Weekly Bulletin 18th April 2021

Today is the Third Sunday of Easter. Last Sunday the Gospel reading was taken from St. John’s Gospel 20:19-31. He told us about how Thomas doubted the fact that Jesus had risen from the dead. This Sunday we have an account of one of the appearances of Jesus to the disciples after the resurrection from the pen of St. Luke 24:35-48. Often, we think that Thomas was the only disciple that doubted the resurrection of Christ.  Today Luke reveals that Thomas was not alone in his unbelief. Jesus asked his disciples: “Why are you agitated, and why are these doubts rising in your hearts? (Luke  24:38). Of course, Jesus knew that most of his disciples doubted, even though they did not show their unbelief publicly. They were locked in a room. The disciples are not looking for Christ. As far as they are concerned He is dead and buried. It is Christ who is looking for them. It is Christ who comes into their midst. It is Christ who decides the time to reveal Himself to them. Here is the great mystery of faith. In every moment of our lives, in the brightest and in the darkest of times, it is God who reveals Himself in new and unexpected ways. And God reveals Himself to us not when we seek, demand or ask for it…God reveals Himself in His own time….even in moments when we do not search for Him or even try to hide from His presence. The great truth of this Gospel is that we are not in control….God is. And no matter when God reveals himself to us His message is always the same: “Be at peace…for I am here to save you.” The disciples, in today’s Gospel struggle to believe that Jesus is truly present with them.  Can we be a little like the disciples in their unbelief? How many of us attend Sunday Masses and yet, do not believe in the Eucharist? How many are Christians, and yet do not believe in the resurrection of the dead? How many receive the sacrament of confession, and yet do not believe in the forgiveness of sin? How many are Christians, and yet do not believe that Jesus is true God and true man? How many of us are Christians, and yet do not believe that Christ was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit? There are different shades of doubt. We manifest them differently. May the Risen Christ illuminate our minds that we may believe in Him. Alleluia.

Thanks for your generosity towards us during these days of lockdown. We appreciate all those who have contributed to our mission here in the Graan. Thanks to those who use our DONATE button on the web-site and for those who have sent in donations by hand and by post. We are grateful also for the generous collection at our Masses over the weekend. Be assured of the prayers of this community. 

A Special Word of Thanks to our ushers who help direct us to our seats safely during this time of Covid restrictions. It is important to keep your distance, wear a mask and used our sanitisers for your hands that are situated in the porches of our church. Covid 19 has not gone away! Thanks also to our Ministers of the Eucharist who help bring Holy Communion to the side aisles of our church.

Our Shop: If you wish to contact us as regards purchasing cards please ring us during the hours (9:30 am – 7:00 pm) or visit our web-site www.thegraan.com and we will try our best to facilitate you. 

DUTY FOR THE WEEK: No Confessions on Monday. Mon (19^th April) – Mass @ 7pm – Arthur.

Confessions 2 – 5pm:  Tues: Charles.  Wed: Arthur. Thurs – Charles. Fri  –  Anthony.  Sat – Anthony.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Continues each Friday 10am – 2pm.