The news this week has been dominated by the deaths of two young boys whose bodies were found in the boot of their father’s car.

The alarm had been raised by their mother when they did not return from a trip to Carlow where their father was taking them bowling. That was last Sunday and apart from a single distressed phone call from their father there was no more contact till his car was found crashed on Monday afternoon.

The crash appears to have been a failed suicide attempt.

Sanjeev is of Indian descent. He worked at repairing computers. He had married into a local farm family and his boys were Eoghan (10) and Ruairi (5). The boys were active in the life of the community. The apparent normality of the family makes the tragedy all the more difficult to deal with.

The love and compassion afforded by the community and church to the bereaved provide some comfort and solace but there are questions that will not go away. Perhaps sometime in the future Sanjeev will be able address the question why, but perhaps not.

When the balance of the mind is disturbed wrong things appear to be right to the extent that the actions taken appear, at that moment, to be the only thing to do. When the enormity of the consequences dawns suicide seems to offer the only way out.

Then there is God. Surely He could have intervened. Even atheists join the chorus “Why did He let it happen”! There seems to be a consensus that He could have prevented it.

God too has a Son who died in horrendous circumstances. And scripture tells us that God the Father had a hand in it, “Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief;” Isaiah Chapter 53 verse 10a.

But this was not the action of a tormented mind but a sublime act of love for sinners, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans Chapter 5 verse 8.

This love of God for the unlovely, in fact for those utterly opposed to Him, is the only hope for a world gone mad and it is available in this day of grace to all repentant sinners. God’s mercy is as great as His grace and is freely offered to those who turn from their sins. The wonderful news is that there are none too far gone whether their names are Sanjeev or George.

The ink was scarcely dry on the journalist’s article outlining a couple of cases where crimes had been committed with impunity when the news broke on Thursday of the collapse of the Planning corruption trial.

Following a Tribunal which took 12 years and a trial which lasted 4 weeks the chief witness for the prosecution became ill and is unlikely to be fit to resume his evidence. Ironically he is the only person to have gone to prison in the history of the rezoning-for-cash investigation.

The ineffectiveness of the law to bring to justice those involved in “white collar” crime is monumental.

The UK financial regulator, who has been working here to restore some creditability to the Irish banking system, remarked in his last major public appearance before taking up his next appointment in the UK that the current system is not working well. This must be the understatement of the year! It seems that there is no appetite amongst “white collar” workers to reform the existing structure which has preserved those involved in the culture of corruption with impunity.

The journalist whose article anticipated the collapse of the trial prescribed a “root-and-branch” inquiry into the law, the Garda and the Office of the DPP. In other words an overhaul of our justice system carried out by international experts in those fields. This prescription may fit the disease but the medicine most certainly will not be taken!

How have countries rid themselves of such maladies? Usually by revolution or Christian revival. Historically France chose the former and England the latter. The guillotine proved a difficult instrument to stop once it got going whereas the 18^th century revival enabled change to be effected without bloodshed. Rather than looking for bribes those who had wronged others, those converted having themselves been forgiven by Christ, made restitution.

This was the reflex action of Zacchaeus following his encounter with Jesus, recorded by St Luke in Chapter 19 of his gospel. Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”

Changing a corrupt culture by a better justice system may seem at first sight to be the way to go but it does not get to the heart of the problem which is the problem of the human heart. In its fallen state it is biased towards sin. It needs to be transformed by the Holy Spirit’s action in revealing Christ’s redemptive work as being the exact prescription we need and to realise his death for sinners was for me personally. Change in a culture begins when change takes place in us, one at a time, then we will see Christ’s kingdom come but it has to start within us.

“In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat” (Psalm 19).

We have been treated to exceptionally large amounts of pure sunlight these last couple of weeks which, combined with the absence of rain, has enabled the Meteorological Office to announce an official drought. Who would have thought it? Rainy Ireland in drought! And it seems we are not alone if an email from Philadelphia is to be believed they are suffering on that side of the pond too.

With no end to the hot weather in sight we can expect water rationing to be introduced. What we take for granted becomes precious when we realise we have only a finite amount and cannot reproduce it ourselves. When the well goes dry these facts become reality – a reality which is a daily problem for many on our planet.

The value of water was not lost on people in Bible times. The climax of the Feast of Tabernacles, the 7^th day, when water carried from the well was carried through Jerusalem and up to the Temple where it was poured out as an oblation onto the thirsty ground. This had occurred each of the preceding days but on the 7^th it was performed 7 times. That which was most precious was offered up to God in adoration.

It was against this backdrop that Jesus spoke. `On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (St John Chapter 7 verse 37/8).

It is likely that all who heard these words that day were thirsty. It is even more likely that they recognised Isaiah’s words of invitation to the people of his day being quoted to them but with a difference. This time they pointed the thirsty to Jesus himself. He offered to quench their thirst. He had made the same offer to the Woman at the well of Samaria prompting her to ask for the “living water” (St John Chapter 4 verse 15).

These illustrations become more compelling in drought as we repeatedly fill up the glass with water which only satisfies for a little while. Jesus’s invitation to come to him of course means to come to place your trust in him, to believe in him in an ongoing personal way. Like the current heat the invitation reaches everyone. Will you receive the water of life?

The voice of conscience, so seldom heard in the land, rang out this week in the Dail debate on abortion with the resignation of four TD’s and the junior minister Lucinda Creighton. The latter took her time to reflect on the amendments which were instigated but eventually fell on her sword over the inclusion of the “suicide clause”.

These people present something of an anomaly as they have made a stand on moral grounds in a post-modern climate which has largely discarded any distinction between right and wrong.

What is and what ought have been eroded in recent years to simply what is. For example what is a fact – almost 4,000 women travelled to the UK for abortions last year. Therefore what ought according to our rights based society would be for the law to permit these to be carried out here.

Lucinda’s stand on that what ought to be i.e. safeguarding the life of the unborn child by the removal of the suicide clause was rejected by the coalition government leaving the door open for virtual abortion on demand. This runs contrary to the expressed intention of the Bill to protect life during pregnancy. Thus the government has produced an almost exact replica of George Orwell’s “doublethink” introduced in his book entitled 1984 where mutually contradictory beliefs were held to be correct.

The voice of conscience may find an echo in the Senate when it comes to examine the Bill as, in many ways, the Senate is fighting for its survival and this could reveal its worth.

In the Bible conscience is seen as an ally of God revealing to us the gap between what is and what ought to be in our lives. St Paul maintained that God’s laws were written on the hearts of those who had never been taught them! He added that conscience bore witness to this fact evidenced in our thoughts either accusing or excusing us (Romans Chapter 2 verse 15).

This gap was bridged at Calvary where those who wish to respond to the promptings of their conscience will find forgiveness and acceptance in Christ and, tutored by the Word of God, a conscience able to make right choices in a world largely unable to distinguish right from wrong.

The goal of the Liberal Agenda, to have abortion readily accessible, is likely to take a step forward this coming Wednesday. The news all this week has been focussed on who would join those who have already voting against the Bill. Four TD’s already have, contrary to the party whip, resulting in their immediate expulsion from the government party.

The “suicide clause” is likely to provide the open door to abortion on demand. This is a fact well attested to in countries that have it included in their legislation. But the question is how did we get to the place where there is such a clamour in favour of abortion?

Is it really all about women’s rights over her body?

Is it the hallmark of the liberal progressive State to be able to offer abortion to its citizens (and others)?

It’s well known that once conduct is made legal it becomes acceptable, weakening the conscience and multiplying the demand for the service.

But where did this “rights” thinking come from? The Christian view was always to safeguard the rights of others, usually starting with the weakest and most vulnerable in society. Certainly not concentrating on ones own rights.

Could it be that in slipping anchor from Biblical principles we have succumbed to the evolutionary theory which equates man with monkeys. If man is no longer thought to be God’s special creation, no longer made in God’s image then the value of human life becomes increasingly akin to that of the animal world.

By making God redundant man is free to assume the position of deity and exercise his will over the lives of others – starting with the weakest who are found in the womb.

Indeed with God dispensed with the fruit of God once the mark of the Christian, “love (agape not the Hollywood variety), joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” are largely out of place in our rights society. Can you imagine for instance suggesting to modern people that they curb their licentious nature by exercising self-control? We would be laughed out of court! “Get a life” is the piece of advice which is the common response. And that coincidentally may not be a bad place to start!

Jesus said, I am the way the truth and the life (St John Chapter 14 verse 6). He re-creates by the new birth new life into repentant sinners. Jesus spoke and lived out the truth, “If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free (St John chapter 8 verses 31/32).

This freedom is not to be abused by killing babies in the womb or as St Paul put it “do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, but through love serve one another (Galatians Chapter 5 verse 13).

The ability to shift vast sums of money around the globe has made the modern banker look like a croupier at the gaming tables of an expensive casino.

There is important distinction however, the casino has some rudimentary rules which if broken result in immediate sanctions being applied to the transgressor. The modern banker, on the other hand, is largely free from the application of rules and regulations enabling him to enjoy the adrenaline rush of dealing in high stakes without much fear of reprisals.

The tapes of bankers telephone conversations which were made public this week were a good example of the elation they experienced as they handled other peoples money.

The most memorable tape featured the singing of Deutschland uber alles as they received large deposits from Germany on the foot of the Irish Government bank guarantee. The latter had transformed their bankrupt bank into a prime investment overnight and they were reaping the rewards of their misdeeds!

The bank guarantee had been given on the understanding that the banks would not misuse it by seeking deposits but, with their customary disregard for regulation, this was ignored to the dismay of other countries that saw their funds being switched to Irish banks.

There is an element in our society which highly regards the cute one who pulls off the big deal and does not get caught. Although he may not realise it he stands in the line of Judas. Treachery not loyalty becomes the highest value and the conscience is disabled by greed. The distinction between right and wrong becomes blurred and responsibility for ones actions evaporates till there is no one to be responsible to except ones-self.

St Paul described their condition as having “no fear of God before their eyes” Romans Chapter 1 verse 18. They think there is no one at home in the universe.

Contrast this with the Christian whose love for Jesus provides his motivation for living a good life. That motivation comes not from the fear of hell as it is not living a good life that qualifies one for heaven but the grace of God who accepts us even as sinners through faith in the work of Jesus. No the believer’s motivation is his desire to please God and to live for his glory.

There is the customary talk of another public enquiry this time to “get to the bottom of what caused the bank crisis”. National repentance leading to a total change of lifestyle might be a more appropriate response for we are all involved.

Let St Peter have the last word “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” 2 Peter chapter 3 verse 8.

The publicity surrounding the pre-trial hearings of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the self-styled planner of the September 11^th 2001 attacks, has raised the question of justice again.

Taken from his native Pakistan in 2003 he has spent the last 10 years locked up. His fate was shared initially with 460 prisoners but their number has reduced over the years to the present figure of 166. The uncertainty of not having a trial or release date has led 104 to stop eating and 44 at present are being force fed.

Modern terrorism has presented the US with difficulties as global policing was required after 9/11. People were arrested in many countries and brought to Guantanamo Bay. This is a secure area of Cuba rented to the US on a long lease, where the usual prisoner rights of US law do not apply.

Attempts have been made to repatriate those sentenced and some have served their sentences in their own country. Others come from lands where the government would permit their anti-American activities so that sending them home would be counterproductive from the US point of view. Still others are not welcome anywhere despite the best efforts of the Americans to send them away.

It is a cruel irony that in the land of the Pilgrim Fathers, who fled England to escape the Star Chamber, the Court of High Commission and the dependence of justice on the whim of a tyrant, human beings are now to be tried in secret by a military tribunal!

St Paul writing to arguably the most persecuted church of all time wrote “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans Chapter 12 verses 17-21).

It may not get Congress to act nor may it impress those in prison but eventually a solution has to be found and St Paul’s advice has a timeless quality to it.

In a week where Obama asked Xi Jinping to curtail Chinese cyber espionage and allow freer access to the internet it has been revealed that the US is tapping into our phone calls and emails!

The American public have been reassured that “nobody is listening to your calls” which may be reassuring for the folks at home but leaves a few questions to be answered if you don’t live in the US!

Interestingly the whistle blower, Edward Snowden, has fled to China – Hong Kong to be precise, where he has been feeding the Guardian newspaper with some of the data he took with him from his job in the National Security Agency of the USA where he was contracted by a security firm. Snowden had top secret clearance enabling him to see the full extent of the surveillance. Rather like Julian Assange of Wiki Leaks back in 2010 who, in the interests of free speech, made public classified material via his many websites, Snowden’s aim has been to reveal the “architecture of oppression” before it gets even more draconian!

The noble idea of revealing “Big Brother” before he can do more harm has not been done without some personal cost as Snowden is now in hiding in Hong Kong from where he could be extradited although that may be a right which the US may decide to forego!

In the meantime the NSA continues their data-trawling through the records of companies such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Facebook allegedly looking for signs of terrorist activity.

Both nations are at it. A bit like the pot calling the kettle black!

Jesus never concealed the fact that our words are important. What we say is an index to what we believe. He went further stating that the record would be produced on Judgement day when each one will be called to give an account (St Matthew chapter 12 verses 35-37).

So what we now know is that there are two scrutineers; one earthly and one heavenly. It is a sobering thought that this blog will be recorded by one if not both of them. And by extension so will all our emails, phone calls, texting…

The Psalmist drew comfort from the fact that the Lord knew even his words before they were spoken (Psalm 139 verses 1-6). The transparency, so lacking in earthly communication, is present – crystal clear – to heaven. In the final analysis this is the only one which matters.

The Psalmist ends with the only response possible – full disclosure!

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting!

There is nothing like a mystery man to whet the imagination and Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, The Great Gatsby, which reached our cinemas this week, does just that.

Jay Gatsby’s origins are unknown. The source of his wealth is unknown. His occupation is unknown. How he came to throw these glittering parties in his fake French chateau on Long Island is unknown.

There are allusions to Gatsby having been to Trinity College, Oxford. Some surmise that he is perhaps a German spy. There is a rumour that he killed a man. Others wonder if he got his wealth through some illicit practice such as bootlegging whiskey.

Set in America in the roaring twenties with all the glitz of the “flapper” culture and the unbridled energy of jazz music the book had to have romance! In fact all that Gatsby had created was designed to impress his former lady friend, Daisy Buchannan, now married to Tom, a detail which Gatsby chooses to ignore! However Gatsby is nothing if not an optimist. He refuses to believe that the past cannot be recreated.

In pursuit of a real relationship in his fake world he becomes embroiled in more tangled relationships and his dream ends with a bullet fired as a result of mistaken identity. Few turned up at his funeral; the epitaph mentioned his label “great” but even that has to be taken ironically.

Perhaps the writer of Ecclesiastes sums up Gatsby’s lifestyle best, “Meaningless! Meaningless! says the teacher. Everything is meaningless!

(chapter 12 verse 8). And so it is without God!

In contrast to Jesus who wanted people to discover his identity Gatsby wished his past to remain a mystery.

The question Jesus put to his disciples “who do you say I am” is as relevant today as it was when St Peter got it right – “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” St Matthew then records that this identification of Jesus triggered the revelation of his betrayal, death and resurrection (chapter 16 verses 15/21).

There was purpose, not meaningless, in Jesus reply. He knew what he had come to do. He did not simply speak about it – he did it and that sense of purpose has characterised the lives of his followers to this day. He prayed “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (St John Chapter 17 verses 17/21).

The first time I came in contact with the word “crèche” it referred to the practice of Eider Ducks in corralling their chicks under the supervision of two or three mothers. The chicks had made an arduous journey to the sea, dodging marauding foxes, stoats and weasels and were left together in a tight group which gave them protection from predator gulls.

The Eiders in charge of the crèche, like their human counterparts we heard about this week, had their work cut out to look after their charges. But look after them they did teaching them to dive and find food enabling most of them to survive this vulnerable time in their lives.

In our brave new world where Grannies and Mammies are not as available as they used to be and where dual-earner families have become the norm the crèche becomes the least bad choice for baby when the maternity leave comes to an end.

At a visit to “Bloom” the flower festival we were told by a worker from “Concern” that the nourishment normally supplied by vegetables during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life is crucial if that child is to achieve its full potential. Their garden exhibit was set in Zambia and demonstrated the ability to grow vegetables in terraces to provide children with the nutrients necessary to give them good physical and mental development. If this is neglected, we were told, it cannot be compensated for in later years. While this presents a weak link in African child rearing their saying “it takes a village to rear a child” illustrated how the structure of their community life makes crèches unnecessary.

The importance of that first 3 years of a child’s development has been recognised and countries like Finland apparently now pay mothers to remain at home to rear their children. In Africa, as elsewhere, eating habits change slowly but as Concern has shown change for the better is possible.

In what would have been completely contrary to the culture of the day Jesus encouraged little children to be brought to him and he blessed them (St Matthew chapter 19 verse 13-14). This demonstration of divine love for those normally overlooked is perhaps the most crucial requirement of all for our little children today. Wise parents seek to reflect this love by bringing up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.