In the midst of all our financial woes last November a Dublin Parish had the inspiration one Sunday to hand out daffodil bulbs to all as they left Mass. They encouraged each of us to plant the bulb in a garden, a window box or pot as a sign of hope – hope of new growth after this winter of our terrible discontent. We do need a sign of hope, some encouragement, that we can turn our economy around and once more develop a prosperous country of the Ireland in which we live.
A priest who worked in Belfast in the worst days of the Troubles told me of doing something similar, when he handed out sunflower seeds. He was surprised months later when two young girls turned up at the rectory carrying two large sunflowers in pots. They wanted him to see what had grown from the tiny seeds he had given them, and had travelled many miles to share their joy with him.
We all need to trust in God that he will give new growth, just as he makes the earth fruitful and makes the sun to shine. There are those who ask where God was when our economy collapsed and an astringent austerity was imposed on those who had no part in bringing this about. They forget that God had provided; God gave the care of our world into our hands. Men would care for each other; that is what loving our neighbour is all about. The Prophets who decried that man had broken his covenant with God more often than not were stunned before humanity’s fierce greed. They were the voice that God lent to silent agony, a voice to the plundered poor.
God hears the cries of the poor, and we need to believe in these dark days that he will hear our prayers today. He created man in solidarity but soon enough Cain killed Abel, brother killed brother and the cries of the prophets echo God’s agony over man’s inhumanity to man over the ages. But those same prophets also had words of promise, of new hope for God’s people. We need to hear them again today. There may well be men who come and exploit, but God’s concern for his people never changes. ‘When you pass through water, I will be with you; and through rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. Because you are precious in my sight, and honoured, and I love you, do not be afraid, for I am with you.’
(Isaiah 43:2-5)