SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY OF YEAR A
26th July 2020
Dear Parishioner,
Today's readings teach us that Faith in Jesus as our God and Saviour and sacrificing everything in life to do the
will of God are equivalent to discovering and possessing the most valuable treasure or the pearl of great price. In other
words, keeping a personal relationship with Christ and sharing his view of life are the most beautiful, the most precious
things in the world.
The first reading tells us how the young King Solomon opted for the great treasure of accepting God to rule his life by
doing God's will. That is why he requested of God for the gift of prudence, "an understanding heart to
distinguish right from wrong", so that he might govern God's people properly. Yahweh was pleased with his
request and granted him a wise and discerning heart which enabled him to surpass everyone in wisdom.
In the second reading, Paul teaches that wisdom to perceive God's grace and use it, is essential for those who
want to follow Him and to do His will, thus remaining in His Kingdom. He assures Rome's Christian community that
"all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose".
In the Gospel, using three mini parables and one concluding parable or simile, Jesus teaches us that God's Kingdom
is something of extraordinary value, like a hidden treasure or a costly pearl, and that possessing it calls for a total
commitment to preserve it. The Kingdom of God is God's reign in our hearts, in our lives, in our homes, in our society,
and in our world. Only those who develop a searching mind and a heart willing to give up everything for the great treasure
of God's Kingdom will be rewarded. Through the first and second parables of the treasure and pearl, Jesus teaches us
that identifying God's will and living according to the Gospel are the most precious and worthwhile things in
life. Through Jesus and his Gospel, we come to know and understand the real meaning of life, the will of God for us
each day, and the most important things we must do to secure our eternal salvation.
Let us live every moment in view of our precious goal than chasing false treasures such as money, social
status or worldly pleasures.
Wishing you all a peaceful and serene time. Stay safe and healthy.
SEND O LORD, HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH
Fr. Sabu Pariyadan RCJ
Notices:
- Mass intentions: as we restart our public celebration of mass, if you have any particular intentions
for mass, please collect a brown envelope from church or write clearly your intentions on an envelope at home and drop it
at the church or at the presbytery.
-
Lourdes in your Living Room begins TOMORROW, Monday 27th July - a full week of pilgrimage for all
ages; Bishop Alan will preach at the 10.30am Mass on Monday and each day includes Morning Prayer, Mass, Rosary
and Angelus, Afternoon Reflection, and Evening Prayer, with the week also including a Marian ("Torchlight")
procession where the Hail Mary will be prayed in over 40 languages, as well as Stations of the Cross. A talent show
offers a social element to the pilgrimage on Friday evening, and throughout the week there is a special programme for
young people. Everything is on the YouTube channel www.youtube.com/c/brentwoodcys and full details, plus liturgy handbook, are at www.bcys.net/lourdes2020.
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The 18 hour challenge: Overnight from 4.30pm yesterday (Saturday 25th) to 10.30am today, young people
who would have been on the 18 hour coach journey to Lourdes have run 18km, passed a rugby ball 1800 times, painted 18
pictures, baked 18 cakes, cooked 18 curries … and much more. 44 young and older pilgrims have each walked
18miles, totalling the 792 miles from Brentwood to Lourdes. Sponsorship will be divided between Cafod's coronavirus
appeal, assisting the poorest in the world, as well as our own youth ministry, where funds have been hit hard. To
donate online go to www.bcys.net/donate, where you will also
find bank details for a bank transfer. Or post a cheque payable to "BRCDT Youth Service" to Fr Dominic, 18
hour challenge, Walsingham House at Abbotswick, Navestock Side, Brentwood, Essex CM14 5SH. Thank you for any
sponsorship you can offer.
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Sycamore Vacancy: Mission Development Manager An exciting opportunity to be involved in the mission of
Sycamore. The role involves promoting the use of Sycamore nationally and globally; supporting current Sycamore leaders;
developing new relationships with dioceses, parishes and chaplaincies; and implementing our strategic development plan.
For full job description, requirements and more information please visit: https://www.sycamore.fm/sycamore-vacancy-mission-development-manager/ Deadline: 22 August, Interviews 8/9
September, Start date 1 October or asap.
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Caritas Development Co-ordinator. The Diocese is diverse, vibrant, and full of dedicated volunteers
running projects which bring to life the Gospel mandate to recognise and serve Christ in the poor and those on the
edges. If you have a heart for such work, and the skills to develop and strengthen it, this could be your perfect job!
Deadline 2nd October 2020; Start January 2021. Full details https://www.caritasbrentwood.org/news/developmentcoordinator/
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Ann Catherine Fahey
Years Mind:
Sunday: Anne Thompson
Tuesday: Fr John Harding
Wednesday: Yves Kerforne
Friday: Fr Michael O'Sullivan
NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS - Eighteenth Sunday of Year A
First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-3
Come and eat.
Second Reading: Romans 8:35,37-39
No created thing can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ.
Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21
They all ate as much as they wanted.
