Return trip

I received an email from Delta airlines this morning, informing me that I could check in on line for my return flight to Gulfport, Mississippi on May 31, 2013. Obviously, when I booked my retirement flight home for January18, 2013, I had to book a return ticket as a return ticket was over half the cost of a one-way ticket. I still cannot figure out the logic or how a return ticket is half the cost of a one way ticket? But then again, there are so many things that defy logic. Also wondered why airlines allowed passengers to board a flight from the front even though it creates congestion in the aisle for those boarding later. I am told that the reason for this practice is that if you allow people seated in the back to board first, they will put their carry on luggage in the first overhead bins resulting in no space being available for the front seated passengers.
Anyway, I will not be checking in for my return flight so someone who might be on standby can have my seat.

Another big mystery

Today, in the Catholic Church, we celebrate the Feast of the Trinity - a real mystery. We grasp at  human words to try and capture or explain the mystery of Three Persons in One God.

When a young couple came to me to get married, I began by asking them two questions: How did you first meet and, of all the people you have met and dated, why is the person sitting next to you the one you want to spend the rest of your life with?  The answer to the first question is easy as everyone knows the occasion on which they first met their soul mate. the answer to the second question is more difficult because, no matter how a couple tries to answer it, they will never find the right words to capture or explain their answer.

If, as human beings, we find it difficult to explain the mystery of a human relationship, how much more difficult is it to explain the mystery of the relationship in God? Yes, just because, like all human relationships, words may fail us, but it doesn't stop us from trying to explain Mystery.

Ireland with the Kerrs

John, Terry and Katie Kerr, Chicago, visited me in Ireland last week. Here are some of the sights and places we visited.

Atlantic Drive, Achill Island, Co. Mayo, Ireland

Aran Islands, Ireland

Entering Kilronan Pier, Aran Islands, Ireland

Ballintubber Abbey, built in 1216 and in continuous use since

Inside Ballintubber Abbey where 007 actor, Pierce Brosnan got married

Ceide Fields, Co. Mayo - unearthed homes over 5,000 years old

Atlantic Ocean at Ceide Fields, Co. Mayo

View from Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Exclusive Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo, built in 1228, now a luxury hotel

Grounds and Lough Corrib at Ashford Castle

Kylemore Abbey, Connemara - built in 1871; was High school until 2010

Gardens at Kylemore Abbey

 

Keem Bay, Achill Island, Co. Mayo, Ireland