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REFLECTION – 22nd/23rd MARCH, 2025
We’ve all had the experience of being ignored by other people and it can be very hurtful, more so if the person is a close relative, friend or family member. Being ignored is a way of deliberately insulting or hurting another person. Sometimes we have to ignore much of what is said about us but when being ignored is constant and deliberate, we can feel a sense of isolation and distress. When people we expect loyalty from ignore us frequently we begin to question the quality of their love or care.
We have this experience in our first reading today. Moses must have been thrilled to hear his name called by God while he was out tending his flock. The Israelite people were beginning to think that God had forgotten them in their distress and suffering. As Moses approached the burning bush he heard God say to him, “Moses, Moses, come no further. I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob.” God goes on to say that he has seen the suffering of his people and that he will save them from the Egyptians and lead them into a spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey. God assures Moses that he is a God who acts, who cares and whose word is to be trusted. When God speaks, something actually happens. Moses is to tell the people that God’s name is “I AM.” This is another way of saying that God is above all other “gods.” And so, Moses brings a message of hope to the Israelite people.
The Israelites will realise that God does not stand aloof from them. He does not ignore their plight. He does not stay at a distance. God is not a sideliner keeping an eye on people’s misfortunes or sinfulness or wayward ways. No, he is a God who wants to be involved in people’s sufferings. This is a wonderful revelation in the Old Testament and one which sees its fulfilment in Christ. For in Christ alone we have the complete presence of God. In Jesus we see that God is close to us, that he cares, that he is a God of love, mercy and compassion, that he is a God who desires only what is best for us. In Jesus we see our dignity and our worth in the eyes of God. We have an eternal value. In Jesus we witness the fidelity of God to us in all the situations of our lives.
“We can let go of burdens like shame, condemnation and worry, perfectionism and insecurity in our lives. And – we can cling desperately – even through tears – to the assurance that God knows us and he loves us with an infinite love. We can lay our burdens at the feet of Christ and receive what he offers himself.” (Sarah J. Hauser.) The God who told Moses that “I AM” is the God of Jesus whom we encounter in the Eucharist – a God who is forever with us, a God who forever cares and a God who is constant in his love. Let us, like the God revealed in Jesus be people who pay attention to others, care for them and offer life in fullness. We can do it.
Fr. Tony
Scoil Eoin Confirmation
Congratulations to the girls and boys from Scoil Eoin who were confirmed last Friday. We hope and pray that they will live up to the promises they made when they received the Sacrament. We would like to thank the teachers, and all involved in preparing the children for this special day in their lives.
SAINT JOHN BOSCO ICON
Sincere thanks to all parishioners and visitors who attended the special mass last Sunday, 2nd February to give thanksgiving to God for the pastoral ministry of the Salesians in our parish for fifty years since 1975. The celebration was a very joyful occasion and we are delighted to have officially blessed the Icon of St. John Bosco to honour the Salesians. The stained glass icon is over at the statues of St. Anthony and St. Ann. Now we can pray to St. John Bosco for all children and the youth of our parish as St. John Bosco is patron saint of youth. We were delighted that the Provincial, Fr. Eunan McDonnell was the main celebrant of the mass, along with other Salesians, Fr. Tom, Fr. Dan, Fr. Pat and Fr. Martin and myself with our Deacon, Rev. Jimmy Fennell assisting. Thanks sincerely to Karen, our sacristan for preparing the booklet and the prayer card. Thanks also to Colette and her team for providing the lovely tea/coffee and cakes in our Parish Centre after the mass. Many people commented on the lovely spirit in our Church for the occasion, so thanks to all who helped out in any way at the mass last Sunday. Thanks to Dave and our choir for the uplifting music for the occasion.