Rory McIlroy (right) with his former golf caddie, JP Fitzgerald. Fr Martin Delaney
There was an interesting exchange between Rory McElroy and his then caddie JP Fitzgerald during the opening round of this year’s British Open at Royal Birkdale. McElroy had a disastrous start and after six holes he was already five over and facing the humiliation of missing the cut for the third successive week. His caddie could take no more and launched a verbal, foul-mouthed onslaught at the world No.4 and one of his closest friends.
The response from Rory was immediate and sparked a dramatic revival which put him ultimately in contention for the championship. Rory later acknowledged the part played by his caddie in his change of fortune.
However, the following week Rory fired his caddie but subsequently indicated that it was to preserve their close personal friendship that he sacrificed his professional relationship with JP.
Exchange
I was reminded of that exchange when I came to read the Gospel for the 23rd Sunday of the Year (September 10). The practical theme of the Gospel was about fraternal correction, but I’m not sure how easily that sits with us Irish. Conventional Irish wisdom advocates caution in all things. Signing nothing, minding your own business and keeping your distance have long been extolled as practical guidelines for virtuous living.
Just the other day I met someone and part of our conversation was about a man we both know who is partially sighted but continues to regularly drive his ‘uninsured’ vehicle, (sometimes after an extended visit to the local pub) along country roads in a manner which potentially puts himself and others in grave danger. However nobody in that man’s circle of family, neighbours and friends; including the two having the conversation, are prepared to confront him about his situation.
How often have we heard the comments in the aftermath of some atrocity or tragedy…somebody must have known…was there no one to take him aside and speak some sense into him…no friend to shout STOP. Even within our own families we don’t want to get involved when there is a problem and sometimes when somebody does try they are accused of interfering.
That Gospel on Sunday, September 10 indicates very clearly, from the Christian standpoint, discreet non-involvement is not always adequate. We are asked to claim our responsibility for those who walk the road of life with us.
In the Gospel Jesus puts a very practical but a very difficult challenge before us and one that probably all of us will at some point in our lives be presented with. It is of course also a matter of HOW we do it. If and when we stage an intervention in the life of someone we love and care about, it must be done with gentleness and reverence.
When I approach a brother or a sister or a friend I am treading on sacred ground. Concerned Christian correction will lead to reconciliation not humiliation. It must always be based on love which ‘cannot hurt your neighbour’ but will call them onwards and upwards to greater things.
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Sr Peg: Some time ago I had the sad privilege of celebrating the funeral Mass for a great friend and proud Kerry woman, Sr Peg Rahilly. Peg would always be so excited coming up to a football All-Ireland that included the Kingdom.
Even though her native county did not contest this year’s final, Peg will still be a proud Kerry woman and I’m reminded of these words by the famous bard from Listowel: “Being a Kerry person, in my opinion, is the greatest gift that God can bestow on any human being. When you belong to Kerry you know you have a head start on the other fellow. In belonging to Kerry you belong to the elements, to the spheres spinning in the Heavens. You belong to History and Language and Romance and Ancient Song. It is almost unbearable being a Kerry person and it is an awesome responsibility.” – John B. Keane
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Sowing small seeds! Recently our parish sister visited a family who had requested Baptism for their first child. The conversation with the parents involved the parish sister talking them through the elements of the ceremony and the importance of the sacrament in the faith journey of the child. As she was leaving their home the father of the child called after her, “Sister, where did you say the church was?”