by Vincent | Mar 2, 2016 | Reflections, Lent 2016
Earlier today I went to Knock. I had two reasons for going. So far, so good!!
One was food:) I went to Le Cheile which is located on the grounds of the Shrine and is a very good place for lunch. (Trip Advisor how are you??) I had a lovely bowl of Seafood Chowder and an equally lovely homemade burger with onion rings and a very tasty mashed potato. The first part of my journey plan was a success. I left as happy as I was filled.
The second reason was to pay a visit to the Basilica to see the new mosaic that was unveiled on Sunday last. I’d seen images and a short video clip on Twitter but knew that the real thing had to be seen. I was not disappointed there either.
It’s a lovely piece of work. Somebody mentioned the other night that it is the biggest mosaic in Europe. I don’t know whether that’s true or not but, as they say, “I’m only saying”! Certainly it is imposing, impressive and, most importantly, an invitation to enter a Sacred Story.
The colours are stunning and the capturing of the falling rain is clever and a reminder of the power of the moment where people found themselves able to stand, transfixed and consoled, in the rain without seeking shelter. They’re all there. People of all ages, The Lamb on the Altar, Mary, Joseph and John The Evangelist, the stone wall, the gable wall – all captured as it has been explained to us through the years.
I looked at it in its entirety and enjoyed what was there to be seen. I tried to break it down a little. I focused on The Lamb of God which is, after all, the central message of the Knock Story. I looked at Mary, Joseph and John. I looked at the basket beside the kneeling woman and wondered. Was she the small boy in the crowd who had “loaves and fishes” to share? If she was, they seemed to be shared for it looked empty to me. Was she going or coming from somewhere? Either way the journey was interrupted and the basket being carried, had to be put down.
I saw a man on the right hand side of the mosaic, with his head lowered. The others were all looking but he seemed to have seen enough and knew that the response was to bow the head “daring not even raise his eyes to heaven” – Jesus spoke about a man like that one time too.
There were three that caught my attention more than the rest. An old man with a white beard. He could be found in any parish or old photograph in a family album. Family! That’s what caught my eye. Beside him was a younger man and with him a boy. The old man, looks to the boy and seems to be explaining something to him – the Faith, I’d like to think – while the son listens on. There’s a lesson for all. I liked the idea of the three generations being caught in the moment and the teaching role of the grandfather brought to fore. It sort of reminded me of “TRINITY”.
Anyway, I took a few photos. I’ll put them here and you can see what you think. The photos go so far but, for what it’s worth, I’d suggest you go and have a look yourself. You can have some “chowder” too!
I came away from the Basilica as full and satisfied as I left “Le Cheile”.
by Vincent | Mar 1, 2016 | Reflections, Lent 2016
I began yesterday with “I wondered” and today with “I’m wondering?”
- I’m wondering who is reading these words?
- I’m wondering why?
- I’m wondering is it a waste of time?
- I’m wondering!
- I’m wondering why I don’t wonder more?
- I’m wondering why more of us don’t wonder?
- I’m wondering what’s left to wonder at?
- I’m wondering!
- I’m wondering does God wonder?
- I’m wondering does the church wonder?
- I’m wondering does the government wonder?
- I’m wondering!
- I’m wondering if I can keep doing this?
- I’m wondering if there’s a need?
- I’m wondering whose the need is?
- I’m wondering!
- I’m wondering what is wonder?
- I’m wondering what comes next?
- I’m wondering what’s the next word?
- I’m wondering.
- At least, I suppose it has to be said and is fair to say:
- I’m wondering!
At day’s end, maybe “WONDER” is as good as it gets! One of the Gifts of The Holy Spirit – “WONDER AND AWE IN GOD’S PRESENCE.
So, the thought for today – be thankful for wonder!
by Vincent | Feb 29, 2016 | Reflections, Lent 2016
I wondered!
The restaurant was about 1.5km away and it seemed a good idea to walk. Would surely help make room for the food and give me a fighting chance against another uninvited pound or three:} I’d never walked this way before but Google Maps would ensure I stuck to the route. As I walked darkness fell and the two lads ahead of me became more focused in my mind. The road was very narrow. I began to think the taxi I had considered might have been a better option. One of the lads looked back. They seemed to slow down a little and, as I got nearer, they crossed to the other side of the road and stopped – for no apparent reason.
I kept going and passed them by. I didn’t look back but felt it likely they were now the ones following rather than being followed. The road suddenly seemed long and the 1.5km, though well eaten into at this stage, seemed more like a half marathon. The hills of Rome were having their moment!
I thought about it and felt if I’d known this was a potentially dangerous route I’d not have travelled. I thought how ignorance is bliss but the blissfulness was not uppermost in my mind just then. The narrowness of the road, the absence of lighting, the darkness of my clothes and the meeting cars only heightened my sense of isolation. Yet, the cars were a comfort. I thought their headlights were my strength – my companions on the way.
As I neared the restaurant I had to turn right so I chanced a quick look back. I was alone on the road. No men on the road – nobody behind me. I thought how foolish I’d been to let my imagination wander and smiled at the story I’d created in my mind – potentially scary and all as it was.
The others were in the restaurant before me. One of the men asked where I was staying and I told him. “How did you get here?” he asked. “I walked”, I replied. He went silent for a few seconds and said “You walked up the hill?” “Yes,” I said. “Oh, that can be a dangerous hill. I’d not have walked that way ….. it can be dangerous!” He used the word dangerous twice!
The meal was lovely and the company great. I shared a taxi on the way home!
The thought – if we know the road is dangerous we avoid it – not knowing doesn’t make it any less dangerous so “walking in the light” is possibly the key!
by Vincent | Feb 28, 2016 | Reflections, Lent 2016
Many of us would welcome that chance. Another year, another day, another hour to get things right.
It’s so practical. The gardener sees potential in the non-productive fig tree whereas the landowner cannot. To him, it’s negative equity, taking up space that could be more effectively used. The man on the ground sees it differently. He knows that what is needed is there and, given time, the tree will produce its fruit.
Something here about patience and about second or third chances.
Year of Mercy! It seems certain that Pope Francis sees the good in us. It IS certain that God sees the good in us. He’s okay with another year. Let’s meet him half way!
by Vincent | Feb 27, 2016 | Reflections, Lent 2016
The count is on!
Keeping an eye and ear on the election results. Have heard of some losses and some gains – joys and pains.
I think it’s a tough game. It’s not easy to put yourself in front of your own people and seek their support. All the “promised” votes certainly don’t materialise and disappointment follows. At day’s end there is hurt and disappointment for the candidate and his or her family.
To be honest, there are some that I’ve not much grá for but I still think everyone deserves to be left with dignity. So gloating, in my opinion, should not be an option. People have spoken in the privacy of the polling booth and verbal put downs are an un-necessary road to travel now.
We hope that something positive comes from all of this and that a Government will be formed that respects the people who put it in office.
