Weekly Bulletin 30th January 2022

Today is the Fourth Sunday of the Year. When old Simeon took Jesus in his arms he said to his mother “You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your own soul too – so the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare” (Luke 2:34-35). The Gospel reading at Mass today (Luke 4:21-30) sees Jesus being rejected by the people of his own home village of Nazareth. Their secret thoughts are revealed also. They are filled with local village pride when He first visits them. He says things that please them. They like his sermon. Last Sunday Jesus spoke of the Messianic blessings that are to come. They like that, because He is their local boy and they think that they will have first claim on Him. After all – they are God’s people!  The Messiah will come from them and naturally be for them. At first they were astonished “by the gracious words that come from his lips” (Luke 4:22). But Jesus makes the ultimate gaffe as He finds fault with his neighbours. He reminds them of an unpopular strand of Jewish tradition and history, that Naaman, the Syrian general and a non-Jew, was cured by the prophet Elisha and a widow woman who, was also a non-Jew was fed during a time of famine by the prophet Elijah. At this news, the atmosphere of welcome to the man who they knew as Joseph’s son turns sour.  They are happy when Jesus blesses their self-centred focus as God’s people but angry and upset when Jesus shows from their history that God is much bigger than their views. They were not chosen by God to form a closed society and become the beneficiaries of divine blessings of abundance. They were chosen to bring the benefits of the one God to all people. Paul in his letter, that is the second reading today (1 Corinthian 13), is dealing with a highly charismatic community in the town of Corinth.  Jealousy and envy abound in the community because some people in the group think that their gift is more important than their neighbour’s gift. Paul cuts through all that nonsense and declares “I am going to show you a way that is better than any of them” (1 Corinthians 12:31) What was that way? It is the way of love. He goes on “If I give away all that I possess piece by piece, and if I even let them take my body to burn it, but am without love. it will do me no good whatever!” (1 Corinthians 13:3). To love is to have a very big, wide and deep view of God. Because that is who God is (1 John 4:16).  Jesus today stands within the tradition of the prophet Jeremiah, the reluctant prophet, who also was condemned to death by his own people. “I for my part was like a trustful lamb being led to the slaughterhouse not knowing the schemes they were plotting against me” (Jeremiah 11:19) However we hear today in the first reading  (Jeremiah 1:4-19)that God promises Jeremiah that “they shall not overcome you for I am with you to deliver you” The same God is with us also in all our troubles! 

Feasts of the Week: Monday: St. John Bosco (1815-1888)Italian priest founder of the Salesians. Tuesday: St. Brigid – secondary patron of Ireland (454-524). Founded a double monastery in Kildare.  Wednesday: The Presentation of the Lord. Old Simeon greets the Lord in the Temple and called him the light of the world. Candles will be blessed today. Thursday: St. Blaise who died a martyr in Armenia in 315. Throats will be blessed after 7pm Mass on Thursday 3^rd February only. Saturday: St. Agatha died a martyr in third century in Catania in Sicily. 

Thanks to our Ministers of the Eucharist and Ushers in helping at our liturgies here in the Graan and above all for helping to keep it all running smoothly. We thank you for your collection last week that came to £1885. Your generosity and support is very much appreciated by all of us during these financial stringent times.

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

Guild Mass Cards: We have a selection of cards for Deceased, Mass Bouquets, Get Well, Graduation, Wedding, Birthday, Christening Bouquets.  Cost £2 / €2.50.            

Friday Exposition continues each Friday from 10am – 2pm. Friday next is the First Friday of the month. Mass @ 7pm.

Mass: Mon to Fri @ 7pm.  Mon (31^st Jan) @ 7pm – Charles.  (Confessions Tues to Fri 2pm – 5pm)  Tues: Brian.

Wed – Victor.  Thurs –  Charles.  Fri – Arthur.  Sat – Arthur.