St Joseph’s Church

Cowdenbeath Road,  Burntisland,  Fife KY3 0LJ

 

Tel:  01592 872207 

  

e-mail: priest.stjosephsburntisland@staned.org.uk   www.stjosephsburntisland.co.uk  

 

 

Bulletin – Friday 11^th June 2021

 

 

 

 

 

**Attendance at Mass**

Despite the Archbishop’s appeal last week, attendance at Mass is restricted to our building’s capacity of 45.  No booking is necessary for weekday Mass, but to assure a place at the Saturday Vigil or Sunday morning Mass you should reserve on Eventbrite St Joseph's Church Burntisland Events | Eventbrite     If you are unable to use Eventbrite or are having difficulties, please contact Fr James. 

 

 

Reflection for the 11^th Sunday in Ordinary Time     (Jane Mellett)

Something we may not often think about is Jesus’ earthly relationship with creation. Jesus walked everywhere, went to quiet places to pray, preached from mountains, from boats on the water; his followers included fishermen in tune with the rhythm of the sea. In Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ – On Care for Our Common Home, he reminds us that Jesus ‘was in constant touch with nature, lending it an attention full of fondness and wonder’ (Laudato Si’, 97). Jesus’ parables are full of imagery from the natural world and in today’s Gospel we have an example of this in the parable of the mustard seed. People of Jesus’ time may have preferred the image of the lofty ‘cedars of Lebanon’ to explain God’s kingdom, mustard plants however, only stand a few feet tall. Jesus is turning the ideals of power and triumph on their head. There is an ancient text which forbade planting mustard seeds in Palestinian gardens because the shrub takes over wherever it is planted and attracts unwanted birds. Author and activist, Shane Claiborne, compares it to kudzu, a wild vine that could blanket entire mountain areas, smother trees, even crack cement buildings. This mustard seed image of God’s dream for this world is one which suggests that it will grow even in places where it is not wanted, putting cracks in seemingly mighty structures.

     The New Testament not only tells us of the earthly Jesus and his tangible and loving relationship with the world. It also shows him risen and glorious, present throughout all of creation (Col 1:19-20). ‘The very flowers of the field and the birds which [Christ’s] human eyes contemplated and admired are now imbued with his radiant presence’ (Laudato Si’, 100). As we watch out for traces of the mustard seed kingdom this week, let us also embrace the joy of Christ in all of creation.

 

Children’s Liturgy online:  Resources are available on the Archdiocesan Facebook page and also  https://www.facebook.com/ChildrensLiturgy-during-lockdown-101967264838340/

 

Intercessions for daily prayer

For the Church: that the seed of faith planted in the heart of each believer may grow into a bountiful manifestation of God’s reign in the world

For a deeper love and appreciation for God’s Word: that the Word of God will nourish and enrich us as we strive to be true disciples of Jesus

For a renewal of faith: that the Spirit will enable us to live in a trusting reliance with God who is always faithful and who desires to share life with us

For growth in hope: that God’s faithful love will sustain us in times of discouragement and empower us to persevere through difficult times with the confidence that God makes all things new

For the tender shoots in our midst: that God will give abundant growth for the young, to those new to the faith, and those beginning their ministry and guide them to maturity of faith and service

For a spirit of Evangelization: that we may scatter God’s Word through our work, daily activities, and conversations so that many people may encounter Christ today

For fledgling Christian communities and new parishes and dioceses: that God will bless their efforts, confirm them in faith, and guide their activities so that the Gospel may transform hearts and society

For a bountiful harvest: that God will grant growth to crops, seasonable weather, and protection from disease so that all may be nourished and sustained by the fruits of the earth

For a renewal of stewardship: that we may recognize our gifts of time, talent, and treasure that God has entrusted to us and place these at the service of God and one another

For the sick: that God will bless and strengthen those preparing for or recovering from surgery, restore them to health, and fill their hearts with peace

For all who are in need: that God will give strength to those struggling with addictions, protection to runaway youth and refugees, and comfort to the isolated and the grieving

For the protection of the human family: that God will strengthen those who are working to defeat the Covid virus, speed resources to those in crisis, and bring healing to all who are sick

For public officials: that God will help them to fulfil their duties, seek the truth and the common good in all the issues that arise, and be open to learning from one another

For peace: that God will help world leaders to dialogue honestly so that violence may end, the weak and innocent may be protected, and that the dignity of each person may be respected

An Act of Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, 

I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. 

I love You above all things, 

and I desire to receive You into my soul. 

Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, 

come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.

Never permit me to be separated from You.  Amen.