St Patrick

Jeremiah offers us desolation - you can almost hear the cold wind of mourning whipping around the grey gloomy place he describes. But what he is talking about is not easy or comforting - the people have removed themselves from the shelter of relationship with their creator and are exposed and alone - worse than that they have tried to replace this primary relationship of live with another of greed which has turned into self-abasement.

Jesus on the other hand gives a solution - himself. He is the water in the desert of their wandering. This water has been shared by prophet and teacher alike for centuries and has brought life and light to some of earths darkest and most troubled places.

It seems to me that the Gospel works both on the relationship which the we have with Christ and this is vital to replace that sad chasm which Jeremiah sees but also then that has the effect of transforming our every action.

Most people probably know about St. Patrick - the legendary missionary bishop to Ireland in the 5th Century. Unfortunately most people know about Ireland today as well, but not for it's joy.

After a long period of respite the people of Ireland have faced what appear to be three sectarian killings this week - two soldiers and a police officer. When I was a child this was every day news - but after countless hours of careful work and I will add prayer - the pot seemed to be off the boil. Let us pray that these incidents are isolated. I hope so - things are very different i reflected as I listened to Jerry Adams on the radio - his voice was banned from broadcast by the Government during the height of the troubles.

People of faith have been more than instrumental in the healing which has taken place - those brave and wonderful people who have seen it as their duty and joy to forgive - even when they have been facing the worst of things - the death of children and constant fear.

This is the constant drip of faith which Patrick began all those years ago - water which sometimes gently and unseen and sometimes violently soaks the landscape of hatred and anger. As you enjoy the shamrocks and perhaps some Guinness (now there's an idea.....) pray that peace many keep flowing in Ireland and that the prayers and action of the faithful people of God may overcome the fear and violence of the dark valley.