Friday Thought with Fr Chris Ferguson

Although, when it comes to a fork and knife, I have no concerns regarding my co-ordination. In Saint Joseph’s Boys’ School, I always admired those in my class who were brilliant at wood work, metalwork, and technology. While they produced pieces of wood and metal work which were fit for display, my efforts looked as if something went wrong in transit. I was reasonable at sports despite having to retire fairly early as a goalkeeper. I encounter other issues when I entered the boxing ring, I had the height of a flyweight but the breadth of a heavy weight. Needless to say, I again retired in my teens. I even ventured onto the rugby field, and as an eighteen-year-old, for some reason I found myself playing for the under-16s. Retirement soon followed as I set out on the road to priesthood. Even along this journey I discovered the need for coordination.

Many years ago, as I struggled with incense during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Bishop Hegarty informed me, I needed to work on my thurible. To this day I still get the chains tangled in knots. I should probably take a few lessons from Father Gerard, as he knows how to fill a church with smoke. Recently I had issues with my shower, the water mixer ceased to work, which meant the water coming out of the shower was roasting. There was a bigger issue, I discovered the problem when I was in the shower. By the time I finished, you would have thought I was on the sunbeds.

I had to phone my uncle who’s a plumber by trade; well, he’s now actually a central heating engineer. Thankfully he’s good with his hands, he could even box in his day. Within five minutes he had the shower sorted, which means I’ll no longer look like a scalded cat. My uncle unfortunately is one of those frustrated musicians, and worse still he’s an aspiring singer.

It simply proves, none of us can be good at everything. We can all think of people we admire, sometimes it’s easier focusing on others, rather than facing up to the challenge of developing our own talents.

Our vocation in life is centred on using the gifts, talents, and the personality we have been given by God, to allow God’s light to shine. We remain salt of the earth and a light in the darkness, as long, as we live our lives, trying to build up the reign of God. If we wish to honour the Body of Christ, the Eucharist, our words and actions need to contribute to the building up the body of Christ, the people of God, the Church. If we can reach out by serving our brother and sister, then we are living eucharistic lives.

We receive the Eucharist to be so transformed into what we receive, allowing us to become a living presence of Christ.

Empowered through the sacraments we can become a light in the world, especially through reaching out to those who are suffering, those on the margins, the neglected, the wounded and those in any pain.

Reflecting honestly on our lives, even in the past week, how have we lived Eucharistic lives, putting on the line, the flesh of our lives.

Have we given of our time, our energy, or used our skills, knowledge or experience to help others or gives thanks to God.