POPE FRANCIS ON TODAY’S GOSPEL
Today’s Gospel presents us Jesus who, on his way towards Caesarea Philippi, asks the disciples: “Who do men say that I am?” The people appreciated Jesus, they considered him “God’s emissary”, but were unable to recognize him as the foretold Messiah, awaited by all. Jesus looks at the Apostles and asks again: “But who do you say that I am?” This is the most important question, which Jesus directly addresses to those who have followed him, to verify their faith. Peter, in the name of all, exclaims candidly: “You are the Christ.” Jesus is struck by Peter’s faith, and recognizes that it is the fruit of a special grace of God the Father.
Then he openly reveals to the disciples what awaits him in Jerusalem, which is that “the Son of man must suffer many things… be killed, and after three days rise again.”
On hearing this, Peter, who had just professed his faith in Jesus as Messiah, is shocked. He takes the Master aside and rebukes him. And how does Jesus react? He in turn rebukes Peter, with very harsh words: “Get behind me, Satan!” — he calls him Satan! — “You think not as God does, but as men do.” Jesus sees in Peter, as in the other disciples — and in each one of us! — that temptation by the Evil One opposes the grace of the Father, that he wants to deter us from the will of God.
Announcing that he must suffer, be put to death in order to then rise, Jesus wants his followers to understand that he is a humble Messiah, a servant. He is the Servant obedient to the will of the Father, even to the complete sacrifice of his own life. For this reason, turning toward the crowd, he declares that anyone who wishes to become his disciple must accept being a servant, as he has made himself a servant, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
To undertake the discipleship of Jesus means to take up your cross — we all have one — to accompany him on his path, an uncomfortable path that is not of success or of fleeting glory, but one which takes us to true freedom, to that which frees us from selfishness and sin. It is necessary to clearly reject that worldly mentality which places one’s “I” and one’s own interests at the centre of existence. That is not what Jesus wants from us! Instead Jesus invites us to lose our life for him and for the Gospel, to receive it renewed, fulfilled and authentic. We are certain, thanks to Jesus, that this path leads us to the resurrection, to the full and definitive life with God. Choosing to follow our Master and Lord who made himself the Servant of all, we listen attentively to his Word — remember to read a passage from the Gospel every day — and encounter him in the Sacraments.
May the Virgin Mary, who followed Jesus to Calvary, help us to always purify our faith of false images of God, in order to adhere fully to Christ and his Gospel.
TURNERS CROSS ACTIVE RETIREMENT are re-opening on Tuesday next 18th September in the Centre, Capwell Road at 7.30pm. New members welcome.
The Poor Clares in Galway are hosting a Cloister day on Saturday, September 22nd from 10am to 5pm. The day is designed to help young women between the ages of 21 and 40 to find out more about the Poor Clare way of life with a view to vocation discernment. To book a place contact: Sr. Faustina at: poorclaresgalwayvocations@gmail.com
Cork Autism Conference 2018
Re-Thinking Autism – A Positive and Integrative Approach, Sunday September 30th, Rochestown Park Hotel, Douglas, Cork. Conference provides a unique forum for Parents, Families, Caregivers, Adults with ASD, Employers, Educators, Professionals, Agencies, Advocates and anyone with an interest in autism and Asperger’s syndrome. All are welcome. More info here: call 089 239 8900 or www.bookwhen.com/corkautism <http://www.bookwhen.com/corkautism>
Refund of Full Payments and/or Deposits paid by those who didn’t travel to Papal Mass in Dublin can be collected in the Sacristy.
Trócaire supports some of the world’s most vulnerable people in the developing world, whilst also raising awareness of injustice and global poverty in Ireland. We are a group of committed individuals who meet three times a year in Cork to organise initiatives in our communities for Trócaire. Would you be interested in becoming involved? If so, email volunteering@trocaire.org or visit trocaire.org/volunteer <http://trocaire.org/volunteer> for more information.
The SMA National Novena in honour of St. Therese will begin on Sunday 23rd September at the African Missions Church, Blackrock Road and will end on 1st October. The Novena will be celebrated each evening at 7.30pm (except on Saturday 29th September when it will be at 7.00pm). For further information please contact SMA Blackrock at 021-4292871 or SMA Wilton at 021-4541069
Introduction to centering prayer: Saturday 22nd September 2pm to 5pm (registration 1:30pm) in the Community Centre, Blackpool, facilitated by Sr Aine Ashe and Lesley O’Connor. Donation only. To book a place contact: 087 6719970 or 086 8920302. Tea and coffee provided. This workshop is for those who wish to create their own contemplative lifestyle in today’s busy world.
Down Syndrome Centre Forge Hill Cork are holding a fundraising event “Buy My Dress” sees new and pre-loved designer and occasion dresses find a new home and will be on sale at the Clayton Hotel Cork City on the 29th September 2018 from 11am – 5pm. All monies raised will help fund the centre which is an early intervention centre. The Centre caters for children from the Munster area.
Ministers of the Eucharist Rota is available for collection from the Sacristy.
Best Wishes to Cork Ladies Footballers and their trainer Ephie Fitzgerald competing in the All Ireland Final in Croke Park on Sunday. Best wishes also to Ephie and Tomas.
Carers: There is a family carers workshop of people with dementia in The Ambassador Hotel in on Tuesday the 18th September, from 10:00am – 13:00pm. If you are interested in participating in these workshops or would like more information please contact Kevin Deegan on 0 85 852 9352 or email kevin@carealliance.ie