Sixteenth Sunday in ordinary time

It is the middle of the summer holidays. Schools are closed; many activities have stopped for the summer months. Programs and plans in our parishes slow down as people are away or enjoying the long days, despite the weather. Other areas are busier than ever. The land is being worked; all kinds of sport and outdoor activities are in full swing. Summer is on the one hand a time of rest and on the other a time of great energy. Ironically, God made an impact on two people in the texts of today’s liturgy who seemed to be doing nothing! Abraham was sitting under the oak of Mamre and Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus. In Abraham’s case, his wife was preparing a meal for the unexpected guests. Martha was busy fussing around preparing to entertain Christ. But it was to those who seemed to be doing nothing that the Word was addressed. There is a terrible temptation to believe that we have to force God’s hand. “Lord, if I do this will you do that!” The Father knows all our needs, and he has promised us in Christ to grant all that we ask in his name. We have to relax and remember God is God, and we are his children.

There is a story that every night before he retired Blessed John XXIII used to lie on the floor of his chapel and pray, “Lord, I have done my best. But at the end of the day it’s your Church!” Martha no doubt was doing her very best, doing work that was necessary, as we all must do. Mary found something different. She was able to sit still in the company of Christ and learn from him. Jesus says she has chosen the better part and that it is not to be taken from her. That is why prayer is an essential part of being a Christian. We must regularly charge our spiritual batteries. We have to work and fret about so many things. In the hustle and bustle of life it is always good to remember that God is in charge.

Fr Tom Cahill, Intercom

DAILY READINGS

You can access the daily readings on the parish website:

Children in Crossfire

Children in Crossfire are recruiting participants for the
Derry Waterside Half Marathon in September 2010 and for the Barcelona Half Marathon in February 2011.

For more information on either event,
please contact Sarah on 028 7126 9898 or e-mail events@childrenincrossfire.org

Pilgrimage to Knock

Luxury return travel by coach to Knock
Saturday 25th September 2010

Price £130 per person to include: one night accommodation at the Knock House Hotel (£25 single room supplement), 2 course lunch at the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen on Saturday and High Tea at the Knock House Hotel on Saturday evening. Bed, breakfast and Sunday lunch at Knock House Hotel and High Tea at the Killhevlin Hotel.

Pick up: Saturday 25th September at 10am
from St Oliver Plunkett Church.

For more information or to book a place
phone Marie 028 9030 6930, 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday.

The Catholic Grandparents Association

The Catholic Grandparents Association
wishes all grandparents
"A Happy Feast Day" on 26th July
feast day of St. Joachim & Anne
Grandparents of Jesus and parents of Mary.

We would remind you that everyone is welcome to the
National Grandparents Pilgrimage
at Our Lady's Shrine in Knock
on Sunday, 12th September.  Further information on www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.com

Pick up: Saturday 25th September at 10am, St Oliver Plunkett Church.

For more information or to book a place phone
Marie 028 9030 6930, 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday.

Mass Times