Weekly Bulletin 21st November 2021

Today we celebrate the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Today is the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year. Next Sunday we begin the Advent Season. The trial before Pilate is the centrepiece of St. John’s story of the Passion and Death of Christ.  In today’s Gospel (John 18:33-37) we have the picture of Jesus facing Pilate, the governor of Judea. Pilate had the unenviable job of keeping the province of Judea in line with the wishes of the Roman empire.  Today’s Gospel reading portrays him as a weak and vacillating man – torn between his external fears and his inner doubts. He is also a cynic – “So you are a king?” he asks Jesus sarcastically, as he threatens him from his position of power. The Romans reserved to themselves the right to appoint client kings in their empire. To claim that title independently of Rome is tantamount to leading a rebellion. The king – he accuses of being a king – does not look like a king. He is a prisoner. He has been condemned as a blasphemer and an enemy of the state, and he is about to undergo execution. Pilate rambles on, throwing questions at Jesus, but he is not really interested in getting answers. He knows too well that releasing Jesus would agitate the crowd and antagonise the high priests, who will not hesitate to send a complaint to Rome thereby endangering his own position as governor of Judea. As the story progresses we realise that it is Jesus who is in control, whereas Pilate seems to be quite powerless.  Jesus boldly declares “Yes I am a king. I was born for this. I came into the world for this: to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice” (John 18:37). This is the mission of Jesus to strip away delusion and self-centredness and draw all people into the divine communion of love. “God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus is a different kind of king than any emperor. He didn’t rule with an iron fist, or cater to the whims of popularity. He didn’t wield control over nations or defeat massive empires. In fact, his kingdom was spread individual by individual, one person at a time. One leper out of ten who acknowledged the giver of the gift of healing, a widow’s son raised to life, a woman freed from haemorrhaging, all individuals allowing their lives to be touched by his divine presence. His is the Kingdom where might and money mean nothing in terms of a person’s value, but where humility and sacrifice mean everything. His is the Kingdom where the weak are not despised but loved, and where ninety-nine healthy sheep are left on the hillside while attention is given to the one who strays. So it is with us. Christ has touched our lives, and we have come to know Christ as our king. We have experienced God’s love, and know the joys that come from following Jesus, our Saviour and our King. May we allow Him to reign in our lives always.

Feasts of the Week: Tuesday: St. Columban. Abbot & Missionary (543-615).He went first to a an island in Lough Erne, then to the great monastic seat of learning at Bangor in Co. Down. With 12 companions he preached the Gospel in mainland Europe. In his last years he established the famous monastery of Bobbio, where he die Wednesday: St. Andrew Dǔng-Lac & Companions, Martyrs: Andrew Dǔng-Lac, a Catholic convert ordained to the priesthood, was one of 117 people martyred in Vietnam between 1820 and 1862. 

Thanks to our Ministers of the Eucharist and our Ushers who help in the smooth running of our religious services. We appreciate that you are helping all of us to stay safe during this time of pandemic. 

Thanks also for the wonderful collection at last weekend Sunday Masses. It came to £1970.  Your generosity is truly remarkable especially during these difficult financial times for all of us. Be assured of a remembrance in our prayers. 

Masses Mon to Fri @ 7pm. Confessions: Tues – Fri 2.00pm – 5.00pm   Sat 5.00pm to 6.00pm. 

Mass (22^nd  Nov @ 7pm) – Arthur. Tues – Brian.  Wed – Victor. Thurs – Arthur.   Fri – Charles & Sat – Charles.    

Graan Draw: Tickets are available at all the doors of our Church. The draw will take place on the 17 Dec 2021. Thanks to everyone who bought and sold tickets at The Mart in Enniskillen, The Diamond Enniskillen & Fitzpatrick Fuels, Clones.

The Shop has restocked for Christmas. There are a great selection of cribs on display as well as candles & suitable gifts for Christmas as well as Christmas Mass Bouquets.  Cost £2 / €2.50.

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

Christmas Carols with Caritas: Takes place on Saturday 11th December @ 8pm here at The Graan Monastery. Voluntary collection will be taken up on the night for Action Mental Health – Fermanagh New Horizons.