Today is the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: We are coming to the end of the liturgical year; the 3rd December marks the beginning of Advent. The readings at Mass for the next few weeks will concentrate on the end of time and on the theme of watchfulness. The Gospel today (Matthew 25:1-13) speaks of being prepared for the second coming of Jesus. When we recite the Creed at Mass we pray: “He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.” We do not know when Jesus will return again. Matthew 24:36 states “Of that day and hour (when Jesus will return) no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” Today we read of the ten bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom to arrive for the feast. Five were wise and five were foolish. There is a delay in the bridegroom arriving for his feast. None are watching when the bridegroom arrives. All are asleep! They get their lamps ready. The foolish ones have no oil for the lamps and they beg for some of the oil from the wise ones who have only oil for their own lamps. Are the wise bridesmaids being terribly selfish in not sharing some of their oil with them? However we all know that there are just some things in life that are not transferable to others. The oil stands for faith and good works and we just cannot pass them on to others. You can’t borrow the oil of faith. You can’t borrow another’s good works. You must respond to God’s call yourself. St. Augustine and other ancient writers saw the oil as a symbol of love: a love which we cannot buy but receive as a gift, which we keep in our hearts and practise in good works. When we reawaken for the final judgement, we will be assessed on the basis of the love we have shown during our earthly lives. St.Matthew, in today’s Gospel, is calling his community, and is calling us also, to responsible discipleship in the face of the delay in the return of Jesus as Judge. Discipleship is not passive waiting till the end of time – what is needed is oil – which is good deeds. It is about active engagement in the present which will determine the shape of our future. This is a tragic parable because the foolish bridesmaids failed to make adequate preparations to pursue their intentions of sharing in the wedding feast. When they got back to the entrance to the feast they found the door closed to them. All ten bridesmaids were waiting. They all had the same opportunity and same oil lamps. They all could have gathered the oils in on time. They all were preparing and waiting for the same wedding. They all had the same bridegroom coming to them… but only five of them were taking the long-term view and came fully prepared… The final words of today’s Gospel – Be Watchful, Be Prepared, Be Vigilant.
Feasts of the Week: Wednesday: Friday: St. Elizabeth of Hungary,(1207-31), queen at fourteen, widowed and exiled at twenty, Franciscan tertiary until her death at twenty four. A woman of prayer and service to the poor.
Thank you for the collection last week it came to £1840. We appreciate your generosity. Thanks to all who help in our weekend liturgies. A special word of thanks to November’s church cleaning group who helped to clean during the week.
Graan Draw: Our first prize in our draw is £5000 and the second prize is £1000 followed by prizes of £100. The draw will take place on the 8th December 2023. We are grateful to all the outlets and to all our sellers.
Ticket Selling Outlets: The Diamond Enniskillen – Friday17th Nov & Saturday 25th November. Dunnes Stores Enniskillen – Thursday 23rd & Friday 24th Nov. Martin Rooney’s Enniskillen Thursday 30th Nov & Friday 1st December.
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November Dead List: Mass will be celebrated every day in the monastery for those of your deceased family and friends whose names are on the November Dead List.
The Shop has restocked for Christmas. There are a great selection of cribs on display as well as candles, diaries, cards and new Christmas Mass Bouquets. Cost £2 / €2.50. Shop: Monday to Saturday – 9.30 – 7pm. Sun 9.30pm – 4.30pm.
Confessions & Duty: Sun & Mon no duty. Monday to Friday Mass @ 7pm. Mon (13th) Mass – Victor.
Duty 2pm – 5pm. Tues – Brian. Wed – Arthur. Thurs – Charles. Fri – Anthony O Leary. Sat 5 – 6pm – Anthony O Leary.
Save Our Acute Hospital: To demonstrate solidarity with our Acute Hospital there be a public meeting today Sunday 12th November on the Diamond in Enniskillen @ 2pm. There will be a tractor, truck & vintage car run as well as family entertainment and music.
Recently Deceased
Dermot PJ O’Reilly, Belfast formerly Enniskillen
Dympna Conlan, Augher
Anniversaries
Debbie, Leo & Michael Gordon, Enniskillen
The O’Donoghue Family, Dingle, Co Kerry
Bobby, Robert & Sean Beatty, Rosnarick Close, Derrygonnelly
Seamie & Betsy Mc Donnell, Carnmore Rise, Enniskillen
The Gunn Family, Cornakill, Teemore
Carmel Bermingham, Hillview, Enniskillen
Margaret & Patrick Casey & the Casey Family, Garrison
Ann Gray, Belcoo & Leo Gray, Belcoo & London
The Mulhern & Maguire Families, Kiltyclogher, Co Leitrim
Ted Buchholz, Blunnick Road, Florencecourt
John Mc Auley, Skea, Arney
Julia Moore, Bangor
Maureen Mc Glade, Omagh
