Many of our prejudices against ‘all things British’ were dissolved this week by the smiles and friendliness of the Queen and our President. The four day State visit to the UK, with multiple speeches creating multiple opportunities to blunder, was navigated with aplomb on both sides. Pride replaced prejudice and filtered through the four classical definitions of the word in a healthy way.

Pride of Race. This is something which has bedevilled many nations and could easily have reared its ugly head to put one over on the other side. Thankfully there was no such point-scoring. Instead there was genuine appreciation for the qualities each race brought to the others wellbeing.

Pride of Face. Perhaps it was the age of those involved that precluded any display of physical attributes. The attire of all involved was appropriate for the occasion whether it was at Windsor Castle or the Albert Hall. Some may have thought that Michael D could have done with a haircut but it would be churlish to dwell on the matter!

Pride of Place. There cannot have been many times in the past that immigrants could said to have been ‘living in both the shadow and shelter of each other’ as the President so eloquently put it. This visit however has enabled the Irish immigrant to emerge from the shadows with pride in his or her roots and be glad to be Irish.

Pride of Grace. There was no question of one religion vying with another for supremacy. There were traces of Christian values in the mutual recognition of past wrongs and the symbolic gestures of contrition. In addition there was the grace that welcomed the former enemy and sat down to eat with him. Also humility was evident in the Queen’s commitment to be represented at the centenary of the 1916 Rising.

‘Hope and History’ may yet rhyme as the poet longed for.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble”

1Peter Chapter 5 verse 5.

There is no doubt but that the Brits are in a league of their own when it comes to State visits. Better than anyone they can turn on the style. Recipient of this treatment in the coming week will be our President Higgins with his wife Sabina.

Everyone who is anyone will be there. Over the three days many hands will be shaken and words found to extol the virtues of both countries.

Feeding off the back of the Northern Ireland “Peace Process” the Royal Banquet at Windsor Castle in honour of President Higgins will be an unmissable affair. However some may hesitate. Perhaps it is understandable that Martin McGuinness, the former IRA Leader, has not yet accepted the invitation as he has much to lose as well as much to gain by his being there. His attendance would be significant.

The Queen has already set the scene by inviting members of the Irish community in Britain to Buckingham palace last week. There she renewed her acquaintance with the Cork fishmonger with whom she formed a friendship on her visit here two years ago.

It is good to have these signs of a closer relationship as they may have to withstand the turmoil of Scottish Independence and the UK leaving the EU in the near future. There are implications for Northern Ireland should either of these events materialise.

The Bible indicated that Jesus kept some strange company and never more so than at his death when he was hung between two criminals. One of them repented and, in his own way, committed himself to Jesus. St Luke records the dialogue, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”(Chapter 23 verses 42/43).

So the ex-criminal was included in the guest list of the heavenly banquet joining that multitude from every tribe and language and people and nation – the redeemed by Jesus, Revelation Chapter 5 verses 9/10.

Banquets on earth can be great occasions where mutual trust can be developed but there is always the possibility of misunderstandings, they are a work in progress.

Banquets in heaven will be attended by those in whom Jesus has finished the work of the new creation they will be eternally complete in their Saviour whom they serve in love (Revelation Chapter 19 verses 6/8).

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

“Hallelujah!
    For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad
    and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
    and his bride has made herself ready.

Queues formed at various venues in the U.K. last night as Same-Sex Couples vied for the distinction of being the first to tie the marriage knot under the new legislation permitting same-sex “marriage” which came into force today.

Marriage in the Bible has taking quite a hammering over the years going from the excesses of Solomon to the Pauline virtue of celibacy. One thing however has remained constant and that is the condemnation of homosexuality in all its forms.

Unfortunately heterosexual marriage has not come through the last century unscathed. The ideal of the loving parents who are honoured by their children as embodied in the Commandment (Exodus Chapter 20) has come under sustained attack. The depiction of adultery as commonplace by the media, arts, etc has lowered the expectation of fidelity in marriage. The availability of divorce for non-Biblical reasons has further undermined its status.

The post-christian culture has no Biblical boundaries to assist decision making so that people are left to follow societal norms.

Children and young people in our schools are increasingly being introduced to the Gay agenda. Under the flawed notion that it will prevent bullying, pupils are taught that Gay is O.K. But an even more flagrant abuse of Biblical norms is the instruction that pupils need to try out sex with both sexes to see which one they prefer.

In contrast the Bible advocates abstinence before marriage which is one man and one woman in a lifelong heterosexual relationship.

No matter how often the Gay lobby says it, Same-Sex “Marriage” is not equal to Marriage. Indeed the only time the Bible uses the word “equality” in connection with marriage is to prohibit marriage between a Christian and an unbeliever “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2Corinthians Chapter 6 verse 14).

The Gay community has been misled. It does not matter how often you use the expression “Marriage equality” it will not make something which is different the same.

The Gospel however does not mislead. It calls us to turn our backs on self-centered behaviour to a sacrificial loving lifelong relationship with Jesus who sacrificed everything for sinners such as us. Look beyond the world’s agenda and follow Him.

When Christine was 3 weeks old she was placed in the first of a number of foster homes until at the age of 4 she entered St. Vincent’s Industrial School, in Goldenbridge, run by the Sisters of Mercy. This was the year 1950.

She was the daughter of 31-year-old married woman and a 20-year-old Nigerian medical student both of whom she tried to contact later in life, the latter successfully and members of the family came from Nigeria to her funeral in Dublin earlier this month.

There is no doubt that back in the ‘50ies children like Christine were especially vulnerable to abuse in the Industrial School system as there was little supervision and no one to turn to for help. In spite of the horrendous treatment she received Christine was able to complete her leaving certificate and went on to become a nurse. She went public with an account of the years of abuse in 1992 and her courage enabled other survivors to tell their stories.

That was the year she heard from her father who wrote a letter addressing her as “Dear Daughter”. These two words became the title of a documentary exposing the conditions. Later that year when her father came to Ireland they were invited to the Gay Byrne show to tell their story. These events produced a huge response from other victims seeking help to rebuild their lives and, in some cases, to trace their parents.

Christine co-founded the Aislinn Centre to cater for their needs and the Government set up the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse and the Residential Institutions Redress Board. She continued to campaign tirelessly on behalf of victims and in 2012 she was conferred with an honorary doctorate of laws by Trinity College.

She surprised some of her friends by arranging a Catholic funeral. The service was led by the Archbishop of Dublin who acknowledged the injustices done by both Church and State. Surely this was something more than a confession to a corpse. Perhaps it was a recognition that all wrongs will be addressed either in this life or the next.

The Bible’s preference is the former. In fact Jesus said “at once”. Just as soon as you realise your error. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” (St Matthew Chapter 5 verses 23/24).

The truth is it took a long time for Christine and the Church to get together. It often does when bad things are allowed to go on for years. It took courage to stand against Church and State. And it took courage for Church and State to admit to those sins. Sadly some who were responsible may not have repented. Jesus says not to attempt worship but first put right the wrong you have committed.

Christine Buckley’s last act shows that forgiveness is possible. The lesson is do it now!

Brian O’Driscoll has seldom been out of the news this week. Riding high off his “Man of the Match” performance in last Saturday’s match against Italy his stellar career on the Rugby field surpasses all the other Irish greats from times past.

He has been at the centre of Irish Rugby, in more ways than one, his presence dominating the national and international game over the past 14 years. The No.13 jersey is being worn by him today for the last time appropriately in Paris in the stadium where it all began.

What is it about Rugby that holds such fascination? Perhaps some clues can be gleaned when we saw the game through Ghanaian eyes. The visitor from that land was new to the game and we watched a match on TV. He marvelled at the curbing of our natural instinct required by the rule to pass the ball backwards while striving to go forward. The shape of the ball intrigued him with its unpredictable bounce and also the scrum which tied up half the players in a contest where he thought skill was surrendered to sheer shove!

So different from the soccer he grew up with and yet there was a marvelling at the discipline required to play Rugby that he went on to become a follower of the game!

That discipline Brian had in abundance. So had the team and together they held out to achieve a memorable victory over France to win the Six Nations Championship.

The Bible has its heroes. They appear throughout its pages but are summarised in Hebrews chapter 11 where we get the “Roll of Faith”.

These were ordinary people who led extraordinary lives. They learned about God’s promises and they believed. This belief in what was said by an unseen God changed their natural instincts from walking by sight to relying on and obeying God’s word even when it was costly to do so. Many died before they saw the promises fulfilled. Some were martyred, as in many places in the world today, rather than renounce their faith.

Unlike sporting heroes this discipline did not come so much by training but by a surrender of the will to a triune God who not only convicts of sin and converts the sinner but established his presence within him leading to a life of service.

The glory of today’s victory, and it was glorious, will fade. The laurel wreath withers. But for the long haul St Paul’s advice is still relevant. “…while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

There has been a ruthless progression in the career of President Putin whereby he has now a firm grip on all the levers of power in his native Russia. He has been in the news this week for ramping up his efforts to obtain “independence” for Crimea.

The Russians are famed for their skill at chess and Putin has used pieces called army (with anonymous uniforms) and navy to set up a referendum in Crimea on the 16^th March which will give him checkmate!

Perhaps Alex Salmon viewing his faltering campaign for Scottish independence might take a leaf out of Putin’s book and raise a tartan army to encourage the people to vote for a separation from England!

There are one or two similarities between the two situations. Both can use oil and gas as a means of gaining the other sides attention. Both view “Independence” as a stepping stone to a fresh alliance. In Scotland’s case with the EC and Crimea a return, after 60 years apart, to Russia.

Of course Alex Salmon is no Putin. The latter was sited as the most powerful man in the world by the influential Forbes Magazine. With his Crimean army of 11,000 recently increased to 30,000 (Putin calls them self-defence volunteers) it seems that the Russian speaking population need a lot of protecting!

As the de facto Czar of Russia Putin has shown in the past how to win elections. His formulae should produce a vote in favour of joining Russia.

Then there will be the slight problem of access as Ukraine happens to be in the way. Again Putin has arranged his pieces well. With Ukraine unable to pay its gas bill of €1.36 billion it gives him a number of options.

Putin at age 62 could be said to be a man with ambitions and one of them is not to retire!

What has the Bible to say to all this?

The annexing of lands belonging to a weaker neighbour was a common practice throughout the Old Testament. What made Israel different was that she was able to conquer lands and defeat armies which were much stronger. This enabled the people to see God fulfilling what he promised in providing them with a land of their own. Their biography, until the time of King David, is written in Psalm 78. The Psalm concludes with this description, “He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds;
from following the nursing ewes he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people, Israel his inheritance. With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand”.

The model of the Ruler who cares for his people reached its fulfilment in Jesus of whom St John quoted “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep” (Chapter 10 verse 11).

This may be a far cry from Putin’s present style but never underestimate the transforming power of the Gospel when applied by the Holy Spirit to Putin or us.

The UK Cabinet made the unprecedented step this week of meeting in Aberdeen. The Prime minister was flown by helicopter to an Oil Rig in the North sea to make a speech In favour of a “NO” vote in the Independent Scotland election on the 18^th September.

Meanwhile the Scottish Cabinet in waiting met nearby at Portlethan to discuss how the Scots could be persuaded to vote “Yes”. Both ignored each other!

As the debate proceeds it becomes clearer that finance takes centre stage. Considering devolution and a token government in Edinburgh inadequate Alex Salmon, the Scottish leader, wants full control of the currency. And strangely they want the UK Pounds Sterling to be their currency and not the Euro. This is despite the fact that entry into the EC is on their wish-list!

At present the EC has not much of an appetite for more independent States as it fears that other “State-lets” might look for recognition by Europe.

When I lived in Scotland I was pro an independent Scotland but after 36 years in independent Ireland I am not so sure! The children’s rhyme which we once skipped to underlined the interconnectedness of these lands; “Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales, all mixed up like monkeys tails”. I think even then there was a recognition that what united the Highlander and the Lowlander was a common dislike of the Westminster parliament! Left to themselves who knows what skulduggery might ensue!

The Bible recognises 3 groupings, the Family, the Church and the State. When the 3 flourish mankind has prospered. Damage any one of them and decline sets in.

“The powers that be are ordained by God” (Romans Chapter 13 verse 1). God favours good Government. He also recognises the difficulties and instructs his people to pray for, and not ridicule, their Government.

Scripture is neutral regarding the division of one State into two being more concerned to the integrity of those who govern than the nationalistic ambitions of the people. Indeed nationalism is always about territory and power whereas patriotism is more benign being about pride in ones country, its freedoms and culture.

There is a third way to view the State which Jesus ushered in when he proclaimed that the Kingdom of God has arrived. This Kingdom is not an earthly territory but comprises the people who serve Jesus. He is their ruler and they obey Him. This Kingdom is the salt and light which permeates virtually every State, sometimes underground and often persecuted and misunderstood but bringing with it, freedom from guilt, a clear conscience and peace with God for all those who enter it.

Jesus calls you to be part of this Kingdom, “Come to me, all who labor 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 28/30).

It’s not independence but a dependence on Jesus that should be the goal.

Ukraine is a country whose loyalty is torn in two between Russia in the East and the EC countries of Western Europe in the West. Since independence the old alliance with Russia have left 30% of the population speaking Russian. The President, known to the Protesters as “The Criminal”, comes from the Eastern part which would favour retaining links with Russia.

The Ukrainian speaking majority wants closer links with Western Europe and the present struggle is around this issue.

Russia has a strong hand in that she has a military base in the country and also supplies Ukraine with 35 per cent of its natural gas. A further 25 percent of the natural gas in Ukraine comes from internal sources, the remaining 40 percent from Central Asia through transit routes that Russia controls.

At the same time, 85 percent of the gas which Russian exports to Western Europe comes through Ukraine. Perhaps that helps to explain the West’s interest in the current crisis and the Russian insistence that the protesters are terrorists.

This week a deal was struck to limit the President’s powers, introduce a Government of National Unity and hold Elections in December.

This may have been acceptable two weeks ago but with the recent spilling of blood (77 dead and 587 injured) nothing short of getting rid of the President will satisfy the protesters.

Last night the coffins of the dead were brought into Independence Square ensuring an emotive content to the speeches and stiffening the resolve of the protesters to remain there until the President goes. The people who gave their lives are called “heroes” and their martyrdom has altered the dynamic of the conflict.

At its core lies mistrust of the Government and its President. This is based on their past performance. As a consequence they are no longer believed. So when a deal was made the protesters do not think it will be kept.

In Christianity it is reckoned there were 167,000 martyrs (Regent College research) last year. They were slain for there faith in Jesus Christ. They lived largely but by no means exclusively in the 20/40 degrees latitude band round the World. In many cases they could have escaped the death penalty by renouncing their faith but like their Lord they remained faithful unto death. They trusted Jesus when he said that there are some things worse than death (St Matthew Chapter 10 verse 28). They also believed in life after death as is witnessed by St Paul’s 2^nd letter to Timothy written shortly before his martyrdom, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (Chapter 1 verses 8-10)

Conflicts arising out of injustices will be present till Jesus’s return. Christians are called to be faithful to their calling to proclaim his loving kindness in providing a complete salvation to all who recognise their need.

How do you prevent those charged with keeping the law from being a law unto themselves? Answer, you appoint an Ombudsman. As least that is the theory but does it work in practice?

Designed to handle complaints about the Garda from the public, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) found themselves in a difficult position when they discovered that their premises were bugged with listening devices.

The plot thickened when the devices used, according to the UK Consultants Verrimus who did a sweep of the premises, were not available to the public and had been planted by experts. These experts were professional in their work having almost perfected an exit strategy to be triggered should they be discovered. This strategy operated when Verrimus caught them in a prearranged trap and caused the hasty withdrawal of those listening taking their devices with them. All that was left were a few loose ends of their equipment which presumably have no fingerprints on them!

So all the evidence points to the fact that the surveillers themselves, the GSOC, were being surveilled!

No one likes a watchdog, particularly one that was doing its job, albeit without telling the Garda or the Minister for Justice that they were checking for listening devices. The result was a week of rubbishing the GSOC which is a pity as we need someone to watch over the ones who watch over us.

The principle of accountability is writ large in the Bible. How we live our lives and how we communicate in our speech are the indicators as to what kind of person we are. Whilst conduct must match speech it is the latter that is recorded.

In dialogue with the religious people of his day Jesus said, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the Day of Judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (St Matthew Chapter 12 verses 34/37)

God doesn’t need listening devices. As the Psalmist put it “Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether”.

We could easily be overwhelmed by such things but for the knowledge that Jesus is alive and has a permanent priesthood in the glory. “He holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews Chapter 7 verses 24/25)

The 22^nd winter Olympic Games opened this week in the Russian town of Sochi. Build over the last seven years on a piece of marsh land President Putin, who has links with the area, drove the project to its successful completion.

It was a herculean task to get the job done. The final bill of €37.5 billion is almost as much as the combined costs of the last two summer Olympics in China and the UK. It is as much a statement of Russian pride in regaining some sort of world ranking as it is a showground for a couple of week’s winter sports.

The 3,700 athletes from many nations marched into the stadium in front of 40,000 guests. The absence of some Heads of State, not uncommon at winter Olympics, took on a more political meaning as the unrest continues in Ukraine and Syria. The need for a high security level was underlined when there was an attempted hijack of a plane on a flight out of Ukraine. The hijacker ordered the plane to go to Sochi but was overpowered.

Following the tradition at these events to showcase the high points of the country’s history we were treated to an amazing display of talent and technical triumphs. Starting with the mythological troika of three horses pulling the sun we then entered a fairytale Russian city with its onion shaped towers and carnival atmosphere. The scene changed to Peter the Great’s time with his conquering ships making a way down to the Black Sea.

A ballerina played the part of Natasha In Tolstoy’s War and Peace and the 1917 revolution was depicted by a train and steelwork all accompanied to the music of Stravinsky’s Firebird suite.

The arena was darkened for World War 2 where Russia lost 27 million people. This was followed by the reconstruction of the new Russia complete with moon rocket and, rather quaintly, couples with prams representing the baby boom.

The show took on almost a religious air with the climax marked by anthems, oaths, flags and speeches on athletes living together in peace and harmony with no discrimination or performance enhancing drugs. The competitors were reminded that they were ambassadors for their countries and the obtaining of medals was to be second to competing fairly.

The Bible does not give us many glimpses of the glory but it is clear that Jesus is central to all that is happening there. St John surveying the assembled multitude recognised that they were singing about the risen reigning Jesus “they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation (Revelation Chapter 5 verse 9)
Who are these people? St Paul, using the analogy of an athlete writes of himself, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy Chapter 4 verse 7/8).

Make sure of your place for that occasion on that Day – put your faith in Jesus.