Today is the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time: Centuries ago, the cornerstone was the very first stone laid in the construction of a building. The cornerstone image is connected to the ancient quarries, where stones were selected and cut to size. The stones used for construction were chosen carefully, so that the foundation of the structure to be built would not be compromised. This following verse from Isaiah, that prefigures the birth of Jesus, acknowledges that a precisely cut cornerstone is precious: “Thus says the Lord God: “See, I am laying a stone in Zion, a stone that has been tested, a precious cornerstone as a sure foundation. You who put your faith in it shall not be shaken.”(Isaiah 28:16). In the Gospel today (Matthew 21:33-43) we listen to the workers of the vineyard rejecting the owner’s son. Matthew brings our attention to Psalm 118:22-23 “The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; and it is wonderful to see” Highly-trained stonemasons rejected many stones before finding one that was strong enough and straight enough to be used as the cornerstone for their structures. It was possible to use rejected stones for other purposes or for other parts of the building being built, but a stonemason would never use them for cornerstones. In some structures, a quality cornerstone may be especially important, for example if the orientation and direction of the building required astronomical precision. The Vineyard Owner’s son was rejected, Jesus was also rejected by the His people, yet this rejected One became the cornerstone of the Church. After cleansing the temple of the sellers Jesus was asked “What sign have you to show us for doing this?” (John 2:18) Jesus replies “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). The Gospel writer goes on and explains “But he spoke of the temple of his Body: (John 2:20). Jesus is the new Temple. In the first Letter of St. Peter we read: “So, keep coming to him who is the Living Stone, though He was rejected and discarded by men but chosen by God and is priceless in God’s sight. Come and be His “living stones” who are continually assembled into a sanctuary for God. For now, you serve as holy priests, offering up spiritual sacrifices that he readily accepts through Jesus Christ.” ( 1 Peter: 2:7 )
***
Feasts of the Week: Monday: St. John Henry Newman: Received into the Catholic Church on 9 October 1845 by Passionist priest Blessed Dominic Barberi. Wednesday: St. John XX111 was Pope from 1958 to his death on 3 June 1963. Also feast of St. Canice (527-603) patron of the diocese of Ossory (Kilkenny).
***
Thank you for the generous collection last weekend. It came to £1945. Thanks also to our Singers, Readers and Ministers of the Eucharist who help in the weekend liturgies. A special word of thanks to the October cleaning group who gave of their time and energy in cleaning our church last Wednesday evening
***
Calling all Eucharistic Ministers who carry out this ministry in the Graan! We have an important meeting on next Monday 9th October at 7:30 pm to renew our rota and to discuss ways of improving this ministry. It is important that you are present at this meeting.
Tickets for our Graan Draw are available in the Church porches. Thanks to all who are helping in selling these tickets. Thanks to Lilleys Centra and to all who bought and sold tickets for us.
Ticket Selling outlets in October: Supervalue in Newtownbutler – 13th October.
Supervalue in Fintona – 14th October.
The Mart Enniskillen – 19th October.
Mc Keagney’s Tempo – 27th & 28th October. If you are able to help us in this task please leave your name and mobile number at our reception and we will get in contact with you.
Guild Mass Cards: Our selection includes Deceased, Get Well, Wedding, Graduation, Wedding etc.
Cost £2.
Christmas Mass Bouquets: We have a new selection of Christmas Mass Bouquets.
Sun & Mon no duty. Mass (Mon 9th October) – Charles.Confessions: Tues to Fri 2pm – 5pm.
Sat 5pm – 6pm. Mass: Tues – Fri @ 7pm. Duty: Tues – Brian. Wed – Victor. Thurs – Arthur.
Fri – Charles & Sat – Arthur.
Recently Deceased
Fanchea Blackman, nee Mc Elroy, London formerly Lisnaskea
Ross Mealiff, Clones
Jamie Thompson, Boughas, Enniskillen
Liam O’Connor, Belleek
Denis (Den) Mc Manus, Lisnaskea
Anniversaries
Vincent Mulligan, Knock, Lisnaskea
Gaby D’Arcy, Bellanaleck
The D’Arcy & Mc Brien Families, Bellanaleck
Pat Brogan, Omagh
Ronnie Dane, Ashwoods, Enniskillen
Peter Mc Donald, Coventry
Dympna Rose Campbell, Darkley
Celine Duffy, Drumray, Derrygonnelly
Fergus Farrell, Derrygonnelly
