Today is the Ascension of the Lord. It is also World Communications Day. The theme of this day is “speaking with the heart.” Pope Francis states in his message for today: “In a historical period marked by polarisations and contrasts — to which unfortunately not even the ecclesial community is immune — the commitment to communicating “with open heart and arms” does not pertain exclusively to those in the field of communications; it is everyone’s responsibility. We are all called to seek and to speak the truth and to do so with charity.” (Message of Pope Francis for 57th World Day of Social communication 2023). In this last sentence Pope Francis is referring to Ephesians 4:15 where the author of the letter asks us to “Speak our truth with love” In the Gospel today from Matthew 28:16-20 Jesus sends his eleven disciples to make “disciples of all nations”. These words define the reality of the Church’s identity and mission until the end of time. There is a great simplicity to the story of the sending out of the disciples in today’s Gospel. The Risen Jesus bears no title; there is no heavenly light or splendour. He is simply “Jesus” the one they had known and followed all along. “When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated” Matthew ends his Gospel the way he begins it. Remember how he begins the gospel with the Wise men’s visit to the Child Jesus? The same Gospel writer tells us that they went into the house “they saw the child with his mother Mary and falling to their knees they did him homage” (Matthew 2:11). We do not hear of any of the doubts or hesitations of the Wise men, but we do hear that some of the disciples have doubts, uncertainty, hesitations about Jesus and His Mission, – yet even with these doubts and fears – Jesus still sends them out. What does Jesus call them to do? They are commanded to do four things (1) Go out. (2) Make disciples of all Nations. (3) To baptise. (4) To Teach. The central command is that of “making disciples” baptising and teaching are a means to that end. In one sense, it is easy to make converts but it is much more difficult to make disciples. Discipleship is a lifelong process of learning, living, and loving. While Jesus gives his followers authority, he also comforts them, reminding them that He would be with them throughout their journey. Another important word that Matthew used for Jesus is the word Emmanuel. The word means “God is with us”. “Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call him Emmanuel’ a name which means ‘God-is-with-us’ (Matthew 1:23). Jesus tells us today in the Gospel “And know that I am with you, always; yes, to the end of time.” (Matthew 28:20).
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Feasts for the Week: Wednesday is our World Day of Prayer for the Church in China. It is the memorial of Our Lady Help of Christians. Thursday: St. Bede (673-735) monk of Jarrow, in the North of England, historian and biblical commentator. Patron Saint of Scholars. Friday: St. Philip Neri (1515-1595) Italian priest noted for his joy and was founder of the Oratorians. He said: “Find joy in each day!” Next Sunday is the Feast Day of Pentecost.
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Thanks for the collection last week. It came to £2010. We appreciate your kindness and support of our mission here at the Graan. Thanks to all who help in our weekend liturgies.
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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, beginning on the evening of Friday, 2 June and ending with lunch on Sunday, 4 June. If you are interested, please contact Fr Paul Francis CP at passionistvocations@gmail.com
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, Birthday, Exams, Wedding etc. Cost £2.
Sunday & Monday no duty. Mass Monday 22nd May @ 7pm. Confessions: Tues to Fri 2pm – 5pm. Sat 5pm – 6pm.
Mass: Tues – Fri @ 7pm. Tues – Arthur. Wed – Victor. Thurs & Fri – Anthony. Sat – Anthony.
Gluten-Free Hosts: If you are Coeliac and you wish to receive communion please come up to the altar and stand beside the Eucharistic Minsters where you will receive the gluten-free host.
May Rosary will take place at Our Lady’s Grotto each evening in May at 6.30pm. All are welcome to join.
Recently Deceased
Mary Fee, nee Dolan, Cavanaleck
Con Brosan, Kerry & London
Columba Fitzpatrick, Glenwood Gardens, Enniskillen
Bernadette Ferguson, Belcoo
Anniversaries
Colm Goodwin, Windmill Heights, Enniskillen
Michael Flanagan, Barrenderry Heights, Enniskillen
Eamon Corrigan, Derrygonnelly
Brendan Mullan, Cootehill
Jim Gollogly, Purley, Surrey formerly Keady
Brigid & Patsy Magee, Belcoo
Peter & Jane Cox, Belleek
Philip & Kathleen O’Connor, Whaley Terrace, Enniskillen
Philip & Mary Bonner, Gillyholme, Springfield
James, Moria, Clare, Seamus & Francis Dolan, Bellanaleck
Paddy Gilligan & the Gilligan Family, Garrison
