Second of Easter 2010
April 2010
We read in the second reading: ‘Many signs and wonders were done among the people at the hands of the apostles.’
One of the great things about my job is the great signs and wonders one sees accomplished. I am not just talking about signs and wonders done at the hands of ordained ministers and I am not talking about so called miracles, in the popular sense of the word, such as dramatic physical cures (concerning which I am always very sceptical).
I am talking about the very many ‘signs and wonders’ done at the hands of ordinary people (be they lay or ordained) which bring joy, forgiveness, acceptance, mutual tolerance, love and compassion into the lives of so many people who need these things. You and I are the successors of the apostles. It is we, and ordinary people like us, who bring understanding, peace and hope into the lives of so many people by what we are, do and say.
No more that the original apostles we are a mixed bunch. Capable of love and hate, capable of great selfishness and great selflessness. But through us many come to know the infinite God and find some meaning and some peace in their lives.
Every parish I have been in I have witnessed so much good accomplished by so many people who quietly and gently work for the good of others. I am primarily talking about Christians because these are the ones I know best, but non - Christians, people who call themselves atheists and agnostics are equally involved in the work of God whether they realise it or not.
As we know, in the Bible, both Old and New testaments, the authors are given to hyperbole when describing the words and deeds of their heroes and heroines be it Solomon or Judith, Peter or Mary, but I tell you that I wake up every morning with gratitude and amazement for the many women and men here in our parish who give so generously of their time, energy and expertise for the wellbeing of the parish and the people of the parish.
Truly what marvels and wonders are done every day by the people of St. Patrick’s parish.