Can the centre hold?
16th Sunday A
Cobh
19 July 2026
My friends,
It is new for us to hear talk of the ‘Far Right’ to some degree in Ireland but certainly not new in several European countries like Germany, France and Italy. Wherever the so called ‘far right’ has emerged it is characterised by a deep frustration and anger with many things in society. What they seem to have in common is a deep-seated fear of a loss of identity and a diminishing sense of the nation they belong to. For that reason, immigration has become a key issue for them. Further, many ‘far right’ groups have a deep sense of suspicion of the influence of groups outside the official political parties.
These developments are unsettling and leave people anxious. In these disturbed waters where might we find a word of inspiration and guidance in our readings today?
The parable of the wheat and darnel is at once so clear and incisive. Again, it’s about a sower of good seed, which when it begins to grow it’s clear an evil hand has been at work under the cover of darkness. The reaction of the servants was well intentioned but unwise. The frontal attack on the work of the evil one can do more damage than good. In this case the key is patience. Patience is not a passive or negative approach to many of life’s issues. Patience – properly understood, is a pro-active prudent assessment of things, whereby we stay in control of our impulse to overreact and make matters worse. This applies both to our personal lives as well as in the public sphere
When groups like the far right or indeed the far left emerge threatening violence and aggression, it is a wake-up call for the centre of society to seek out the source of that negativity and darkness. The more society drifts towards those extremes, the centre will simply not be able to hold.
Equally, in our personal lives that rivalry between the wheat and the darnel goes on. Many of us by virtue of our age and experience, will have found the balance and insight to have the necessary patience with ourselves and those close to us to have a firm hand over the darkness that threatens. We have learned to do so by the grace of God which strengthens those who ask.
Our thoughts naturally turn to young people who are encountering the powerful force of the evil one in their lives, possibly for the first time. They are under enormous pressure to “go with the flow” in so many ways that may be hugely destructive to their spiritual and mental health. So, we keep them especially in our prayers. That they may have the strength and patience to avoid being subject to the evil one.
