Today is the Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: In the second reading today (Romans 13:8-10) in the last sentence, St. Paul says: “Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour; that is why it is the answer to every one of the commandments” The Gospel (Matthew 18:15-20) however speaks about the reality of conflict within the Christian community. It gives some guidelines in how to resolve our difficulties with each other. Forgiveness and love must be always to the fore in the Christian community. We cannot simply turn a blind eye to one or more members who consistently, either knowingly or unknowingly, act or live contrary to the values that is central to its identity. Today’s Gospel speaks of a structure of reconciliation that both deals with moral deviance and the injuries that come about when people live together in common. The purpose of the exercise is to “win back your brother/sister” (Matthew 18:15). The response in our Responsorial Psalm 94 states: “O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts”. The psalm goes on to mention two geographical areas where the chosen people who were fleeing from the Egyptians through the Red Sea turned against God. The places are called Meribah and Massah! (Exodus 17:7). It was there that they quarrelled and fought against God – it was the place where they hardened their hearts against His plans. We also have the ability to “harden our hearts” against each other. The prophet Ezekiel in today’s first reading (Ezekiel 33:7-9) is reminded by the Lord of his pastoral responsibility towards those who stray from His ways. The Gospel ends with the assurance that Jesus is with the community in all their struggles. “I tell you solemnly once again, if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three meet in my name I shall be there with them” (Matthew 18:20). Matthew’s Gospel begins and ends with the assurance of Jesus presence within the Christian community. At the beginning of the Gospel he writes “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and his name shall be called Emmanuel (which means, God with us)” (Matthew 1:23). At the end of his Gospel –“ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20)
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Feasts of the Week: Wednesday: St. John Chrysostom (347-407) one of the four great Greek Doctors of the Church. The “Golden Mouthed” preacher was Archbishop of Constantinople. He incurred much opposition and he died in exile. Thursday: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The discovery of the true Cross by St. Helena is dated 14 Sept 320. The Cross was venerated; the annual commemoration of that event has been celebrated since that date in praise of the redemption won for us by Christ. Friday: Our Lady of Sorrows. Saturday: St. Cornelius became Pope in 251 and died in exile in 253. St. Cyprian (210-258) a friend of Cornelius, was bishop of Carthage. He was a teacher and preacher and was martyred for his beliefs.
Thank you for the collection last week. It came to £2280. We appreciate your support of the Graan during these difficult financial times. Thanks also to all who help in our weekend liturgies. Thanks also to September’s cleaning group.
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Exposition: Every Friday from 10am – 2pm. Shop: Monday to Saturday – 9.30 – 7pm. Sun 9.30pm – 4pm.
Guild Mass Cards: Our selection includes Deceased, Get Well, Wedding, Graduation, Wedding etc. Cost £2.
Sun & Mon no duty. Mass (Mon 11th Sept) – Victor. Confessions: Tues to Fri 2pm – 5pm. Sat 5pm – 6pm. Mass: Tues – Fri @ 7pm. Duty: Tues – Brian. Wed –Arthur. Thurs – Charles. Fri & Sat – Anthony O’Leary.
Recently Deceased
Conor Browne, Castlederg
Gerry Green, Aghalun, Brookeborough
Dolores Daggit, Belcoo /Ballyshannon & Graan Abbey Care Home
Anniversaries
Patrick, Teresa & Gabriel Brannigan, Tempo
John & Veronica Cosgrove, Ashbourne Manor, Enniskillen
Thomas & Mary B Rooney, Erne Drive, Enniskillen
Kevin Gallagher, Derrygonnelly
Kathleen Kelly & Deceased Kelly family members, Boho
James Hugh Monaghan, Ederney
Angela Caron, Dromore (1st Anniversary)
Eugene & Damien Dolan, Belcoo Rd, Garrison
John & Brigid McKenna, Clogher.
Nellie Kerrigan, Castlederg.
Eamon Maguire, Castlederg
John Keown & deceased Keown & Keoghan family members Letterbreen & Mullaghdun
Earl Patrick Gallogly, formerly Keady
