St Paulinus of Nola, (355-431) bishop
Ss John Fisher (1469-1535), bishop and Thomas More (1478-1535), martyrs
‘Let us rejoice in the Lord; with songs let us praise him.’ (Invitatory antiphon)
The minute’s silence held yesterday in honour of Detective Garda Colm Horkan was an emotional moment for all who engaged.
Later, this man was ‘described as one of nature’s gentlemen’ during the homily delivered by Monsignor Tommy Johnston, at Colm Horkan’s funeral Mass in St James’ Church, Charlestown, Castlerea, Co Roscommon. Words used to describe Colm included, gentleness, respect, dedicated and diligent. His service in his work as a Detective was noted. Listeners heard that Colm ‘was a man of service, loved his life as a guard and gave it his complete commitment.’ The general public is left in no doubt about how Colm was so valued in his family and parish community and also his generous contribution to the life of others.
The Word of God was important to Detective Garda Colm Horkan. He was a Minister of the Word in St James’ Church, Charlestown, where he was baptised, received his First Eucharist, Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Colm had faith and trust in God and witnessed to God’s love in his work and as a kind and generous neighbour. Colm valued the work of justice and died in the line of duty; keeping people safe and protecting them. May Colm’s soul rest in peace.
THE WORD OF GOD
The readings proclaimed at Mass today can be heard via webcam or read from the Old and New Testament.
The first reading from the second Book of Kings (2 Kg 17:5-8, 13-15, 18) tells of God, full of love rescued God’s people from slavery in Egypt. God made a covenant with the people and gave the Ten Commandments to Moses to help them keep the covenant. However the people turned away from God and turned towards other gods. They didn’t live the life God desired for them. They followed their own way. Moreover, they wouldn’t listen and remained stubborn.
The Gospel (Mt 7:1-5) teaches the disciples about exercising good judgements in life. Jesus calls the disciples to love one another as he as loved them; and by this everyone would know who were his disciples. Jesus continually taught about the dignity of every person and how precious each person is in God’s eyes. Disciples continue to love one another and to pray for one another as Jesus teaches.
God wants to take first place in the disciples’ lives and hearts. The living God, the God of love is the source of life for the disciples and of God’s creation. God gives life to those who serve God’s people by following Jesus’ way of love. Disciples are called to live justly in building up God’s kingdom daily.
SEEK GOD’S LOVE IN THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME
These readings proclaimed at the celebration of Mass today aren’t included in the Grow in Love programme. When this occurs, it provides a challenge and opportunity to those who accompany children in faith to seek what might be familiar in God’s Word for the day. What might children understand in the context of the readings from what they have experienced in life, in Scripture, in prayer, in their Religious Education?
From the first reading, children recognise the reference to God’s people being led from Egypt to the Promised Land. They can be encouraged to chat about the call of Moses; the task God gave to Moses; the covenant God made with God’s people; the Ten Commandments; the journey through the desert and its challenges; about the people who listened at first and then turned away from God. They might hear in the reading that the people were stubborn and they didn’t respect God’s law.
After this, they might reflect on their own lives and quietly invite God into their hearts and ask God to help them to listen to their Mams and Dads and those who are guiding them. They might think of times they were very willing to do what they were asked to do and then there were occasions they recall that they might have been stubborn. They might pray in thanks to God for their friend Jesus. They might be encouraged to read the story of Moses in the Bible.
Children preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation or those who have received the Sacrament might tune into the word judgement. They might recall the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the gift of Right Judgement. They are taught that the gift of Right Judgement is also called the gift of Counsel. They are taught that, ‘Through the gift of Right Judgement the Holy Spirit inspires and guides Christians to make the right decisions and to do the right thing.’ Children might revise the lessons on the Sacrament of Confirmation in Fifth Class/P7 and Sixth Class. They might reflect on decisions they have made recently.
The children identify situations in their lives where it is difficult to make right judgement in situations, especially due to peer pressure. They explore the ways they can make good choices and the role the Holy Spirit plays in helping them do what is right. They understand that our human nature doesn’t always lead us to make good choices so people need help to make some choices. People need not be afraid to ask for help in discerning choices. The Holy Spirit is the helper.
The children are taught too that Jesus calls us to love and respect God, oneself, one’s neighbour and the environment. God created each one and loves each person unconditionally. God invites us to love, not to make judgements about others or to condemn them. The images of splinters and planks, though literal images, make good conversation for the children. In yesterday’s Gospel, Jesus told the disciples they ‘are worth more than many sparrows.’ (Mt 10:31). He also told them that God knows them so well ‘that even the hairs on their head have been counted.’
Jesus understands that sometimes people turn away from God’s ways and follow their own stubborn ways. He is always ready to forgive those who repent and he welcomes them into his loving heart. Disciples choose with the help of the Holy Spirit to the way of hope, trust and understanding of God’s love.
Resources are accessible on the VERITAS website; including the Children’s e-book and accompanying online resources to revise the following; The Story of Moses; The Passover Meal; The Sacrament of Confirmation; The Gifts of the Holy Spirit; Jesus teaching on Love and Forgiveness.
Logon: www.veritas.ie
Email: trial@growinlove.ie
Password: growinlove
INVITATION TO:
READ from Grow in Love/ I nGrá Dé:
‘Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples’ (John 21:1-14), ‘Parable of the Real Vine’ (John 15: 1, 4-5, 7-10, 16-17), ‘Zephaniah’ ( Zephaniah 3:17-8), (Matthew 10:29-31), ‘The Beatitudes’ (Mt 5:3-12),’ The Woman Caught in Adultery’ ( Jn 8:1-11), ‘Parable of the Prodigal Son’ ( Lk 15:11-32), ‘The Coming of the Holy Spirit’ ( Acts of the Apostles 2:1-8, 11-12, 14, 22, 32-33, 38, 41-2),
SING from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé:
‘Grow in Love’, ‘Beginning Today’, ‘I watch the Sunrise’, ‘Our God is an Awesome God’, ‘Bible Rap’, ‘Creation Story’, ‘Love’, ‘God has Given Us The Earth’.
PRAY from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé:
ACT OF SORROW
O my God, I thank you for loving me.
I am sorry for all my sins, for not loving
others and not loving you.
Help me to live like Jesus and not sin again. Amen.
GNíOMH DÓLÁIS
A Dhia, gabhaim buíochas leat as ucht do ghrá dom.
Ta brón orm faoi mo pheacaí uile:
Nach raibh grá agam duitse ná do dhaoine eile.
Cabhraigh liom mo shaol a chaitheamh
ar nós Íosa agus gan peaca a dhéanamh arís.
Áiméan.
CARE FOR THE EARTH
God our Creator, you have given us
the earth, and the sky and the seas.
Show us how to care for the earth, not
just for today but for ages to come.
Let no plan or work of ours damage
or destroy the beauty of your creation.
Send forth your Spirit to direct us to
care for the earth and all creation. Amen.
CÚRAM DON DOMHAN
A Dhia ár gCruthaitheoir, thug tú an
talamh, an spéir agus na farraigí dúinn.
Taispeáin dúinn conas aire a thabhairt
don domhan, ní hamháin don l atá inniu ann,
ach do na haoiseanna atá
le teacht freisin.
Ná milleadh aon phlean ná obair
againne áilleacht do chruthithe.
Seol do Spioraid chugainn chun
cabhrú linn aire a thabhairt don
domhan agus don chruthú ar fad.
Áiméan.
‘Blessed be the Lord for he has visited us and freed us.’(Benedictus antiphon)
‘Let my soul proclaim your greatness forever, O my God.’ (Magnificat antiphon)
Hear us, O Lord, and help us.’(Psalm 59:7)
from LAUDATO SI’ AND ‘UNCHECKED HUMAN ACTIVITY’
‘In 1971, eight years after Pacem in Terris, Blessed Pope Paul VI referred to the ecological concern as “a tragic consequence” of unchecked human activity: “Due to an ill-considered exploitation of nature, humanity runs the risk of destroying it and becoming in turn a victim of this degradation”. ’ (Laudato Si’, no. 4).
St Paulinus of Nola, pray for us.
Ss John Fisher and Thomas More, pray for us.
‘O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.’
Sr Anne Neylon