Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an
oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules.
(Psa 119:105-106)
The Cry From Kells - Michael Grant
This week's Cry from Kells comes from a person who is very dear to me. Michael Grant was the pastor at the Baptist Church in Waterford City when I was a boy and he introduced me to the wonder of the Gospel through summer camps and activities. I am indebted to Michael for this.
During the 80s and 90s Michael and his wife Rosemary broke down the barriers in Waterford City by opening the doors to his little red-brick church, opening himself to everyone he met and inviting children from all denominations to summer camps. I have wonderful and poignant memories of Michael calling to our house (he loved my father's chips I think) and actually praying with us. Something that always moved me, even as a boy, and stayed with me.
Michael not only taught us about the Gospel but clearly lived it and is the epitome of St. Francis' "teach the Gospel at all times and occasionally use words."
I am therefore honoured and humbled that Michael would make this contribution to my little series of reflections. Thank you Michael.
What is the Gospel?
A recent
cryptic crossword puzzle looked for a six letter word to the clue, “Mark's kind
of music”. My mind went through a number of composers, musicians and musical
directions before I finally arrived at the correct answer, “Gospel” music! I should have seen it
immediately but my mind was cluttered as I looked for more complicated answers.
It wasn't long before the puzzle was completed, solving one clue led to many
other solutions. Everything fell into place when I saw the word “Gospel”. One
might say that so much hinged on that one word. . . When I was asked to write
something for the website on “The Gospel” my mind went in all kinds of directions
as to what I would say.
Tuesday - Second Week of Advent
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is
the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise
against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the LORD, that
will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my
life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.
(Psa 27:1-4)
Monday - Second Week of Advent
Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me
to your holy hill and to your dwelling! Then I will go to the altar of God, to
God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. Why
are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in
God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. O God, we have
heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed in
their days, in the days of old.
(Psa 43:3-44:1)
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