I may be a few days early but the 14th will come round and you still will not have purchased that card/flowers unless you heed this reminder! The Saint is not nearly so busy these days but he is punctual, showing up each year on his anniversary!
Legend has it that Valentine was a successful promotor of marriage. It is said that his success gave Claudius the Cruel a difficult time getting soldiers to join his army. The men preferred family life! Claudius’s remedy was to ban marriage, a law which the Saint ignored, resulting in his martyrdom around the year 269AD.
Dublin’s interest has been kept alive by the Reliquary containing some of the Saint’s bones being located in Whitefriar Street Church in 1836. These are placed on the high alter on the 14th February annually when marriages are the focus of the masses that day.

The phrase in the marriage ceremony “till death do us part” is said to be an unreasonable expectation in today’s ‘flexible marriage arrangements’. Life circumstances, mutual interests, careers and other factors fluctuate and so our expectations concerning marriage should also be flexible, so the Millennials say. “It is different now-a-days.” “Mobility is the name of the game.” Flexible working hours have now morphed into flexible working premises with many working at least part-time at home. For others the mobile phone has enable the car to become their office with meetings arranged in the nearest hotel. Relationships become more fleeting and work can become a substitute for life!
For many permanent jobs are beyond reach. The boom and bust economies in the West consign saving to the past and uncertainties abound in the world of today.
So how does God view marriage? How could he convey his thoughts to his people in the most unforgettable way? What is it he loves? The church of course – the global assembly of his people.
To his people Israel he presents himself as their husband; “Your Maker is your husband– the Lord Almighty is his name– the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth” (Chapter 54 verse 5).
This binding of himself to his people using the language of the marriage bond is used throughout scripture and speaks volumes of permanency and security. It finds its highest expression in Christ’s relationship as head of his church. It breaks out in the sacrificial love of Christ for his church, his bride (Ephesians Chapter 5 verses 22/23). There can be no more powerful illustration of the value God puts on the marriages of his loved ones than that of Christ’s loving to the death his bride – the church. And he gives this example for husbands to follow!
Marriage Week starts in many countries this coming Wednesday, to encourage those fortunate enough to be married to give special time and attention to that relationship. It also provides an opportunity for those not yet married, but who do not have the gift of singleness to prayerfully decide who should get the card or flowers!

Recently at the Golden Globe’s Awards the audience of media stars were treated to a rousing address by one of the recipients. It came from Oprah Winfrey. The content of her 9-minute speech was perfectly in tune with the mood of the gathering which was female solidarity in the face of powerful male exploitation.
It was a rallying cry and all the more surprising because of who uttered it! The evening had been full of the usual sentimental jargon and seemed to be otherwise unremarkable except for the black dresses. These were being worn to show sympathy for women who had been sexually harassed, many having joined the ranks of the “me too”.
The words Oprah delivered were carefully chosen and were of the “never again” variety. Now was the time for women to take control. Men would not get away with such conduct again. Her considerable oratory powers came into play and had the effect of one well-known star recommending her as the next President!
Well-chosen words were again in evidence at the conclusion of the trial in the US of the gymnastic trainer, Dr Larry Nasser. His reign over young female gymnasts had gone on for years. His standing in the sport was so high as to make his position untouchable. With his medical background he cast an aura of authenticity over the various procedures he carried out on these athletes. He even had the support of parents to the degree that he could carry out his perversions on their daughters in front of them.
After many years of paedophilia he was tried recently and sentenced to 137 years in prison!
The victim impact statements matched the enormity of the offence. The measured delivery of the speech made by Rachel Denhollander gave great gravitas to her words. She is a Christian girl and incorporated the Gospel into her impact statement in a very clear manner.
Jesus had been saying some hard things and the crowds had faded away. He then put it to the disciples “will you too leave me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life (St John Chapter 6 verse 68).
In a week when Bishop Dolan outlined the possible trajectory stemming from ‘abortion on demand’ to the killing of the disabled and then the elderly, in other words a culture of death, we need to be reminded of a better way.
The way of sacrificial love, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him (Jesus) shall not perish but have eternal life. Wise words and wise are those who put their faith in Jesus!

The jailing of Matthew Horan, the 26-year-old sex offender, this week has highlighted the dangers inherent in the misuse of social media. Horan was using Skype, Snapchat, Instagram and Kik. All designed to promote social interaction including the transmission of pictures.
As is usually the case this sex offender comes from a difficult background. Amongst other things he had been a loner and found making internet friends a way around his difficulties of forging relationships. Those he contacts become like Little Red Ridinghood, unaware of the Wolf (who sounds like a Granny) sending sweet messages and making arrangements to meet!
At the conclusion of the trial there was an opportunity for the victims to make a ‘Victim Impact Report’. One 10-year-old girl described how she felt ashamed, scared and alone.
The insecurity created by realising that you have been deceived by someone who you thought was a friend must shatter your confidence and make you want to avoid getting involved with people.
There is a need for boundaries to be imposed but often the parents are less computer literate than their children who can easily frustrate their efforts. The cry goes up that the Government should do something. Or the computer industry, or the schools but primary responsibility lies with the parents.
It has been suggested that parents raise issues such as the Horan case and ask “What do you think about people who lie and pretend to be children when they are adults?” Another way is to ask vicariously “what would you say to your friend if they told you that this had happened to them?” They would probably tell them to go to the teacher or their Mum and Dad. This enables you to say “that’s really good” and talk about what else could be done.

The Government have done something insofar as the 1998 Act makes sexting illegal where it involves people under the age of 18. They are also considering following the example of Australia and making an appointment of a Digital Safety Commissioner. Also there are helpful websites such as Webwise.ie and Zeeko.
Our need to build up our children’s coping skills has just got harder! There now two areas to address – on-line and off-line. No longer is limiting “screen time” much use as the smart phone is almost part of the young persons’ clothing. There is a way to cope however and for that we turn to the Bible.
Adam and Eve didn’t have sexting but their rebellion against God left them, as the little girl said, ashamed, scared and alone. One of the first things the Lord did was to cover their nakedness (Genesis Chapter 3 verse 21). It is a sign of our ongoing rebellion that we find it so appealing to uncover at the drop of a hat!
Our battle to do the right thing is never going to be won. The sinful nature always wins out.
That’s why we need a saviour (Romans Chapter 7 verses 24/5). To engage with the Lord Jesus Christ is foundational to coping with life’s problems be they on-line or off-line.
We have been considering the deceitfulness of sex-offenders in their devious ways. But the Bible broadens it out to what it calls the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews Chapter 3 verse 13).
It is universal – the problem with deception of course is that the one being deceived doesn’t know it is happening to them!
God’s word says it plainly (Romans Chapter 3 verse 23) and there are no exclusions. The good news is that God has in Jesus provided the remedy which he will apply to all who put their faith in Him (Romans Chapter 3 verses 24/26).

When Michael Martin the leader of Fianna Fail announced this week that he now favoured the introduction of abortion up to 3 months he confounded his Party. Up to then he had been stanchly pro-life.
The 8th Amendment to the Constitution – The State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right.

This has protected babies in the womb from abortion but, in a small number of cases, presented doctors with a dilemma. This arises when the unborn child is well but for medical reasons the mother’s life can only be saved by an abortion as part of her treatment.
In order to fulfil the letter of the law the doctors should permit the mother to die but save her child. The doctors require some comfort from the law should they attempt to save the mother at the expense of the child. At present the Constitution offers no such comfort.

Two other circumstances are said to be grounds for abortion. The first is where an abnormality appears to be detected in the womb. This has led to the automatic aborting, in some countries, of Down’s Syndrome babies (Iceland has no Down’s children).
The second is in cases where the mother is a victim of rape. The mother has already gone through the most horrendous experience and requires much love and assistance. Her human rights have been violated but it is a contentious matter to suggest the violation of the rights of the unborn who is the innocent party in the rape.

No other country has been able to frame abortion laws which prevent the ultimate introduction of abortion on demand. By suggesting that we permit it during the first 3 months of the pregnancy Martin has left the pro-life and joined the pro-choice lobby. Since most abortions occur during the first 3 months to bring in legislation to cater for it introduces a culture of death with a knock-on devaluation of human life.

The lines have been drawn clearly and it should not be beyond the wit of legislators to produce a bill to meet the situation without introducing abortion on demand. Whatever they do will be attacked by the pro-choice lobby who will not rest till we have the same facilities for abortion as the UK and the US of A.

Jesus placed a high value on children in an age when they were largely overlooked (St Mark Chapter 10 verses 10/11). The fact of the child’s life beginning at conception was well established (Psalm 139 verse 13). In addition, the unborn as part of the human race have the unique distinction of being created in the image of God (Genesis Chapter 1 verse 27). They are not unwanted puppies that have to be put down but unique creations made for fellowship with the triune God.
This fellowship is available to all who recognise their need of cleansing and forgiveness for sins which they have committed. These could include abortion (Jeremiah Chapter 31 verses 31/34. All this was fulfilled in Jesus when he died bearing our sins and rose again to ensure that all those who come to him will never be rejected (St John Chapter 6 verses 35/37).

Like a couple of schoolkids reluctant to hand in their home-work An Garda Siochana and the Department of Justice eventually passed their files this week to the Charleton Tribunal. This was at the 11th hour after having months to gather the material!
In order for the Judge to read the material the Tribunal has been postponed to next week.
Sergeant Maurice McCabe first raised issues of negligence at Bailieboro Garda Station some 10 years ago and listed 23 of them for action by the Superintendent. Had these been researched and dealt with the matter would have gone no further. However, in a classic case of shooting the messenger who brings bad news the powers that be decided to try to prove that McCabe was acting out a grudge against a colleague and this was the reason for his raising the complaints.
A false account of the meeting with two Inspectors tried to show there was a grudge but was refuted by McCabe’s foresight of taping their conversation on his smartphone!
By now McCabe had become known as a whistleblower. An almost unknown species in the Garda where the covering up of any shoddy practices was almost universally carried out in a misguided form of loyalty.
After many efforts to silence McCabe, who to his credit continued to expose error whenever he discovered it, a recurring accusation of sexual misconduct was used against him and his family. This matter had been shown to be without substance but was used by his superiors to blacken his name.
To cut a long story short McCabe has survived a number of enquiries both inside and outside the Garda and has seen the departures of a Taoiseach, two Ministers for Justice, two Garda Commissioners and two Secretaries’ General at the Department of Justice over the past three-and-a-half years.
And it’s not over yet! The Charleton Tribunal is currently sitting to examine whether or not the Garda were out to destroy Sgt McCabe.
In another context, “You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, than that the whole nation should perish” (St John Chapter 11 verse 50). Thus Caiaphas unwittingly anticipates Jesus’ substitutionary atonement. Or with the wonderful understanding of the African, “He die me no die”. May we also have a like faith and serve our conscience rather than men.

One habit that old age has stolen is the climbing of Djouce on 1st Jan. As an antidote to this loss let me take you, in your imagination, to the ‘Rewilding of the Mayo Nephin Range’. It adjoins the Ballycroy National Park. The combined area runs to some 11,000 hectares, rising to 2,646 feet at its highest point.
Since 2013 it has been designated as Wild Nephin. This corresponds to the “rewilding” movement in the rest of the EC where areas of natural beauty have been designated as National Parks. It is reasoned that stressed-out, tired, over-civilised people can be helped by going to the mountains and finding peace in the wilderness experience.
The area is being developed jointly by Coillte (forestry) and Ballycroy. The latter has the “Wild Atlantic Way”, a popular tourist trail, passing through it. At present some thinning of existing forests and planting of lodgepole pines, which regenerate well, has taken place. Drains have been blocked and roadways narrowed to make them into trails. The only historic trail through the area was one made by farmers driving their cattle from Bangor (Mayo) to be shipped at Newport.
There will be a number of basic mountain huts built in strategic places. Apart from shelter these should attract campers to pitch in the surrounding areas. It is hoped that native broadleaf trees, birch, rowan and alder will regenerate from the 25,000 planted recently.
As trees fall they will be allowed to decompose providing habitats for moths, butterflies, brown beetles, bats and hoverflies. These in turn should attract back the corncrake, nightingale, cuckoo and skylark. Perhaps species such as black grouse could be introduced and the neighbouring golden eagles from Donegal may be visitors!
Some legal security may be required to keep out wind turbines, electricity pylons and phone masts so as to maintain the wilderness in a pristine state.

“Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while” was Jesus advise to his disciples. Many were coming and going and they did not even have a chance to eat (St Mark Chapter 6 verse 31).
Busy lives afflict many because like land they end up in a mono culture only growing one thing. We have seen the need for biodiversity in nature and even more so in humans. This need to ‘come apart’ before health crumbles and we literally begin to come apart!
What Nephin offers is a glimpse into creation in all its diversity. What Jesus offers in coming to him is the rest of redemption, “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (St Matthew Chapter 11 verses 28 to 30).
Yoking with Jesus is not heavy because he has already bourn the weight of your sin.
Trust him in the wilderness of life. His enabling grace is sufficient for you.

As we survey the scene from the vantage point of the year end and look into the abyss of 2018 we have the feeling that history repeats itself. Someone has said that history needs to repeat itself because no-one is listening and there is some truth in that!
Whether we like it or not the battle has moved from matters of faith to the outworking of our faith. Yesterday it was the false description of “equality” given to the Same Sex Marriage debate. Tomorrow it is the ditching of “equality” as it appears in our Constitution giving equal rights to the mother and the unborn child, and the adoption of the phrase “right to choose”.
The choice however is a little one-sided! The unborn baby has no voice – no right to choose. Of course if the child had the right to choose, he or she would choose to live!
The Psalmist knew where life started, “For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139 verses 13/14).
There has been a large drop in numbers of those travelling to the UK for abortion. Has there been an improvement in morals? More likely the availability on line of the abortion pill. Commercial forces are at work and the abortion industry is focusing on Ireland where there is money to be made out of unwanted pregnancies.

It would be good if the church could choose the topics for debate. It would be more familiar ground to be defending theological points but with a Referendum promised for May, planning to introduce abortion into Ireland, we have no option but to meet the challenge.
We can learn from history. We have seen the slaughter of the unborn babies in other countries where laws permitting abortion were soon extended to abortion on demand.
God places an inestimable value on human life. Listen to His pleading through the voice of the prophet Isaiah; “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to grey hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save” (Chapter 46 verses 3 and 4).
We have been created in God’s image, although that image is now fallen, are by his redeeming love members of his household on earth. This love is shown in Jesus by whose death for sinners gave us access to God. We who have placed our trust in Christ, are no longer outsiders but family to protect the weak and vulnerable and see that the voiceless are heard (Ephesians Chapter 2 verse19).

The Incarnate Christ. Word on the Week 16th December 2017.

It all seems so contemporary. The unexpected pregnancy; the homelessness;
the government census prior to imposing taxes; the poor transport system!

But there was love at the heart of it. Mary’s love for her child. Joseph’s love for his betrothed and God’s particular love for his chosen ones.

Todays’ attitudes are so different. Joseph would have departed from the scene. Mary would have gone for an abortion. This would have been granted on mental grounds (whoever heard of a conception by the Holy Spirit!). Mary would have signed on, not to pay taxes but to draw down the benefits!

It’s been a bad week for unborn babies! The results of the Citizens’ Assembly and the Oireachtas Committee on the 8th Amendment have strongly influenced a section of public opinion towards removing the Amendment. The amendment was placed in the Constitution some 34 years ago with the aim of granting equal rights to life to the mother and her unborn baby. Since it was signed into law it has saved countless lives. There are many walking the streets of Ireland that owe their existence to the amendment!

The biased performances of these two groups towards removing the Amendment has made it difficult for those wishing to retain it to have a voice. There does not appear to be any regard for the sanctity of human life. There is plenty of discussion as to when human life begins in the womb but little regard for the unborn of any age.
I am reminded of G. A. Studdert-Kennedy’s poem reflecting the difficulty of bringing Jesus into the debate in his day. Here are two of the three verses.

When Jesus came to Birmingham, they simply passed Him by.
They would not hurt a hair of Him, they only let Him die;
For men had grown more tender, and they would not give Him pain,
They only just passed down the street, and left Him in the rain.

Still Jesus cried, ‘Forgive them, for they know not what they do, ‘
And still it rained the winter rain that drenched Him through and through;
The crowds went home and left the streets without a soul to see,
And Jesus crouched against a wall, and cried for Calvary

But the Christ incarnate was not aborted. He lived to portray the image of the invisible God (Colossians Chapter 1 verse 15). And he lives today to ensure that none of the redeemed are lost (St John Chapter 10 Verses 28/9). Will the aborted babies be there? The old timers certainly believed it. That is how they understood the “Heavenly multitude no man could number” (Revelation Chapter 7 verse 9). That will be a glorious day!

Of all the games people play, politics must be the craziest! It has been described as ‘the art of the possible’. What is possible may change during the game so the rules are changed and the game goes on as happened with the Brexit negotiations this week.
Perhaps it was thanks to the Irish intervention which insisted on a ‘Soft’ Border i.e. no customs between the North and the South nor, barriers to East- West trade between N. Ireland and Britain. This gained agreement and so the talks can move on to the next stage.
This deal which has just been signed contains the following:
1. The continuation of the common travel area between the UK and Ireland.
2. The citizen rights of the 1998 agreement (new name for the Good Friday agreement) will be maintained.
3. A commitment that there will be no ‘Hard’ Border between The North and the South of Ireland.
With such commitments there would appear to be little room for negotiating new trade deals with the EU that depart from what is currently in place. It would seem that the UK might as well remain in the customs union and the single market if it is to fulfil these obligations!

However, we need to remind ourselves that the UK wishes to escape from the EC laws, control its own immigration and have trade deals with other countries. Achieving these goals while retaining access to the existing arrangements is a bit like having your cake and eating it!

In this situation creative ambiguity can make impossible situations, such as the present, develop into something possible. It depends on how willing those negotiating are to reach a conclusion. Usually words are redefined and terms restated so as to make agreements work. In Alice in Wonderland Humpty Dumpy gives us a good example when he asserted, “words mean what I choose it to mean, no more and no less”!

Jesus taught his followers to avoid oaths which are usually made to bolster a weak case. He was more interested in the truth being spoken and said that our ‘Yes’ should mean ‘Yes’ and our ‘No’ mean ‘No’ (St Matthew Chapter 5 verse 37). An example of this truth occurs in St Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus. The difficulty then as indeed even today was to reconcile Jew and Gentile. This was not to be done by any creative ambiguity but simply by stating the truth in love. Reconciliation has been made by the blood of Christ. The Gentiles have been brought near – that is they have access to God by the one Spirit (Ephesians Chapter 2 verses 13/18).
‘Truthing’ in love can inhabit our speech as well as the politicians’ through faith in Jesus.

There was a decidedly fishy flavour to this year’s TV Toy Show. Mine host Ryan Tubridy introduced the event in a red lobster costume accompanied by two kid squids! They were surrounded by singing sharks who jumped in and out of the boats ‘floating’ on the stage.
The Late Late Show has had a major influence in Irish broadcasting since it commenced one Friday in 1962 and has continued without a break since then. Audience ratings have been consistent around the half million mark but for the annual Toy Show they have shot up to 1.57 million viewers.
As in former years the kids not only stole the show but they are the show! They are drawn from families spread throughout the country and from every walk of life. This year there has been much concern over homelessness and kids from a homeless family had a star part on the show.
Kyle Carty (7) replete in a suit was introduced to us as a young farmer. He had a model farm on stage which he showed Ryan around focussing on the tractors. Kyle was then led to a full size model Frisian Dairy Cow and entered into a milking competition with Ryan which he won by having more milk in his bucket!
Ryan is good at introducing surprise items. After demonstrating a Hurling practice net with a Galway hurling fan, Daniel Brogan age 9, he delighted the lad by producing the Galway team captain and four team members. In addition to gifts they displayed the Sam Maguire cup which Daniel held above his head in true GAA style.
After numerous musical items with some great soloists, who we may expect to have a good singing future, we had the dancers. They were excellent and their costumes indicated the enormous amount of work that makes the Toy Show the success that it is.
Those helping Ryan by ‘testing’ the toys were around ages 4 to 7. The Burke brother and sister explained how their Dad would not be around for Christmas as he was in the Army and taught troops out in Mali. They said how much they missed him. Ryan took them to a large box. He tore off the paper covering to reveal the kid’s father. There was a marvellous spontaneous moment of hugs of sheer delight which turned to pure joy when their Mother and younger sister joined them on stage. TV has seldom shown family love and unity in a better light.
It’s moments like that which enable you to forget the commercialism of the advertisers, the generation of greed in the slogan ‘one for everyone in the audience’ and the ridiculously simple raffle question which produced a winning family from Mayo. The prize was a week’s stay in a four-star hotel in New York for the whole family, all expenses paid and $20,000 spending money.
Jesus said, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (St Luke Chapter 12 verse 15).
Of course the covetousness, which is so rampant today, is idolatry (Colossians Chapter 3 verse 5). And idols can never satisfy. What does satisfy is a solid relationship through Christ with the living God then you will have “godliness with contentment which is great gain” (1 Titus Chapter 6 verses 6 to 10).