Letters to the editor
St. Iris Parable
From members of St. Iris Faith Community recalling our shared homily on the gospel of Matthew, ww, 34-40, submitted by Alexina Murphy
Volume 28 Issue 10, 11 & 12 | Posted: December 29, 2014
The magnificent stag ran across the road, down the cliff face and into the sea. He was chased by domestic dogs yapping at his heels. He swam with strength and speed headed out to sea. The dog-walkers on the path were horrified; the stag cannot possibly make it to the opposite shore. What can we do they asked each other in alarm. Should we call 911 or maybe better, the coastguard?
The stag was huge and handsome with a fine set of many-pointed antlers. He was a survivor of urban sprawl and reduced habitat. He grazed on shrubs and flowers, infuriating neighbourhood gardeners who sought to banish such wild creatures from their cultivated spaces. What was in his mind as he took to the sea and started swimming?
The magnificent stag ran across the road, down the cliff face and into the sea. He was chased by domestic dogs yapping at his heels. He swam with strength and speed headed out to sea. The dog-walkers on the path were horrified; the stag cannot possibly make it to the opposite shore. What can we do they asked each other in alarm. Should we call 911 or maybe better, the coastguard?
The stag was huge and handsome with a fine set of many-pointed antlers. He was a survivor of urban sprawl and reduced habitat. He grazed on shrubs and flowers, infuriating neighbourhood gardeners who sought to banish such wild creatures from their cultivated spaces. What was in his mind as he took to the sea and started swimming?
The dog-walkers could see the stag’s branching antlers growing smaller and smaller as it swam steadily towards the horizon. They understood well that this final bid for survival could result only in the death of the stag. They were at a loss; what could they do to prevent this tragedy? They could only mourn, grieving for themselves and our world, for their children who might never know wild creatures or the natural habitat in which they flourished.
Think of the stag as an image of the visible Church, hierarchical and all male, to which we were taught to pay respect and loyalty. Yet in truth, the visible Church is struggling to survive. It is hounded on all sides by threats both great and small; it has shrunk in size, in credibility and influence. In our life-time, so many baptised members have been pushed to its margins, disempowered, silenced. Yet, we who might be described as the invisible Church, are aghast to see this noble institution confidently headed for oblivion. What is our responsibility? What should be our priorities? How shall we act?
From members of St. Iris Faith Community recalling our shared homily on the gospel of Matthew, ww, 34-40, submitted by Alexina Murphy