“If God causes you to suffer much, it is a sign that He has great designs foryou…” (St. Ignatius of Loyola). Reflecting on this line, I find it difficult to accept. There is a deeper meaning to thosemoments of suffering, but I often get caught up in the pain and discomfort of thepresent. The imageContinue reading “Shaping New Life Through Suffering”
Author Archives: donalddeanchambers
Christ, the Gardener
“Those God knew before time, God also predestined us to be shaped in the image of the Son…” (Romans 8:28-30) As I pondered Jesus deliberately calling each of his disciples by name while walking through Galilee, I was struck by his intentional transformation journey with them. He moulded and reshaped his disciples into his imageContinue reading “Christ, the Gardener”
A Toddler’s Grace
“Blessed are your eyes that see what you are seeing! (Luke 10:23-24) Thinking about this passage, I realise there’s a difference between seeing something on the surface and grasping its underlying meaning or significance. I can take a situation at face value, but I can also catch the message behind what I see or hear. Continue reading “A Toddler’s Grace”
A Pope of Vulnerability, Continuity and Augustian Justice
THE EDITOR, Madame: The election of Pope Leo XIV signifies a crucial moment for the Catholic Church, combining humility, continuity, and a renewed focus on social justice. His first public appearance was marked by evident vulnerability—tears in his eyes, a quiver in his voice, and a face showing both wonder and anxiety. Does this humanityContinue reading “A Pope of Vulnerability, Continuity and Augustian Justice”
Pope Francis
THE EDITOR, Madame: As the world reflects on Pope Francis’ passing, it is imperative to examine the essence of his leadership style, which transcended mere promises and sought to enact meaningful change. A transformational leader, as epitomised by Pope Francis, articulates a shared vision that empowers individuals across diverse backgrounds to contribute to a collectiveContinue reading “Pope Francis”
Promises and Election
THE EDITOR, Madame: As Jamaica approaches yet another election cycle, it is imperative for the electorate to reflect on the numerous promises made by the current administration and the glaring discrepancies between these pledges and the present reality. The age-old adage, “A promise is a comfort to a fool,” rings painfully true as we witnessContinue reading “Promises and Election”
The Oil is on the Way
Oh! What a Beautiful Sunday.It is Samuel’s Christening day.Can’t remember when last we had such a celebration.But a small group is at the church waiting in anticipation.We watch, we wait and pray,As we hear, the oil is on the way.Don’t ask me on which road it is passing.I can’t believe this is really happening.One wouldContinue reading “The Oil is on the Way”
God’s Embrace
Have you ever experienced the deep feeling of missing someone? When the opportunity arises to reunite with them in person, you hold them in a timeless embrace. This applies to God. When we distance ourselves from God, His desire to reunite with us deepens as He patiently awaits our return. When we choose to returnContinue reading “God’s Embrace”
God Becomes Clay
“Our hope has a name – Jesus – God who was not disgusted by our clay, and who, instead of saving us from the clay, became clay for us” (Pope Francis, 2025). How do we perceive Christ amidst the clay – the imperfections, woundedness, incompleteness, and brokenness – of the world and our humanity? WhenContinue reading “God Becomes Clay”
Waves
Sitting under a Gazebo at the edge of a Blancheusse cliff, Trinidad and Tobago, my ear funnels the sounds of roaring, raging, and ravenous waves building, “crescendoing”, and crashing relentlessly and violently along the innocent, vulnerable shoreline. They are travelling in ripples, forming one after another, breaking and gliding towards a receptive beach. Sitting withContinue reading “Waves”
Beloved Reflections 