An Irish Blessing

By Joan Weber

St. Patrick's Day is upon us. I had always been intrigued with the Irish culture, from the lilting accent of its people to the rhythms and melodies of its songwriters to the gift for storytelling and blarney of the people. And then I traveled to Ireland — and fell in love with it.

I had the privilege of teaching in Cork, where I experienced first-hand both the generosity of the Irish people and the joy they take in their hospitality. As I was welcomed into the homes of my hosts, I kept thinking of the Benedictine rule of hospitality, "Treat all as Christ." They treated me like that. I had high tea with one family. My hosts made sure I didn't leave the country without experiencing an Irish pub, then took me around and introduced me to any Americans they discovered there. I think they hoped we would know each other, or at least have less than six degrees of separation. I didn't have the heart to tell them that a middle-aged woman from the Midwest probably wouldn't know the young adult from San Diego seated at the bar of the pub!

One evening we stayed at home and my hosts, a wonderful community of Redemptorists, threw a party, what they called a sing-song. All of the students in my class were invited. One beautiful young woman danced for us; an elderly priest shared a story. A farmer recited poetry, and another woman sang a story of justice and rebellion. It was one of the most joyous experiences of my life. They gave me the best gift imaginable — their own God-given talents — and I reveled in them! (They also tried to get me to sing our National Anthem, and they valiantly refrained from wincing when they finally persuaded me to try out my incredibly non-musical voice.)

On my plane ride back to the States, I kept reflecting on the delightful people I had met. They knew just what I needed when I needed it. It occurred to me that Jesus modeled this type of care when he encountered a large group of people sorely in need of hospitality and attention. When thousands came to listen to him unprepared for the journey, he found a way to feed them physically while he fed their souls with his teaching.

Loaves and Fish

Sarah Hart describes the story of the loaves and fishes in her song There Will Be Bread.

There will be bread for all who hunger. There will be drink for all who thirst.
When we go forth and give as we've received, our God is come to earth.
For we are bread and drink and blessing; we are hope for all the world.
When we share the love that we've been fed, there will be bread.

Let us pray that we can be "bread and drink and blessing." Let's pray that we can be "hope for all the world" by sharing our gifts, welcoming the stranger, and opening our homes and hearts to all in need. Let's join with Sarah Hart in lifting our voices in trust and hope:

For we are bread and drink and blessing; we are hope for all the world.
When we share the love that we've been fed, there will be bread. Amen!

Spirit Compass reflections are developed in partnership
with the Center for Ministry Development.