<\/p>\n
Continuing our reading of Matthew 22 today, the Pharisees are not impressed with Jesus\u2019 teachings and decide to \u2018entrap\u2019 him, quizzing him about paying taxes. It is a dangerous question they ask because a simple yes or no response from Jesus could mean he is reported to the authorities. Jesus has no time for this and is quite direct with them asking: \u2018Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites<\/em>?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The response is brilliant: \u2018Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor\u2019s, and to God the things that are God\u2019s<\/em>.\u2019 This text has sometimes been used to argue that religion should stay out of politics, economics or culture. However, the world we live in is one that falls short of the vision and values which Jesus preached: a dream of a world of love, peace, justice and compassion. Being a follower of Jesus means that one is actively involved in striving for this vision and this includes whatever political, economic or cultural issues we are confronted with. The focus in this passage is getting our priorities straight. Yes, give the emperor his taxes but do not forget what belongs to God i.e. God\u2019s vision for this world.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The \u2018empirical\u2019 view and the \u2018Christ-view\u2019 of issues like direct provision, homelessness, evictions, the Black Lives Matter movement, climate action\u2026 are usually very different. The pharisees, we are told,\u00a0\u2018were amazed, left him and went away\u2019<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n COLLECTIONS<\/strong><\/span> Sunday 11th October weekly collection came to \u00a31565.00 and the monthly stipend, for the support of our priests was \u00a3200. Thank you for your generosity. You can also donate via the Parish website. Click Donate on the Home Page.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n FACE MASKS<\/span> <\/strong>Should be worn (covering nose, mouth and chin) when inside our Churches. www.nidirect.gov.uk\/face-coverings<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n COVID-19 NI EXECUTIVE RESTRICTIONS AND GUIDANCE\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0You will be aware that the Northern Ireland Executive announced several interventions to curb the spread of Covid-19<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The following changes will impact on church-based activity. These Measures come into effect on\u00a0 Friday 16th October and will remain in place for four weeks. Churches will remain open and liturgy may continue. It will now be mandatory for face covering to be worn when entering and exiting the Church.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Attendance\u00a0 at funerals is to be limited to 25<\/span> persons, with no pre- or post- funeral gatherings.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n From Monday 19th October 2020, Attendance at Weddings is to be limited to 25<\/span> persons. Please note that parties to a marriage are not required to wear face coverings when entering and exiting the Church.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n PRAYER INTENTIONS:<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>We extend our sympathies to the families of those who died recently and those whose month\u2019s mind and anniversary occur at this time.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sat: Vigil 6.30pm:<\/span>\u00a0Marie & Jim Mc Greevy, Jimmy Armstrong, Rose Kennedy, Damian Wilson<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Sun: 9.30am: <\/span>Priest’s intention<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n 12.30pm:\u00a0Joe Mc Grattan<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Mon: 10am:<\/span>Priest’s intention<\/span><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Tue: 10am: No Mass<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Wed: 10am:<\/span>Priest’s intention<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Thurs:10am:<\/span>\u00a0Priest’s intention<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Fri: 10am:<\/span>Rose Mc Garrigle\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Sat: 1pm: Priest’s intention<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n In the event of a funeral, the assigned intention will be offered privately by the priest at his first available mass.<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n RecentlyDeceased: <\/span>Alice Boomer<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Those whose anniversaries occur at this time:\u00a0David Phelan, David Mc Cafferty,<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Margaret Keane,<\/strong><\/span>Kevin Gallagher, Maisie Phillips, Tom Grieve, Marie Standen, Rose Macklin,\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Nora Toal,<\/strong>\u00a0Isobel Boyle, James Press, Maureen Keenan, Una Kane, Mary Moss, Martin & Mary Sergeant, Guf Mc Cotter.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n WORLD MISSION SUNDAY\u00a0 18TH OCTOBER<\/span> <\/strong>Through our prayers, we support missionaries everywhere in spreading the Good News. And by donating we respond to Christ\u2019s call to feed the hungry and clothe the naked.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n SAFEGUARDING SUNDAY SUN 25TH OCTOBER.<\/span> <\/strong>Evening Prayer at 7pm, led by Bishop Noel Treanor, from St. Peter\u2019s Cathedral, Belfast. Join via webcam at www.churchservices.tv\/stpeterscathedral<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n ANAM CARA BELFAST<\/span> <\/strong>Monthly Parent Evening, for bereaved parents, on Wednesday 14th October at 7.20pm in the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Free and open to all bereaved parents. (Meeting subject to change, in accordance with government guidelines).<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED<\/span><\/strong> ACN Ireland\u2019s October Campaign \u201cOne million children praying the Rosary can change the world\u201d We invite parishes, nurseries, schools, and families to participate in this initiative on 19th of October. To order materials, or for more information, – contact 0035318377516 or visit www.acnireland.org <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n MASS FOR THE DECEASED TEACHERS OF DOWN AND CONNOR<\/strong> <\/span>Will be Streamed Live On Wednesday 4th November 2020 at 7.30pm from the Church of Mater Dei Cliftonville Road, Belfast Via: \u2018Diocese of Down and Connor – YouTube’ channel at: www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCEHEomhU03Y91gGFQu2-JYA Please forward by Monday 2nd November 2020 the name of any teacher from the Diocese who has died during the past twelve months for inclusion in the Mass. TO: Fr Edward McGee Down and Connor Catholic Schools\u2019 Support Service 120 Cliftonville Road Belfast BT14 6LA Tele: 028 9049 1886 Email: dctrusteeservice@downandconnor.org<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Join one of our\u00a0LIFE CHAINS<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0in towns across Northern Ireland on Saturday 24th<\/span>\u00a0October @2pm.<\/strong> <\/p>\n MAKE A DIFFERENCE (MAD) SUNDAY<\/span><\/strong> 25th October, encouraging people to make a conscious effort to do at least one simple thing to help another and, if you wish, share it on social media – #MADSunday.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Emperor\u2019s or Christ\u2019s vision? Continuing our reading of Matthew 22 today, the Pharisees are not impressed with Jesus\u2019 teachings and decide to \u2018entrap\u2019 him, quizzing him about paying taxes. It is a dangerous question they ask because a simple yes or no response from Jesus could mean he is reported to the authorities. 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(organised in accordance with government Covid 19 restrictions on outdoor gatherings).<\/span>
For more information please contact\u00a0Precious Life\u00a0on\u00a0028 9027 8484\u00a0or email\u00a0info@preciouslife.com<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n