TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY OF YEAR B
17th October 2021


Dear Parishioner

In the first reading from the prophet Isaiah, the person who is mentioned was promised both longevity and a very special role in God's own plan for everyone. That would indeed have been good news for those who were in exile at the time, yet longing to go home. But who was this anonymous person? Was he just created by the author to personify all those who yearn for a better life or was he some specific person who had suffered but who could and would obtain for his 'heirs' the life that all desire? Today it seems that he could have been both. Where do we see ourselves?

In the second reading from the letter to the Hebrews, Christ is portrayed, not in Isaiah terms, but as supreme High Priest, that is as one who, by offering of himself to God, obtained, and can pass on to all of us, the life that our own inmost selves desire. As we hear these words today, we too may be inspired to see that, even though we cannot attain that yearned-for life by ourselves, it can, because of him, become our own.

In the Gospel reading from Mark, we are challenged 'what do we really want?'. The sons of Zebedee were forced to face this question when they came to Jesus, asking for honours which were then attracting them. His answer may have been a shock. It certainly occasioned them to reconsider what they really needed and how much their way of life until then had been conducive to receiving it. We have to ask ourselves what we really want and pray to live Christ like lives.

Fr Jijo George


Notices:

Please remember to pray for:

Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese

The sick and housebound

Those who have recently died

Years Mind:
Monday: Mary Kate Coyne, Theresa Kiw
Wednesday: Fr Bernard Clay
Friday: Canon William O'Neill


NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS - THIRTIETH Sunday Year B

First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9
I will comfort the blind and the lame as I lead them back

Second Reading: Hebrews 5:1-6
You are a priest of the order of Melchizedek, and for ever.

Gospel: Mark 10:46-52
Master, let me see again.