ: it's a space of shadowy reflection; a time of sorrow; a time for remembering holy sacrifices of days gone by. A time when many confess the sins that have been committed.

It's also a time for remembering that soon, the sorrowful days will be swept away by the Winds of Ressurection: that following confession comes forgiveness. And with that, light finally intrudes upon a season of Lenten darkness.

In contemporary Ireland, we have so much to forgive!
  • We have an economy in shambles. More young skilled workers are emigrating to Canada and Australia than at any other time in the last 30 years. And while the country is being bled dry of its most important asset - its people - Irish politicians play with their worry beads as they seek to prop up the country with billions of euro in borrowings. "Surely," people think, "they understand that this will bankrupt generations to come." Unlikely, I'm sure.
  • The Church, with its crimes of sexual abuse, cover-ups, and denials has worked to blow out the flickering lights of faith, trust, and spirituality. Within this vacuum, Irish people attempt to look for hope, recognising that an institution and way of life is dying before their eyes.
  • The public sector, with their eyes locked on money, failing to see that those in the private sector are suffering the same deprivation. Yet allowing strikes and discontent to disenfranchise the very people that they are supposed to serve.
Oh, we've so very much to forgive! We stare into the darkness, pummelling our chests with agony, daring to seek hope.

And yet, hope there is.

Ireland and her people have overcome challenges over generations. Their stout hearts and strength of character will overcome. And with Christ as a loving example, the Irish will forgive - and move on - into a time of Ressurection.

Despite the crazies who would stop them.

2 comments:

  1. Historically speaking, it seems to me that despite famine, the troubles and all manner of misery across the centuries the Irish have always risen again.

    They may well be the most resilient people on the planet.

    Still what is happening with the Church is jarring. I had been under the impression that Ireland was becoming increasingly secular anyway. Would you say that is true? Or is it a city thing as opposed to what one would find in the countryside?

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  2. You really hit on some important topics in this post. America seems to be going down the same road. In debt to China up to our necks and borrowing more daily, and taxation as the answer to all government borrowing. There also seems to be a seperation from reality within this country. People seem to think were exempt from the lessons of the past. It wont be long before they get a very rude awakening. I found your blog through the comment you back group. I would appreciate a visit . http://shawnharden.com

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