Tony Flannery

From the outside, looking in

Chris McDonnell CT December 04 2020

Belonging to a social group, a sports club, a political party or a local community association involves accepting certain rules and patterns of behavior. Our behavior is modified for the greater good of all. Breaking the rules might lead to a minor sanction or, ultimately, to expulsion if the matter is considered serious enough. I would like to explore this week the implications of ‘belonging’ and the consequences of finding oneself on the outside, consequences for the group and for the individual concerned.

My brother died last Friday. He had dementia for a number of years, so we were gradually losing him, and in the end his death was a relief, and a release for him. He was 78 years old. He had been a Redemptorist, like myself. As the oldest in the family he led the way, and to some extent my decision to join the Redemptorists was partly due to the fact that Peter had gone before me.

I have just finished reading From the Outside in just two sessions, and I found it a most insightful look at the modern Church both here in Ireland and elsewhere.  You raise so many good points with whichI agree.  The points, on which we might diverge, pale in comparisonwith what is truly pressing.

You will be aware of the phrase “You can lead the horse to water, but you cannot make it drink”, and it is one which constantly comes to mind when I look at the Church in Ireland.