Author: Fr Ed

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A RABBI, THE VATICAN & THE FAMILY

In full: Lord Sacks speech that brought Vatican conference to its feet

Among many speeches yesterday (November 18)  following Pope Francis’s address to the Humanum colloquium on complementarity, that of Lord Jonathan Sacks, the former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, was the standout, bringing the audience of 300 in the synod hall to their feet. Using dazzling oratory, he offered a magisterial account of the development of marriage from the very start — a sexual act between fish in Scotland — right up to the present day, told by means of seven stories, and ending with a spectacular exegesis of the Genesis account. It is a story with a tragic end: the dismantling of what he calls “the single most humanising institution in history” resulting in a whole new era of poverty and social division. Yet the recovery of that institution offers hope.  
The speech is thought-provoking and should provide fruitful grounds for reflection and lively discussion. It embodies what traditional Judaism and Catholicism have in common regarding the origins and purpose of the family, whilst distinguishing between different approaches. The full text can be found here.
Fr Ed
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23 NOVEMBER — CHRIST THE KING

Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King

READINGS

First reading  Ezekiel 34:11-12. 15-17  Through the prophet Ezekiel, God pledges to guard the people as a shepherd guards the flock.

Psalm 22  The Lord is my shepherd (sung)

Second reading  Christ is the New Adam, bringing life, where the old Adam brought suffering and death. Christ will be victorious, and God be all in all.

Gospel  Matthew 25:31-46 Each person will be judged according to how they treated God, unrecognised, in midst of the people.

MUSIC

The music for today’s Mass may be found here.

Praying especially for: Jacques Browne who died recently; Lily Ahern (aunt of Denise Blake) who died recently; Betty Keating who died recently; Susan Plunkett who is seriously ill, and for whom the 11:15 Mass is being offered this week; Doris Wittenberg who died recently; Mick Waldren who died recently; Monika, (sister of Chritel Gerrard) who died recently. May they, and all the faithful departed, rest in peace. May God comfort all those who mourn.

Fr Ed

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THANKS FROM THE KOUBA FAMILY

In a message from the family of Paul Kouba, the family express their appreciation:

“We would like to let you know that 850 additional euros were collected for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and Handicapped International at the Mass for Paul on Saturday.  Thank you to one and all for their presence and for their support.  Also, we would like to thank all those who helped make the Mass and the Tea and Coffee so special!”.

 

We will, of course, continue to keep them in our prayers.

Fr Ed

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JACQUES BROWNE — THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Jacques Browne, son of Ros and Pat Browne, was tragically killed in an accident in Thailand last week. There will be a service of Thanksgiving for the life of Jacques, where we will remember him, and pray for him and for his family; this service will be in the church of Belair at 16:00 on Saturday 29th November. All are warmly invited. More details to follow.

Please remember Jacques and his family in your prayers.

Fr Ed

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CHRISTMAS CARDS

Our Christmas cards are now in stock and available from the mini-shop at the back of church, or from my office at any (reasonable!) time. They are produced by Redemptorist Communications, Ireland, with all profits going to the mission and ministry of the Redemptorists. The cards are in packs of 12, with eight different designs: eight different designs. Each pack costs €10 — good value here in Luxembourg!