A Theology for Saturday

     Christine Clear, who led week 4 - To Travel in Hope, writes; The last night of our course took place as a 'contemplative conversation', that is, a format which allows for reading, reflection, examination,sharing and prayer. The conversation centered around Luke's chapter 24, which contains the well-known story known as the Road to Emmaus. The title of the evening was "To Travel in Hope", and the conversation focused on how hope and despair can be carried with fortitude. Expressions of negative media attention on the Church and Catholicism in particular and the hurt caused thereby, drew a range of testimonies on how negative pressures can often emerge when following a spiritual path.

     Using the theologies of Easter to give a context for what is happening in the Church and Irish society today, it was presented that we need a theology for Saturday. Whilst we have a theology for Friday's death and despair, and Sunday's glory and resurrection, a theology of change, of waiting, of transition, was needed. It was suggested however, that in Ireland today we might still be experiencing the death of a form of Catholic belief. How one might deal with hurt, despair, depression were examined and suggested as the moments when one can ask Christ for help and can live under his loving protection.


     The conversation turned to how one can recognize flagging spiritual strength, and the counter ways one can combat emotional and spiritual depletion. Throughout the conversation the spirit and soul were seen as being integral parts of the human person and awareness of remaining connected, was offered as a necessary sensitivity for spiritual renewal.