Today is the feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe: This feast today brings to an end the liturgical year. We have travelled a long road since the First Sunday of Advent. Christ has been with us as an invisible companion on our journey. Let us hope that during it, we have grown to know him better, to trust him better, to love him better, so that today we can rejoice in calling Him our King. In the second reading today from St. Paul to the Colossians (1:12-20) we hear a quote from a hymn that was used by the Christian community at that time. The people sang that Christ is the source and completion of creation “in Him were created all things in heaven and on earth”. (Colossians 1:16). Jesus Christ is the first-born from the dead and is head of the Church. In the first reading (2 Samuel 5:1-3) we read that David now is anointed king of both Judah and Israel. The people were generally disappointed in their kings, – there were some good ones and some who did not amount to much. The people longed for a King who reflected God’s will for them. Jesus came in a way that Judaism had not imagined. He was not a firebrand liberator of his people but the one who was anointed (made Christos) only after he had given himself up to death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-11). The Gospel today (Luke 23:35-43) speaks of four reactions of those close to the Cross of Jesus. The people are “watching”, the leaders are “jeering “and the soldiers are “mocking” The soldiers put up a sign on the Cross “This is the King of the Jews” (Luke 23:38). The last reaction comes from one of the criminals who join the leaders in “taunting” him by saying: “Save yourself and us as well” (Luke 23:39). But the other criminal rebukes his mocking fellow for lacking a salutary fear of God. He joins Pilate and Herod in recognising the total innocence of Jesus. He turns genuinely to Jesus for salvation. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). He addresses Jesus by name – the only man to do so in the Gospels – asking to be kept in mind when Jesus allocates places in His Kingdom. The reply, that Jesus offers, are the last he utters to any person during his life on earth. It is to be noted that his last words are addressed to an outcast, and He offers salvation as a present reality. “Indeed, I promise you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43) In St. Luke’s view salvation is not some event in the future but will take place on the basis of a renewed relationship with God. In His first sermon in his home town of Nazareth Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favour. It ends with these words: “Today this text has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:22). Last Sunday Jesus spoke to the crowds that were complaining because Jesus was going to eat in Zacchaeus house “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham, for the Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). It is always “today” in the kingdom of God. It is “today” that we respond and we allow Him to have dominion over our hearts and lives. It is there, under the cross, that the Lordship of Christ, takes root and that the Church gathers, a community of criminals, themselves called to salvation.
Feasts of the Week: Monday: The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Tuesday: St. Cecilia 2nd century Christian martyr and patroness of music and musicians. Wednesday: St. Columban – known also as Columbanus (543-615). Was abbot of the famous monastery in Bangor Co. Down.
Thank you for the collection last week. It came to £1960. We appreciate your generosity in these difficult financial times. Thanks also to our Singers, Readers and Eucharistic Ministers for their helping at our weekend liturgies.
Graan Draw: Tickets are available at all the doors of our Church for our draw. It takes place on the 2 December and can be viewed on our webcam. It is the only fund-raising activity that we have and we would appreciate your support by buying or selling tickets for us. Please return your counterfoils as soon as possible.
Passionist Vocation Retreat: A weekend retreat for young men interested in knowing more about life as a priest or brother in the Passionist Community will be held at the Passionist Monastery, Tobar Mhuire, Crossgar, County Down, from Friday, 2nd Dec and ending with lunch on Sunday, 4th Dec. Please contact Fr Paul Francis CP at passionistvocations@gmail.com
Confessions & Duty: Sun & Mon no duty. Mon (21ST) Mass @ 7pm – Victor. Tues – Brian. Mass @ 7pm – Brian. Wed – Arthur. Mass @ 7pm – Arthur. Thurs – Charles. Mass @ 7pm – Charles. Fri – Anthony. Sat 5 – 6pm Anthony.
The Shop has restocked for Christmas. There are a great selection of cribs on display as well as candles, diaries, cards and suitable gifts for Christmas and new Christmas Mass Bouquets. Cost £2 / €2.50.
Irish Author, Louise Coughlan, is currently touring Ireland as part of her ‘Granny Nancy Cup of Tea Book Tour’ and will visit Killyhommon Primary School on Saturday November 26th from 2.30 – 4.30pm. Louise recently published the fascinating life story, “Granny Nancy – Ireland’s Oldest Lady, Who lived, Loved and Laughed for 107 years.” Lou will be signing copies of her book and sharing the story of Granny Nancy in person will all she meets and sharing a CUP OF TEA (and treats) with the good people of Boho! Louise’s colourful book will make an ideal Christmas present. All welcome!
Recently Deceased
Steven Kelly, Stranorlar, Co Donegal
Francis Curran, Derrygonnelly
Michael Mc Girr, Rubble, Tempo
Baby Maeve Short, Tipperary
Kathleen Gannon, Ballsbridge, Dublin formerly Lisnaskea
Nora Owens, Macken, Enniskillen
Anniversaries
May Gallinagh & the Gallinagh Family, Enniskillen
Nora & Paddy (Patrick) Ledwith, Fernvalley, Enniskillen
Frank & Sylvia Mc Morrow, Belleek
Mary Dundas, Windmill Hgts, Enniskillen (Month’s Mind)
Mary Corrigan, Abbey Drive, Enniskillen
Brian Coll, Omagh
Harry & Annie Mc Gale, Mullaghree, Enniskillen
Shirley Kehoe, Huddersfield
Tomas & Mary Tierney, Beech Hill, Enniskillen
Peter & Peggy O’Donaghue, Derrin Rd, Enniskillen
Kathleen, Iris & Josie Tierney, Enniskillen
Paddy & Elizabeth Mc Tiernan, Hillview, Enniskillen
Mickey Manley, Aghadrumsee
Willie Carters, Tempo
Con Bresnahan, Dromore
Tony, Tom, Angela & Josephine D’Arcy, Fairview Av, Enniskillen
