Newton's Optic:That was The Monkees with I'm a Believer and you're listening to Jeremy Sweater on Host FM, Ireland's first openly Christian radio station. Later we'll be asking if the Central Bank is a money changer in Temple Bar, then studio guest Michael McDowell will read from his favourite Biblical passage, Ephesians 3:7, Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God. We'll also have a specially commissioned hymn for listeners in Galway, Water friend we have in Jesus, all coming up after the Good News and Weather. But first a quick look at the international headlines. By the rivers of Babylon, a bridge fell down, yea George Bush wept, when he remembered Zionism. In Britain, defence secretary Des Browne has been summoned before God for inscribing the Ten Commandos. Finally, chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov has been arrested by Russian authorities. Well, Garry, that's what you get for sacrificing a bishop.
Just time now for a quick reminder that Host FM is funded partly by donations, so be sure to cast your bread upon the airwaves. We also want your texts and e-mails on the latest Bertie Ahern scandal. Is it easier for a rich man to pass through Manchester Airport than to be needled by the Sunday Independent? While you're mulling that over, feel free to enter today's text competition. Was it Jesus of (a) Nazareth (b) Nasa or (c) Naas. Entries charged at €5. If you're under 18, don't forget to ask for forgiveness.
On the line now we have Father John Curie from the Congress of Righteous Indignation, who will recite the parable of the wealthy merchants who squandered their gold on a foolish venture instead of giving alms to the poor . . . oh, we seem to have lost Father Curie there. Moving on to today's meditation and our topic is the nursing strike. Jesus said: "Take up thy bed and walk." Or was it the Virgin Mary Harney? Either way, the Lord's purpose is clear. This item was brought to you by Very High Insurance Ltd, your escalating stairway to heaven. On the subject of miracles we'd also like to share this scriptural reflection from Isaiah on the Rev Ian Paisley's recent conversion: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. I think that sums up everyone's feelings really, don't you? Time now briefly for some traffic and travel. Drivers on the M50 are warned that the Red Cow off-ramp has been paved with good intentions; Iarnród Éireann advises Arklow commuters that a bus substitution service will be coming for to carry them home and passengers on the stranded Holyhead ferry have rowed the boat ashore, hallelujah. In a moment we'll be joining our faith broadcasting partners at 1453 Muslim Wave for the Equality Authority Hour, brought to you by a Broadcasting Commission licensing requirement. But not before we've played a special request for all the boys and girls at St Priscilla's Teacher Training College who'd like to hear Body and Blood, the latest single from slightly edgy yet still clearly harmless Christian rock group, Testify.
So turn down those hearing aids, oldsters, and get ready for some happening praise in the house! First though, the Angelus.