Earlier today, Saturday April 6th, I had the pleasure of Confirming twenty-five young people from the parish. Since our diocese is currently without a bishop, it was decided that each parish priest would administer the sacrament in his parish. I was pleased to have this chance to celebrate with the boys and girls of our three schools – Kilmovee, Tavrane and Kilkelly and, though our numbers are small, they reflect the reality of life in a a rural parish and the day was as important to them – to all of us – as if there were hundreds involved. I want to share the few words I used by way of reflection today. I shared them from the perspective of a Sligo supporter who is also open to supporting the Connaught team that remains in the League or Championship when Sligo’s journey ceases! Sadly, this year that was quite early in the League!
When Ciaran Tracey scored the goal in the League Final – there was no denying the sense of spirit. Cameras left the pitch for seconds and the joy that ran through the Green and Red that dominated the stands was a joy to behold – “JOY” … recognise that today as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirt.
Andy Moran’s kicking the ball away from himself, only to reclaim and redirect it in Tracey’s direction was … yes, you’ve guessed “Right Judgement” … recognise that as one of the gifts
James Horan’s introduction of Moran in the final quarter of the game …. “Wisdom”
Collectively on the pitch there was “Courage” – and undoubtedly “Knowledge” of the game, the strengths of team mates and the support of the crowd.
And those green and red jerseys in the stand – colours that dominated Croke Park speak of “Reverence” for a team that has had its heart broken many times – and reverence/respect for players who have left everything they have on the pitch.
Somewhere during half time on Sunday last, in a dressing room in Croke Park, the team huddled, mistakes made were acknowledged and an energy was found to take to the pitch for the second half and the team played, united and inspired – to the blowing of the final whistle and the claiming of the cup. Clearly, there had been an “Understanding” of what had been said. Thankfully, we knew people in that room – Cathal Horan, here with us today I’m sure, and Brendan Harrison. What happened in the dressing room, might be linked today with the gathering of the disciples in the upper room on that first Pentecost. Their dreams lay in shatters – the leader they had looked to was gone and they wondered where to from here? Like our knowing Cathal and Brendan, we know some of the people that were in that room too, Peter, Andrew, James and John, Our Lady … we are all in this together. Into that room, boys and girls, came “The Holy Spirit” and they found the strength and the direction to leave the room and take to the pitch for the second half – the half we are still playing, right up to and beyond your Confirmation Day.
In the gifts I mentioned above – from last Sunday’s Game, were included:
- The supporters’ REVERENCE
- Andy Moran’s RIGHT JUDGEMENT
- James Horan’s WISDOM
- The Team’s COURAGE, KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING
One of the seven gifts we seek today is missing …. Anyone???
Yes, “WONDER AND AWE” in God’s presence.
That doesn’t mean it wasn’t there. I met a woman in Ballagh shortly before the game. She was listening to the radio build up but told me she would turn off the radio for the game because she found it too stressful to listen but that she would pray for the team. Doubtless many others did the same and I’ve no doubt faces were blessed in Croke Park when Tracey found the net and the ref blew the final whistle. We know, deep down, that God is behind all things – the Creator of all things and we need to “wonder” about that – to be in “awe” of this power.
So boys and girls, what am I saying to you? I’m saying the gifts “confirmed” in you today are all around you. You will encounter them on a daily basis but the one that maybe we all need to work on, from time to time, is that sense of “wonder and awe” in God’s presence and one of the places we encounter that presence is here in this church or a church like it during the celebration of Eucharist.
So men and women, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, what am I saying to you? To me? We need to gather in prayer, to huddle and be together in the upper room, so that we can find the strength and the desire to play the second half …..
To make a difference.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your spirit, and they shall be created and you will renew the face of the earth.
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