Today is the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. In the next few Sundays the Gospel Reading will be read from St. Matthew. Matthew situates the life of Jesus clearly in the context of the Jewish Scriptures (Old Testament) and Jewish history. Most Scripture scholars assume that the Gospel of Matthew was written in the final quarter of the first century by a Greek-speaking Jewish-Christian author. The majority of the community that he belonged to were Jewish but a growing number of non-Jews (Gentiles) were swelling their numbers. Matthew did not compose this Gospel on his own but depended on earlier sources. In today’s Gospel (Matthew 4:12-23) we read how Jesus sets up his mission headquarters in the town of Capernaum. Jesus is in Galilee in the border country. Capernaum is in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali. This area was deported and exiled during the Assyrian invasion of 721 BC. Zebulun and Naphtali. are part of the lost tribes of Israel. Matthew uses a quotation from the prophet Isaiah 9:1-2, to underline the people’s hopes for restoration and renewal. Through the coming of Jesus a light has dawned for those “in darkness” and “under the shadow of death”. The whole of Matthew’s Gospel will go on to unpack the meaning of this text. The keynote of Jesus ministry is proclaimed in Matthew 4:17: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand” His message is identical to that of John the Baptist. Jesus begins his preaching with the word Repent. This is his first, basic word. This is the time for conversion. Open yourselves to the kingdom of God. Do not sit in darkness, but walk in the light. Within the church there is a great light. It is Jesus. In him God reveals himself to us. Therefore, even today the first word of Jesus that we must listen to in the church is Repent. Retrieve our Christian identity. Go back to our roots. Help the church to move into a new phase of Christianity more faithful to Jesus. Live with a new consciousness of being followers of Jesus. Put ourselves at the service of God’s kingdom. Pray for a new heart for the church.
Feasts for the Week: Tuesday: St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622). Bishop & Doctor of the Church. He underlined the fact that all people, not just religious, are called to genuine holiness. His book called “Introduction to the Devout Life “has never gone out of print. He was renowned for his gentleness and humility. He is the patron saint of writers, editors and journalists. Wednesday: The Conversion of St. Paul: Out of a persecutor God made a preacher and teacher of the peoples. Thursday: Saints Timothy & St. Titus: They were followers of St. Paul. Titus organised the church in Crete. Timothy was the first bishop of Ephesus. Saturday: Saint Thomas Aquinas “Angelic Doctor” (1224 – 1274). A Dominican priest who taught that Christian revelation and human knowledge are aspects of a single truth and cannot be in conflict with one another. He is patron saint of schools, universities and students.
Thank you for the collection last weekend. It came to £2315. We appreciate your support of our mission during a time of great financial hardship for many people. Be assured of a constant remembrance of the prayers of this community.
Confessions Sunday & Monday no duty. Mass Monday (23rd Jan) @ 7pm – Victor.
(Tues to Fri 2pm – 5pm. Sat 5pm – 6pm). Tues – Brian. Wed – Arthur. Thurs – Charles. Fri – Anthony. Sat – Anthony.
Shop: Open Monday to Saturday – 9.30 – 7pm. Sunday 9.30pm – 4pm.
Guild Mass Cards: We have a selection of cards for Deceased, Mass Bouquets, Get Well, Graduation, Wedding, Birthday, Anniversaries, Christening Bouquets. Cost £2 / €2.50.
Novena of Hope: Takes place from 4th& 5th March to 13th March. Please put these dates in your diary.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament continues every Friday here in The Graan from 10am – 2pm.
Christian Unity Week: From Wednesday 18 January to the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul on Wednesday 25 January we are celebrating Church Unity Week. We welcome the new Church of Ireland Rector Reverend Stephen Mc Whirter who has taken over ministry in our neighbouring church at Rossorry Parish. We also give a very special welcome to the young people of that parish who are preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation. Some of them will be joining us at our celebration of the Eucharist at 10:30 am next Sunday 29 January. It is important to note, that even though we worship God in different Church buildings, what unites us as Christians is stronger than what divides us. We look forward to working together with Stephen and his parishioners into the future and we continue to pray for a greater unity among our churches on this island.
Recently Deceased
Mick Shannon, Ballina formerly Derrylin
Anniversaries
Baby Ellie Marie White, Loughview Meadows, Enniskillen
Kevin Maguire, Rossole Rd, Enniskillen
Cathal Morris, Enniskillen
Claire Hodgson Enniskillen & Manchester
Violet & William Crozier, Pettigo
Michael & Greta Morris, Kesh
Packie Connolly, Castlegal, Co Sligo
Moyra Burns, Old Rossorry Rd, Enniskillen
Briege Maguire, Newry
Brian O’Reilly, Bailieborough, Co Cavan
Noreen Maguire, Tullycreevy, Monea
John Collins, Kilrid, Magheraveely
