Twenty-second Sunday of the Year

Our sinful and superficial nature leads us, a fair amount of the time, to rely upon external appearances and impressions. We succumb easily to believing that if what we do comes across well then it must be sound enough, or something which is widely praised must indeed be wholesome. The roar of the crowd can therefore become a significant influence in the priorities of the politician, the public official or the priest.

Tiring of emphasis upon externals, Jesus lays into those who would bicker over dining table customs. They merely represent, however a whole approach to the sacred which lacks depth and authenticity and which has never been the particular preserve of the scribes and Pharisees. So Jesus appears anxious to get all the people thinking about those aspects of their lives hidden from public gaze, especially the world ‘within’.

It is sobering to note the range of perversions which Christ identifies as lurking near the heart of man and woman. Perhaps that’s why he had extended the scope of his moral teaching so radically in the Sermon on the Mount, famously including those thoughts and emotions which he identifies as evil, even where they never develop into physical action. The list offered here is equally humbling and gives us good reason for looking carefully at what is going on in our deeper selves. That is a place which, most of the time, may remain outside the notice of others and beyond the reach of the law. It is known to God, however, and can help provide a much fuller picture of ourselves than we might care to acknowledge.

St James also sees this inner life as, in many ways, the battleground for our salvation: ‘Accept the word which has been planted in you and can save your souls.’ Deep within us the word is sown and with it, therefore the potential for so much good. Alongside it, however, the possibility of much that could be harmful remains. We human beings are a curious mix, it seems, and not that clear-cut in many respects. No wonder we depend so much upon the grace and mercy of God.

Copyright: Fr. Tom Cahill (Intercom)

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DAMAGE TO THE CHURCH

One of the stained glass windows at the front of the church was broken by what looks like a small ball on last Sunday afternoon or evening. It is quite possible that this was an accident therefore we are appealing to the person responsible to come forward and identify himself to Fr Magill and no further action will be taken by the Parish.

St Oliver Plunkett Preschool Playgroup

Classics At Drumalis

There will be an evening of classical music at Drumalis on Friday 11th September. The evening will commence at 7.30pm with Vivaldi’s Gloria performed by the Amadeus Singers and Players under the direction of Loreto McAuley. After the interval, during which supper will be served, the performers will return to the stage with Faure’s Requiem.

The cost of the evening is £25 per person and admission is by prepaid ticket only. Tickets are available from Drumalis – telephone 028 2827 6455 or 028 2827 2196 for further information.

Semper Fidelis Pilgrimmage Group, Crossgar, Co Down 4th Annual pilgirmmage to Lourdes

Sunday 4th October 2009 staying at the Mediterranee Hotel in Lourdes -Five nights Full Board Cost £599 per person sharing flying from Belfast International Airport - for more information please contact Terry Andrews 4483 1308 or mobile 078 7999 8559

Restore Practical Counselling

“Waiting by the Well: spiritual refreshment for busy people” a residential retreat with Tony Horsfall from Tuesday 10th – Thursday 12th November in Drumalis Retreat House.

“Pilgrims Making Progress”, a quiet day with Tony Horsfall on Saturday 14th November 10am – 4pm in Drumalis Retreat House.

For more information contact the Hopelink Centre, 31 Carlisle Circus, Belfast 9027 8191.

Knock Pilgrimage

Knock Pilgrimage (St Pio weekend): is on 19th and 20th September. Overnight accommodation and all meals in the Park Hotel, price £120 fully inclusive. For details Lucy 9074 2589 or Bernadette 9059 2263.

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.

“The Word Made Fresh; Getting Excited About The Scriptures”