Today is the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Jesus tells us clearly in the Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35) today that there is no end to how often we must forgive our brothers and sisters. In the first reading (Ecclesiasticus 27:30- 28:7) we are told that it is God who is the judge and we must imitate the divine compassion of this loving God. Even the psalm today (Psalm 102) echoes this same theme with its response “The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy”. The second reading from the letter to the Romans that we have been listening to over the past few Sundays comes to an end on this Sunday. There were two factions that were at odds with each other in this early Roman Christian community. One faction was still holding on to some of the Jewish dietary prescriptions and for them certain days were more important than others. St. Paul’s faith in Christ convinces him that he is no longer bound by such ritual prescriptions. Those who still held on to some of the Jewish law he called “weak in faith”. Paul and many others were strong in their faith in Christ. Later in his letter Paul tells them“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not please ourselves, let each please his neighbour for his good, to edify him” (Romans 15:1-2). In his letter Paul is trying to bring these two factions together. He calls them to welcome each other “Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you for the glory of God” (Romans 15:7). In today’s second reading Paul is telling them that the gospel that they all have embraced is more important than the social differences that divide them. Today, we would say that faith in Christ is more important than the cultural issues that divide us. Our faith in Christ is more embracing and inclusive than the petty differences that threaten to divide the Body of Christ. Paul was so aware of the factions and divisions that threatened to separate believer from believer. He ends his letter to them with a call to unity. (Read Romans 14:1- 15:13) He reminds both factions that they now live for the Lord who died for them. Consequently, whether they live or whether they die, they belong to the Lord. Christ died so that we might belong to Him. Christ died so that we might live for Him. He did not die so that we might live for ourselves; he died so that we might live for Him. (Romans 14:7-9)
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Feasts of the Week: Wednesday: St. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, priest Paul Chŏng Ha-sang & Companions, martyrs. St. Andrew was the first Korean priest and Paul was a catechist. Many were martyred during the persecutions of the Church in Korea from the 1839 to 1867. Thursday: St. Matthew – the tax-collector who became an Apostle. He is said to have been a missionary in Ethiopia & Persia. Saturday: St. Pius of Pietrelcina, better known as Padre Pio, died on this day in 1968. A Capuchin friar, confessor and friend of all who suffer.
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Thank you for the collection last week. It came to £1995 . We appreciate your support of the Graan during these difficult financial times. Thanks also to all who help in our weekend liturgies. Your presence with us is invaluable.
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Exposition: Continues each 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 18th Sept) – Arthur. Confessions: Tues to Fri 2pm – 5pm. Sat 5pm – 6pm.
Mass: Tues – Fri @ 7pm. Duty: Tues – Brian. Wed – Victor. Thurs – Antony Connelly. Fri & Sat – Anthony.
Recently Deceased
Mrs. Sheila Cooney, Enniskillen
Annie McGlone, Belleek
Anthony Drumm, Drumlin Heights, Enniskillen
Annie Boyle, Fintona
Anniversaaries
Richard & Willie Britton, Ferney Rise, Enniskillen
Gaby (Gabriel) Maguire, Orchard Court, Enniskillen
JP & Teresa O’Reilly, Belmore St, Enniskillen
Sean Farmer , Drumawill, Enniskillen
Annie Feely, Garrison
Abbie & Mary Greene Boho
James & Phillip Firmagar, Enniskillen
Tommy Gannon, Enniskillen
Aileen & Gerry Magee, Tullycolter, Monea
Thomas Love, Enniskillen& Bellanaleck
Paddy & Eily Kelly, Belleek
Dick & Irene Dowd, West Cork
John Clancy, Hillview, Enniskillen
Francie Gilleece, Graan Abbey & Kinawley
Malachy & Teresa McCauley, Monea
