Jesus the teacher
Have you ever had a teacher who had that something you just couldnt quite put your finger on – that air of authority that made you instantly respect them; that charisma and enthusiasm that inspired you to listen and to think? Maybe you were lucky enough to have a teacher who left a lasting impression or even propelled you towards your chosen career or way of life? Remember how you felt in their presence?
What kind of teacher was Jesus? When Jesus taught for the first time in the synagogue, he took the people by surprise. They were astonished. What stands out from the description, and what marks Jesus teaching apart from everyone else, is that he taught with authority: Here is a teaching that is new and with authority behind it.
His audience had surely been to the synagogue before. Travelling teachers would often preach in the synagogue. Yet, whatever the people were used to hearing, they had encountered no one like Jesus before. Mark points out that unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority. He had something their regular teachers lacked. Those who hear him can see that this is something new and exciting. Even the unclean spirits recognise his authority.
We meet Jesus here at the beginning of his ministry; earlier in the Gospel of Mark he has been proclaiming the good news: The kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news. Jesus is not simply teaching the Scriptures as the scribes did. He is proclaiming the coming of Gods kingdom.
St. Brigid Wednesday 1st February
Its always good to reflect. We often though reflect only on our own misfortunes, our mistakes and all the regrets of the past. Sometimes we even crucify ourselves on all thats gone wrong in our lives, blaming ourselves and others for what has happened. We do it so much that it often clouds all the good around us. The feast of St. Brigid is a day to reflect on all our present blessings and all the good around us. She had time for everyone including the poor but above all she inspired people to greater things. Using rushes she wove them all into a cross, to remind us that all the different strands of our lives are connected. They are connected not by chance but by the gentle presence of God in our lives. We ask her many blessings on us
Candlemas Day Thursday 2nd February the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Candlemas Day. Candles will be blessed at the 10 am Mass.
Feast of St Blaise – Friday 3rd February the traditional day for the blessing of throats. The blessing will take place after the 10am and 6pm Masses (note the extra Mass at 6pm)
The Blessing: Through the intercession of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, may God deliver you from all ailments of the throat and from every other evil. In the name of the Father + and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Parenting Course: Turners Cross Parish Assembly have organised a Parenting Course it will begin on this Thursday 2nd February for six weeks 7.30pm-9pm. The course will be facilitated by Ann Murphy (who was with us for the two previous courses). It will be held in Christ the King Parish Centre. For more details contact Beth OSullivan at 085-2832707 or call in to the Sacristy
Youth Choir The Parish Assembly is organising a Youth Choir. All those interested please contact
Beth OSullivan : 085-2832707 for further details.
Baptism Preparation Team Our parish baptism preparation teams need new members to add to the current teams who visit families to prepare the family for the baptism of their child. If interested please hand in your name to one of the priests a three night course will begin on Tuesday 28th Feb. here in our Parish Centre. Our thanks to those who have volunteered
Deaths: We extend our sympathies to the families of Maura Murphy, Maiville Tce., Paddy Martin, OConnell Ave, and Kieran ODwyer, Derrynane Rd.whose funerals took place during the past week, may rest in eternal peace.
First Friday.
Fr Kerry and Fr Charlie will visit the sick and housebound of the parish on this Thursday and Friday at their usual times. If you would like a visit please contact either of the priests during the week.
Mass Cards and Cards for the Friday Shared Mass are available in the Sacristy after Mass. The Shared Mass every Friday at 10 am is offered for the sick, for those who have died and for your special intentions.
Reminder: On Saturday 11th February (Feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes World Day of Prayer for the Sick) Special Mass at 10 am with anointing of the sick, veneration of the relic of St Bernadette followed with Refreshments in the Parish Centre courtesy of the Parish Assembly.
LOURDES 2012 (Cork & Ross Pilgrimage)
11th -16th June 2012. Diocesan Pilgrimage Tel: 4346463
Young Adults Tel: 4537601