A SPECIAL MASS FOR NEW YEARS EVE

On next Wednesday 3 1 st Dec there will be a special evening mass at 7.30pm to mark the end of 2008 and the beginning of the New Year. This mass will be in the Parish Church.

A USEFUL WEBSITE FOR 2009 www.sacredspace.ie For those wishing to some enlightened words into their daily lives, this is an excellent that delivers a prayer right to your desktop.  Simple in design, it packs h in the depth of knowledge and information and allows you to select from various days of the week in many languages hence will appeal congregation particularly.  It also offers a text version for usage on mobile devices for those wishing to pray while on the move such as public transport.  Worth a look if you have a few minutes to spare at your PC.

FOR YOUR NEW DLARY Tuesday 20th/27th January & Tuesday 3rd/lOth/17th February 2009.  Singing in the reign: A five night introduction to the Psalms.  Presented by: Sean Brennan.  Venue: Frankfield / Grange Parish Centre.  Time: 8.00pm to 9.30pm each night.  Organised by Cork & Ross Office of Adult Religious Education.  Cost: 20 ( 10 senior citizens/students).  Booking & information:       Call Cork & Ross ARE Office 021 4357765.

The word of God doesn't deal in half measures, even when telling a story. Take today's first reading, from Genesis. Adraham, incredibly, becomes a father at the overripe age of 100. And Sarah, advanced in years and barren all her life, gives birth to the child. The message is clear and challanging: nothing is impossible with God.

Whats also clear is that God's gift of life blossoms in spite of all threats to it.

In Isaac's case, parents so old they could die while he is still an infant. What would ahppen then? But God is not stupid, confused or whimsical. Nobody and nothing can thwart God's plan. Even when its seems, incomprehensively, that God wants Issac dead you know that ther's something else at stake. That's the conviction that you can't go wrong by being faithful to God's will - even when it seems to make no sense.

Did it make sense for Jesus to be conceived out of Wedlock? Not a good start to life. Did tongues wag? Did it make sense for Jesus to be crucified as a despsied criminal? Not a good end to life. Did fingers point? Yet God was fulfilling a plan in spite of it - and continues to do so today.

Today's feast has an important message for all families, but especially those experiencing difficulties. Wagging tongues, pointing fingers and apparent failure in life mean nothing to God. What count are: integrity, faith in God's promise and the courage to take God at God's word and act upon it - in full measure.