Today is the Second Sunday of Lent. In the Gospel today Jesus is transfigured on the mountain while He is praying (Luke 9:28-36). In the reading immediately preceding the Transfiguration (Luke 9:23-27), Jesus proclaims the conditions of discipleship. The true disciple is the one who denies themselves and takes up the cross daily to follow Jesus. Those who wish to save their lives will lose their lives for the sake of Jesus. Those who are ashamed of Jesus and his word will be ashamed when they have to face the Father. Discipleship seems to be a weary road for the faithful to follow. So Jesus takes Peter, James and John as he goes up the mountain to pray. And as a sign of divine mercy he gives them a glimpse of the glory to come. And while He was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to Him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of His departure (exodus), which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. The glimpse of glory overcame the disciples who lapsed into sleep. When they awoke they saw Jesus in a vision with Moses and Elijah, a sign of Jesus fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. Peter reacted by wishing to build a shrine with three tents to celebrate the vision. Instead the Father calls his disciples to listen to his Son who then leads them off the mountain back to the Way of the Cross. In the Preface of the Mass today we pray these words: “He revealed His glory to the disciples to strengthen them for the scandal of the cross, his glory shone from a body like our own, to show that the Church, which is the body of Christ, would one day share His glory”. The days of our Novena of Hope have been days where we have been strengthened in our faith. We thank God for all the graces and blessings that we have received and we are grateful for the various speakers during these nine days of prayer who have given of themselves to us. We thank you for your attendance and for your prayerful participation during these special days. We will end our Novena tomorrow Monday 14 March both at the 12:30 pm and 7:00 pm services. There will be a blessing with the relic of St. Charles of Mount Argus at both services, asking God to bring us healing and peace. A collection will be taken up at both services to defray the cost of the Novena. May we continue to listen to the Beloved Son and may His favour never leave us. Henri Nouwen, the spiritual writer said ‘Through the discipline of contemplative (listening) prayer, Christians have to learn to listen again and again to the voice of love and to find there the wisdom and courage to address whatever issue presents itself to them…. when we are securely rooted in personal intimacy with the Source of Life, it will be possible to remain flexible without being rigid, willing to confront without being offensive, gentle and forgiving without being soft, and true witnesses without being manipulative.’
Feast of St. Patrick: Thursday 17 March: National Patron of Ireland & Bank Holiday. Times of Masses: Vigil Mass on Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm. Masses on Thursday 17 March 10:30 am and 12noon. There is NO evening Mass. The shop will be open until 1pm and the church will be open until 4pm.
Thanks to all who helped in last week’s Novena of Hope. Our speakers, Ushers, the Car-Park attendants, our singers, our Ministers of the Eucharist, our Readers, gardeners, florist, and all the staff & community in the Graan who were a welcoming presence to our visitors.
Sunday Collection: Came to £2000 and the surplus is used to help defray the many costs of the Novena of Hope. Thanks as always for your generosity.
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, Wedding, Novena of Hope, St Patrick’s Day & Easter cards. Cost £2 / €2.50.
Duty: There will be a priest on duty tomorrow (closing of the Novena) from 1.30pm – 5pm. Tues (2pm – 5pm) – Brian. Wed – Charles. Note: (Thursday 17th March – No Duty). Fri – 2pm – 5pm – Anthony. Sat 5pm – 6pm – Arthur. Confessions: Saturday 5 – 6pm. Sat – Arthur.
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Recently Deceased
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Mary Boylan, Moneymore & Antrim
Patrick Mc Dermott, Rossinver
Damien Crudden, Magherveely
John Woods, Lisnaskea
Anne Maguire, Rossorry, Enniskillen
Anna Fee, Tattinalee, Brookeborough
Anniversaries
Kathleen & Michael Connolly, Main St, Tempo
Mary, John & Gary Mc Aloon, Skea, Arney
& the Mc Aloon & Meehan Families, Arney & Cashel
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Gerry Keown, Old Rossorry, Enniskillen
Davy Hoy, Levally, Enniskillen
James & Mary Mc Shea, Cavancarragh, Lisbellaw
Canon Patrick O’Reilly PP, Killanny, Co Monaghan
The Gallagher Family, Gorteen, Garrison
Lily & Michael Hughes & The Hughes & Higgins families, Sligo
Anna Lilly, Cappog, Sligo Rd, Enniskillen
Eileen Mc Brien, Swanlinbar Rd, Skea, Arney
Jim Mc Gurran, Derrymacash, Lurgan
The Rooney Family, Blacklion
Thomas Patrick Love, Eden St, Enniskillen & Omagh
