Sir,– The Revd Ray Hannon CC (April 2nd) proffers a selection of potential seasonal sacrifices wherein lies an exhortation to deny oneself viewing access to programmes, such as those rated by Senator David Norris as “highly obnoxious”. I can only tentatively speculate that compulsory viewing of such programmes would be far more penitential. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – No practising Christian could disagree with Revd Ray Hannon with regard to his six Lenten penances – (April 2nd).
I was particularly interested in his suggestion that we should stop the “wholesale breaking of the Sabbath” by shopping, sport and gambling. The IRFU and ERC would not be in agreement.
However evil it may be to profane the Sabbath ourselves, surely it is much more heinous to force others to do so, as in the staging of a rugby match on the most important Sabbath in the Christian calendar, Easter Sunday, against the wishes of at least some of the Ulster rugby players and supporters. – Yours, etc,
A chara, – You don’t have to be the Pope to be on Revd Ray Hannon’s wavelength (April 2nd), or even a believer. I’m neither, but I fully endorse his call for Ireland to wean itself off the diet of alcohol, gambling and frivolities that passes for life in the 21st century.
We should also aspire to something better than the ersatz, 2-D life offered by TV, social media and iPhones. In their absence we’ll discover a third-dimension of real places, real people and real things on our doorsteps.
Revd Hannon rightly implies that if we economised on our vices and amusements we could all afford the “small fortune” of health, family and community that have lain discarded around us all along. Revd Hannon’s “purple-sackcloth-within” can be worn comfortably all-year-round by anyone. – Is mise,
Sir, – May I add onto Revd Ray Hannon’s suggested Lenten penances (April 2nd). Rather than indulging in a further list of don’ts. a more positive approach to Lent is needed by concentrating on the person of Jesus and his message.
Jesus concentrated less on self- denial and more on confronting the Roman and religious authorities who oppressed the peasant people of his time; and for this solidarity with them he was condemned not to prison but execution by crucifixion.
I would suggest to young people during this “Holy Week” not to cut down on their mobile use but use them profusely in texting and tweeting our religious and civil authorities to demand that they take the side of the oppressed and marginalised and not that of the rich and powerful, thus helping to create the dream of God for a just society to be realised here on earth. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – I read with some confusion Revd Ray Hannon’s letter (April 3rd). The pubs are open on Good Friday over here. They’re open on Easter Sunday, too, I think. I might have a drink, I might not. If I do, I’ll have a cigarette, probably. I’m not a gambler, but I reckon I could go a steak dinner on Friday evening. No boycotting; I’ll be with friends, enjoying the fresh air. Thankful for what I have, mindful of those who have not.
I don’t believe in god. I’ll take my rewards in this life. – Yours, etc,