A springtime of hope
All of us in the past week no doubt have been greatly saddened and indeed outraged regarding the violent murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohue. A death that leaves a young family without such a loving dad and husband. His death is a dark reminder of how murder and gun violence has become so prevalent in our society. I pray great blessing on his family, community and colleagues at this time.
In stark contrast to such dreadful news we have began a new season of promised hope and light. February is a most hopeful month. Last Friday we celebrated St. Brigid’s Day. A Day which brings great hope. St. Brigid brings with her a story of compassion, generosity, healing and renewal. These early February days mark the beginning of Spring. Yes, it may still feel cold but already brighter evenings, emerging green shoots and snowdrops, announce a time for new beginnings. I’m glad the darkness of winter once again is being transformed by the light of our new spring. Spring is a season of Hope and renewal. We are in the true sense of Scripture, called out of darkness into Gods wonderful light.
Over the past few weeks I have celebrated a number of funerals. What struck me most about these celebrations was the power of the positive, unique and talented spirit that is contained within us all. Lives that greatly enhanced not just their immediate families, but also the wider community. People who were sincere, genuine and energetic in sharing life freely with others. I was greatly inspired also by the wonderful sense of community expressed by the kindness and compassion of good neighbours and friends. We must never take for granted the wonderful gift, that is community. we are very fortunate to live with people who care for one another, who support, encourage and facilitate many good things to happen everyday.
The truth of the matter is that all of us carry with us a sense of winter and spring. Winter is often felt in the pain, anxiety and burden that is part of our human story. So too, it is experienced in our falls and struggles, our losses and human frailty. However, this fragile truth does not truly define who we are. All of us have a beautiful spring, constantly being renewed in all our hearts. The spring tells the story of our resilience, courage, determination and imagination. The spring in our story is about being able to begin again. Spring-time embraces the possible.
This is a time when for many people real questions are being asked regarding, where as a nation do we go from here. I suggest that part of this discernment is about tapping into the spring of giftedness, talent and abundance, found within the depths of all our being. Surely the wonderful neighbours and good people that are the living fabric of every community, remind us that people are more important than policy and community is far more powerful that an economy.
The spring marks a significant change in the year. I am grateful for the powerful gift of hope, given to me recently by many good people who have gone from this life marked with the sign of faith. Spring is in the air, may we take time to breathe in its hope and light.
