His Word Today: Saint Andrew

Saint Andrew, by Artus Wolffort

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Andrew, the apostle.  According to Christian tradition, he was born in 6 BC in Galilee, in the village of Bethsaida, located on the Sea of Galilee.  The New Testament explains that he was the brother of Simon Peter.  Both he and Simon were fishermen and it was on the seashore that Jesus called them: come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men (Mt 4:19).

After the death of Jesus, Andrew travelled through the region of Scythia, along the Black Sea and as far as Kiev.  He is revered as the patron saint of Ukraine, Romania and Russia.  Tradition teaches that he established the See of Byzantium (later known as Constantinople and Istanbul) in 38 AD.

Saint Andrew is said to have been martyred by crucifixion in Achaea (Greece).  Early texts report that he was bound, not nailed, to a Latin cross of the kind on which Jesus is said to have been crucified; yet a tradition developed that Andrew had been crucified on a cross of the form called crux decussata (X-shaped cross), now commonly known as a Saint Andrew's Cross — supposedly at his own request, as he deemed himself unworthy to be crucified on the same type of cross as Jesus had been.

Whereas the successor of Saint Peter is referred to as the Bishop of Rome, in the Orthodox Tradition, Saint Andrew is referred to as the First-Called.  In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the successor of Saint Andrew is referred to as the Patriarch of Constantinople.  The current Patriarch (since 2 November 1991) is Bartholomew I.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Signs

Good morning everyone,

In some parts of Canada, this past summer was one of the hottest on record.  The number of forest fires hit a record high.  Even in recent months there has been catastrophic destruction in California.  To some, these might be interpreted as fulfillments of the predictions foretold by Jesus about signs in the sun, the moon and the stars (Lk 21:25).

While such predictions appear at first glance to be dire, Jesus himself offers a word of hope.  He says: when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand (Lk 21:28).

Throughout the centuries since the time of Jesus, Christians have been encouraged to follow these words of advice. In fact, it has been our continuing belief in the promise and the hope of eternal life that has allowed us to look beyond the confines of many other situations in life that might be perceived as tragic.  Instead, our belief in the resurrection of Jesus allows us to look forward in hope, holding our heads high even in the face of unexplainable signs in the skies.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Test

Good morning everyone,

It was Saint Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits who mastered the art of discerning spirits.  Based on his work, the entire Church now benefits from the practice of listening more closely for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we attempt to seek guidance from the words and actions of Jesus.

One of the characteristics that we can often look for when seeking heavenly wisdom is that the will of God will often open possibilities for us that we ourselves could never plan.  Sometimes, it happens that following in Jesus' footsteps results in a lack of acceptance by others, even to the point where some may persecute you ... hand you over ... and put you in prison (Lk 21:12).

At times when we must face such opposition, we can often be discouraged, yet this can be precisely the time when we should remain resolute, listening ever more deeply for the whisper of divine guidance.  Jesus will always be with us; he will always listen, whenever we open our hearts and pour out our concerns; ... and he will always whisper words of reassurance and guidance as he encourages our hearts and leads us to be of service to his people.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Beauty

Good morning everyone,

From the beginning of his pontificate, our current Holy Father has continually encouraged all of us to go out.  With these two simple words, he is challenging us not to grow too accustomed to looking around us and marvelling at the things we have already accomplished, but rather urging us to continue looking beyond our own comfort zones to the situations that need our attention, and the people who are in need.

This advice might be considered a modern-day continuation of the outlook that is perceived in Saint Luke's account of Jesus' conversation with some of the people who were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings (Lk 21:5).  In response to this remark, Jesus cautioned: the days will come when there will not be left one stone upon another ... (Lk 21:6).

Today, let us heed this call to not grow comfortable, but rather to remember that we have all been sent out on a mission to go out to those who are in need of help.  It is often in such encounters that we will discover the true beauty of the most precious stones that are part of the Church: the people of God, each of whom has a story to tell.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Abandon

Good morning everyone,

Anyone who has been gifted with children knows that they learn many things even before they can speak.  They learn first and foremost by watching and by imitating the example that they see in the people who surround them.  Such impressionable minds can also provide us with inspiration to do as they do.

Were Jesus' disciples surprised by the example they saw in the temple on that day when a poor widow put two small coins into the treasury (Lk 21:2)?  Perhaps there were many others going and coming.  Perhaps they didn't even notice that poor woman until Jesus pointed her out.  That's often the way that life goes for adults: we get far too caught up in what we're doing, or in our own preoccupations to be aware of things around us.

If only we could learn a lesson from the infants we have the privilege to meet, perhaps we might learn to perceive things differently.  Who knows whether we might even learn a lesson or two from the example we see in the actions of others who are able to trust so deeply and implicitly that they are able to give out of their poverty, willing to abandon themselves into the care of a loving God.

Have a great day.

Truth

On the final weekend of the liturgical year, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe.  On this day, the gospel presents the scene where Jesus was appearing before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.  This is no ordinary trial, and for this reason, we must look deeper into the scene in order to understand what is truly going on.

Pilate was a notorious figure.  He had a reputation for being particularly cruel to anyone who did not follow his orders.  Jesus stands before him, accused of having the reputation of being considered to be the king of the Jews (Jn 18:33).  It’s very interesting to watch Pilate at work.  He is a very calculating individual.  Outside the walls of his headquarters, where he meets with religious officials, he is a politician in charge of protecting the social order and negotiating with the leaders of the people he governs, but inside, he is an individual.  He meets Jesus, but is reluctant to make a judgment about who Jesus is.

Pilate’s inability to reflect the conviction of his heart in his outward appearance caused great conflict within him.  He ultimately wanted others to make important decisions for him because he was unable to be at peace with himself.  The same is true for us: if we speak one truth but believe another, we will never be able to find peace within ourselves.

Thankfully, Jesus is always willing to help us.  He came into the world in order to testify to the truth (Jn 18:37), so if we follow him, he will always lead us to the truth.  This is not always an easy journey, because we must admit that we need his help, and we must be willing to allow him to help us.  If we can get over our own insecurities, if we can learn to trust him, Jesus will always lead us to situations where we can grow in our awareness of those in our world who are truly in need, and he will always give us the words to speak so that we can comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.

This is what Jesus did.  During his time here on earth, he did not seek any earthly measure of power or prestige.  Rather, he found ways to comfort the disturbed: the poor, the downtrodden, those who were neglected and those who were ignored; and he wasn’t afraid to disturb the comfortable, including the Jewish leaders and even the Roman governor.

Even today, we must bravely continue the work that Jesus began.  It is up to us to comfort those in our world who are disturbed, including those who mourn the loss of their loved ones, or those who feel powerless and unable to influence the world around them.  We must find ways to welcome the strangers who appear in our midst and do everything we can to make them feel at home.  At the same time, we must be courageous enough to dare to disturb those who have been lulled into complacency because they are too comfortable.

This the truth to which the Lord invites us; it is the truth which we must proclaim.

His Word Today: Saint Andrew Dung Lac

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and his companions, martyrs of Vietnam.  Born Trần An Dũng in 1795, he took the name Andrew at his baptism.  On 15 March 1823, he was ordained a priest.  This was a courageous thing for him to do, for the Church was not well regarded in that part of the world at that time.

Facing much persecution, Andrew Dũng changed his name to Lạc in order to avoid capture.  Eventually though, he was executed by beheading in the reign of Minh Mạng. Pope Leo XIII Beatified Andrew on 24 November 1900 and Pope John Paul II named him a Saint on 19 June 1988.  Today, we celebrate all the Vietnamese martyrs who perished during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries because of their insistence on remaining faithful to the gospel.

From their place in heaven, may they help us today to see the world as Jesus sees it, to look lovingly on others as He does and to trust that every one of us is destined for the beauty and joy of rising to new life.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Saint Clement

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Clement, who was probably either the second or third of the Bishops of Rome after Saint Peter,  Being charged with the responsibility to maintain the place of the Lord's house as a place of prayer (cf Lk 19:46) and to continue building up the Body of Christ in the lives of His people, Clement is believed to have held that office from the year 88 A.D. until his death in 99 A.D. (or 101 A.D).

Few details are known about Clement's life. He was said to have been consecrated (Ordained a Bishop) by Saint Peter and he is known to have been a leading member of the church in Rome in the late first century.  Clement's only genuine existing writing is his letter to the Church at Corinth in response to a dispute in which certain of the priests of the Corinthian church had been deposed. He asserted the authority of the presbyters (priests) as rulers of the church on the grounds that the apostles had appointed them to be leaders. His letter, which is one of the oldest existing Christian documents outside the New Testament, was read in churches along with other epistles, some of which later became part of the New Testament scriptures. These works were the first to affirm the apostolic authority of the clergy.

Clement was imprisoned by authority of the Roman Emperor Trajan. During that time he was recorded to have led a ministry among fellow prisoners. Thereafter he was executed by being tied to an anchor and thrown into the sea.  May this holy man intercede for us so that we too may be close to others, helping them all to recognize God's presence in their lives and the ways we are invited to live joyfully by the light of faith.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Saint Cecilia

Good morning everyone,

The gospel passage proposed for today's liturgy tells us the following about Jesus' arrival in near to the city of Jerusalem: he saw the city and wept over it, saying, 'if only this day you had known what makes for peace' (Lk 19:42).  In contrast to Jesus' sadness, the Church celebrates today the memory of one of her earliest martyrs, a saint who has brought much joy to many because of her fervent faith and her belief in the gift of peace that is the focus of Jesus' words.

Saint Cecilia is one of the most famous of the Roman martyrs.  As a young girl, she took a vow of virginity, but despite this declaration of her faith, this noble lady of Rome was forced by her parents to marry a pagan nobleman named Valarian.  During the wedding, Cecilia sat apart singing to God in her heart, and for that she was later declared the saint of musicians. When the time came for her marriage to be consummated, Cecilia told Valerian that watching over her was an angel of the Lord, who would punish him if he sexually violated her but would love him if he respected her virginity. When Valerian asked to see the angel, Cecilia replied that he could if he would go to the third milestone on the Via Appia and be baptized by Pope Urban I. After following Cecilia's advice, he saw the angel standing beside her, crowning her with a chaplet of roses and lilies.

She is said to have perished in Sicily under the Emperor Marcus Aurelius sometime between 176 and 180 AD.  May this holy woman help us with her prayers so that we too may grow ever more fervent in our faith and willing to give the testimony of our lives for the glory of our God.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: the Presentation of Mary

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today's feast is associated with an event recounted not in the New Testament, but in the apocryphal Infancy Narrative of James. According to that text, Mary's parents, Joachim and Anne, who had been childless, received a heavenly message that they would have a child. In thanksgiving for the gift of their daughter, they brought her, when still a child, to the Temple in Jerusalem to consecrate her to God. Later versions of the story (such as the Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew and the Gospel of the Nativity of Mary) tell us that Mary was taken to the Temple at around the age of three in fulfillment of a vow. Tradition held that she was to remain there to be educated in preparation for her role as Mother of God.

Joachim and Anne recognized the fact that they had been given a gift from God and offered her as a gift in return to the Lord.  The first reading for today's liturgy speaks of a vision that Saint John had of an open door to heaven (Rev 4:1).  Through this door, many favours have passed, in both directions: prayers of worship and thanksgiving ascend to the throne of God and blessings in great abundance proceed from our loving Father toward all his beloved children.

Give thanks today for all the graces: both hidden and revealed, and pray for the gift to grow evermore aware of the ways that these blessings help us to be aware of the loving presence of our God.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Appearance

Good morning everyone,

How often has it happened that we know of a person who enjoys a particular stature or level of responsibility and because of that we feel that we owe that person a certain measure of respect?  Has it ever happened that we see such people and think: I could never approach such a person, and even if I did, what would I ever say to him or her?

If we were to venture beyond the boundaries of our own comfort zones and dare to speak to such people, we might be surprised to find that even though they occupy a position that earns them a level of respect, there is still a human heart beating within them - a heart that has questions and fears just like every other heart - and that there is room for wonder and awe even in the heart of the person who appears to be most callous.  I have often wondered if this was the case with Zacchaeus.  On the outside, he was respected - even feared - by many because of the position of authority that he held, but deep within his heart he was curious about who Jesus was (cf Lk 19:3).

This curiosity led him to open his heart to welcome Jesus as he was passing by (cf Lk 19:5-6); in fact, his ability to make room in his heart to welcome Jesus made all the difference.  Can we do the same?  Are we aware that despite the successes we may have enjoyed in life there is still a thirst within our hearts to encounter Jesus?  Can we make room in our hearts for him?  Those who have, have never turned back, and his presence in our lives have made all the difference.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Transformed

Good morning everyone,

The scriptures are filled with stories of those whose lives have been transformed by personal encounters with our God.  In fact, the gospel passage proposed for today's reflection presents us with one of those encounters (cf Lk 18:35-43) and this leads us to remember and to reflect on the personal encounter that we have had with God.

Like many of the stories in the gospels, Jesus was walking along the road, travelling from one place to another.  He rarely sat still except in situations where he was teaching, and - at least during the public part of his adult life - he spent most of his time surrounded by others, encountering others and sharing with them the good news that was in his heart.  When he met the blind man who was sitting by the roadside begging (Lk 18:35), he listened to his plea (cf Lk 18:38, 40-43), and granted his request.  The result was that the man's life was transformed - as were the lives of those who witnessed that moment, and they praised God.

Have we ever dared to call out for help like that blind man did?  His words can be ours.  In times of trial, we can simply call out: Jesus, son of David, have pity on me! (Lk 18:38) and then we should prepare ourselves because Jesus answers every prayer that is uttered in faith, often in ways that will surprise us and definitely in ways that will transform us.

Have a great day.

The end that is to come

Every year, as we approach the season of Advent, the scripture passages proposed for our reflection speak of the end times.  As providence would dictate, I happened to visit with some students this past week.  The topics of our discussion were wide and varied.  Among the questions that were asked, there was a particular concern: Who made God?  In an attempt to answer this question, I explained that every one of us lives within a linear concept of time.  Each one of us can define the date of our birth and the major events of our lives to date can be plotted on a linear graph.  The graph can also be extended into the future and we can dream about what we might like to accomplish, but at some point, the line will end, and this is the point that we define as death.

Saint Mark describes that culminating moment in this way: the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken (Mk 13:24-25).  There are many in our world who would have us believe that images such as these are meant to predict the end of the world as we know it, but if we were to stop at this conclusion, we would be no better off.  In fact, we would be surrendering to the conclusions that are reached by many who are without faith.

Christians have always believed that there is another story that needs to be told.  Instead of surrender, we believe that there is always a ray of hope.  In fact, the prophet Daniel says that at that time, Michael the great prince ... shall arise (Dan 12:1) and God’s people will be delivered.  This is an image that speaks eloquently about hope, and hope is a central theme to the life of all Christians.  Hope is at the centre of our salvation history.  Hope is at the core of the Easter mystery that speaks of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection.  We should never forget that Jesus suffered, died ... and rose again, and because he rose, we too can look forward to eternal life in heaven.

When I tried to explain to the students I met this week that God lives outside the confines of time, off the grid that is created by our linear concept of time, they had a bit of difficulty understanding how this could be, but I took a chance and pushed a little further.  I encouraged them to think of physical death as the moment when we will all be invited to pass through a doorway that leads us out of a linear concept of existence, to the fullness of life which our souls will enjoy in the presence of God in heaven.

We can look forward to the fulfillment of this promise because Christ ... offered for all time, a single sacrifice for our sins ... by which he has already perfected for all time, all those who are sanctified (Heb 10:12, 14).  Christ has already paid the price for our admission into heaven.  This is the good news of the gospel, the source of our Christian hope.  The day will come for each of us when our linear concept of existence will be no more.  At that moment, Jesus will be waiting to welcome us into the glory of eternal life with him in heaven.

His Word Today: Unknown

Good morning everyone,

When some people think about the future, there is fear and trembling because the future is unknown to us, but let it not be so for those of us who are people of faith.  Jesus speaks in the gospel today about a time that will come when one will be taken and the other will be left (Lk 17:34-35).  But where will we be taken?

These words are meant to wake us up, for we can far too easily be lulled into a sense of comfort about the routine we live each day.  Instead, we need to do everything we can not to become distracted by routines, focusing rather on waiting for the coming of the Lord.  If we begin even now to train our minds and spirits to be on the lookout for him, we will develop the habit of seeking him each day, and if we seek him, we will find him, and when we are able to find evidence of his presence each day, we will have more reason to rejoice and even more reason to look for him.

And what's even more, if we develop the habit of seeking him, finding evidence of his presence and celebrating this presence every day, then when the time comes for us to be taken Home, we will have nothing to fear, for this is the day for which we long, for which we prepare every day of our mortal lives.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Behold

Good morning everyone,

While Jesus walked on this earth, he spoke on many occasions about the Kingdom of God, but despite the fact that he described many facets of this Kingdom, it was regarded by many of those who heard his words as a reality that was yet to come.  Imagine their surprise when he clarified: Behold, the Kingdom of God is among you (Lk 17:21).

Can this be true?  Have you ever witnessed this Kingdom?  The answer to both these questions is yes!  The Kingdom of God is among us, and if we have the eyes to see it, we can recognize it quite easily.  God's Kingdom exists wherever judgements are replaced by acceptance, wherever differences are outnumbered by similarities and wherever attitudes of exclusion are replaced by a willingness to go out and to encounter others.

God's Kingdom is in our midst but it is up to us to recognize it and to make it recognizable for others.  We can do this one day at a time, beginning with a willingness to see each other as brothers and sisters and to believe that we are all on a journey, together.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Awareness

Good morning everyone,

If you're like me, your life sometimes seems to be so occupied that you're barely able to keep up with the number of things that keep getting added to the to do list.  When our minds are so cluttered with the things we have to do, we often are unable to appreciate the things that are happening right in front of us. This is the lesson for today: be aware.

The gospel passage that is suggested for today speaks of an encounter that Jesus had with ten lepers (cf Lk 17:11-19). When he saw them he immediately wanted to heal them, yet there is no description of the miracle he performed.  All he said to them was: Go, show yourselves to the priests (Lk 17:14), simple words issuing a simple request.  In their haste to make their way, most of them were unaware of the fact that Jesus has already given them a gift. Only one who became aware of this gift came back to give thanks (cf Lk 17:15-16).  I wonder whether the others even realized what had happened.

It takes a lot of work to be aware of the subtle things going on around us, and not to allow ourselves to get caught up with always being concerned about the future, or about expectations and plans, or about everything that has to be done. Try today to be aware of the present moment. You might be surprised at what you discover.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, foundress of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Francesca Cabrini was born July 15, 1850, in Sant'Angelo Lodigiano, in the Lombard Province of Lodi, then part of the Austrian Empire, the youngest of the thirteen children of Agostino Cabrini and Stella Oldini, who were wealthy cherry tree farmers. Sadly, only four of the thirteen survived beyond adolescence. Small and weak as a child, born two months premature, she remained in delicate health throughout her life.

At thirteen Francesca attended a school run by the Daughters of the Sacred Heart. Five years later she graduated cum laude, with a teaching certificate. After the deaths of her parents in 1870, she applied for admission to the religious congregation of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart at Arluno. These sisters were her former teachers but reluctantly, they told her she was too frail for their life. She became the headmistress of the House of Providence orphanage in Codogno, where she taught, and drew a small community of women to live a religious way of life. Cabrini took religious vows in 1877 and added Xavier to her name to honour the Jesuit saint, Francis Xavier, the patron saint of missionary service.

In November 1880, she and six other women who had taken religious vows with her founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (M.S.C.). Cabrini composed the Rule and Constitutions of the religious institute, and she continued as its superior general until her death. The sisters took in orphans and foundlings, opened a day school to help pay expenses, started classes in needlework and sold their fine embroidery to earn a little more money. The institute established seven homes and a free school and nursery in its first five years. Its good works brought Cabrini to the attention of (the now Blessed) Giovanni Scalabrini, Bishop of Piacenza, and of Pope Leo XIII.

In September 1877, Cabrini went to seek approval of the pope to establish missions in China. Instead, he suggested to her that she go to the United States to help the Italian immigrants who were flooding to that nation in that era, mostly in great poverty. Cabrini left for the United States, arriving in New York City on March 31, 1889, along with six other sisters. Life in the United States was not easy, but Frances obtained the permission of the archbishop to found an orphanage, which is located in West Park, New York today and is known as Saint Cabrini Home.

She organized catechism and education classes for the Italian immigrants and provided for the needs of the many orphans. She established schools and orphanages despite tremendous odds. She was as resourceful as she was prayerful, finding people who would donate what she needed in money, time, labor, and support. In New York City, she founded Columbus Hospital and Italian Hospital. In the 1980s, they were merged into Cabrini Medical Center. The facility closed in 2008.

In Chicago, the sisters opened Columbus Extension Hospital (later renamed Saint Cabrini Hospital) in the heart of the city’s Italian neighbourhood on the Near West Side. Both hospitals eventually closed near the end of the 20th century. Their foundress’ name lives on in Chicago's Cabrini Street.

She founded 67 institutions: in New York; Chicago and Des Plaines, Illinois; Seattle; New Orleans; Denver and Golden, Colorado; Los Angeles; Philadelphia; and in countries throughout South America and Europe. Long after her death, the Missionary Sisters would achieve Cabrini's goal of being missionaries to China. In only a short time, after much social and religious upheaval there, the Sisters left China and, subsequently, a Siberian placement.

Cabrini was naturalized as a United States citizen in 1909. She died of complications from dysentery at age 67 in Columbus Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, on December 22, 1917, while preparing Christmas candy for the local children. By that time, she had founded 67 missionary institutions to serve the sick and poor and train additional sisters to carry on the work.

Her body was originally interred at Saint Cabrini Home, an orphanage she founded in West Park, Ulster County, New York.  Her body was exhumed in 1931 as part of the canonization process. At that time, her head was removed and is preserved in the chapel of the congregation's international motherhouse in Rome. An arm is at the national shrine in Chicago, while most of the rest of her body is at the shrine in New York.  Mother Frances Cabrini was Beatified on 13 November 1938 and Canonized on 7 July 1946.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Saint Josaphat

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Josaphat (1580-1623) a Polish-Lithuanian monk who served as Archeparch (Archbishop) in the Ruthenian Catholic Church.  Ioann Kurntsevych was born in Volodymyr, Volhynian Voivodeship, in the Lesser Poland Province of the Polish Crown (now Ukraine).  He was baptized into the Eastern Orthodox Church.  As a young man, he proved to be gifted in languages; he studied Church Slavonic and memorized most of the Horologion (the Book of the Hours).

In 1604, while in his early 20s, he entered the Monastery of the Trinity (which was home to the Order of Saint Basil the Great in Vilnius) and was given the religious name Josephat.  Five years later, in 1609, after having completed private studies, Josephat was ordained a priest.  He was subsequently appointed hegumen (prior) of several monasteries.  On 12 November 1617, he was consecrated as Bishop and later became the Archeparch of Polostok.

Throughout his time of service in Polostok, there were great temptations to sin (cf Lk 17:1). Josaphat faced the daunting task of bringing the local populace to accept union with Rome.  He faced stiff opposition from some of the monks who feared the liturgical Latinization of the Byzantine Rite, yet he continued his efforts to promote peace and unity.  On 12 November 1623 he was killed by angry mob in Vitebsk, Vitebsk Voivodeship, in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (now in Belarus). He was Beatified on 16 May 1643 and Canonized on 29 June 1867.

Through his intercession, may the strength of faith continue to grow, especially among the people he once was called to serve so that their faith - and ours - may continue to grow.

Have a great day.

Lest we forget

This weekend we celebrate Remembrance Day.  One hundred years ago today the armistice (the agreement to end the First World War) was signed.  We remember and we give thanks for the men and women who have given their lives in the pursuit of peace.

The spirit of sacrifice is the focus of our attention as we remember the gift that has been given by those who fought in the World Wars, in the Korean War, in Vietnam and in Afghanistan.  The spirit of sacrifice is also apparent in the lives of the men and women who are currently serving in our Armed Forces and in a variety of peace-keeping roles.

The spirit of sacrifice is also a central focus in all the readings that we have heard today.  In the first reading, the prophet Elijah has travelled to Zarephath, where he encounters a widow who is gathering sticks.  When he calls out to her and asks for water and something to eat, she explains: I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar and a little oil in a jug; I am now gathering ... sticks so that I may go home and prepare it ... so that we may eat, and then we will die (1 Kings 17:12).  Despite her dire situation, she sacrifices some of her meagre provisions in order to prepare bread for her visitor, and she is rewarded for her generosity (cf 1 Kings 17:15-16).

We see another example of sacrifice in the gospel.  In this case, Jesus points out the difference between those who are putting on a show of righteousness and those who sincerely seek to give what they have received with no regard for their own gain, like the poor widow who places two small copper coins in the temple treasury.  Understanding her sacrifice, Jesus says of her: Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all the others (cf Mk 12:43).

The examples provided by our war veterans and by the two widows mentioned today in the biblical accounts should always challenge us to live more and more authentically according to the gospel.  This is never easy to do.  The temptation is always for us to seek recognition for the things we do, or for the sacrifices that we make.  We can even fool ourselves into thinking that we have gone to great lengths to help others, but in truth what we really seek is control of a given situation or to ignore legitimate authority in order to achieve what we desire.  Following such human motivation only leads us down the path of the scribes who liked to walk around in long robes ... to be greeted with respect ... and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets (Mk 12:38-39).

Instead, an authentic spirit of sacrifice is born out of love, and it was love that was at the heart of Christ’s gift of himself.  It always boggles my mind to think that our God, who created the universe and everything that it contains humbled himself to become one of us, and even more, that he was willing to sacrifice himself not for any human measure of gain but rather to enter into heaven itself (cf Heb 9:24).  We cannot outdo God in His goodness or His level of generosity but we can strive to be like him by trying our best to live according to a spirit of sacrificial love.

His Word Today: Saint Leo the Great

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Leo the Great.  Born approximately in the year 400 AD in Tuscany (Italy), he was from an aristocratic family.  By the year 431, he was a deacon and sufficiently well known outside of Rome for his wisdom and his ability to settle disputes.  In fact, it was while he was absent from Rome and settling disputes in the territory of Gaul (France) that Pope Sixtus III died (11 August 440) and on 29 September of that same year, Leo was unanimously elected to succeed Sixtus III as Bishop of Rome.

Pope Leo was deeply dedicated to serving the Church. He saw himself as privileged to sit in the Chair of Saint Peter, as the servant of the servants of God. Over time, Leo became known as one of the best administrative popes of the ancient Church. But, he was so much more.  During his reign, he tirelessly fought to preserve the unity of the Church and its faith; and to ensure the safety of his people against invasions from armies which sought to destroy the Church and the Christian influence on culture which she brought to bear.

Pope Leo I focused his pontificate on four main areas. He continuously worked to oppose and root out numerous heresies which were threatening the Western Church. Among them were Pelagianism, which involved denying Original Sin and failing to understand the necessity of God's grace for salvation.  At the foundation of the Pelagian error was the mistaken notion that we can perfect ourselves without God's grace and assistance.

The other major heresy threatening the Church was Manichaeism.  This heresy denied the goodness of the human body, creation, and even matter itself. It failed to understand the full implications of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. In fact, it denigrated the human body. In short, it viewed everything material as evil. That denies the very teaching of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. It also rejects the very heart of the Gospel message.

During this same period, some Eastern Christians began questioning the teaching of the Church concerning the relationship between Jesus' humanity and his divinity, and how to articulate this mystery of the Christian faith.  In response, Leo resolved the doctrinal controversy with a letter setting down the Church's official teaching on Jesus Christ as One Person with a human and a divine nature which could not be separated. This profound and theologically astute letter reconciled the disputing parties. It preserved the core teaching concerning Jesus Christ. Finally, it affirmed the fullness of what occurred in the Incarnation, as well as its implications for all men and women who are baptized into Jesus Christ.  To this day, Leo's letter is heralded and praised, not only for bringing peace, but for preserving the fullness of Christian truth and doctrine. It helped the whole Church to enter more fully into the heart of the Gospel message of who Jesus is - and who we can become in Him, as we cooperate with grace.

Along with his dynamic faith and outstanding theological wisdom, Pope Leo I was also courageous. He led Rome's defence against Attila the Hun's barbarian invasion on Italy in 452, by taking on the role of peacemaker.

Pope Saint Leo focused heavily on the pastoral care of his people. He inspired and helped to foster charitable work in areas of Rome affected heavily by famine, refugees and poverty. To him, being a Christian was not only about embracing the fullness of the Gospel theologically but living it out in a world filled with hurt, suffering and needs.

Pope Leo I was renowned for his profoundly spiritual sermons. With his words, Leo could reach the everyday needs and interests of his people. It was his reputation as an instrument of the call to holiness, well-versed in Scripture and ecclesiastical awareness that helped him become one of the greatest popes in the history of the Church.

Leo died on November 10, 461. He wished to be buried as close as possible to Saint Peter's tomb. His body was first laid in the entrance of Saint Peter's Basilica but was later moved inside the basilica in 688.

In 1754, Pope Benedict XIV proclaimed Leo I a Doctor of the Church. Pope Leo I faithfully and unequivocally held to the belief that everything he did and said as pope represented Jesus Christ, and Saint Peter. He discharged his office, and vocation, with dynamic faith, great pastoral care and excellence.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Rome's Cathedral

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Dedication of the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome.  The Lateran Basilica is the oldest and highest-ranking of the four major Basilicae in Rome (Saint John Lateran, Saint Peter's, Saint Mary Major and Saint Paul Outside the Walls).

The Basilica of Saint John Lateran is the cathedral of the diocese of Rome, the official ecclesiastical seat of the Holy Father, the Bishop of Rome, not Saint Peter's Basilica as so many mistakenly believe. The Basilica is also called the Church of Holy Saviour or the Church of Saint John the Baptist. In ancient Rome this was the church where everyone was baptized. It is the oldest church in the West, built in the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine and consecrated by Pope Sylvester in 324 AD. This feast became a universal celebration in honour of the Archbasilica, the ecclesiastical mother church, called the mother and mistress of all churches of Rome and the world (omnium urbis et orbis ecclesiarum mater et caput), as a sign of love for and union with the See of Peter.

The gospel passage for today's liturgy presents Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem where he overturns tables and chases money changers and merchants out of his Father's house (cf Jn 2:16).  As we celebrate this important day in the history of our Church, we can ask ourselves if there have been times when we have not given a place of honour to our relationship with Jesus.  If so, we can ask Him to help us make room in our hearts for prayer.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Rejoice

Good morning everyone,

Was there ever a time when you absolutely rejoiced at the arrival of a houseguest?  Think about it ... was there a time when you remember being so excited to see someone that you just couldn't wait?  This is the way that our God reacts when we come home, and this is the image that Jesus was trying to explain to the Pharisees and scribes in today's gospel passage.

He used the images of a lost sheep (Lk 15:3-7) and a lost coin (Lk 15:8-10) to give us an idea of how much we are loved and cared for by our God ... to the point where he is willing to leave everything else behind in order to come looking for us.  Can you even imagine someone loving another person so much that he or she would be willing to stop everything else in order to care for the one who is loved?  That's just a glimpse at the love that God has for us.

Today, we rejoice because our God loves us so deeply that He is willing to leave everything in order to find us and to bring us back to the community of believers we are meant to live with.  Our God loves us so deeply that He is willing to stop everything else in order to light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until He finds us (cf Lk 15:8).  We are so loved that today - and every day - can be a joyful adventure.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Alternatives

Good morning everyone,

There is a tried and true process to making wise decisions.  Whenever there is a choice to be made, and especially when those choices will have long-lasting repercussions, we should always take time to consider alternative solutions - all the alternatives - before resolving such questions.

We see evidence of this principle in the gospel account today ((Lk 14:25-33).  Jesus is travelling with a great crowd of people and on the way, he is trying to encourage them to make wise decisions about whether they should continue to follow him or not.  He encourages them to consider the alternatives: If anyone comes to me without being willing to carry his cross ... cannot be my disciple (Lk 14:26-27).

Being a disciple of Jesus sometimes means that we must be physically separated from those we love - and this is indeed very counter-cultural, but discipleship does not mean that we must be entirely cut off from those we love.  In fact, in most cases, we come to love those who God chooses to share the journey with us.

Perhaps today we can consider a few questions: What cross (or crosses) has the Lord asked me to carry in order to be his disciple?  Can I ... do I joyfully accept the challenges entrusted to me and see them as opportunities to grow closer to Jesus, to experience his love for me and to share the joy of discipleship with others?

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Invited

Good morning everyone,

The gospel passage proposed for today's meditation demonstrates the abundant generosity of our God.  Attempting to explain what it is like to be invited to sit at the table in heaven, Jesus describes a scene where invitations are issued for guests to attend a banquet, but when the time for the dinner came, those who were invited declined the invitation, choosing instead to concentrate their efforts on other matters (cf Lk 14:15-24).

The wonderful news that is placed before us today is the fact that each of us has received an invitation to the Lord's banquet.  We do not know exactly when we will be ushered into the hall, but we know that the time is coming.  The question that we must constantly be aware of is whether or not we will be ready and waiting to enter when the meal is ready, or whether we ourselves will be preoccupied with some other matter.

Perhaps we should take stock of our own situation today: knowing that I have been invited to attend the Lord's banquet, is there something else that is preoccupying my thoughts and actions?  When the word goes out that the doors to the banquet hall have been thrown open, will I be tied down by some other commitment because I have been focused on things not of God?  What concerns preoccupy me?  Which ones are focused on God, and can I free myself from any that do not concern Him?

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Daring

Good morning everyone,

Many if not all of us have been invited - at some time or another - to luncheon and dinner parties at the homes of others.  In fact, we ourselves have most probably reciprocated and invited friends and relatives to dine at our tables.  What wonderful memories are created around such tables, yet Jesus invites us to consider issuing a different sort of invitation: one that challenges us to go beyond the confines of our own comfort and to dare to experience something new.

While he himself was sharing a meal as an invited guest, Jesus dared to challenge his host: When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your brothers or your sisters, or your relatives or your wealthy neighbours ... rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind (Lk 14:12-13).  This invitation is issued to us today, but in order for us to accept it, we must also be prepared to make ourselves vulnerable, to set out on a journey that necessitates stretching ourselves beyond the limits of our usual comforts, yet to do this also holds the promise of growth and maturity.

Embracing a life of faith will often take us to places that we would not normally visit, and open for us adventures from which we might normally shy away, but these adventures also help us to appreciate the gifts that we have.  Give thanks today for any opportunity to invite unexpected guests to sit at your table, and be prepared for something new.

Have a great day. 

The greatest Commandment

Many years ago, while I was not yet a Seminarian but during the time when I was considering the possibility of being a priest, three of my school friends and I were given an opportunity to visit on a weekly basis with four children who were living at a place called Saint Agatha’s Village – located outside Waterloo, Ontario.  Once a week, we would spend a few hours with these boys.  We knew that each of them was a ward of the state, but we did not realize how deeply their emotional scars had been implanted.  One of the boys was a pyromaniac, another had been adopted – along with his sister, only to be returned to the orphanage because the adopting parents preferred to keep the girl rather than the boy.  Each of them had their own stories to tell, and our task was to listen.

I have thought about this experience from time to time across the many years that have come and gone since that time.  I have continued to pray for those boys, often wondering where they are now and what adventures they have experienced.  I wonder if they were ever able to trust another human being.  People with such deep emotional scars often find it difficult to trust because trust can only be built up when we are at least reasonably confident that the other person truly has our interests at heart.  It takes a long time for some people to trust others, especially those who have been hurt, those who have been rejected and those who have been wounded.

I still wonder – even after so many years – what image those boys have of God.  What horrendous things they must have seen and experienced.  Despite the constant efforts of many others who were undoubtedly part of their lives – such as the staff who cared for them, the psychotherapists who may have worked with them, and even visitors and mentors such as those four young men who came to visit each week, those boys most certainly had a different concept of who God is.

I wonder, if we were ever able to ask them the question that was asked of Jesus in today’s gospel, how would they respond?  Which commandment is the first of all? (Mk 12:28)  I cannot imagine what they may have thought of a word such as commandment, and if someone were to ask them about their image of Jesus, I doubt whether they would have said that He is a loving God.  They themselves had encountered so little love!

From the beginning of time, God has always wanted to live in peace with us, and God has always wanted us to live in harmony with each other.   In today’s first reading, we hear Moses calling out to the people: May you and your children, and your children’s children fear the Lord – perhaps it would be better understood if we were to substitute the word respect for the word fear - ... and keep all his decrees (Deut 6:2).  These words were meant to be a blessing, not a curse.

How much love have we encountered in our lives?  The presence of love – or the lack of it – will affect the way we hear the words that Jesus spoke to the scribe that day: You shall love the Lord your God ... and you shall love your neighbour as yourself (Mk 12:30-31).

His Word Today: Saint Martin de Porres

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church remembers and prays with Juan Martín de Porres Velázquez, a Peruvian-born man who is revered as the patron saint of mixed-race people, barbers, inkeepers, public health workers and all those who seek harmony between people of different racial backgrounds.

Saint Martin de Porres was born in Lima (Peru) on December 9, 1579.  His father was a Spanish nobleman and his mother was a slave, though these two were never married.  After the birth of Martin's sister, his father abandoned the family and left his mother to raise her two children on her own.  She did this by taking in people's laundry, but despite her best efforts, Martin and his sister grew up in poverty.  In fact, after having living in residence at a primary school for two years, he was entrusted to the care of a barber/surgeon so that he could learn the medical arts.  Through all of this, he spent hours each night in prayer.

At the age of fifteen years, Martin asked for admission to the Dominican Convent of the Rosary in Lima, where he served first as a servant boy and later was promoted to almoner (a chaplain who is in charge of distributing money to the poor).  In addition to his barbering and the medical arts, he also took on kitchen work, laundry and cleaning.  After eight years living and working among the Dominicans, they finally allowed him to take Religious Vows as a Dominican lay brother, although he was never ordained a priest.

Martin was devoted to working with the poor.  He established an orphanage and a children's hospital, all the while maintaining an austere lifestyle which included fasting and abstaining from meat.  Many miracles have been attributed to him including the ability to levitate and to bilocate.  He had what appeared to be miraculous knowledge and was known to perform instantaneous cures.

Martin died on 3 November 1639 and many people called for his beatification and canonization, however it was not until two centuries later that he was invited to move up to a higher position (Lk 14:10) On 29 October 1837, he was Beatified by Pope Gregory XVI and it was Pope John XXIII who canonized him on 6 May 1962.

Today, we ask Saint Martin de Porres to intercede for all of us and to help us see others as Jesus sees them, as brothers and sisters, as sons and daughters of a loving Father.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: All Souls

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed, otherwise referred to as All Souls day.  Immediately after having spent All Saints' day rejoicing with those of our predecessors in faith who we believe are now among the Saints, today we remember and pray for all those who have endeavoured to live virtuous lives here on earth (cf Wis 3:1) but who have not officially been recognized among the saints.

It is customary for Christians to visit graveyards on this day if we can, or at lest to pray for the repose of the souls of our loved ones and to offer our prayers, asking the Lord to welcome our loved ones into heaven.  Naming our loved ones in prayer places them before the throne of God and our prayers for them will help them to complete their journey home.

We remember our loved ones today and give thanks to God for the holy lives that they led.  We pray for them and we pray also for those who have no one to remember them in prayer before the Lord.  May He who has created us, and who longs for the day when we will be reunited for all eternity in our heavenly home turn his merciful gaze toward us and toward all those who still long to see his face.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: All Saints Day

Good morning everyone,

Today the church celebrates the Solemnity of All the Saints, otherwise known as All Saints' Day.  The  Christian celebration of All Saints' Day focusses on the commemoration of all those who have attained the beatific vision in heaven.  During the five years of his pontificate thus far, Pope Francis was canonized a total of 42 new Saints.  The most recent of these where canonized on October 14 of this year - during the celebration of the XV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.

 It might be helpful to look back today and to remember at least some of those who have been canonized over the last five years, including: Saint Marie of the Incarnation (28 October 1599-30 April 1672), a missionary Ursuline Nun who founded the Ursuline Order in Canada; Saint François- Xavier de Montmerency-Laval (30 April 1623-6 May 1708), the first Bishop of Quebec City (Canada); Saint John XXIII (25 November 1881-3 June 1963) who served as the Bishop of Rome from 28 October 1958 until his death; Saint John Paul II (18 May 1920-2 April 2005) who served as Bishop of Rome from 16 October 1978 until his death; Saint Louis and Saint Marie-Azélie Martin, parents of Saint Thérèse de Lisieux; Saint Teresa of Calcutta (26 August 1910-5 September 1997); Saint Francisco Marto (11 June 1908-4 April 1919) and his sister Saint Jacinta Marto (5 March 1910-20 February 1020) who witnessed the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima; Saint Paul VI (26 September 1897-6 August 1978) who served as Bishop of Rome from 21 June 1963 until his death; and Saint Oscar Romero (15 August 1917-24 March 1980) the Archbishop of San Salvador (El Salvador) who was martyred because he spoke out in favour of the poor.

These holy men and women are part of a great cloud of witnesses (Heb 12:1) who are constantly interceding for us in heaven.  How lucky we all are to have such celestial heroes on our side!

Have a great day.