Séamus Ahearne: ‘Every revolution was once a thought in one person’s mind. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
MasterChef; Conor McGregor; Donald Trump:
Gregg Wallace is in big trouble. After twenty years of being a central character on TV with MasterChef, he has been called out, for his sexualised innuendos. MasterChef is a highly popular programme. Wallace has been a very good presenter. He has come across as gentle and understanding. He is kind and encouraging. The Show has to go on and it does. But Gregg is gone and will probably remain gone. Some have seen his vilification across the media as a class thing. He was a barrow-boy, or a greengrocer, in the past. He maintains that in his culture, his sexual throw aways were the normal banter of life. Conor McGregor has hit the ropes. His sexual behaviour has been found to be totally unacceptable. The costs have gone against him too, in a big way. The ‘Contempt of Court’ issue, has still to be decided. It is strange that in America, Trump wants to have the case against him on the hush money to the porn star, to be thrown out, and his fraudulent tax dealings also, to be dismissed. The Donald’s sexual misconduct didn’t appear to affect his election. It is always interesting to remember. Some 50% voted in the US which means 50% didn’t. Trump got something like 50% of that fifty percent which means he got roughly 25%. (I know nothing about MasterChef!)
Assisted Dying Bills:
There appeared to be a quietness around two recent Bills. The Assisted Dying Bill was Sponsored by Kim Leadbeater in the UK. It was passed by the Commons on the 29th November 2024. It goes on now for further discussion, which could take years. A similar Bill, here in Ireland – on Voluntary Assisted Dying sponsored by Gino Kenny + lapsed (or died) with the dissolution of the Dáil. I did follow the discussion and the arguments in the UK, and read many comments. The discussion was serious and generally very respectful. The difficulties were acknowledged. I saw the Division (The Commons), and the Statement of the Vote. There was just quietness, which was appropriate. It is a worrying time. It does stir in many minds, the story of the Abortion issue, which continues to be so divisive. It all goes against our view as Christians on life. We see both as totally abhorrent. But there is such delicacy in all of this. We need serious discussion and not anger or blame. The Bill will reappear in Ireland too, in the near future. What have we got to say on this now? All life is sacred… the trees, the bushes, the sea, the air, the birds, the insects, even people. And still.
Strictly Come Dancing:
There are many things I know very little about. However, I am aware that programmes like Strictly Come Dancing are very captivating, for a huge audience. I have glanced in for minutes, on occasion. It intrigues me, but I don’t give it the time. What does deeply impress me is that Tasha and Chris are doing very well. Tasha Ghouri dances with her professional partner Aljaz Skorjanec. Tasha has a cochlear implant. I believe it dropped out during one dance. Chris McCausland is blind and dances with his professional partner Diane Buswell. I find it quite wonderful that these two (Tasha and Chris) are progressing. I do recall vaguely Rose Ayling-Ellis who won in 2021. She is deaf. I believe she danced during one performance without any music as did Chris in darkness!
I love Jesus!
You will all know Crystal Palace football club. Everyone knows Marc Guehi. (Of course!) He was born in the Ivory Coast but has declared for England. He has become a very important defender for the England team. He was in the news recently for something else. He wore his Captain’s band on his jersey. He then got into trouble: On that rainbow armband, was written: ‘I love Jesus.’ The FA contacted the Club and the Captain. Such displays were not acceptable. But I like the thought and enjoy the brazenness of it all.
I think most of us have become too apologetic. We hide away. We don’t want to be seen or heard. Church people – everyone; bishops and priests, especially, have gone quiet or take refuge in holy talk or formal religion. Christianity has to keep shouting. It has to be robust. We have something to say. Our values matters. Contrarians unite. The official Church talked too much in the past and were too certain. But now, we have become invisible or even silent. This is wrong. We don’t need more church language or holy talk but real words from the world we live in. If only at Church we had real talk rather than fuzzy and ridiculous gibberish. Marc is right. Christ does matter. Christ still has something to say. Never shut up. For the Christ that Marc loves! Christ is rapidly disappearing out of the lives of most people. It is amusing and inspirational that someone in his position could be willing to let people know that Christ matters.
The Election:
The Election is over. It was fascinating. I had lost interest after the Trump victory in the US. But when it got to the Count, it was addictive and compulsive. The Tallies. The Transfer. The Conclusion. I really think that our Format of PR is brilliant and so representative. The Formation of Government is the next problem but it will happen.
One Day:
Do you remember that performance in Haifa a few years ago? It was a gathering of 3000 people – Arabs, Jews, Christians and people from many countries, to sing a Song: One Day. They had only an hour or so to practise. It was inspiring. If only the singers and the song was listened to. The conviction and heart behind the song was an essential inspiration. It had faded from my memory but we had this song played at our Deanery Meeting on Wednesday. It was powerful and it was a real prayer.
6th December 2024.
Seamus Ahearne osa