Séamus Ahearne: LITTLE THOUGHTS PEEPING OUT OF LONG SENTENCES.

THE REFERENDUM: 

Politicians are astute. They test the wind. They read the signs. They tune in to the lurking messages of the electorate. They have their surgeries. They have the focus groups. They even have Citizens’ Assemblies. What went wrong this time? The Referendum model does try to simplify complex issues. The clear and obvious principle always is never to tinker with the Constitution. Moreover, any proposed change must be clear, precise and definite. Words such as ‘strive to do something’ are close to ridiculous and almost meaningless. ‘Durable relationships’ scream out for definition. Any vagueness provides an opportunity for  the employment of legal minds for ever. The overwhelming response of the voters, in this case, should be a good lesson. Not just to the Government but to all politicians. There was no ‘opposition’ really at work in the Dáil on this. Humility is the only way forward. 

THE HORSES TAKE OVER FOR PATRICK’S DAY: 

Cheltenham has begun. It is usually classified as an Irish invasion. (A historical reversal!) Racheal Blackmore has done well for a start. It used to be the time too for the exodus of clergy to that particular Prayer Meeting. Such an appetite seems to have waned. Ireland does rather well in other ways. However, we have to blush somewhat  after Marcus Smith’s drop goal. Anyway. Cillian Murphy took honours as a proud Irishman. That is what he said. 

MOTOR NEURONE: 

Charlie Bird has died. He was rather impressed with the gift he got from Daniel O’Donnell of his personal Rosary Beads. Charlie wanted to have it with him when he died. That surprised a few in his respect for it. Charlie’s going again reminds me of Stephen Hawking’s line on faith and religion and God. ‘Your God is too small.’ All the clutter we have accumulated for the Rituals of our faith can obscure God from so many. Our language. Our set Liturgies. We need to be imaginative; expansive; creative. 

RUPNIK; VANIER; KELLY: 

Artist Marko Rupnik has caused a stir. His work has appeared in many major locations. And now there arises the question – what can be done about his works of art? Can they or should they be removed? Jean Vanier raised the same questions. He was the saint of our times. The work he did was magnificent. His writings and his talks were very special. And then other stories appeared. Most of us felt let down and distrustful of anyone and everyone. His clay feet were revealed. Console  (Care for those who were caught up in suicide) brought discredit to a much needed organisation when  Paul Kelly and family were found to be financially indiscreet. That did damage to all such charities.

STAKEKNIFE: 

Operation Kenova Report (interim) has come out. Freddie Scappaticci (Stakeknife)was an extraordinary character who was the enforcer against all informers (real or supposed) while he himself was playing that role. It is a very sad reflection on all involved. At least Michelle O’Neill did come out and apologised ‘for every single loss of life, and that is without exception’ during the troubles. 

INDIE: 

She will be four in a week’s time. She has all the confidence of much older young lassie. She knows it all. She is certain that her further schooling is needed not for her, but rather for what the teacher and others will learn from her. She tells me that her father annoys her. That her mother is too bossy. That her grandmother teases her. (Waterford granny). She is intrigued by the buds appearing and the flowers and the greenery and the greater light. She wants to dress up in the colours of Spring. She is quite certain that this world is very lucky to have her and all the children around. Old people can be drab and prosaic. She wants poetry in life. She tells everyone who is willing to listen and even those who aren’t, that the world is a much better place because of her.

“The way you are; is the way we were. The way we are; is the way you will be.” (I am told that is the message at the Bone Church in Rome, Via Veneto.) I can’t remember it but I do recall those beautiful and horrible chandeliers made of bones! I wonder what Brother Richard thinks of that? He appeared on Tommy Tiernan last week and was so articulate and eloquent on our whole way of life. 

Seamus Ahearne OSA 

12th March 2024.