Advent, something that God does

We are approaching the season of Advent. Nights are longer, days are colder, and the lights in our homes shine brighter. If we have an Advent wreath, lighting candle after candle each week in our houses and churches, we are guided by their light. Hope, love, joy and peace are traditional meanings for each of […]

A time to remember

The change from autumn to winter is a time when the natural cycle of nature in this part of the world invites us to reflect on the reality of change and the inevitable process of ageing and death. It is no coincidence that at this time of the year we often reflect both personally and […]

Looking beyond ourselves in compassion

There is a natural human inclination at various times in our life to move into times of introspection and periods of self-reflection. Socrates after all said, “an unexamined life is not worth living”, and while this is relevant for everyone it is particularly important for the follower of Christ and especially so for those involved […]

Integrating the summer into daily life

The summer may be nearly over but I decided not to be only a visitor this summer and to enter the season as if the quality of my life depended on it. Our everyday life has challenges, so at times we may feel that we need a deeper restoration. Earlier in the year that’s exactly […]

Wellspring, a taste of God’s goodness

Wellspring is our one day retreat and recently we offered another one in St Patrick’s Church, Dalkey. It was a rainy Saturday and as I was looking at the pouring rain through the window I was thinking of the talk I gave that morning about Elijah and the value of silence. When Elijah was at […]

Talk to someone, if you need to

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come”. And let him who hears say, “Come”. And let him who is thirsty come, let him who desires take the water of life without price. (Rev 22:17) Sometimes we Christians think that we have to hold it all together, that we have to be happy and satisfied because […]

Finding the peace within

Life is often not easy, and I am sure we all struggle with different things from time to time. Life is also beautiful, with moments of connection, growth, learning. Human spirit has a great capacity for exploration and many things about life enrich us, as well as people around us. But in the areas where […]

New Chair of Church’s Ministry of Healing: Ireland appointed

The Church’s Ministry of Healing: Ireland (CMH:I) promotes the centrality of the healing ministry of Jesus Christ in the Church of Ireland. Based at Egan House, St Michan’s Church Dublin, CMH:I serves the whole Church of Ireland.  CMH:I is led by a board of directors and its day-to-day ministry is served by Dr Iva Beranek […]

St Brigid, when winter turns into spring

Today in Ireland we celebrate St Brigid’s day, which is also known as the first day of spring. Brigid lived in the 5th century, and from early age was known to care for those in need. The accounts of her life are full of stories where she helps the poor as well as miraculous stories […]

Advent, when Christ comes

Every year I see Advent somewhat differently. Partly it is because seasons of the liturgical year as well as prayer itself inform our life, and our life changes from year to year. Traditionally Advent is a preparation for Christmas, so it is always good to try and create intentional space where we will encounter God […]