Peace be with you
6th Sunday of Easter
Church of St John the Baptist, Lisgoold
25 May 2025
My friends,
The 1st words of greeting that Pope Leo XIV were those of the Risen Christ, “Peace be with you.” Through the readings these post Easter Sundays we get an opportunity to relive something of the impact on the early Christian of the appearances of the Risen Christ. Pope Leo deliberately chose Christs words of salutation to remind us again that it is precisely the presence of the Risen Christ in the midst of those who gather in his name that constitutes the Church in this place.
It is tempting to view the Church as a huge organisation and institution that is controlled like a corporation when the essential nature of the Church is here right now – its wherever communities gather in the name of the Lord Jesus. This is what distinguishes the Church from other global entities. In that sense the Church is movement – a movement of people – whose minds and hearts are fired by the love of Christ. While the Church is judged by its action, it is only understood fully by the ongoing conviction and conversion of disciples.
For several years now, under the guidance of the late Pope Francis, the Church worldwide has been engaged in a process called the Synodal Pathway. It has involved people from every corner of the Church being involved in discussion, prayer and decisions on how that conversion of hearts together can help renew and reform ourselves to be a more authentic witness and support to one another on life’s journey. We here in Cloyne have been part of that conversation.
The Joy of the Gospel – (Evangelii Gaudium) Pope Francis’ first letter to the Church on becoming Pope is a truly inspiring vision of what the living of the teaching of Christ can accomplish in this community and all who wish to walk that path of joy and friendship with one another.
In our part of the world there are many studies that indicate the absence of purpose and meaning in peoples lives, especially a younger generation. Many are experiencing great loneliness and isolation despite having plenty personal resources. This is a distressing reality which is spiritually debilitating. It points to the need for a deeper connection with self, others and God.
Sadly, in this search for deep connection many are reluctant to reconnect with the church which in their radical youth they rejected because they felt it wasn’t needed – they could make their own way to God. It takes humility to reverse that state of mind. Especially, if one is inclined to think people of faith are weak minded.
The inspiration of Pope Francis (and Pope Leo seems a kindred spirit) was that it is precisely the weak, the poor, the excluded, who teach us how to love, how to go out from the narrow confines of our own self-preoccupation, knowing that in our outreach we will find a life in a new way.
Right now, in Ireland the main body of believers have become complacent – we have imbibed an understanding that faith, belief and conviction are exclusively private and should have no place in public life. It has made us lazy when it comes to our parish communities. The risk is that, with time, many will pass by our churches that will have become empty spaces with no soul.
These coming years will see enormous change, very different realities will demand difficult decisions – Our body of priests is diminishing. While Holy Mass will continue to be celebrated in many churches, it will not be possible in every church, every Sunday.
Over these coming months we will be preparing parish pastoral councils to face this reality. We will seek to do so in the manner of ‘Conversations in the Spirit,’ whereby we will seek together, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit the best way forward for our parishes across the diocese.
