Around about this time twelve years ago, you may just remember, the whole country was talking about Margaret Hassan, a middle aged woman from Dublin who worked most of her life as an aid worker in Iraq and, that winter, was tortured and killed on television.
“Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection”.
You should always meet your heroes; true heroism requires the reality test. That is why Thomas needed to put his fingers into the holes in Jesus’ hands.
In the intentions of Pope Francis this month, there is a specific request – that countries may find support in their efforts of solidarity. What is that support and who provides it? We do, as followers of Jesus Christ, by speaking out where compassion and solidarity are opposed.