Michæl McFarland Campbell

Irish, living in Co. Kildare with his husband Andrew and their three Gibraltarian cats. Now learning to live on dialysis three times a week, with interests including heraldry, Scouting, reading, monasticism, music, and public health.

Police Service NI – a sensible rebranding

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Having grown up with the police service in Northern Ireland known almost universally by its abbreviation of RUC, for Royal Ulster Constabulary, it was probably inevitable that its successor the Police Service of Northern Ireland would become known by its four intial letters, the PSNI. I am pleased that the Chief Constable has said that … Read more

Let’s obey the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit

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The Holy Spirit works quietly We all like spectacular fireworks. They are exciting, impressive, exhilarating. The Church’s first Pentecost had some spectacular fireworks. The Apostles and other Christians were gathered “all together in one place”. Where that was precisely, we do not know.  It was probably somewhere inside or near the Temple in Jerusalem as … Read more

The Ascension of the Lord – 21 May 2020

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Gospel of the Day Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and … Read more

Jesus Christ is faithful, let us pledge our allegiance to him

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Christ is faithful During these Sundays of Eastertide, the Church takes us back to the Last Supper, giving us a chance to dig deeper into its meaning. We can use our imaginations to picture the scene. Our blessed Lord and the Twelve are in the Upper Room, gathered for the Passover. Our blessed Lord begins … Read more

Holy Thursday – Mass of the Lord’s Supper: some thoughts

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Being a Christian means more than being nice Being a Christian means more than just being nice. It means centering our whole lives, every last detail, on a person: our Lord Jesus Christ. Other great religious leaders of history pointed to their teaching. They said, “follow my teaching’. Our Lord Jesus Christ points to himself. … Read more

Contemplating the Lord’s passion

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Contemplating the Lord’s passion True reverence for the Lord’s passion means fixing the eyes of our heart on Jesus crucified and recognising in him our own humanity.   The earth – our earthly nature – should tremble at the suffering of its Redeemer. The rocks – the hearts of unbelievers – should burst asunder. The dead, imprisoned in the tombs … Read more