Fourteenth Sunday of the Year

There’s some strange stuff in today’s gospel. Jesus, an unmarried 30 year old, unlettered carpenter very forwardly starts to teach in his local synagogue. From his listener’s stunned reaction it must have been his first time to do so. You’d expect them to be indignant at his self-promoting posturing in the synagogue, as they’d see it, and to sneer at what he says. But no! They’re impressed, amazed even, at this wisdom. In fact, so impressed are they that they just can’t believe it. They can’t get their head around the fact that someone like him – an ordinary Joe Soap of a carpenter – could have so much more than they have. Jealousy rears its ugly head, and instead of opening their minds to his wisdom they close their hearts to his person. That’s not all. He could do no deed of power there except to cure some people who were sick. They distanced themselves from him and would not allow him to work the miracle: personal transformation. What this episode shows is that knowing about Jesus is not enough. We have to know him for the wonder to work. The miracle of transformation is a two-way thing: God and man at work together. We see Jesus in his humanity but acknowledge him in his divinity too. As with those from his hometown, familiarity with the home-grown Jesus can breed contempt. We need to delve deeply, to go boldly where reason cannot take us. Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.

Copyright: Fr. Tom Cahill (Intercom)

Daily Readings

You can access the daily readings on the parish website:

Music for Weddings & Funerals

Peter and Mary Bernadette our church organist and singer are also available for weddings and funerals and any other church events. Please contact Peter 07708 921489 or Mary Bernadette 07517 471971.

The Catholic Chaplaincy QUB
wishes to congratulate all those graduating.
Daily Thanksgiving Mass at the Chaplaincy @ 12.45pm,
Monday 6th July to Friday 10th July.
Followed by light refreshments after Mass.

ALL WELCOME!!
Thank you to all who have replied to the Annual Appeal
thus far; remember no donation is ever too small or too late.

Youthcom – Knock Youth Festival: 23-26 July 09

Set to be the biggest youth festival to date at Knock Shrine; if your are between 18-35 then it is time to book your place! There is a free bus running from St Louis House, Belfast, so if you are looking for fun, faith and friendship this summer contact Sr. Anne or Sr. Luca on 9061 8889 or Clare 9023 2432.

Youth 2000 Summer Festival

Youth 2000 Summer Festival, Clonmacnois, Co Offaly, Thursday 13th – Sunday 16th August 2009. For young people age 16-35, an opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new friends. Bishop Frank Caggiano, vicar of Evangelisation in the Diocese of Brooklyn will be the main speaker.

Join in on all of the fun games & activities (including Irish lessons)

The McCracken Irish Language

The McCracken Irish Language Summer Camp, Mon 27th – Fri 31st July 2009 Teenagers 10.00 - 4.00pm £20 for entire week, St Patrick’s College, Antrim Rd. Children (5-11) 10.00 - 4.00pm £3 per day/ £15 week, 174 Trust, Duncairn Ave. Fiddle, Art and Tin Whistle Workshops throughout the week for all age groups.

Adoption

Could you make a child happy again
after a difficult start in life?

Family Care Society is presently seeking adoptive families for children aged between 2 – 6 years and who need the love and attention of a caring and understanding family.
Could this be you?

St Brigid’s Parish Trip to Poland 22-29 September

With visits to Krakow, Warsaw, Auschwitz, Sanctuary of St Faustina the home place of Pope John Paul, the famous Salt Mines and other places of interest. Cost: single room approx £795, double £690 - to include 7 nights bed breakfast and meal. Spiritual Director Fr Eugene O’Neill.

If interested please contact parish office at St Brigid’s 02890 665409.

Apologies

We would like to apologize to all those who turned up for 10am Mass on Thursday morning. A visiting priest had been arranged to say Mass but unfortunately he did not arrive.