His Word Today: Courage

Good morning everyone,

The scripture passage that is proposed for our meditation today, a part of the gospel according to Saint Luke, demonstrates the great courage with which Jesus went about proclaiming the Word of God.  Some Pharisees came to Jesus (Lk 13:31) to warn him: Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.  Herod's reputation preceded him, and it was terrifying.  He did not suffer fools, and he always got his way.

It is interesting to see that in this passage, the Pharisees - those who often questioned Jesus' teachings - were actually looking out for him.  Despite the fact that Jesus challenged the Pharisees, they respected him and wanted to do what they could to protect him.  However, Jesus reacted not with fear but rather with great reassurance and courage.

The root of this courage is security in the knowledge that Jesus was - and is - constantly and deeply loved.  Because he was sure of this love, he had no worry about having to curtail his proclamation of the Gospel.  Like him, we too can take comfort in the security of God's love for us.  We too can rely on the constancy of His truth: a truth that is more powerful than any other voice that might seek to weaken it.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Last and first

Good morning everyone,

Today, we encounter Jesus as he is making his way to Jerusalem.  Someone asks him: 'Lord will only a few people be saved?' (Lk 13:23)  These are words that demonstrate a certain level of discouragement because it would seem that the road that Jesus is walking is very difficult.  Yet Jesus offers a word of encouragement: Strive to enter by the narrow gate (Lk 13:24).

There is always a way to remain faithful.  Jesus will always point us in the right direction.  The path that we are called to walk will not always be easy: it may at times require us to make difficult decisions - to enter by the narrow gate - but there will always be a way, and Jesus will always be willing to help us to find our way.

When life seems to be difficult, when it looks like all things are dark, we need only ask for the light of faith.  Faith is our response to the free gift of love that we receive from our God.  Today, let us ask for this gift, and let us also ask that God's presence in our lives may help us to find the narrow gate, the path that we must travel today.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Not ours

Good morning everyone,

We human beings can become very focused on the efforts we expend and the results that those efforts bring about, but when it comes to the work of God, we are powerless.  Although we cooperate in the work of God by offering our talents and gifts to be used, in the end, all we can do is sit back and marvel at the way that God is at work in and around us.

Jesus hints at this in today's gospel when he compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed and to yeast (cf Lk 13:19, 21).  In each case, grains of mustard and of yeast appear to be extremely small, even inconsequential, yet if a mustard seed is planted, if yeast is bloomed, they have the potential to grow into beautiful creations.

Our own efforts may seem overwhelming for us at times, and still appear to be inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, but if we ask, God can and will use our efforts, even the most meagre of offerings, to do great things.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Saints Simon and Jude

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates and prays with two saints - Simon (also referred to as the Zealot) and Jude.  Both are mentioned in the scriptures at the naming of the twelve (cf Lk 6:12-16).  Actually, there were two of the disciples who had the name Simon and there were two who had the name Judas.

One of the Simon's was the one who was re-named Peter, but that is not the one who is celebrated today.  Today, we focus on Simon the Zealot. The Zealots were a Jewish sect that represented an extreme of Jewish nationalism. For them, the messianic promise of the Old Testament meant that the Jews were to be a free and independent nation. God alone was their king, and any payment of taxes to the Romans—the very domination of the Romans—was a blasphemy against God.  Simon is not mentioned in the scriptures except as part of the complete list of the apostles.

Like the Simons, there were also two of the disciples named Judas.  The first and more well-known was the one who ultimately handed Jesus over to the authorities, but the second one is the one who is celebrated today.  Perhaps out of shame over the outcome of Judas Iscariot, this second Judas is more well-known by the name Jude.

Simon and Jude are considered among the minor apostles, yet today we ask them to pray with us.  May they who witnessed the love of Jesus first-hand intercede for us so that Christ's love may be made known in our lives and in our hearts.

Have a great day.

The Christian's Mission

Throughout the month of October, we have been reflecting on the mission that all Christians are called to fulfill.  Week after week, we gather to celebrate the Eucharist.  Jesus, who is the host at this gathering, welcomes us, instructs us and feeds us with the special food that is only available at this table.  Then he sends us out into the world so that we can share the good news of the love we have encountered here with others.  Day after day, we share with our brothers and sisters the good news of God's mercy that we have discovered in our own lives, and God continues to work in the hearts of others who have heard our words, encouraging them to discover the joy of knowing Him.

In the early centuries of Christianity, many who witnessed the joy that was part of the everyday life of those who followed Jesus would wonder what it was that caused them to be so convinced.  One writer said it this way: Christians are indistinguishable from other people, either by nationality, language or customs.  They do not inhabit separate cities of their own, or speak a strange dialect, or follow some outlandish way of life ... They live in their own countries as through they were only passing through ... but for them their homeland, wherever it may be, is a foreign country (Letter to Diognetus).

We hear an echo of this conviction in the words of the tax collector who is mentioned in today's gospel.  Knowing that he was in the presence of God, all he could bring himself to say was: O God, be merciful to me a sinner (Lk 18:13) and as he wrote to Timothy, Saint Paul was very aware of the fact that his time on earth was drawing to a close, yet he was convinced that there was another destiny to which he was heading.  I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand ... from now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge will award to me on that day (2 Tim 4:6-8).

This past week, we celebrated the liturgical Memorial of Saint John Paul II.  On the day when he began his pontificate, crowds of people filled Saint Peter's Square in Rome, all of them eagerly wanting to hear the words he would speak.  The words of that first homily still ring out across the years that have come and gone: Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and to accept his power (Homily for the Mass of Inauguration, 22 October 1978).  Throughout the following 27 years, the Polish Pope travelled the world, greeted people young and old, rich and poor, and all the while, he continued to encourage us with the same words: Do not be afraid!

The mission of the Church is still the same today as it always has been.  The Lord always hears the cry of the oppressed.  The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint (Sir 35:12-14).  We must never be afraid to cry out to God in our time of need, or to cry out to God when we recognize the needs of others ... and we should never be afraid to welcome Christ, to accept his power and to joyfully share with others the goodness that our God has made known to us.

His Word Today: Willingness

Good morning everyone,

One of the things that mentors look for in the ones they are invited to accompany is a degree of initiative.  If someone is motivated, it is usually a good sign in terms of his or her ability to fit into the family of co-workers, but have you ever considered the fact that sometimes people need mentors to encourage them, especially when they themselves find it difficult to believe in themselves?

Even as Jesus spoke to the crowds who gathered around him, he could already see their potential ... even though they themselves may have been blinded.  In today's gospel, he urged them to grow in their self confidence: You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time? (Lk 12:56).

Jesus knows each of us even better than we know ourselves.  Jesus knows what each of us is capable of.  Jesus knows that we were not made to sit idly in places where we are comfortable, but ultimately that each of us needs to constantly go out toward others.  It is in going out toward others that we will ultimately discover the gift of personal fulfillment as we share the gift of our faith and the joy of the gospel with others.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Get moving

Good morning everyone,

At times when we are facing challenges, some of us look forward to the possibility of prosperity, but when things are too tranquil, do we not yearn for something new?  Human hearts never seem to be completely satisfied.  Perhaps Saint Augustine had it right when he wrote: My heart is restless O God until it rests in you (Augustine, Confessions).

In the time of Jesus, there was much upheaval in the lives of the Jewish people.  Many of them looked to him as a sign of hope for the re-establishment of calm, yet he himself told them: I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! (Lk 12:49).  Whereas his hearers were seeking rest, Jesus was challenging them to greater enthusiasm about their faith.

How often do I find myself tossed by the many demands that life seems to place in front of me?  Do I long for what I perceive to be more peaceful times?  Perhaps we should learn to look at the world like Jesus does: where there seems to be overwhelming evidence of restlessness, ask whether that restlessness is the result of aimlessness.  If on the other hand we are afire with enthusiasm enflamed by faith, we will have all the energy we need to rise up from our fatigue and to go out with joy.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Who, me?

Good morning everyone,

Today we see an example of the way that Jesus taught his disciples to lead: his definition of leadership was - and is - very different from the definition that everyone else before him would have defined it.  Whereas leaders were often seen as those who exercised authority over the ones they were privileged to lead, the gospels show us a different image.

Teaching his disciples, Jesus said to them: Be sure of this ... if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into (Lk 12:39).  At first, these words appear to be painting an image of power in the traditionally understood way, but Jesus went on to explain: Blessed is the servant who his master finds ... distributing the food allowance at the proper time (Lk 12:42-43).  In this way, Jesus explained that his idea of leadership is based not in power but rather in service.

This image of servant leadership inspires us today to seek out opportunities to serve our brothers and sisters.  Let us pray today for the grace to be inspired to serve others out of love: knowing that we ourselves are deeply loved, may we in turn love those who the Lord invites to walk our journey with us.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Saint John Paul II

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the liturgical Memorial of Saint John Paul II.  Karol Wojtyła was born in Wadowice, Poland on 18 May 1920 and died in Rome on 2 April 2005.  He served as Successor of Peter from 16 October 1978 until his death.

In many ways, John Paul II embodied the teachings that Jesus speaks of in the gospel passage proposed for today's Mass (Lk 12:35-38).  Speaking to his disciples, Jesus said: Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks (Lk 12:35-36).

One of the most striking images during the pontificate of John Paul II was the moment when he opened the Holy Door in Saint Peter's Basilica to mark the beginning of the Jubilee Year 2000.  Spanning the end of one millenium and the beginning of the next, his example of joyful service, commitment and prayer inspired millions to turn to Christ.

May the prayers of this holy man, who willingly spoke of his wish to one day be a Saint, help us to respond with joyful faith and trust when the Lord calls out to us.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Greed

Good morning everyone,

Today, the scripture passage reminds us of a very important aspect that we should always be aware of: there is a temptation in the human heart to always be on the lookout for our own good, but taken to the extreme, such an outlook leads to an overpowering presence of greed.

Speaking to the crowds, Jesus said: Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich,
one's life does not consist of possessions (Lk 12:15).  Greed can be defined as the desire to accumulate physical things, but this tendency can ultimately leave us still wanting because no matter how many physical possessions we may have, the true hunger that is hidden in our hearts is for acceptance and for love, and these are intangible and freely given.

If we are aware of the presence of greed in our lives, or in the lives of others, perhaps it would do us well to pray today for the gift of a grateful heart.  The greater our ability to be thankful for what we have, the less will be our temptation to desire more.

Have a great day.

The Church of Christ on Mission

Each year, in the month of October, the Church celebrates World Mission Sunday as an occasion to renew our commitment to fulfilling Christ's mandate for us to constantly be actively taking part in the mission of sharing the good news of the gospel with those who we meet.  The theme that has been chosen for this year is Baptized and Sent: the Church of Christ on Mission in the World.

Through the Sacrament of Baptism, each of us has been made an adopted child of God and part of the community of the Church.  In a practical sense, it is our parents who chose to bring us to the Church, but we also believe that it is God who is always at work, prompting us to say yes to his invitation to cooperate in the work he invites us to accomplish in his name.  We have not received Baptism as a prize, but rather as a mandate to go out toward others and to share with them the joy of our faith.  This is the constant mission of all the Church.

The gospel passage that has just been proclaimed shows us what can happen if we choose to keep our faith to ourselves.  Taken to its extreme, we become self-reliant and neither fear God nor have respect for any human being (Lk 18:2).  It is indeed a very sad sight when we encounter people who are in such a situation because more often than not, even though they may not admit it, deep down, they are very lonely.  On the other hand, Jesus presents the image of the widow who kept coming to the judge and saying, 'Grant me justice against my opponent (Lk 18:3).  These words portray a very different situation.  The widow's heart is much more open.  She has a living and active prayer life, and is probably much more aware of other people who are around her, as well as their needs.  In fact, she is most likely the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back, even though she has very little to call her own.

If we want to see examples of the missionary activity of the Church in action, we don't have to look very far.  Alfred Bessette was born in Mont-Saint-Grégoire, just outside Montreal.  At the age of 12, he was sent to the Congregation of the Holy Cross in Montreal along with a note that read: I am sending you a saint.  Even at that tender age, he was already devout and generous toward others.  He was frail in health, but despite this obstacle, he was eventually accepted by the Order and given the religious name of Brother André.  By worldly standards, he had nothing to give, but even today, he is known all over Canada, and now throughout the world as Saint André of Montreal.  Even today, there are some who can tell stories of their own visits to Montreal, occasions when they met him, spoke with him, asked him to pray for them.

The mission of Jesus' disciples has always been a matter of seeking out the lost and helping them to understand that we are all profoundly loved.  Each one of us is a precious child of God, and we are all invited to proclaim this message to those we meet (cf 2 Tim 4:2).  We can do this as part of the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Society, or volunteering our time at the Food Bank, or wherever we encounter other people.  We have all been baptized and sent.  It is up to us to continue the mission that Christ has entrusted to us ... to share the good news with everyone we meet, so that his love for us may be known and experienced by everyone.

His Word Today: Saint Luke, Evangelist

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the liturgical Memorial of Saint Luke, one of the four gospel writers (otherwise known as Evangelists).  The early Church Fathers ascribed to him both the authorship of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.

Like the disciples mentioned in today's gospel, Luke was also sent (cf Lk 10:1), in his case, as a disciple of Saint Paul.  The New Testament mentions Luke briefly a few times, and the Pauline Epistle to the Colossians refers to him as a physician (from the Greek for one who heals); thus he is thought to have been both a physician and a disciple.  Saint Luke is venerated as the patron saint of artists, physicians, bachelors, surgeons, students and butchers.

Luke was probably young when he set out and traveled with Paul.  We can ask him today to pray with us so that we will always maintain the freshness and newness of youth, especially in our approach to faith.  This fervent disciple can also help us to be eager in our desire to tell others about the relationship we ourselves have discovered with Jesus.  In this way, we can continue to proclaim the gospel - to evangelize - in our day too.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Saint Ignatius of Antioch

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch (circa 35-140 AD).  He was one of the first writers in the early Church and served as Bishop of Antioch, and ancient Greek city on the eastern side of the Orontes River, near the modern-day city of Antakya, Turkey.

While in route to Rome, where he met his martyrdom, Ignatius wrote a series of letters. This correspondence now forms a central part of the later collection known as the writings of the Apostolic Fathers, of which he is considered one. His letters also serve as an example of early Christian theology. Important topics they address include ecclesiology (the study of Church doctrine), the sacraments, and the role of bishops.

The zeal that we find in the life of Ignatius of Antioch provides a living witness of the words Jesus spoke to his disciples: unless a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much grain (Jn 12:24).  Let us give thanks to God today for the gift that Saint Ignatius of Antioch has given us.  Watered by the zeal of his commitment, may we find inspiration to live our faith today.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Saint Marguerite d'Youville

Good morning everyone,

Today, we celebrate the liturgical Memorial of Saint Marguerite d'Youville (15 October 1701 - 23 December 1771).  Born in Varennes, Quebec, located just south-west of Montreal, she was educated in Quebec City by Ursuline nuns for a period of two years before she returned home to teach her younger siblings.  At the age of 21 years, she married François d'Youville, but unfortunately, by the time she had celebrated her 30th birthday, she had suffered the loss of her father, her husband and four of her six children.  Through all her sufferings, Marguerite grew in her belief of God's presence in her life and His tender love for every human person. She, in turn, wanted to make known His compassionate love to all. She undertook many charitable works with complete trust in God, whom she loved as a Father.

In 1737, Marguerite and five other women founded a home for the poor in the city of Montreal. At first the home only housed four or five members, but it grew as the women raised funds. As their charitable work went against the social conventions of the day, d'Youville and her colleagues were mocked by their friends and relatives and even by the poor they helped. Some called them les grises, which can mean the grey women but which can also be interpreted as the drunken women, or most literally as the filthy drunks. By 1744 the association had become a Catholic religious order with a rule and a formal community. In 1747 they were granted a charter to operate the General Hospital of Montreal, which by that time was in ruins and heavily in debt. d'Youville and her fellow workers brought the hospital back into financial security.

Marguerite d'Youville, foundress of the Grey Nuns of Montreal, or simply the Grey Nuns, died in 1771 at the General Hospital. In 1959, she was beatified by Pope John XXIII, who called her Mother of Universal Charity, and was canonized in 1990 by Pope John Paul II. She is the first native-born Canadian to be elevated to sainthood by the Roman Catholic Church.

Let us ask Saint Marguerite d'Youville to pray with us today, so that like her, we may learn to pay attention to others, especially those who are poor and those who are in need.  Although we may be tempted to judge them, every person we meet reveals the face of God to us and we are called not to judge but to love them (cf Lk 11:42).

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Saint Teresa of Jesus

Good morning everyone,

Today, we celebrate the liturgical memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, also known as Saint Teresa of Avila (28 March 1515 - 4 October 1582), a Spanish noblewoman who chose to follow a monastic lifestyle.  A Carmelite nun, she was a prominent Spanish mystic, a religious reformer, an author and a theologian.  She is one of very few women who has been designated as a Doctor of the Church because of her writings and explanations of Catholic theology.

Trying to explain the role of theology - which allows us to understand God and the relationship that God wants to have with us - Jesus himself used the image of a vine.  Speaking of himself, he said: I am the true vine and my Father is the vine grower.  He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit and every one that does, he prunes so that it can bear more fruit (Jn 15:1-2).

Today, we give thanks to God for the gift of Saint Teresa of Jesus.  Because of her own suffering, she now bears witness to the pruning that the Lord carried out in her life, and she shares the fruit of her own meditation and growth with us.  Let us ask her to pray for us, so that we will celebrate the Lord's presence in our lives, even as we are aware of the ways in which He prunes our own hearts so that we can also grow closer to Him.

Have a great day.

For what shall we give thanks?

Across our country this weekend, people are gathering to celebrate and to give thanks for the harvest, and to spend time with family and friends.  It is fitting then that the reading from the second book of Kings relates the details of Naaman, a Syrian court official, a man of significant importance who was cured of leprosy after having immersed himself seven times in the Jordan (2 Kings 5:14), and it is equally fitting that the gospel which we have just heard speaks of an encounter Jesus had with lepers.  In particular, this passage focuses on a Samaritan - a foreigner - who came back to Jesus once he had discovered the fact that he had been healed, simply so that he could express his gratitude (cf Lk 17:15-16).

Like Naaman and like the Samaritan leper, we too have reasons to be thankful today.  Like them, perhaps we are not in the habit of being aware of all the good things that we have received, yet this weekend provides us with a wonderful opportunity to set aside some time to say thank you.  We can begin by expressing gratitude to those who are currently accompanying us as we make our way along the path of life.  We can think with gratitude about those who have shared parts of their own lives with us, those who have motivated us and who continue to inspire us, and we can be thankful for those who now look to us for guidance, since they allow us to pass on the gifts that we ourselves once received.

During the Extra-ordinary Missionary Month, we can also look back at some of the saints who have been examples of commitment to spreading the faith and we give thanks for their heroic efforts.  There are many who came to Canada from Europe, who joyfully spent their lives teaching others about Jesus and helping others to grow in faith.  Among them was an Ursuline nun who was known by the religious name Marie of the Incarnation.  Born in Tours (France), Marie Guyart was the fourth of eight children.  Her father was a wealthy silk merchant.  In fact, she herself was married to a silk merchant before she entered religious life.  After her husband had died, she entered the Ursulines in 1631, at the age of 32 years.  From a very early age, she had a desire to be a missionary, but this desire was not fulfilled until 4 May 1639 when she set sail from Dieppe (France) and ended up in Quebec.  There, she lived for the rest of her life along with other Ursuline sisters, educating young girls.  The Ursuline Sisters are still present in Canada today.

Saint Paul encourages us today to remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David (2 Tim 2:8).  Jesus Christ is the good news, the gospel that has been preached by Saint Marie de l'Incarnation and by all those who continue even today to share the joy of the gospel with others today.  Many who have gone before us, and many who are living in our day have known the pain of suffering hardships, even to the point of being chained like criminals (2 Tim 2:9) yet they endure joyfully so that the word of God can be shared.

Today, let us give thanks for all that we have received, including the gift of our faith.  Let us remember the heroic efforts put forward by our ancestors in faith, including Saint Marie de l'Incarnation, and let us ask them to pray with us so that our efforts to share the joy of the gospel may also continue to bear much fruit.

His Word Today: Saint John XXIII

Good morning everyone,

Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint John XXIII.  Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli (25 November 1881 - 3 June 1963) was one of thirteen children born to a family of sharecroppers who lived in a village in Lombardy (Italy). He was ordained to the priesthood on 10 August 1904 and served in a number of posts, as Apostolic Nuncio in France and as an Apostolic Delegate to Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey.

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?' (Jn 21:15)  This question, which appears in today's gospel passage, was asked of Angelo Roncalli on numerous occasions: by his mother and by his God.  Each time, he said yes, you know that I love you (Jn 21:17).

Pope Pius XII created Roncalli a Cardinal on 12 January 1953, and he was elected as Supreme Pontiff on 28 October 1958.  Pope John XXIII surprised those who expected him to be a caretaker Pope by calling the historic Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), the first session opening on 11 October 1962.  As a result of his courage and vision, the Church has continued to experience a major renewal ever since.

Each time we are asked the question: Do you love me?, and we answer like Peter did, we too open doors and windows, we too are renewed, and we too have another chance to discover the great love and mercy of our God.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Relationship

Good morning everyone,

Human beings are relational creatures.  We need to be in relationship with others.  If we are not, there is a part of us that is missing.  God has created us to be social beings.  A reminder of this truth is found in the gospel passage for today's Mass.

Speaking to his disciples about the importance of relationships, Jesus said: Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,' and he says in reply from within, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.' I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence (Lk 11:5-8).

We are meant to live in relationship with others, but we must always be willing to work at strengthening the relationships we are encouraged to foster.  This is not easy, but it is an effort that is increasingly necessary, otherwise, we run the risk of knocking at the door only to have no answer from within the house.  Before that happens, let us redouble our efforts to enhance our relationships with one another.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Model

Good morning everyone,

Little children start learning from the moment they are born.  Using simple observance, they learn actions and reactions and eventually begin to communicate.  As we grow, we pay less and less attention to the power of observance, but it is always present, always ready to do its part to sate our unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

Today's gospel passage recounts a moment that Jesus' disciples probably observed on many occasions. Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him,'Lord, teach us to pray ... (Lk 11:1) Whether Jesus was aware of it or not, the disciples observed him at prayer.  How often had they watched him withdraw to a secluded place, and then act as though the whole world around him did not exist?  Had they watched him out of curiosity?  How long was it before they understood how essential these moments of recollection were to him?  How long was it before they recognized a desire within their own hearts to pray?

Whether we are aware of it or not, people watch us when we are praying.  People can often tell if our prayer times are genuine or whether they are not.  People who have watched us at prayer will often be able to tell if these are moments of anguish or peace for us too ... and if we take the time to speak to them about our prayer, they will soon learn how essential these moments are for us too ... and they will seek to imitate us.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Burdened

Good morning everyone,

How often has it happened that you and I find that we have taken on too many responsibilities, that we seem to feel overloaded with the cares of the world, or struggling beneath the weight of multiple tasks, each of which carries its own deadline and demands?

If we can answer yes to any of the above situations, perhaps we can identify with Martha.  The gospel passage for today (Lk 10:38-42) speaks of the occasion when Jesus came to visit - as was his custom - and Martha found herself struggling to prepare the food for the meal that was to be served.  To her surprise, when she turned to Jesus for help, thinking that he would ask her sister Mary to help with the preparations, Jesus told her to relax.

We can all get overwhelmed at times by the demands we place on ourselves, and yet all we need to do is stop for a moment, take a breath, listen to the words that Jesus offers, and then get up and keep going.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Our Lady of the Rosary

Good morning everyone,

Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, a feast day that was also formerly known as Our Lady of Victory.  It has been observed since 1571.  During that period, there was serious worry about the possibility that the Turkish Ottoman empire would advance and engulf the Christians in Western Europe.

In that year (1571), Pope Pius V organized a coalition of forces from Spain and smaller Christian kingdoms, republics and military orders, to rescue Christian outposts in Cyprus, particularly the Venetian outpost at Famagusta which, however, surrendered after a long siege on August 1 before the Christian forces set sail. On October 7, 1571, the Holy League, a coalition of southern European Catholic maritime states, sailed from Messina, Sicily, and met a powerful Ottoman fleet in the Battle of Lepanto (Southern Greece). Knowing that the Christian forces were at a distinct material disadvantage, Pope Pius V, called for all of Europe to pray the Rosary for victory, and led a rosary procession in Rome.

After about five hours of fighting on the northern edge of the Gulf of Corinth, off western Greece, the combined navies of the Papal States, Venice and Spain managed to stop the Ottoman navy, slowing the Ottoman advance to the west and denying them access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Americas.  If the Ottomans had won then there was a real possibility that an invasion of Italy could have followed so that the Ottoman sultan, who was already claiming to be emperor of the Romans, would have been in possession of both New and Old Rome. Combined with the unfolding events in Morocco where the Sa'adids successfully spurned the Ottoman advances, it confined Turkish naval power to the eastern Mediterranean. Although the Ottoman Empire was able to build more ships, it never fully recovered from the loss of trained sailors and marines, and was never again the Mediterranean naval power it had become the century before when Constantinople fell.
(Source: Wikkipedia)

The gospel passage provided for today's Mass is the account of the Annunciation (Lk 1:26-38).  When the angel Gabriel revealed God's plan to Mary, she was filled with questions, thinking that the plan was not rational, but the angel reassured her that all things are possible for God.  Similarly, what must have seemed a daunting task to the naval forces at the time came to pass, with the help of faith and prayer.

Today, we turn to Mary.  Let us present the situations in our own lives, especially those that seem to have no answers.  Let us entrust them to her and trust that she will never turn us away.  Instead, our heavenly mother will always help us to find the answers we seek.

Have a great day.

Faith the size of a mustard seed

Our Holy Father has asked the entire Church to pay particular attention to missionary activity during this month of October.  In fact, he has designated it as an Extra-ordinary Missionary Month.  On Tuesday evening of this past week, there was a special celebration of Vespers (Evening Prayer) inside the Vatican Basilica.  In his homily, Pope Francis explained: This extraordinary missionary month seeks to be a shock to provoke us to become active in doing good deeds (Homily at Vespers, 1 October 2019).  Throughout this month, we need to focus our attention on the call that Jesus addresses to all of us.

The gospel passage we have heard today puts it this way: The apostles came to Jesus and said, 'Increase our faith'.  The Lord replied: 'If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea', and it would obey you' (Lk 17:5-6).  One mustard seed is almost invisible to the naked eye, and yet Jesus says that even with that much faith - the smallest amount of faith - we can do amazing things.

When we think about missionaries, the first people we might think of are those throughout the history of the Church who have travelled to foreign lands to proclaim the gospel and to introduce others to the person of Jesus Christ.  Here in Canada, we might think of Saint Jean de Brebeuf and his Jesuit companions who lived among the Huron tribe on the shores of Lake Huron, not far from here.  Even today, the seven Jesuit Martyrs still provide us with an inspiring example that waters the faith of all Canadians.  When we think of their dedication and their faith, some of us may think that our own faith is weak, or we might wonder what we could possibly do to provide so heroic a witness.

Travel to foreign lands is one way in which we can be missionaries, but it is not always necessary for us to travel in order to share our faith.  We can begin doing this right here, at home, in the place where we live.  This parish of Saint Bernadette is still in its infancy here in Elliot Lake.  Over the past few months, we have begun to familiarize ourselves with new surroundings, with new faces of brothers and sisters who gather with us to celebrate the Eucharist and to strengthen our faith.  As pastor of this parish community, my hope and dream is that we can create a space here in this parish where everyone will feel safe, at home and welcome.  In order to create this space, we will first need to establish a new Parish Pastoral Council who I will invite to help me put in place all the building blocks that we need to create this special environment of hospitality.

In the coming weeks, we will elect a new Parish Pastoral Council, so I would invite you to consider the possibility that God may be inviting you to lend your voices to this form of strengthening the faith of all our parishioners.

When a new Parish Pastoral Council is to be established, the Diocesan Norms permit the Pastor of the parish to determine the number of members who will partake in that assembly.  The pastor is also permitted to appoint up to 50% of the membership, while others are to be chosen by election from the parish at large.  Keeping this in mind, I believe that we can begin with a total of six people who are part of the Parish Pastoral Council.  In the coming weeks, I will choose three of those persons, and the remaining three will be elected.  Beginning today, I invite you to consider who you might wish to nominate for a position on the newly-formed Pastoral Council.  Nominations may be submitted in writing either at the parish office or via the collection baskets until Friday, October 18.  On the weekend of October 19 and 20, ballots will be provided and all those who are in attendance will be invited to cast their votes.  I will announce the names of the members of the Parish Pastoral Council on the weekend of October 26 and 27.

Saint Paul reminds us all today that in calling us to be his children, and in sending us out with the mission to share the good news of the gospel, God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather of power, love and self-control (2 Tim 1:7).  I encourage you then to take these words seriously.  In the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to help you consider carefully whether God is inviting you to share your talents as part of our new Parish Pastoral Council.  If so, I invite you to be courageous in offering your candidacy, knowing that this call to service is also a call to love.

His Word Today: Saint Francis

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the liturgical Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi (born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, 1181/2 - 3 October 1226).  Having had a privileged youth thanks to his father who was a silk merchant, Francis chose to renounce his fortune because he recognized the need for a much simpler life.  In fact, he was radical in his choice, choosing to live the life of a mendicant (ie begging for his food and for all his physical needs, rather than availing himself of his family's fortune).

Such radical choices are also evident in the gospel passage for today.  Jesus calls warning words: Woe to you Chorazin, woe to you Bethsaida, for if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented (Lk 10:13).

Even today, Saint Francis continues to challenge us.  Increasingly, voices are calling out for the world to pay attention to climate change; millions of our brothers and sisters live day to day, not knowing whether they will have enough food to feed their families; and many families are living in precarious situations, not even aware in some circumstances that they need help.

Let us pray today for the courage to be agents of change so that we may have eyes to see the mighty deeds that are being done in our midst, so that we can do what we can to be instruments of the Lord's peace.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Pray and do

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Lord provides us with a task and a request at the same time.  The gospel passage appointed for today's Mass unveils a moment at which Jesus is sending seventy-two other disciples into the mission.  Perhaps it is fitting that this passage should be placed before us in the beginning days of the Extra-ordinary Missionary Month that has been mandated by our Holy Father.

Jesus says to us, as he said to the seventy-two before he sent them out: The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; so ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.  Go on your way ... carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one on the way (Lk 10:2-4).  Just as Jesus sent his disciples out, the Holy Father is challenging the entire church to see this extraordinary missionary month ... as a shock to provoke us to become active in doing good deeds - to be notaries of faith and guardians of grace - but missionaries (Homily at Vespers, 1 October 2019).

The Lord is calling each of us to become active in doing good deeds.  Let us join our voices with the voices of others throughout the centuries whose prayers have also risen to heaven: Lord, we know that the harvest is abundant; send us to work, and give us the courage to say yes to your invitation.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Guardian Angels

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Guardian Angels.  The Old Testament speaks of the prophet Daniel's guardian angel as having a role to play in strengthening his resolve: Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them (Dan 10:12).

The Church has continually taught that each of us - God's precious children - as a guardian angel, one who is sent by God to watch over and to protect us.  They also act as messengers between us and the throne of God.  The gospel writer reminds us of Jesus admonishing words: See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father (Mt 18:10).

Whereas the Saints intercede for us before the face of God, our Guardian angels watch over us, protecting us as we make our way along the paths that ultimately will lead us to heaven.  Along the way, it is good to know that we are not alone, but that we have these heaven-sent protectors watching over us.

Have a great day.

His Word Today: Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates and prays with Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus.  Marie Françoise Thérèse Martin was born 2 January 1873 and died 30 September 1897.  She was a French Discalced Carmelite nun (OCD) who is still very well known and loved the world over today. Thérèse has been a highly influential model of sanctity for Catholics and for others because of the simplicity and practicality of her approach to the spiritual life.

Known simply as the little flower, Theresa continues even now to teach us how to be childlike in our faith.  One might even say that she is spending her heaven helping us here on earth to become like children (Mt 18:3).  Known for her little way, Theresa was able to speak of profound truths of faith in very simple words, thereby making it possible for all people to learn more about God and to know that it is possible for all of us to be close to Him.

Today, let us ask this holy woman to intercede for us, asking the Lord to continue the work that has already been begun.  May she who promised to send roses as the sign of her continued willingness to answer our prayers and as proof of her willingness to spend her heaven doing good on earth help us to always remember that each one of us must become like children in the sight of our heavenly Father.

Have a great day.