We are constantly reminded that Jesus nourishes us all the time. We might quote Aidan Forker lifting Sam Maguire and speaking about the graces and blessings that are in each of our lives.
God is all the time nourishing us with blessings; sometimes we recognise them, other times we let these graces go unnoticed.
In the Gospel of the feeding of the 5,000, the crowd follow Jesus. They do so not to give thanks but rather to seek more bread. They seek that which is tangible, what they can touch and see, while forgetting about the constant blessings - how God provides us with the air we breathe, the food we eat, the people we journey with on life’s journey. Like the 5,000, often we just want more.
- Watch moment Armagh All-Ireland hero makes granny’s day in nursing home with Sam Maguire visitOpens in new window
- Free Presbyterian minister condemns Sam Maguire cup during Armagh All-Ireland triumphOpens in new window
- Extra special moment for Armagh boss Geezer to bring Sam Maguire to sick children at Craigavon hospitalOpens in new window
As we give thanks for the grace and blessings of the past few weeks, especially the blessings that we have received through sport and community, we must think of those who have gone before us.
Over these weeks I’ve been thinking about Michael Cusack, Maurice Davin and the founders of the GAA. I’ve been thinking about Archbishop Croke, the first patron of the GAA, and Archbishop Crolly, who designed St Patrick’s Cathedral, and Archbishop McGettigan, who completed the work on it.
These people would agree that much has changed in the 150 years since the opening of St Patrick’s Cathedral and the 140 years since the foundation of the GAA. However, there are major areas that have remained strong, such as our core values, our loyalty and focus on community, our support for our neighbour, our deep faith.
At the recent All-Ireland final there was no question about the passion and support of the Armagh and Galway followers. But what makes the GAA different is that level of respect shown, fans joining together, sitting side by side, literally counting their blessings as they count the scores.
Respect is key. We don’t need to ridicule or belittle or blaspheme. In our culture and tradition we build each other up, we support each other in difficult days and we celebrate together in days of joy.
I have travelled to the wakes of those whose tragic deaths have been recounted in the last few weeks around Co Armagh. I have seen how the Church has been a centre of comfort and support, a place of hope - the place where we gather to beg God for strength and courage to walk the next mile.
I have also seen who the volunteers were - the stewards, the pall bearers, those erecting marquees or moving chairs, those making tea and cutting sandwiches. These were the GAA volunteers in the community.
It is fitting that we don’t forget the important links between the GAA and the Church. These are special links and of particular importance to the community.
Many of our young people are lost. They are caught up in addictions and screen time and can’t see the bigger picture of what life is truly about. Rian O’Neill began the conversation on the evening Armagh won the Sam Maguire by telling young people to give up their iPhones and iPads and start playing football.
What makes the GAA different is that level of respect shown, fans joining together, sitting side by side, literally counting their blessings as they count the scores
I believe that the Church and the organisations we engage with need to reach out to our young, to encourage and support them. Each of us needs to be courageous in our push for a brighter future. We all need the courage of Joe McElroy to block out the negatives and all that brings hurt and pain.
We need to be witness to life-giving opportunities - like Jarlath Burns who highlighted the value of abstaining from drugs and alcohol by proudly wearing his Pioneer pin. We need to encourage young people to follow their dreams.
I think that the founders of the GAA and those engaged with building our cathedral would be proud of those who have followed them. They would understand that life and the circumstances that surround us and the challenges we face are often difficult but that we are working hard on building a community based on respect and hope, where God is our guide and where we support and encourage each other.
The origin of the ‘orange and white’ of Armagh goes back to 1926 when the Poor Clare nuns in Omeath were tasked with knitting a jersey for each of the Armagh county team, and they proudly produced the kit in the now famous colours. I’m sure they were proud to see the team win Sam Maguire wearing their colours and proud also of the strength of character the team displayed in getting to the final and in the days since.
Kieran McGeeney, speaking in Kildare at the St John Paul II awards 14 years ago, spoke about the importance of community. He recalled the book The Battle of Thermopylae and spoke of how important it is to look after the person next to you - he said this is what builds a team, this is what builds a community.
Jesus said “love your neighbour as yourself”; let us pray that we have courage to build upon the blessings we have received and that we will remember that God walks with us - as well as our neighbours - on each step of the journey.
