Weekly Bulletin 20th February 2022

Today is the Seventh Sunday of the Year: “Treat others as you would like them to treat you” (Luke 6:32). This golden rule is proclaimed in today’s Gospel. (Luke 6:27-38) However in our society today we have heard it proclaimed as “Do unto others before they can do unto you!” The only way to get ahead we are told is “Do not give an inch! Hit them where it hurts” In the first reading today (1 Samuel 26:2-23) we are told the story of King Saul who was threatened by David’s popularity, and he had gathered a large army to set out and kill him. When David came upon the sleeping Saul, he could have driven a spear through the vulnerable king and thereby delivered himself from Saul’s jealously once and for all. David acknowledged Saul as God’s chosen king and spared his life. This is a striking example of respect and forgiveness, of doing unto others what you would have them do unto you.  In the second reading today (1 Corinthians 15:45-49),  St. Paul, who is always concerned about Christian behaviour,  contrasts the first man Adam, that we are born in the image of, with the second man who is Christ. We may be tempted to live society’s version of the Golden Rule, but we are called to live the gospel version. The words of the Gospel challenge us. We are called to love our enemies as we love ourselves. There are moments when we find that we have the capacity, given by the divine spark within us, to rise above our pettiness, desire for revenge and sectarianism, and reach out to others in love. The gospel tells us: “Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:36).The kindness that Jesus demands of his followers is the kindness that He lived Himself.  It cost Jesus everything.  It was not a bloodless and painless affair. Jesus lived up to that generosity of spirit that He demanded of others. He never bargained love for love. His love has no conditions attached to it. He loved to the end. We have heard of bereaved individuals who have shown mercy to those who murdered their loved ones. Such people are present-day replicas of the crucified Jesus who in the throes of bitter agony, cried out: “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34)

Feasts of the Week: Tues: The Chair of St. Peter – This feast celebrates Peter as Bishop of Rome and the focus of unity in the communion of one faith. Wed: St. Polycarp:  Born in the year 69, Bishop of Smyrna, a disciple of St. John the Apostle. Martyred in the year 155. Friday is an International Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Sexual Abuse.

Thanks to our Ministers of the Eucharist and Ushers for giving of their time and energy in helping towards the smooth running of Mass. The collection came to £1630. Your support of the Graan is very much appreciated. 

Covid 19 Regulations: Even though Robin Swann, has lifted regulations around the pandemic, in the North, we still are conscious of those who come to the Graan to worship and are in a vulnerable state of health. Please keep wearing your mask while in our church, sanitise your hands, and if possible try to stay a safe distance from one another who are not of your household. We will not be able to make the sign of peace with each other until concerns around this pandemic have lessened. Please God may it be soon! 

Novena of Hope takes place this year on the First Week of Lent, from the 5 March to 14 March. Because of concerns around the pandemic there will be no services for the sick this year. We have a number of posters, especially for those who live a distance away, to place in a prominent place in their home area, to advertise this event. If you come under this category please take a few with you so that others can be aware that this time of prayer and healing is taking place. Please pray that this time of Novena will be a moment of grace and blessing for all who participate, whether by being physically present or by engaging with it on our web-cam. Our Novena leaflets and petitions leaflets are available in the church.

Eucharistic & Readers: Please return your rotas this week in time for the Novena by post or email. 

Children:  In preparation for the Novena of Hope we invite children through schools, and individually to submit posters. You always do such a superb job.

The Shop: Open Mon to Sat:  9.30am – 7pm. Sun 9.30 – 4.30pm. 

Guild Mass Cards: We have a selection of cards for Deceased, Mass Bouquets, Get Well, Wedding, Novena of Hope, St Patrick’s Day & Easter cards. Cost £2 / €2.50.         

Mass: Mon to Fri @ 7pm.  Mon (21^st Feb) @ 7pm – Charles. (Confessions Tues to Fri 2pm – 5pm)  Tues: Brian.

Wed –  Victor. Thurs – Arthur.  Fri – Anthony.  Confessions Saturday 5 – 6pm. Sat – Brian.