Who do I need to talk to?

The nurse doing her final rounds found the patient in Room 2 stable, his pulse strong, with very little indication of his heart attack that morning. He looked up with tear-filled eyes; ‘Nurse, would you phone my daughter? Tell her I’ve had a slight heart attack. I live alone and she is the only family I have.

She adjusted his nasal oxygen; ‘Of course, I’ll call her.’ He insisted: ‘As soon as you can - please.’ He was breathing too fast.

She phoned the daughter – Jane, from the next-of-kin list. The answering voice screamed: ‘No! He’s not dying is he?’ the nurse’s talk of ‘stable condition’ didn’t convince even herself.

Father and daughter had a year-old row over her boyfriend. Her departing words to her father were ‘I hate you’. She wanted to come for forgiveness for so long. All she needed was 30 minutes to get to the hospital.

Just then the alerts sounded for Room 2. Another cardiac arrest which sent the emergency team scrambling to attempt resuscitation and then… We’ll never know what happened. Did she/he make it?

More importantly, you know who you need to reconcile with. Life is as fragile as a snowflake. But delicate as life is, relationships can be mended. There is not a moment to spare. Do it now, do it as in the Gospel – privately and in a spirit of love.

Photo by NEOM on Unsplash

The Cross in our Lives

The modern Christian tends to wear crosses as much as carry them – at least in jewellery. It’s noticeable among celebrities: religious symbols are turned into expensive jewellery. It’s strange to think that a Roman method of execution is now a fashion accessory.

From clothes, bumper stickers and related merchandise to jewellery, Christian material generates an estimated $3 billion in annual revenue. Their real value however is more difficult to peg.

In life people don’t have to seek crosses, they find you. Unlike jewellery, there is no choice or selection involved. Coming in all shapes and sizes, they fit every life.

The original crosses were made to die on, not to die for as jewellery, and what we must crucify daily in our ego. (EGO can mean Edging God Out!)

Peter meant no harm in opposing Jesus – neither do we. Even if nobly intended, his response was contrary to the plan of God. His desire was as old as Adam, to be significant on our own terms. None of this defeatist talk of Jerusalem and death!

Peter and we must all come to the place where we realise that we can’t take one breath, think one thought or accomplish anything worthwhile – without God. He leads; we follow.

The cross isn’t just something to wear, it’s a reality to be lived.

Photo by Constantin Panagopoulos on Unsplash

You Are More Than a Number

Having received your Leaving Cert results, remember this: you are not a number; you are a beloved child of God.

Your results may open some doors and close others, but they do not define your worth, your future, or the love God has for you. In the eyes of the world, grades can seem like everything; in the eyes of God, you are already priceless.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:6–7

Whether you’re celebrating, relieved, disappointed, or unsure, bring it all to prayer. God walks with you into whatever comes next—college, apprenticeships, work, gap years, or second chances. As I said to a student during the week: “Your LC results do not define you; there are always different paths you can take.”

A short prayer for today:
Lord, thank you for each young person who received their results last Friday. Where there is joy, multiply it. Where there is fear or disappointment, bring your peace. Remind them that their identity is not in points or grades, but in being loved by You. Guide their next steps, and surround them with supportive family, friends, and mentors. Amen.

Photo by stefan moertl on Unsplash