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The Lord is still calling men to the priesthood, says Bishop Cullinan ahead of Vocations Sunday

We are not victims of chance or swept up in a series of unconnected events. On the contrary, our life and our presence in this world is the fruit of a divine vocation, says Pope Francis.

Ireland must redouble efforts for peaceful resolution in Syria

Trócaire appeals to public to send ‘SOS for Syria’ to Irish government.

Movie on Sister Clare Crockett sells out in Derry cinema

Standing ovation greets premier of movie about Irish missionary nun who died in earthquake.

Lifting of Eighth Amendment will introduce abortion on demand

“There is no going back,” says Love Both as it launches campaign for a 'No' vote.

Forty days of prayer on Croagh Patrick under way

They have one special prayer intention – the referendum on the Eighth Amendment. “Many people, of all faiths and none, strongly support the protection of life from the moment of conception to natural death,” said John Carlin, one of the organisers.

Communicating the family can be counter-cultural, says Archbishop Eamon Martin

Archbishop Eamon Martin is convinced that a constructive culture of engagement, rather than a pointless culture war, is the best way to ensure that the voice of faith, communicating the Family, can be heard.

Thought for today Saint of the day Today's Readings Sunday's Readings

Thought for today

To understand the Scriptures.

Wouldn’t it have been nice to have been present when Jesus explained to the apostles the Hebrew Scriptures about his death and resurrection – how he made the connections between the Passover supper and the Holy Eucharist; between the prophecies about his sufferings, death and resurrection and their fulfilment in his own life?

It is the mission of the Church, not just its ordained ministers, but its theologians and catechists to provide this teaching. It is also our personal responsibility. To understand and to appreciate Scriptures is the lifelong learning task of each of us, a task we fulfil by reading and reflecting on the Scriptures, by paying attention at Mass, by becoming part of a Bible study group or by attending faith-based programs.

Continuing education is essential for competence in any profession. Should we be any less committed to lifelong learning regarding our Christian faith?

Deirdre Powell
Catholicireland.net

Source: Living Faith, Daily Catholic Devotions (adapted).

Saint of the day

Apr 21 - St Beuno (7th century) abbot in North Wales

As a monk St Beuno had a reputation for being relentless with hardened sinners but compassionate to those in distress. A important Jesuit retreat house in Clwyd, North Wales, is named after this famous Welsh monk of the sixth century. Patrick Duffy tells what is known about him.

Ministry in North Wales
Beuno is said to have been born in the kingdom of Powys and educated at Bangor. As a monk he worked in North Wales - the many dedications to him in Gwynedd, Clwyd and the island of Anglesey reflect either monasteries founded by him or by his disciples. He had a reputation of being relentless with hardened sinners but compassionate to those in distress. He is especially associated with the township of Clynnog Fawr in the Llyn peninsula, where he

supposedly died and was buried.

Uncle and healer of St Winifred
Beuno is especially credited with restoring the life of his niece St Winifred (see 30th October) when an enraged suitor cut off her head on learning that she was betrothed to another (Christ?). But because of problems of chronology, scholars now posit two Saint Beunos, one (born 515) associated with St Winifred and Holywell, the other (born 575) associated with Clynnog Fawr.

St Beuno's Retreat Centre
At Tremeirchion near St Asaph in Clwyd is the Jesuit retreat house of St Beuno's which specialises in Ignatian spirituality and thirty day retreats. Formerly a theological college, the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins spent three years (1874-7) here as a theology student and it was here that he wrote some of his best poetry: God's Grandeur and The Wreck of the Deutschland.

Apr 21 - St Anselm (1033-1109)

Summry: St Anselm: bishop and doctor of the church. Born in 1033 at Aosta (Italy). Died at Canterbury (England) on this day in 1109. A monk at Bec (Normandy) where he taught theology and devoted himself to the spiritual life. Later, as archbishop of Canterbury, his bitter disputes with the king resulted in his being exiled twice. Remembered for his theological learning and writings and for organising Church life in England.

St Anselm is probably best known for his motto which sets out the purpose of theology, namely, fides quaerens intellectum ( faith seeking understanding) . But he was also a monk, abbot and holy man, who became archbishop of Canterbury during the difficult times of lay investiture. He stood up strongly to King William II (Rufus 1087-1100) of England. Patrick Duffy tells his story.

His early life
Anselm was born in Aosta, Lombardy in north-east Italy, into a land-owning family. While his father was rough and spendthrift, his mother was gentle and pious. Anselm at fifteen wanted to become a monk, but as his father would not agree, he was not accepted. Disappointed he gave up his studies. When his mother died and his father's harshness became unbearable, Anselm left home and wandered through Burgundy and France, where his mother had relatives.

Student and monk at Bec
Moving on to Normandy, Anselm was attracted by the fame of his fellow Lombard, Lanfranc, who was then prior of the Benedictine abbey of Bec. Anselm went to study there, first as a secular student, and later as a monk. When Lanfranc was made prior at Caen (1063), Anselm at the age of thirty was elected prior at Bec. The monastery soon developed into an important seat of learning.

Philosophical writings
During his time at Bec Anselm wrote his works of philosophy, the Monologion (1076) and the Proslogion (1077–8), the latter being famous for its ontological argument for the existence of God. He also wrote four philosophical dialogues: De grammatico (which is a work on Logic), De veritate (On Truth), De libertate arbitrii (On freedom of Choice), and De casu diaboli (The Fall of the Devil)

Abbot at Bec
When Herluin, the first abbot and founder of Bec, died in 1078, Anselm was elected abbot by uninimous vote of the community. He combined the spiritual and temporal demands of leadership, being a loving father to his monks and expanding the abbey's lands to good use. He became well known for his insight into human nature, the virtues and vices, but also for his devotion and asceticism. Anselm occasionally visited England to view property the abbey had acquired there, as well as to visit Lanfranc, who had now become archbishop of Canterbury.

Archbishop at Canterbury and conflict with the kings
When Lanfranc died in 1089, Anselm was the obvious choice to succeed him. But the king, William Rufus, prevaricated for four years. During this time the king strove to appropriate church lands, offices, and incomes. Eventually in 1093 when he became ill, Rufus did nominate Anselm, but they were constantly at loggerheads over lay investiture.

Exile and Return
In 1097 Anselm went into exile first in France and then to Rome, where Pope Urban II not only supported Anselm’s position, but declined his request to be relieved of his office. In the controversies with the Eastern Church which followed the split of 1054 Urban made use of Anselm's visit to help him defend the Western insertion of Filioque in the Creed and the use of unleavened bread in the West against representatives of the Greek Church at a provincial council at Bari. When King William Rufus died in 1100, Anselm returned to England, but he was again in conflict with the new king, Henry I, over lay investiture. In 1103 he once again travelled to Rome. Pope Paschal II again decided in Anselm’s favour, but the king forbade him to return to England. However, eventually there was reconciliation just before Anselm died in 1109.

Jurisdiction over Dublin
During the Norse occupation of Dublin, those who became bishops there looked more to Canterbury for their jurisdiction and their ordination than to Ireland, as until the Synod of Rath Breasail (1111) there was no real diocesan structure in Ireland and Dublin did not join that until the Synod of Kells (1152). Lanfranc ordained Giolla Patrick (1074-1084) and Donngus (1084-95), both Benedictines as bishops for Dublin. Anselm ordained Bishop Samuel Ua hAingli (1096-1121), who may also have become a Benedictine. His tomb is still to be seen in the Church of St Michan's (Church of Ireland Anglican Communion) Church today. In a charter of 1101, Anselm refers to himself as "Archbishop of Canterbury and primate of Great Britain and Ireland and vicar of the High Pontiff Paschal".

His theological writings
While archbishop in exile, Anselm wrote a number of theological works including his famous treatise on the Incarnation entitled Cur Deus Homo? His other theological works written during these difficult times include: De conceptu virginali et de originali peccato ("On the Virgin Conception and on Original Sin" 1099), De processione Spiritus Sancti ("On the Proceeding of the Holy Spirit" 1102), the Epistola de sacrificio azymi et fermentati (1106-7), De sacramentis ecclesiae (1106-7), and De concordia praescientiae et praedestinationis et gratiae Dei cum libero arbitrio ("On the Harmony of the Foreknowledge, the Predestination, and the Grace of God with Free Choice" 1107-8).

Cur Deus homo?
Anslem's best known work Cur Deus homo? ("Why did God become man?") puts forward what is called the satisfaction theory of redemption. Since the satisfaction due to God as a result of original sin was greater than what all created beings were capable of doing, God had to make satisfaction for himself. Yet if this satisfaction was going to avail for humans, it had to be made by a human. Therefore only a being that was both God and man could satisfy God and give him the honor that is due him.

Influence
Anselm's biography was written by the Anglo-Saxon monk Eadmer, who had been his friend and disciple. Though Becket tried to have him canonised, Anselm was never officially made a saint, but Pope Clement XI declared him a doctor of the Roman Catholic Church in 1720, and is he considered a saint by the Roman Catholic Church and the churches in the Anglican Communion.

Fides quaerens intellectum
Anselm's theological motto, fides quaerens intellectum ("faith seeking understanding"), has become the basis and indeed a definition for all theological enquiry: it is inspired by the text of 1 Peter 3:15: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have".

Today's Readings

English
Gaelige

FIRST READING

A reading from the Book Acts of the Apostles 9:31-42
The churches were building themselves up, were filled with the consolation of the Holy Spirit.

The churches throughout Judaea, Galilee and Samaria were now left in peace, building themselves up, living in the fear of the Lord, and filled with the consolation of the Holy Spirit.

Peter visited one place after another and eventually came to the saints living down in Lydda. There he found a man called Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, 'Aeneas, Jesus Christ cures you: get up and fold up your sleeping mat.' Aeneas got up immediately; everybody who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they were all converted to the Lord.

At Jaffa there was a woman disciple called Tabitha, or Dorcas in Greek, who never tired of doing good or giving in charity. But the time came when she got ill and died, and they washed her and laid her out in a room upstairs. Lydda is not far from Jaffa, so when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two men with an urgent message for him, 'Come and visit us as soon as possible.'

Peter went back with them straightaway, and on his arrival they took him to the upstairs room, where all the widows stood round him in tears, showing him tunics and other clothes Dorcas had made when she was with them. Peter sent them all out of the room and knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to the dead woman and said, 'Tabitha, stand up.' She opened her eyes, looked at Peter and sat up. Peter helped her to her feet, then he called in the saints and widows and showed them she was alive. The whole of Jaffa heard about it and many believed in the Lord.

The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 115
Response How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me?
Or Alleluia!

1. How can I repay the Lord
for his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise;
I will call on the Lord's name. Response

2. My vows to the Lord I will fulfil
before all his people.
O precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful. Response

3. Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make:
I will call on the Lord's name. Response

Gospel Acclamation Lk 24:46.26
Alleluia, alleluia!
We know that Christ is truly risen from the dead;
have mercy on us, triumphant King.
Alleluia!

or Jn 6: 63. 68
Alleluia, alleluia!
Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life:
you have the message of eternal life.
Alleluia!

GOSPEL

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 6:60-69
Who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life.

After hearing his doctrine, many of his followers said, 'This is intolerable language. How could anyone accept it?' Jesus was aware that his followers were complaining about it and said, 'Does this upset you? What if you should see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before?

'It is the spirit that gives life,
the flesh has nothing to offer.
The words I have spoken to you are spirit
and they are life.

'But there are some of you who do not believe.' For Jesus knew from the outset those who did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. He went on, 'This is why I told you that no one could come to me unless the Father allows him.' After this, many of his disciples left him and stopped going with him.

Then Jesus said to the Twelve, 'What about you, do you want to go away too?'
Simon Peter answered, 'Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God.'

The Gospel of the Lord.

________________________
Gospel Reflection,   Saturday, Third Week of Easter      John 6:60-69

In the course of John’s gospel, Jesus is often portrayed as asking very probing questions. We find one such question in today’s gospel reading. Jesus asks the Twelve, ‘What about you, do you want to go away too?’ In the previous verses many of Jesus’ followers are depicted as leaving Jesus because of his words about the need to eat his flesh and drink his blood. Their leaving Jesus is the occasion for Jesus to place the twelve before a moment of decision, ‘do you want to go away too?’ Jesus was probing, looking for them to make a personal decision as to whether they would stay with him or leave him like so many others. The risen Lord looks for a similar personal decision from us, asking us, ‘do you want to go away too?’ In the culture in which we live not everyone has chosen to respond in faith to the Lord’s presence and call. As a result, we each have to make a more personal and more deliberate decision for the Lord than was needed in the past, the kind of decision the Lord looks for in today’s gospel reading. As we strive to make that decision we can do no better than to make our own the response of Peter to Jesus’ question, ‘Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God’.

__________________________________

The scripture readings are taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and used with the permission of the publishers. http://dltbooks.com/

The Gospel reflection comes from: Weekday Reflections for the Liturgical Year 2017/2018; ‘LET THE WORD OF GOD DWELL IN YOU' by Martin Hogan, published by The Messenger c/f   www.messenger.ie/bookshop/
________________

Taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published and copyright 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House Inc, and used by permission of the publishers.

CÉAD LÉACHT
Sliocht as an Leabhar Gníomhartha na nAspal 9:31-42
Lean an Eaglais á tógáil féin agus ag dul i méid le cabhair an Spioraid Naoimh.

Bhí síocháin ag an Eaglais ar fud Iúdáia go léir agus na Gailíle agus na Samáire. Lean sí á tógáil féin agus ag dul chun cinn faoi eagla an Tiarna agus ag dul i méid le cabhair an Spioraid Naoimh.

Tharla nuair a bhí Peadar ar a chamchuarta go ndeachaigh sé chun an phobail naofa a chónaigh i Lioda. Tháinig sé ar dhuine ann arbh ainm dó Aenéas – pairiliseach a bhí ag coimeád na leapa le hocht mbliana anuas. Labhair Peadar leis: “A Aenéas,” ar sé, “tá Íosa Críost do do leigheas. Éirigh i do shuí agus cóirigh do leaba.” Agus d’éirigh sé láithreach. Agus nuair a chonaic muintir Lioda agus muintir Sharóin é, d’iompaigh siad go léir chun an Tiarna.

Tharla sna laethanta sin gur buaileadh breoite í agus go bhfuair sí bás. Tar éis dóibh í a thonach chuir siad ar chlár í i seomra uachtarach. Tá Lioda i ngar do Iopae agus nuair a chuala na deisceabail Peadar a bheith san áit, chuir siad beirt fhear chuige á iarraidh air teacht chucu gan mhoill.

D’éirigh Peadar agus tháinig lena gcois. Ar shroichint na háite dó thug siad in airde chun an tseomra uachtaraigh é. Tháinig na baintreacha go léir chuige ag sileadh deor agus ag taispeáint dó na léinte agus na gcótaí a dhéanadh Dorcas dóibh fad a bhí sí ina beatha.

Ach chuir Peadar gach duine acu amach agus chaith sé é féin ar a ghlúine ag guí. Ansin d’iompaigh sé chun an choirp, á rá: “A Thaibít, éirigh i do shuí.” D’oscail sise a súile agus ar fheiceáil Pheadair di, d’éirigh sí aniar. Shín Peadar a lámh chuici agus chuir ina seasamh í. Ansin ghlaoigh sé chuige an pobal naofa agus na baintreacha agus thug suas dóibh í go beo beathach. Leath an scéal sin ar fud Iopae agus chreid mórán sa Tiarna.

Briathar Dé.

Salm le Freagra Sm 115
Freagra   Cén cúiteamh a dhéanfaidh mé leis an Tiarna ina ndearna sé dom?
Malairt freagra   Alleluia!

1. Cén cúiteamh a dhéanfaidh mé leis an Tiarna
ina ndearna sé dom?
Glacfaidh mé cupán an tslánaithe,
gairfidh mé ainm an Tiarna.                        Freagra

2. Díolfaidh mé mo mhóideanna leis an Tiarna
i bhfianaise a phobail.
Is luachmhar i láthair an Tiarna
bás a fhíréan. Freagra

3. Is mise do ghiolla, a Thiarna,
sea, is mac do chailín aimsire;
Ofrálfaidh mé íobairt an bhuíochais duit;
gairfidh mé ainm an Tiarna. Freagra

SOISCÉAL

Sliocht as an Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Eoin 6:60-69
Cé chuige a rachamid? Is agatsa atá briathra na beatha síoraí.

San am sin dúirt a lán dheisceabail Íosa: “Is crua an chaint í seo, agus cé a d’fhéadfadh éisteacht léi?” Bhí a fhios ag Íosa ann féin go raibh a dheisceabail ag cnáimhseáil ina thaobh seo agus dúirt sé leo: “An bhfuil an méid seo ina cheap tuisle agaibh? Ach cad é má fheiceann sibh Mac an Duine ag dul suas mar a raibh sé cheana?

Is é an spiorad a dhéanann beoú,
ní dhéanann an fheoil aon tairbhe.
Na focail atá ráite agam libh,
is spiorad agus is beatha iad.

Ach tá cuid agaibh nach gcreideann.” Óir bhí a fhios ag Íosa ó thús cérbh iad nár chreid agus cé a bhí ar tí é a bhrath. Lean sé air: “Uime sin is ea a dúirt mé libh nach féidir le haon duine teacht chugam gan sin a bheith tugtha dó ag m’Athair.” Ansin tharraing a lán dá dheisceabail siar agus ní théidís timpeall lena chois a thuilleadh.

Dúirt Íosa dá bhrí sin leis an dáréag: “Cad mar gheall oraibhse, an mian libhse freisin imeacht?” D’fhreagair Síomón Peadar é: “A Thiarna, cé chuige a rachamid? Is agatsa atá briathra na beatha síoraí, agus chreideamar agus tá a fhios againn gur tusa Neach Naofa Dé.”

Soiscéal Dé.

AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart

Sunday's Readings

English
Gaelige

Scripture themes
This is Good Shepherd Sunday, a day of special prayer for vocations to the work of service in the Church. Christ is the goad shepherd who has given his life for his sheep. Salvation is to be found in no one else but him. He is the one shepherd of one Flock. He has laid down his life that all might be saved.

FIRST READING

A reading from the Book Acts of the Apostles 4:8.12 .
This is the only one by which we can be saved.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter said: 'Rulers of the people, and elders! If you are questioning us today about an act of kindness to a cripple, and asking us how he was healed, then I am glad to tell you all, and would indeed be glad to tell the whole people of Israel, that it was by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the one you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by this name and by no other that this man is able to stand up perfectly healthy, here in your presence today. This is the stone rejected by you the builders, but which has proved to be the keystone. For of all the names in the world given to men, this is the only one by which we can be saved.'

The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm     Ps 117
Response The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone.
or   Alleluia!

1.Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,
for his love has no end.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in men:
it is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.      Response

2. I will thank you for you have given answer
and you are my saviour.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the corner stone.
This is the work of the Lord,
a marvel in our eyes. Response

3.Blessed in the name of the Lord
is he who comes.
We bless you from the house of the Lord;
I will thank you for you have given answer
and you are my saviour.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good;
for his love has no end. Response

SECOND READING

A reading from the first letter of St John 3:1-2
We shall see God as he really is.

Think of the love that the Father has lavished on us,
by letting us be called God's children;
and that is what we are.
Because the world refused to acknowledge him,
therefore it does not acknowledge us.
My dear people, we are already the children of God
but what we are to be in the future has not yet been revealed;
all we know is, that when it is revealed
we shall be like him
because we shall see him as he really is.

The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation Jn 10: 14
Alleluia, alleluia!
I am the good shepherd;
I know my own and my own know me
Alleluia!

GOSPEL

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 10:11-18
The good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep.

Jesus said:

'I am the good shepherd:
the good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep.
The hired man, since he is not the shepherd
and the sheep do not belong to him,
abandons the sheep and runs away
as soon as he sees a wolf coming,
and then the wolf attacks and scatters the sheep;
this is because he is only a hired man
and has no concern for the sheep.
Jesus good shep1

I am the good shepherd;
I know my own and my own know me,
just as the Father knows me
and I know the Father;
and I lay down my life for my sheep.
And there are other sheep I have
that are not of this fold,
and these I have to lead as well.
They too will listen to my voice,
and there will be only one flock,
and one shepherd.
The Father loves me,
because I lay down my life
in order to take it up again.
No one takes it from me;
I lay it down of my own free will,
and as it is in my power to lay it down,
so it is in my power to take it up again;
and this is the command I have been given by my Father.'

The Gospel of the Lord.

Taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published and copyright 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House Inc, and used by permission of the publishers.

CÉAD LÉACHT

Sliocht as Leabhar Gníomhartha na nAspal 4:8-12
Níl slálú i neach ar bith eile.

Dúirt Peadar leo agus é lán den Spiorad Naomh: “A cheannairí an phobail,” ar seisean, “agus a sheanóirí, más mar gheall ar mhaith a dhéanamh do dhuine easlán atáimidne dár scrúdú inniu agus mar gheall ar an tslí inar leigheasadh é, bíodh a fhios agaibhse go léir agus ag pobal Iosrael ar fad gur in ainm Íosa Críost Nazórach – an fear a chéas sibhse ar chrois ach ar thóg Dia ó mhairbh é – gur ina ainm sin atá an duine seo ina sheasamh os bhur gcomhair ina shláinte. Is é seo ‘an chloch dar dhiúltaigh sibhse, na saoir, agus a ndearnadh di ceann an chúinne,’ níl slánú le fáil i nduine ar bith eile mar níl aon ainm eile faoin spéir dár tugadh do dhaoine lena dtig linn slánú a bhaint amach.”

Briathar Dé.

Salm le Freagra              Sm 117
Freagra An chloch dár dhiúltaigh na saoir, rinne ceann an chúinne di.
Mafairt Freagra      Alleluia!

I. Alleluia!
Tugaigí buíochas don Tiarna toisc gur maith é:
óir maireann a ghrá de shío r.
Is fearr dul i muinín an Tiarna,
ná bheith ag brath ar an duine.
Is fearr dul i muinín an Tiarna,
ná bheith ag brath ar fhlatha. Freagra

2. Gabhaim buíochas leat de bhrí gur éist tú liom
agus gur tú mo shlánaitheoir.
An chloch dár dhiúltaigh na saoir,
rinne ceann an chúinne di.
Is é an Tiarna a rinne é seo,
agus is éachtach linne é. Freagra

3. Is beannaithe in ainm an Tiarna
an té atá ag teacht.
Beannaimid sibh as teach an Tiarna;
gabhaim buíochas leat de bhrí gur éist tú liom
agus gur tú mo shlánaitheoir.
Tugaigí buíochas don Tiarna toisc gur maith é:
maireann a ghrá de shíor. Freagra

DARA LÉACHT

Sliocht as an chéadLitir Naomh Eoin 3:1-2
Feícfimid Día mar atá sé.

A clann ionúin, breathnaígí cad é mar ghrá a thug an tAthair dúinn! go nglaofaí clann Dé orainn, agus is amhlaidh sinn. Sé an fáth nach n-aithníonn an saol sinne mar nár aithin sé eisean. chairde cléibh, is clann Dé cheana féin sinn, agus níor foilsíodh fós cé mar a bheimid; ach nuair a fhoilseofar é, is feasach sinn go mbeimid ina chosúlachtsan, mar go bhfeicfimid é mar atá sé.

Briathar Dé.

Alleluia Véarsa                  Eo 10: 14
Alleluia, Alleluia
Is mise an t-aoire maith,' a deir an Tiarna.
AithnÍm mo chaoirigh féin, agus aithníonn mo chaoirigh féin mé'
Alleluia!

SOISCÉAL

Sliocht as an Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Eoin 10:11-18
Tugann an t-aoire maith a bheatha ar son a chaorach.

San am sin dúirt Íosa

Mise an sáraoire,
Tugann an sáraoire a bheatha ar son a chaorach.
An fostúch, nach bhfuil ina aoire,
agus nach leis féin na caoirigh,
feiceann sé an mac tíre ag teacht,
agus fágann na caoirigh agus teitheann,
agus fuadaíonn an mac tíre iad agus scaipeann.
[Teitheann sé] de bhrí gur fostúch é,
agus gur cuma leis mar gheall ar na caoirigh.
Ach is mise an sáraoire, Jesus good shep1

agus aithním mo chuid féin,
agus aithníonn mo chuid féin mé,
faoi mar a aithníonn an tAthair mé,
agus mar a aithnímse an tAthair.
Agus tugaim mo bheatha ar son mo chaorach. Tá caoirigh eile agam chomh maith,
nach den chró seo iad.
Ní foláir dom iad sin a thabhairt chomh maith,
agus éistfidh siad le mo ghlór,
agus beidh aon tréad amháin ann,
agus aon aoire amháin.
Mar gheall air seo atá grá ag an Athair dom
mar go bhfuilim ag tabhairt mo bheatha uaim,
chun go nglacfainn chugam arís í.
Níl aon duine á tógáil uaim;
is uaim féin a thugaim uaim í,
agus tá sé ar mo chumas í a thabhairt uaim
agus tá sé ar mo chumas í a ghabháil chugam arís.
Sin í an aithne a fuair mé ó m’Athair.”

Soiscéal Dé.

AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart

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Machtnamh ar Bhriathar Dé dia 4ú Domhnach na Cásca
Caidreamh pearsanta
Léiríonn íomhá an aoire, an nádúr pearsanta atá sa ghaol idir Íosa agus a lucht leanúna. Léiríonn sé an dlúthchúram pearsanta a dhéanann an t-aoire leis na caoirigh. Tá an t-aoire imithe ag lorg aon chaora amháin a d'imigh ar strae, agus nuair a fuair sé é, d'iompair sé ar a ghualainn é ar ais go dtí an tréad. Tá dlúthbhaint idir an tréadaí agus an caora seo. Aithníonn sé a chuid féin mar a n-aithníonn siad é, díreach mar a aithníonn an tAthair é agus go n-aithníonn Sé an tAthair. Tá Íosa ag rá go bhfuil a chaidreamh an-phearsanta san lena Athair neamhaí cosúil leis an gcaidreamh atá aige do gach duine againn. Tá go leor ann chun machtnamh air. I dtuairim an Tiarna ní rud beag i measg slua sinn, caillte i lár an aonaigh mar a déarfá. Ar bhealach nach dtuigfimid, tá aithne ag an Tiarna ar gach duine againn de réir ainm. Is mór aige sinn ar bhealach pearsanta agus iarann sé orainn teagmháil a dhéanamh leis ar bhealach pearsanta, freisin.

Pádraig Ó Rúairí, cp, Sliabh Argus, Átha Cliath.
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