AN IRISH RASCAL

One evening several years ago some friends took me to see the play “Conversations with an Irish Rascal.” David Frazier gave a magnificent performance in the role of Brendan Behan--housepainter, artist, poet, rebel, journalist, drinker.

There was a lot of angst in Behan’s life and because of his excessive drinking he caused a lot of angst in his wife, his children, and his friends. The play’s dialogue is hilariously funny, but the story is tragic and sad as the audience watches Behan literally drown himself in a sea of alcohol. In the final act Behan dies from alcoholism. A folk singer gives the details of his death. But after she finishes, Behan rises to his feet and begins to sing and dance. Was the author of the play, Kathleen Kennedy, implying that after all the angst of life comes Easter and with it the promise of the resurrection?

In the meantime, during our days of angst, we have to listen for the tiny whispering sound of God's voice. Maybe it will come as we kneel in prayer. Maybe we will hear it as we watch a movie or a play. Maybe we will hear it in the words of a once popular song:

When you're weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I’ll dry them all
I'm on your side.

Oh, when times get rough
And friends can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.

Jesus is our bridge over the troubled waters of human division. He is our stepping stone to the kingdom shore of eternity. Lord, our eyes are on none but you. Lord, we can see your outstretched hands. Risen Lord, save us.

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