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Homily – October 16, 2016

Sunday, October 16th, 2016

I want you to use your imagination and fantasize a bit with me. Imagine a tried old man. He’s grown old and weary leading a rebellious and stiff necked people through hostile lands toward a land God promised them would be following with milk and honey. His was a long journey filled with conflict and contradictions. The only thing that kept him going was his belief that God would be faithful to God’s promise even in the midst of everything pointing to the opposite.

Today we see him facing a hostile clan leader named Amalek who was protecting his territory from these wandering strangers. There’s going to be a fight. Moses was convinced God was on his side. His plan was to send Joshua and whatever fighters he had to do battle with Amalek. When they joined in the fighting Moses held up the staff of God, the staff with which Moses parted to sea of reeds so that the people would escape the advancing Egyptian army.

As long as Moses lifted the staff of God high his fighters were winning. But Moses was an old and weary man and his arms began to droop. When that happened, the tide of the battle turned against his fighters. Moses’ brother Arron and his friend Hur were with him on the hill overlooking the battle field. They came up with a bright idea. They sat Moses on a rock and standing on either side of him they held his arms up, they were steady until the sun set and Joshua defeated Amalek.

St. Paul compares the living of a Christ life to a battle. A battle with the forces of evil within ourselves or around us. A battle between the good we would do and the evil we would not do. Paul encourages us to put on the breastplate of faith and love, the helmet of hope in our fight against the powers of darkness, enemies that would lure us away from God and the ways of God.

Much of life can be a battle, a struggle and like Moses we need our own Aarons and Hurs. We need family members and friends to be with us and support us, hold up our weakened spirits as we wait for the results of a test that could change our lives.

When there are misunderstands and conflicts in a marriage or a relationship we need our Aarons and Hurs to advise us, keep us calm, restrain our urge to get nasty and say things we may regret. We need their help to come to a resolution of our misunderstandings.

Supporting aging parents who keep forgetting who they are, who we are, where they are, can be so wearying, draining. Yet we might be too embarrassed to accept the support of an Aaron or Hur who comes to help in the person of a care giver or a family friend. But we need them.

There can be times in our own personal lives when we are conscious of our own weakness of mind or body that challenge us to seek out and accept the help our own Aaron or Hur who will support us in a difficult time,

Facing and coping with a loss of a job because of downsizing can be rough, it’s embarrassing. Misguided pride might hold back from asking an Aaron or Hur we know in the business for help.

We all need an Aaron of a Hur to give us the courage the boldness to confront racism and bigotry, the fear of the other, the fear of the different that is raising its ugly head in these times especially if we are watching the election race south of the border.

Men and women in AA meetings or in support groups are truly an Aaron and a Hur to one another in their battles with addictions and their search for mental wellness.

If and when we become discouraged with our church or confused about our relationship with God, hopefully we’ll look for an Aaron of and a Hur as spiritual guides.

At one time or another in our lives we will need an Aaron and Hur to support and help us through a difficult time. May we have the humility to ask for help.

At one time or another in our lives we may be asked to be an Aaron or Hur for a friend or stranger in need. May we have the generosity to say ‘yes’. Something to think about.

Posted in Homily | Comments Off on Homily – October 16, 2016

Bulletin – October 16, 2016

Saturday, October 15th, 2016

ST. PAUL OF THE CROSS FEAST DAY – OCTOBER 19th

St. Paul of the Cross was the founder of the Passionists in the year 1720. Born in northern Italy in 1694, Paul experienced conversion at the age of 15 and began a lifetime of devotion to prayer life as a soldier, but left after one year. Six years later, having had several visions, he determined that his vocation was to found an order dedicated to the Passion of our Lord. Officials declared the visions authentic and Paul withdrew to write a rule. He was joined by his brother, who remained with him for the rest of his life. By 1747, the Passionists had three houses and were preaching missions throughout Italy. At his death in 1775,
Paul was establishing a congregation for Passionist nuns.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE COUNTED!

October 15th/16th and October 22nd/23rd

Cardinal Collins has requested that a weekend Mass attendance count be conducted annually in all parishes and missions of the Archdiocese.

This year the attendance count will continue on this weekend, October 15th/16th and next weekend, October 22nd /23rd. The purpose of the count is to have a more accurate assessment of the number of people attending Mass on a weekend.

As with last year, when you come in for Mass, you may notice a few “counters” clicking on tally counters at the doors of the church. The counters will be doing their jobs in a way as discreetly and non-intrusively as possible. Thank you for your support.

HOLOCAUST EDUCATION WEEK

Monday, November 7th at 7:30 PM
St. Gabriel’s Passionist Parish

For many years, St. Gabriel’s Parish has participated in the Holocaust Education Week. This year, we will be co-sponsoring the event with the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.

On Monday, November 7th at 7:30 PM we will present the film Return to the Hiding Place. When the Nazis began killing Jews in Holland during World War II, a group of youth decided to save the lives of the innocent. Corrie ten Boom’s army of untrained teenagers navigated a deadly labyrinth of challenges to rescue the Jewish people in one of history’s most famous dramas. Suspected of breaking the rules, Corrie and her sister Betsie were eventually sent to a concentration camp. There it was their Christian faith that kept them from despair and bitterness.

All, especially our young people, are encouraged to attend. Admission is free.

PARENTS FIRST COMMUNION INFORMATION MEETING

Wednesday, November 2nd at 7:30 PM.
St. Gabriel’s Church

There will be a meeting here at the Church on Wednesday, November 2nd at 7:30 PM. for parents of children who will be receiving the Sacrament of First Communion this year.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

October 17th to October 22nd, 2016

MONDAY – JEAN ABANILLA – Requested by Gloria Flor
TUESDAY – ELLEN JANE ROSE – Requested by the MacKenzie, Heffler, Bonnick & Howe Families
WEDNESDAY – VINCENT HA – Requested by Laura, Sylvia & Valerie Ha
THURSDAY – ROMULO CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ – Requested by his Parents, Rosa & Romulo
FRIDAY – KENG OW YONG – Requested by Helen Ow Yong
SATURDAY – MAISEY & ALBERT DAGNEAULT – Requested by Ginette Harquail

PLANNING TO BE A CATHOLIC TEACHER?

It is critical for you to know that to be hired to teach in any Catholic school board in Ontario, as part of your application for employment there must be a letter of reference from your pastor.

If you are planning to apply to teach in a Catholic school, it is highly recommended that you contact the pastor as soon as possible.

Please plan to have a conversation with your pastor early in the process and you will avoid disappointment and stress at the time when applications are to be submitted.

R.C.I.A. AND ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT

Meetings in preparation for the R.C.I.A. (Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults) will begin soon. These meetings are for persons interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. The exploration may lead the candidate to seek baptism, and become a member of the Catholic Christian community; or for Christians already baptized into another Christian denomination, the reception into the Catholic Church.

Adult Catholics who have not received the sacrament of Confirmation but who wish to do so are also encouraged to attend these sessions.

As well, these meetings may be an opportunity for “Born Catholics” to deepen their understanding of our faith. Very often, especially for those of us who received our religious instruction at an early age, we tend to grow physically, mentally, psychologically etc., but the understanding of our faith does not grow correspondingly. The RCIA may serve as a good opportunity for us to ask questions and to develop a more adult understanding of our faith.

If you are interested in joining the RCIA meetings or if you would like more information about it, please call Fatima Lee at the Parish Office, 416-221-8866, Ext. 228.

SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN PREPARING FOR BAPTISM

If you have, or know of, school age children (ages 7 to 14) who wish to prepare for Baptism, please contact the Parish Office, or Fatima Lee directly, at (416) 221-8866, ext. 228. Classes for them will begin after Thanksgiving.

HAITI HUMANITARIAN RELIEF

Hurricane Matthew has left catastrophic destruction in the Caribbean and on the coast of the Eastern United States, but nowhere more so than in Haiti.

Fr. Rick Frechette and Fr. Enzo Del Brocco, our Passionist missionaries in Haiti, are currently deciding on appropriate action plans.

If you wish to support them, you will find humanitarian relief envelopes located on tables at the back of the pews as well as at the north end of the Gathering Space. Any cheques should be payable to St. Gabriel’s Parish. All funds received will be directed to the Passionist Haiti Mission to assist in the rebuilding necessary.

MILK BAG WORKSHOP

Wednesday, October 19th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Gabriel Room

The next Milk Bag workshop led by Sharon Gusz will be held in the Gabriel room on Wednesday, October 19th from 1:00 to 3:30 PM. No experience needed! All are welcome!

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

Thank you so much for your overwhelming support of our Thanksgiving Food Drive for the Good Shepherd Centre and Rosalie Hall. Your donations were very much appreciated by the young families and homeless of Toronto.

CELEBRATE YOUR MARRIAGE WITH A WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND!

October 21st to October 23rd
Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre

Celebrate your love and take a fresh look at your marriage! Spend a very special weekend together. A Weekend of discovery…a lifetime of love!

Worldwide Marriage Encounter is a weekend getaway that helps married couples rediscover themselves as individuals and as a couple. The Weekend format helps couples communicate openly and honestly without group sharing, therapy or marriage counseling. The next weekend: will be October 21st/23rd at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, Mississauga

For more information and application, please go to www.wwme.org or contact: Gerard & Marge McCauley at gerard.marge@rogers.com or (905) 792-1925.

MOSAIC INTERFAITH

Sunday, October 23rd at 7:00 Pm
Temple Har Zion, 7360 Bayview Avenue

Temple Har Zion invites MOSAIC Interfaith (of which St. Gabriel’s is a member) to celebrate Simchat Torah on Sunday October 23rd at 7:00 PM This is a Jewish holiday celebrating the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle. This is a joyous celebration and will include music dancing and singing. See poster on the bulletin boards. For more information or to RSVP call Nora at 416 218 0680.

THE 26TH ANNUAL MASS OF MEMORY

Sunday October 30th 3:00 PM
St. Paul’s Basilica, 83 Power Street

The 26th Annual Mass of Memory will be celebrated on Sunday October 30th at 3.00 PM at St. Paul’s Basilica,
83 Power St. (Power and Queen St. East).

A Sacred/Celtic Prelude will be performed by Eithne Heffernan, harpist at 2.45 PM. The Celebrant/Homilist will be Fr. Pat O’Dea. A reception will be held immediately following in church hall.
For more information, please contact Mairead at 416 264 5363.

PALLIATIVE CARE: WHAT CATHOLICS SHOULD KNOW

Sunday, October 30th from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Blessed Trinity Church, 3220 Bayview Ave.

Blessed Trinity Church is presenting this important topic on Sunday, October 30th from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM.

Palliative care improves the quality of life of people living with serious illness and includes informed consent, pain management, nutrition/hydration, comfort measures. It is important to understand Church teaching regarding these issues and be informed of your rights as a patient. Dr. Nisha Fernandes and Dr. Irene D’Souza will present an overview of palliative care and address concerns at end-of-life.

For more information, contact Terry McDermott, RN, Parish Nurse by Email at btparishnurse@gmail.com or phone 416-226-0262 ext. 8.

COME AND SEE WEEKEND

Weekend of November 4th to 6th
St Augustine’s Seminary

Inviting single Catholic men 17 years and older, to cultivate a deeper prayer life and relationship with Jesus Christ; leading to a better discernment of God’s call for their lives. There will be time for prayer, reflection and information on the process of becoming one of Christ’s disciples as a Catholic priest Please contact the Office of Vocations at vocations@archtoronto.org or call 416-968-0997.

FINANCE CORNER

Weekly Offertory
Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Collection for last weekend:
Envelopes 373 $ 9,188
Loose Change 1,060
Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 165 3,018
Total 538 $ 13,266

Posted in Bulletin | Comments Off on Bulletin – October 16, 2016

Homily – October 9, 2016

Sunday, October 9th, 2016

Right before we begin our Eucharistic Prayer, our prayer of thanksgiving, our prayer that is at the very heart of our celebration, we say a prayer called the preface, it is a prelude into the very heart of our Mass. The priest prays, ‘It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation always and everywhere to give you thanks Lord Holy Father Almighty and Eternal God.

These words call us to an attitude of gratitude toward God our Father/Mother, our attitude of gratitude toward Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave his life for us, our attitude of gratitude toward the Holy Spirit who was poured into our hearts giving us the boldness to call God, father/mother.

This attitude of gratitude is not just for this Thanksgiving weekend, ideally, this attitude of gratitude is our daily mindset from when we get up in the morning till we end our day. St. Paul tells us, ‘always be thankful’. Thank God I can walk, thank God I can see, thank God I can speak and hear. Thank God I still have my wits about me. Thank God for my family and friends, thank God I have a job, thank God, thank God, thank God.

When we see the sufferings of the men, women and children of Aleppo, the hardships of the millions of people in refugee camps, we know we are blessed, even if we are struggling to make ends meet and cope with our own worries. When we hear of the economic or political oppression of peoples in other lands we know, even if we are financially stressed ourselves, we know we are blessed.

I read a novel titled, ‘A Complicated Kindness’, it’s the story of a young girl growing up in the prairies. She belonged to a strict Mennonite church. Her family life was totally dysfunctional, her mother and her older sister just took off to escape the oppression under which they lived. This young woman made her escape through drugs and booze, and sleeping around. In telling her of her crazy mixed up life she made an interesting statement. She said, ‘my life has been an embarrassment of blessings.’ I had to read those words a couple of times to see if I was reading correctly. My life has been an embarrassment of blessings.

Each one of us here, looking over our lives, considering the life situations of most of the world’s population, must surely say, ’my life is an embarrassment of blessings.

We’re here at this Mass, as we are at every Mass, not to beg, not to ask for favors, though we may be doing just that, but first and foremost we are here to give thanks. Thanks to the Father Who sent his son into the world, not to condemn the world but to save it. Thanks to Jesus, the son of Mary, for suffering and dying on the cross so that through his wounds we be healed. Thanks to the Holy Spirit who makes us holy and keeps us faithful.

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere, to give you thanks, Lord Holy Father. As we continue to celebrate this Mass, giving thanks for the blessings of our lives, may we all be blessed with an attitude of gratitude.

May we be blessed with a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend.

Posted in Homily | Comments Off on Homily – October 9, 2016

Bulletin – October 9, 2016

Friday, October 7th, 2016

O, heavenly Father:
We thank thee for food and
remember the hungry.
We thank thee for health and remember the sick.
We thank thee for friends and remember the friendless.
We thank thee for freedom and remember the enslaved.
May these remembrances stir us to service,
that thy gifts to us may be used for others. Amen.

Mass will be celebrated on Thanksgiving Day, Monday, October 10th at 10:00 AM.

FR. BRANDO RETURNS

Fr. Brando will return on Thursday.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE COUNTED!

October 15th/16th and October 22nd/23rd

Cardinal Collins has requested that a weekend Mass attendance count be conducted annually in all parishes and missions of the Archdiocese.

This year the attendance count will continue on the weekends of October 15th/16th and 22nd /23rd. The purpose of the count is to have a more accurate assessment of the number of people attending Mass on a weekend. As with last year, when you come in for Mass, you may notice a few “counters” clicking on tally counters at the doors of the church. The counters will be doing their jobs in a way as discreetly and non-intrusively as possible. Thank you for your support.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

October 10th to October 15th, 2016

MONDAY – THANKSGIVING DAY – Mass at 10:00 AM
TUESDAY – MARILYN ANDEN – Requested by Gloria Flor
WEDNESDAY – SR. ALIDA DE FREITAS IBVM – Requested by Margaret Anne Leckie
THURSDAY – KOON TING LAU – Requested by Linda Law
FRIDAY – ROSALINA REMENTILLA – Requested by the Rementilla Family
SATURDAY – MICHAEL MCDONOUGH – Requested by his Family

PARENTS CONFIRMATION INFORMATION MEETING

Thursday, October 13th at 7:30 PM.

St. Gabriel’s Church

There will be a meeting here at the Church on Thursday, October 13th at 7:30 PM. for parents of children who will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this year.

R.C.I.A. AND ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT

Meetings in preparation for the R.C.I.A. (Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults) will begin soon. These meetings are for persons interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. The exploration may lead the candidate to seek baptism, and become a member of the Catholic Christian community; or for Christians already baptized into another Christian denomination, the reception into the Catholic Church.

Adult Catholics who have not received the sacrament of Confirmation but who wish to do so are also encouraged to attend these sessions.

As well, these meetings may be an opportunity for “Born Catholics” to deepen their understanding of our faith. Very often, especially for those of us who received our religious instruction at an early age, we tend to grow physically, mentally, psychologically etc., but the understanding of our faith does not grow correspondingly. The RCIA may serve as a good opportunity for us to ask questions and to develop a more adult understanding of our faith.

If you are interested in joining the RCIA meetings or if you would like more information about it, please call Fatima Lee at the Parish Office, 416-221-8866, Ext. 228.

SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN PREPARING FOR BAPTISM

If you have, or know of, school age children (ages 7 to 14) who wish to prepare for Baptism, please contact the Parish Office, or Fatima Lee directly, at (416) 221-8866, ext. 228. Classes for them will begin after Thanksgiving.

PLANNING TO BE A CATHOLIC TEACHER?

It is critical for you to know that to be hired to teach in any Catholic school board in Ontario, as part of your application for employment there must be a letter of reference from your pastor.

If you are planning to apply to teach in a Catholic school, it is highly recommended that you contact the pastor as soon as possible.

Please plan to have a conversation with your pastor early in the process and you will avoid disappointment and stress at the time when applications are to be submitted.

JUST COFFEE

Fair trade organic coffees will be on sale after all the Masses next weekend.

Regular ground coffee: $5.50
Decaffeinated: $6
Whole Beans: $5.50
Chocolate Bars: $4.50 incl. taxes
Hot Chocolate and Cocoa: $5.00
Teas: $4.25

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

You can make a difference in the lives of the hungry and homeless this Thanksgiving by participating in the annual Good Shepherd Ministries Thanksgiving Food Drive.

Good Shepherd provides hot meals and shelter for the homeless in our city as well as a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs.
Urgently needed items include:
rice, pasta and pasta sauces,
peanut butter, jam
oatmeal pancake mix
teabags ground or instant coffee,
sugar cookies and crackers,
canned tuna, soups, stews, meats, fruits and vegetables.
Please no fresh or frozen foods.

We thank you for your generous support!

FOOD FOR ROSALIE HALL

Each month some of the food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall.

Rosalie Hall assists young parents and their children to realize their potential through the provision of a wide range of child development, community, residential and educational services.

With everyone struggling at this time, these donations are more important than ever. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired. Thank you for your outstanding support.

7th ANNUAL MASS EVENT TO END WOMAN ABUSE

Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 7:00 PM

Nativity of Our Lord Parish, 480 Rathburn Road, Etobicoke

Woman Abuse is an issue that affects the whole community, not just the woman and her children. On Wednesday, October 12th at 7:00 PM, Nativity of Our Lord Parish and Catholic Family Services of Toronto Foundation invite you to the 7th Annual Mass to End Woman Abuse to be held at Nativity of Our Lord Parish. All are welcome. There will be light refreshments following the Mass.

FELLOWSHIP OF ST JOSEPH

Tuesday, October 18th.from 7:00 to 9:00 PM

Blessed Trinity Parish Hall, 3220 Bayview Avenue

The Fellowship of St Joseph will feature a unique presentation on “Prophecy, Prophets, and Preachers: the Rise of the Modern Messianic Jewish Movement”. Ben Volman, founding leader of Congregation Eytz Chaim (“Tree of Life”) and freelance journalist will be with us that evening. Ben will discuss the remarkable history of Jewish believers in Yeshua who comprise this modern movement, which is rooted in Sacred Scripture and which bridges the gap between the Messiah and the People of Israel. We will learn the unique place that Toronto has played in this story and how the movement is poised to go forward in the 21st century.
All are welcome.

WELCOME RECEPTION FOR NEWCOMERS TO CANADA

Friday, October 21st, 2016

Catholic Education Centre, 80 Sheppard Avenue East

The Toronto Catholic District School Board is hosting a Welcome Reception for Newcomers to Canada on Friday, October 21st from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Catholic Education Centre.

This is a multilingual event: interpreters and print materials will be available in a variety of languages. A light lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to your local school principal.

CELEBRATE YOUR MARRIAGE WITH A WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND!

October 21st to October 23rd

Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre

Celebrate your love and take a fresh look at your marriage! Spend a very special weekend together. A Weekend of discovery…a lifetime of love!

Worldwide Marriage Encounter is a weekend getaway that helps married couples rediscover themselves as individuals and as a couple. The Weekend format helps couples communicate openly and honestly without group sharing, therapy or marriage counseling.

The next weekend: will be October 21st/23rd at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, Mississauga.

For more information and application, please go to www.wwme.org or contact:Gerard & Marge McCauley at gerard.marge@rogers.com or (905) 792-1925.

CWL FLEA MARKET

Saturday, October 22nd from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM

St. Bonaventure’ Church

Treasures of all kinds plus a live auction. Don’t miss it!

PROJECT RACHEL

Weekend of October 28th/30th

A weekend retreat for women whose hearts have been broken by abortion will be held on the weekend of October 28th to -30th.

Please e-mail ProjectRachel@StMarysRefuge.org or call 416-629-8264. Project Rachel is private and confidential.

FINANCE CORNER

Weekly Offertory

Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.

Collection for last weekend:
Envelopes 353 $ 7,275
Loose Change 1,032
Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 164 3,028
Total 517 $ 11,335

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted in Bulletin | Comments Off on Bulletin – October 9, 2016

Homily – October 2, 2016

Saturday, October 1st, 2016

We have a tradition in our Passionist Community, as do other religious communities, of celebrating the anniversary of a member’s religious profession. One of our Brothers was celebrating the 50th anniversary of his religious profession and during the Mass the rector of the house preached a homily, congratulated him and presented him with a Papal Blessing. He then made a very strange statement. He said, ‘I really can’t see why we congratulate and thank people for doing what they vowed they would do.’ These words really shocked me.

I’m reminded of that homily every time I hear today’s gospel and Jesus ‘words, we are worthless slaves, we have done only what we have ought to have done.

I read somewhere that in the ancient Middle-Eastern world every family, even relatively poor ones, had at least one unpaid servant. The very poorest families gave some of their children to other families as servants to ensure that they would be fed.

The master in this parable apparently had only one servant who both tended the fields and did the cooking. The thrust of the story is clear and straightforward. Good servants do what they are told. A master never has to thank a servant for doing what is expected.

As Christian men and women we were invited into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. St. Paul tells us ‘God chose in Christ before the world began to be God’s adopted sons and daughters.’ God choose us we did not choose God. The health and the depth of our relationship with Christ depends upon how we listen to Christ’s words and follow his teachings. Remember the old question,’ if you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you? Do we love others as Christ loves us? Do we forgive others as Christ forgives us? Are we there for those in need, not just of their physical needs but their spiritual needs as well? Do we offer comfort, companionship, understanding or emotional support? As often as we do these things for others we do them for Christ. This is our identity as Christian men and women.

Remember the story of the scorpion and the frog? The scorpion wanted to cross a river but had no means to do so. He spotted a frog on the other side and asked for help. The frog didn’t trust the scorpion knowing he had a sting that kills. Eventually the scorpion talks the frog into carrying him across the river with the promise he would not sting him. When they get close to the other side the scorpion stings the frog. When the frog protests this betrayal the scorpion answers, I just couldn’t help myself, it’s my nature to sting.’

The point of the parable is that just as a household slave is not an employee of his master and never earns anything when he carries out his duties—so we, when we have lived out our lives as disciples and followers of Christ, loving, forgiving, serving, being there for others, this does not establish a claim for a reward. The scorpion stung the frog because that’s what scorpions do – We Christians love and serve and forgive because that’s what Christians do. For all that, we trust Christ’s promise; our reward will be great in heaven.

Posted in Homily | Comments Off on Homily – October 2, 2016

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