26 January 2014 - Ed and Fiona Collins (Part One) - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

On this week's programme, John introduces us to Ed and Fiona Collins whom he interviewed about their journey in faith.  Both are members of the Emmanuel Community based in Belfast and go on ‘Mission’ on with other members of the Community  on the third Saturday of each month in the Tallaght Shopping Centre.  

Ed has written a book entitled ‘ Heart of Love’ which details the amazing series of events that were to change their lives and as Fiona writes in the Forward 'led our two paths to become one'.  Although both were brought up in Catholic families their path in faith started differently.  Ed had a deep-rooted and solid faith where as Fiona as says 'I was caught up in the material world searching for a meaning to life and wanted my freedom'.  This week we listen to part one of a 2-part interview, which as Ed says, 'is their journey to the Sacred Heart of Jesus though Mary'.  Ed's book is available from Veritas in Belfast.  If you would like to contact Ed or Fiona, their email address is: fionaedmund@fsmail.net 


The full programme is available HERE.  The first part of Ed and Fiona's interview is available HERE.

Gospel - Matthew 4:12-23



There is usually a link between the First Reading and the Gospel of the Sunday liturgy.  Sometimes it is not easy to see the link, and other times, like today, the Gospel explicitly fulfils the Old Testament prophecy.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that the Old Testament is "an indispensable part of Sacred Scripture" (CCC 121), because it "prepare[s] for and declare[s] in prophecy the coming of Christ" (CCC 122).  In today's First Reading, the prophet Isaiah is describing the coming of the Messiah as a light that shines in the darkness.  Indeed in St. John's Gospel, Jesus explicitly tells us: "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (Jn 8:12).  Jesus is the light who reveals God as Trinity and our dignity as children of the God.
 

St. Justin described baptism as an enlightenment.  This is very true, because when we were Christened, we were 'enlightened' - we became children of light through Christ, the Light of the world.  This is symbolised by the lighting of our baptismal candle from the Paschal candle.  In Christ, baptised persons are 'the light of the world' (cf. Mt 5:14; CCC 1243).
 

January is a very dreary month.  Even though the evenings are slowly beginning to get longer and we are making our way towards spring, it can be a difficult time of the year for many people.  The darkness - whatever form that might take - may seem overwhelming.  We invite you to be the light of the world during the coming week and the coming year.  Bring the Christ-light within you to others by sharing your time, your goodness, your hope, your talents, your love with others.... as the proverb goes: "It is better to light a candle, than curse the darkness".

Reflections on this weeks gospel:

Word on Fire

Sunday Reflections

Centre for Liturgy

Liturgical odds and ends

Saints of the Week

January 27th - St. Angela Merici

January 28th - St. Thomas Aquinas

January 29th - St. Sarbelius and Barbea

January 30th - St. Aidan

January 31st - St. John Bosco

February 1st - St. Brigid, Abbess and Secondary Patron of Ireland

Notices

Celebration of Light: - for those bereaved by suicide will be held in Newcastle West church this Sunday, January 26th at 4.00pm.  All are welcome to attend. 

St. Brigid’s Day: - Customary celebrations (Rosary by candlelight and prayers) for the feast of St. Brigid will take place at St. Brigid’s Well, Shanagarry, Newcastle West on Saturday, February 1st at 7.45pm.