DUNGANNON
Drumglass Killyman Tullyniskin

Dear Parishioners,

There are times when we might be able to relate to Job’s sense of weariness as described in today’s first reading:  “is not life on earth a drudgery?”; “assigned to months of misery”; “troubled nights”; “restless until dawn”; “my life is but a breath”.  Renowned more often for his patience, Job, in this instance, seems to be overwhelmed with the burdens of life and he complains bitterly to the Lord.  He reminds us that the prayer of lament is legitimate and honest - it is good to pour out our souls to the Lord.

In the gospel, St Mark gives us a description of a typical day in the life of Jesus.  Here too there is a sense of Jesus being overwhelmed by the demands of people and the urgency of proclaiming the Kingdom of God.  Jesus appears to be under enormous pressure: constantly on the move, dealing with crowds of people, attending to their many needs and responding to their requests for healing of body and spirit while silencing the devils because they knew who he really was.  It’s interesting, however, to note that in the midst of his heavy schedule, Jesus takes time to attend to his own inner needs.  “Early in the morning, long before dawn, he goes off to a lonely place to pray.”  In the half-light of day we observe the God-Man in prayer.  This contact with the Father is undoubtedly a much needed source of energy and inspiration that gives Jesus the ability to fulfil his mission.

We too must turn regularly to the Lord so that he can replenish our spirits and nourish our hearts.  “Lord, we know who you are; we come to you in the grey light of dawn; in the blistering heat of noontide; and when the world is weary at nightfall and we know that you are attentive to our cries”. 

Today’s psalm also expresses the praise that is due to God as the source of all healing.  The response is particularly appropriate:

                        “Praise the Lord who heals the broken-hearted”.

It is helpful to remember that in praying this psalm or any psalm we are never on our own.  In this psalm, Jerusalem represents the Church.  So we are asking that the Lord will build up the Church so damaged in recent times: that the exiles, those who have drifted away from religious practice, will return to their baptismal homeland: and that all emotional wounds will receive proper attention.

With every blessing,
Colum Curry PP

Church of St. Patrick's (1876)

Church of St. Malachy, Edendork (1814)

Church of St. Brigid, Killyman, (1786)

Church of Sacred Heart, Clonmore, (1837)

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