Fr. Joe Hennessy's Blog, page 3

We do not know beforehand our Bethlehem trail Part 2

The familiar crib has mysteriously evolved into family. Not family as a physical realty, but as a spiritual reality. Bethlehem is no longer a place on the map, but a spiritual reality to be discovered ever anew. What triggered all of this was the discovery that the scriptures are Not just what happened in the […]

We do not know beforehand our Bethlehem trail

When I was a restless and rambunctious shaver I had the job of going for the milk. It was not bought in stores, or delivered to one’s home. You had to get your milk can and go and get it. When we lived in Castletownroche I had to draw the water from the village pump, […]

We have been chosen to live, and not merely exist Part 2

Pope Francis has stressed the need to have a crib placed in every home, hospital, oratory, church, chapel, etc. In his mind’s eye the crib is essential for the celebration of the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany season. That which appears to us to be so ordinary, and familiar is meant to awaken and enliven our unique thoughts, memories, […]

We have been chosen to live, and not merely exist

I had finished up my hike. I was doing those necessary stretching exercises that are required of a person of my vintage. It takes longer to warm the old body up, and the winding down is a slow process as well. Pain makes one do such things that are contrary to ones lazy nature. I […]

What the lens of The Incarnation reveals!!! Part 3

Pope Francis in an address emphasized the importance of having a crib in every, home, school, hospital, city town where people are found. It is even better still when those gifted with vision, place the crèche in nature, in the wilderness. This is a great act of faith. It is saying to coming Creator, “look […]

What the lens of The Incarnation reveals!!! Part 2

If we are going to have a future, and some scientists question the possibility of a future because of the callous way we are ravaging, and destroying our sister, Mother Earth. We can see the great price that is being paid in the pain of enforced evacuations. Some of the evacuees, our brothers and sisters […]

What the lens of The Incarnation reveals!!!

The Advent wreath, The Christmas Crib, Christmas music of all genres, list making, shopping, the list can go on and on to the extent that it boggles the mind. When are minds are boggled we are in danger of missing out on a lot of things. People, places, and events that are meant to inspire […]

Let the mysterious “seeing” begin !!! Light and Dark Go to the altar. Part 4

Right now the demands of hospitality are an essential part of life, and living. It can, therefore, be a time of excitement, anticipation, expectation as the difficult work of preparation progresses. ( I am looking here at the ideal. Your reality will be far from the ideal. After all life is messy.) It is a […]

Let the mysterious “seeing” begin !!! Light and Dark Go to the altar. Part 3

As I write this I am aware that this is a special time. It is a sacred, mysterious time. What we daily seek and search for is gifted to us on each special day, and not just on the one we deem as special. On the other hand we need special days and special celebrations […]

Let the mysterious “seeing” begin !!! Light and Dark Go to the altar. Part 2

There is also the dark side of Thanksgiving. The pain that comes from past memories and those created in 2019. When the water is poured into the chalice to mix with the wine, there go your tears of anger, frustration, resentment, bitterness etc. You pour into The Chalice of Suffering your pain and suffering, that […]