Readings:
Revelation 20: 1-4; 11-21
Luke 21: 29-33
Reflection:
AN IRISH BLESSING
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May sun shine warm upon your face
And the rains fall softy upon your fields
And until we meet again
May you be held in the palm of God’s hand
What blessings this simple prayer brings to us: comfort in times of grief, delight in times of celebration, of hope when starting a journey and confidence having made a challenging decision.
The words are gentle, soothing and hopeful. They can take away fear, anxiety and uncertainty.
The words suggest a community gathered in prayer. It is a gathering of the people of God rejoicing in God’s presence. Their presence and their praise enable us to know that we are not alone on life’s journey. ‘Know that I am with you always yes till the end of time’ says the risen Lord. Matthew 28:20
The first reading speaks of a new beginning, a life renewed. ‘I saw a new heaven and a new earth, the holy city the new Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven’. The gospel invites us ‘to think of the fig tree and in fact every tree. As soon as you see them bud you know that summer is near’. Can we get a sense of eternal life as we see nature being renewed around us? ‘Are we not worth more than the trees, flowers, birds of the air?
As we move into the pre-Christmas time may the gift we carry into the Christmas feast be the Irish Blessing with its gentle soothing words.
Peace be with you….
Fr Peter Addicoat CP is parish priest and community leader of our St Joseph’s parish/community in Hobart Tasmania.