Weekly Bulletin 20th September 2020

Today is the 25 Sunday of the Year: The story that Jesus tells the disciples today in the Gospel (Matthew 20:1-16) about the employer who paid the late comers the same as those who worked since early morning seems unjust. When those who expected higher wages grumbled, the employer said: “Why be envious because I am generous?”  Envy can appear when good fortune comes to people. Envy is wanting what other people have instead of appreciating your own giftedness and blessings. Thomas Aquinas the great Dominican theologian describes envy as sadness at the goods possessed by another. At the success of another person one may feel an inner sense of grievance, a certain self-pity, resentment and anger.  Envy is the pain of seeing others have what I want for myself. The word envy comes from the Latin word “invidere” which means “to look too closely” with hatred/or to begrudge. Those who suffer from envy, see goodness as a limited commodity, and if someone has lot of goodness then that means there will be less for me! Jealously, on the other hand  is the fear I may lose what I have. It is important to be aware of the envy that can lurk deep within us. We can waste so much energy on vain covetousness.  This can result in a depression that demoralises us and distract us from using our own capabilities.  The characters that suffer from envy are numerous in literature and the Scriptures. We have the story of Cinderella along with countless fairy stories and from Sacred Scripture we read of –

• Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16)
• Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37:1-11)
• Elder brother of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:25-32)

Today we hear of the envious person who delights at the bad fortune of another. The Germans call this “Schadenfreude”. To delight in the misfortune of others is an obstacle to kindness and benevolence. Melanie Klein (1882-1960) Austrian born psychoanalyst said once:” Envy which springs from emptiness of being, makes us lonely, weak, and slothful about our own gifts.” How do we overcome this terrible affliction of envy?  We need to re-awaken in ourselves once again, a sense of wonder and appreciation of all things, especially our own giftedness and lovability.  Envy is always found where gratitude is absent from our lives. At the end of his life Dag Hammarskjold (1905-1961) the second secretary-general of the United Nations wrote: “The night is closing in. For all that has been, thanks. For all that is to come, yes!”

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Feasts of the Week: Monday: St. Matthew – the tax collector who was an Apostle and who wrote a Gospel Wednesday: Padre Pio (1887 – 1968) famous Italian Capuchin friar who spent long hours in the confessional and had the gift of healing. Thursday St. Vincent Strambi (1745-1824) A Passionist priest and bishop who was renowned for his holiness of life. 

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Thank you for your generous contributions to the upkeep of the Graan. Thanks also to our ushers and all who help to clean the Church seats after each Mass. We also appreciate the work of our Ministers of the Eucharist and all who help in the smooth running of our religious services. We could not continue without your help.

Graan Draw & Dinner Dance: Our tickets for the draw will be available soon. 1^st Prize will be £5000,  2^nd prize – £1000 & a further 5 prizes of £100 each. We regret our annual Dinner Dance is cancelled this year.   The present circumstances suggested that we adapt our draw as we all have had to reduce our social contacts.

DUTY FOR THE WEEK:  Sun & Mon No Duty. Monday (21st)  evening Mass @ 7pm  – Charles.

Tues (22^nd  Sept) – Charles . Wed 23^rd   –  Arthur. Thurs 24^th – Charles.   Fri 25^th  – Arthur.   Sat 26^th –  Charles.  

Shop Opening Hours: Mon to Sat: 9.30am – 7.30pm. Sunday – 9.30am – 5pm. Telephone 028 66322272.

Guild Mass Cards: We have a wide selection of cards including a new section of Christmas Mass bouquets. We value your support. Please visit our website to see our new range of Christmas Mass Bouquet cards.