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Homily – February 9, 2014

Sunday, February 9th, 2014

Pope Francis’ first important letter to the Church titled ‘The Joy of the Gospel’ echoes the words of Isaiah in our first reading; “ Is not this the fast I want, to lose the bonds of injustice, let the oppressed go free, share your bread with the hungry, cover the naked, bring the homeless poor into your home.’

Pope Francis tells it like it is when he writes, ‘today we have to say thou shalt not kill to an economy of exclusion and inequality for such an economy kills. The Holy Father wants us to have a deep and active concern for the plight of the poor who suffer so many injustices from an economy that puts profit above people.

He writes, “Today everything comes under the laws of competition and the survival of the fittest, where the powerful feed upon the powerless. As a consequence, masses of people find themselves excluded and marginalized: without work, without possibilities, without any means of escape.

“Human beings are themselves considered consumer goods to be used and then discarded.”

This is especially true in the corporate world, where often benefits are cut, wages remain stagnant, workforces are slashed — putting more work on fewer people — and unions are suppressed.’

Not satisfied with these unjust cost-cutting measures, which produce profits for upper management executives and stockholders, corporate greed sinks even lower by often taking advantage of production facilities in poor nations where desperately impoverished people are ruthlessly exploited in corporate sponsored sweatshops.

“Almost without being aware of it, we end up being incapable of feeling compassion at the outcry of the poor, weeping for other people’s pain, and feeling a need to help them, as though all this were someone else’s responsibility and not our own.”

In today’s gospel from Mark Jesus tells us that his followers, we who bear his name, are to make a difference in the societies in which we live. Jesus tells us ‘you are the salt of the Earth; you are the light of the world.’ In other words by following his teaching and example we are meant to give a special flavor to the way people treat other people, friend or stranger. By the way we live our lives we are to light up the lives of all those whose lives we touch.

Our world is in a bit of a mess, especially economically. As individuals we look at it and are convinced there’s nothing we can do to change it. But there is.

We can speak up and object when people put down the men and women of our First Nations claiming they are all drunks and lazy and we should stop giving them handouts. We can object when we hear sexist or racist remarks in a conversation. We can speak out or write letters to tell our government it does not speak for us when it cuts back on programs that help the poor, the homeless, the handicapped, our veterans, people trying to come to Canada. We can let our politicians know we don’t agree when they ignore environmental issues and end programs that seek to protect and enhance the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat.

We know we won’t be listened to. But we will have done something. We will have made our own little effort to give a different flavor, shed a different light of these issues and matters that affect all our lives.

As we continue this Mass we pray that we always be mindful of the men and women of this city, this country who find themselves in desperate straits because of unemployment, lack of housing, lack of opportunity of any other cause that robs them of their human dignity and reduces them to commodities to be used and then discarded. Life is not fair for so many people but if we commit ourselves to try to be salt and light we can in our own small way make a difference.

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Bulletin – February 2, 2014

Sunday, February 2nd, 2014

LUNAR NEW YEAR PARTY

Sunday, February 9th after 12:30 PM Mass

Friday January 31st marked the beginning of Lunar New Year. For many years, the Asian community in our parish has gifted our parish community with a wonderful New Year Party. This year is the Year of the Horse. Our Lunar New Year Party will take place on Sunday, February 9th after the 12:30 PM Mass in the Gathering Space. All are welcome. Don’t forget to mark your calendar! Volunteers and donations are also welcome. Please contact Linda Law at 416-918-8029.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

February 3rd – February 8th, 2014

MONDAY – BONNIE SOLMES – Requested by Jennifer Peters
TUESDAY – MURVIN BROWN – Requested by Marjorie Lague
WEDNESDAY – IN THANKSGIVING – Requested by Carolyn Thomas
THURSDAY – STEVEN McDONNELL – Requested by Helen Tackaberry
FRIDAY – CELINA DELFIN – Requested by Kathi Leah
SATURDAY – DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE CHUCHRA & WROBEL FAMILIES – Requested by the Families

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION – FIRST FRIDAY

Friday, February 7th from 9:30 AM – 12 Noon

Please see the time schedule on the table inside the Church for sign up.

ECO-SABBATH

This Sunday, February 2nd at 11:30 AM in the Gabriel Room

On the first Sunday of each month, the Passionist Centre for Ecology and Spirituality facilitates a 30 minute reflection and discussion prompted by the readings for that Sunday’s liturgy. The guided reflection brings an ecological perspective to the readings. All are welcome.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR CONSECRATED LIFE CELEBRATION

Sunday, February 2nd at 3:00 P.M.
St. Paul’s Basilica

On Sunday, February 2nd, the Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. The purpose of this day is “to help the entire Church to esteem ever more greatly the witness of those persons who have chosen to follow Christ by means of the practice of the evangelical counsels” as well as “to be a suitable occasion for consecrated persons to renew their commitment and rekindle the fervor which should inspire their offering of themselves to the Lord.” – Blessed Pope John Paul II, 1997 message.

In the Archdiocese of Toronto, we are blessed to have living and serving among us more than 1,000 religious men and women of over 100 different religious congregations. This World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life is a wonderful opportunity for us to thank God for the gifts of these religious sisters, brothers and priests and to pray for God’s blessing upon them in their efforts to faithfully live the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience.

This Sunday, February 2nd at 3:00 P.M. at St. Paul’s Basilica, there will be a special Mass in celebration of the vocation and witness of these special men and women religious who are such a vital and important part of the life and ministry of the Church in our Archdiocese. All are welcome to attend.

MARRIAGE SUNDAY SPECIAL MASS

Sunday, February 9th at 4:00 P.M.
St. Paul’s Basilica
83 Power Street, Toronto

Cardinal Collins has designated the weekend of February 8th/9th, 2014 as Marriage Sunday in the Archdiocese of Toronto. A special Mass will be celebrated on February 9th at 4:00 P.M.
for couples celebrating their 25th, 40th, 50th or 60+ wedding anniversaries in 2014.
The event provides an opportunity to honour husband and wife while saluting the faithfulness, sacrifice and joy that comes with the marriage covenant. To those preparing for marriage, newlyweds and those that have been companions on the journey for decades, we offer our prayers and best wishes in a special way this weekend. All are welcome to join in this celebration
For more information, please visit www.archtoronto.org/marriage/.

CATHOLIC FAMILY SERVICES, NEW BEGINNINGS

“Presence: Opening Up to God’s Love in Our Experience of Loss.”
Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge Street, 4th Floor
Tuesday February 4th at 7:00 P.M.

On Tuesday, February 4th at 7:00 P.M. Catholic Family Services of Toronto and New Beginnings invite you to an inspirational talk with Maureen McDonnell, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology at Regis College, and the Jesuit School of Theology at the University of Toronto.

The event will take place at the Catholic Pastoral Centre: 1155 Yonge St (at Shaftesbury Ave. next to the Summerhill Subway station) – 4th Floor. The topic will be “Presence: Opening Up to God’s Love in Our Experience of Loss.” Free underground parking is available. Pre registration is NOT required. For further information, please contact Deacon James Shaughnessy MSW., RSW., Psyn.D. at 416-921-1163 ext 2227 or by email at jshaughn@cfstoronto.com.

IS THERE A GOD?
NEW DEBATE SERIES TACKLES LIFE’S BIG QUESTIONS

Friday, February 7th at 7:00 P.M.
Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles Street West

This question will be explored at the inaugural event of the Chesterton Debate Series, sponsored by the Office of Catholic Youth and the Archdiocese of Toronto. The debate takes place on Friday, February 7th at 7:00 P.M. at the Isabel Bader Theatre (93 Charles Street West).

Fr. Philip Cleevely, CO, an Oxford and Cambridge educated philosophy professor at St. Philip’s Seminary, will argue the Catholic position. Representing the atheist position is Justin Trottier, the founder of the Centre for Inquiry Canada and one of the country’s foremost advocates of secularism and skeptical inquiry. Stephen LeDrew, longtime host and commentator of CP24, will moderate the debate.

Tickets cost $10 and can be obtained through online registration at www.ocytoronto.org.

RETREAT WEEKEND WITH FATHER RON ROLHEISER, OMI.

February 7th to 9th
Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, Mississauga

Rev. Fr. Ron Rolheiser will be conducting a retreat at the Queen of Apostles renewal Centre next weekend. The theme is “entering the soul through stories.” Call 905-278-5229 to register.

THEOLOGY ON TAP EAST: WHY DOES A LOVING GOD NOT END SUFFERING?

Wednesday, February 26th at 7:00 P.M.

Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill
580 Progress Ave., Scarborough,

Faith Connections, the Office of Catholic Youth, and the local parishes invite young adults (19-39) to join us for an evening of thought-provoking conversation on theological topics! The special guest will be Fr. Chris Valka. Munchies will be provided and a cash bar is available. Come and bring a friend! For more information: visit our Toronto Theology on Tap web page, or contact OCY by e-mail youth@ocytoronto.org, or phone 416-599-7676. RSVPs appreciated!

GOOD SHEPHERD CASSEROLES

Thank you so much to the volunteers who prepared 76 casseroles for January! For February, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of February 22nd /23rd for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.

More volunteers are encouraged to become active in helping to feed our less fortunate sisters and brothers. There are now 3 different recipes available in the Parish Office or online at the Church website. If you require more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.

FINANCE CORNER

Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.

Collection for January 26th, 2014
Envelopes 397 $7,895
Loose Change $906
Weekly Portion of PAG 177 $3,307
(Pre-Authorized Giving)
Total $12,108

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR 2014

Please pick up your 2014 Offertory Boxed Envelopes as soon as possible. If you are on the Pre- Authorized Giving Plan, you will still receive a smaller green box of envelopes since these include Initial, New Year’s, Christmas, Easter and Maintenance envelopes. You may contact the Parish Office if you do not have envelopes but would like a box for 2014.

We would like to remind you not to use envelopes from previous years as this number may have been reassigned to another family.

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Homily – February 2, 2014

Sunday, February 2nd, 2014

A Person of the Law

A couple of weeks ago we celebrated the Baptism of Jesus. We heard of the Holy Spirit descending on him in the form of a dove and the mysterious voice from heaven testifying ‘this is my son the beloved in whom I am well pleased.’

Today we celebrate another feast that recalls another event in the infancy of Jesus. By the Law of Moses every first born son was to be dedicated to God. Forty days, days required by the Law for the purification of a mother after the birth of a child, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to present or offer him to the Lord. Then they made the offering the poor make on this occasion, two pigeons as was stated in the Law of Moses.

It was a simple ceremony but it was also a time for the parents and extended family to celebrate the new life that had come into their lives. In a way it would be something like our baptism as infants. At baptisms the child is always the center of attention. He or she wears a special baptismal dress, maybe one used in the family for years. After the baptism pictures are taken and there is a party.

The presentation of Jesus in the temple was a happy occasion, a serious occasion as Jesus, the first born, was dedicated to God. Mary and Joseph were people of the law as was Jesus – born under the law to redeem those who were under the law. As he grew up Jesus was a man of the law even though his enemies accused him breaking the law, especially the law of the Sabbath. In his teachings and by the way he lived Jesus opposed the flawed and hollow ways the religious leaders and authorities used the law to control and oppress the lives of the ordinary men and women who looked to them for guidance.

Simeon was that old stranger who ruined the happy event of Jesus’ dedication to God by telling his proud mother that her child was destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel a sign to be opposed so that the thoughts of many will be revealed and Mary too would suffer because of her child.

We all know what happened to Jesus as the result of his teaching and his exposing the shallowness of the religious authorities of his day especially in their observance of the law. He was betrayed by one of his own, arrested, endured a phoney trial, made a fool of by his guards, crowned with thorns, whipped and marched through the streets to his place of execution and endured the painful and humiliating death of crucifixion. All this because he was a man of the law; “you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all you mind and all your strength.” We know too that the Father raised Jesus from the dead.

We know that the night before Jesus died while sharing his last meal with those he loved Jesus said, ‘a new commandment, a new law, I give you that you love one another as I have loved you.’ We all know from life experience that this is a difficult law to live; to love as we’ve been loved. We rub shoulders with so many people each day; spouses, children, parents, fellow workers, strangers, people we like, people who rub us wrong, people who annoy us and are in our face. And we try to live this new, difficult law and as I’ve said so often, sometimes we win and sometimes we lose but always we keep trying.

Each day we try to overcome our prejudices and preconceived ideas about a person’s race or religion, social background or life style. We know it is difficult to see beyond these issues and acknowledge the human dignity and worth of the stranger, the ‘different’ as one loved by God the same as we are, and a person for whom Christ died as he died for us.

So we pray for ourselves and for each other that we will always be men and women of the law. We try as best we can to live the great law of love.

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Bulletin – January 26, 2014

Sunday, January 26th, 2014

ANNOUNCED MASSES

January 27th – February 1st, 2014

MONDAY – MANUEL COSTA – Requested by His Wife & Family
TUESDAY – WINNIE LEE-CHAN – Requested by Julie Chiu
WEDNESDAY – IRENE CHUCHRA – Requested by the Family
THURSDAY – THANKSGIVING – Requested by John Chan
FRIDAY – LIVING & DECEASED RELATIVES & FRIENDS OF THE CHIU-LEE FAMILY – Requested by Julie Chiu
SATURDAY – HUI SOU LIN – Requested by Linda Law

WELCOME! BAPTISM

The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome: Windel Jay Gapuz Tadios who was baptized on Sunday, January 12th, 2014

And
Annie Marisa Lorra Alexander
Samantha Bernadette Dizon
Sean Philip Dizon
Peregrine Alice Luxmore
Madeleine Cecilia Meli

These children received the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, January 19th, 2014.

Congratulations!

ECO-SABBATH

Sunday, February 2nd at 11:30 AM in the Gabriel Room

On the first Sunday of each month, the Passionist Centre for Ecology and Spirituality facilitates a 30 minute reflection and discussion prompted by the readings for that Sunday’s liturgy. The guided reflection brings an ecological perspective to the readings. All are welcome.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION – FIRST FRIDAY

Friday, February 7th from 9:30 AM – 12 Noon

ROSARY GROUPS

English: Saturday, February 1st at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room
Chinese: Sunday, February 2nd at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.

For information, please contact Linda Law at 416 -918-8029.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR CONSECRATED LIFE CELEBRATION

February 2nd at 3:00 P.M.
St. Paul’s Basilica

On Sunday, February 2nd, the Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. The purpose of this day is “to help the entire Church to esteem ever more greatly the witness of those persons who have chosen to follow Christ by means of the practice of the evangelical counsels” as well as “to be a suitable occasion for consecrated persons to renew their commitment and rekindle the fervor which should inspire their offering of themselves to the Lord.” – Blessed Pope John Paul II, 1997 message.

In the Archdiocese of Toronto, we are blessed to have living and serving among us more than 1,000 religious men and women of over 100 different religious congregations. This World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life is a wonderful opportunity for us to thank God for the gifts of these religious sisters, brothers and priests and to pray for God’s blessing upon them in their efforts to faithfully live the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience.

On Sunday, February 2nd at 3:00 P.M. at St. Paul’s Basilica, there will be a special Mass in celebration of the vocation and witness of these special men and women religious who are such a vital and important part of the life and ministry of the Church in our Archdiocese. All are welcome to attend.

WORLD LEPROSY DAY – SUNDAY, JANUARY 26TH

USED STAMP COLLECTION

This Sunday, January 26th is World Leprosy Day. Leprosy affects the nervous system deadening the body to pain. As a result, cuts and burns go unnoticed and neglected leading to severe infections. Such conditions can lead to loss of function in the limbs and even result in amputation. Please take a few moments to remember the children, women and men living with leprosy.

Please remember to bring us your used postage stamps. These are passed on to the Leprosy Mission of Canada helping them work towards the day when leprosy is eradicated. They are happy to accept any and all trimmed stamps, leaving no less than ¼ inch and no more than ½ inch paper border. Stamps may be deposited in the basket on the cabinet just outside the Parish Office.

For more information on the Leprosy Mission of Canada, please see the brochures on the cabinet outside the Office.

A MESSAGE FROM ROSALIE HALL

Dear Friends,
Thank you for making Christmas 2013 a joyous one for the hundreds of young mothers and children of Rosalie Hall. Celebrations were held and gifts of warm clothing, food, toiletries and toys were made possible by you. Your compassion was felt by all.

On behalf of everyone here at Rosalie Hall, thank you for generously sharing the Christmas spirit in such abundance. We wish you and yours a blessed and prosperous New Year!

FAITH CONNECTIONS’ THEOLOGY ON TAP:
“I NO LONGER CALL YOU SERVANTS, BUT I HAVE CALLED YOU FRIENDS”

Duke of York Pub
39 Prince Arthur Ave (near Bloor St W & Avenue Rd)
Monday, January 27th from 7:00 P.M.to -9:00 P.M.

All young adults (19-39) are invited to join us for an evening of thought-provoking conversation on theological topics! The special guest will be the Most Rev. Gerard Paul Bergie, Bishop of St. Catharines.

Bishop Bergie will explore the concept of friendship with God and how this influences our friendship with others. We will reflect on the importance of developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and how this will influence all that we do and all that we are in this life and the next.

Munchies are provided and a cash bar is available. Come and bring a friend! For more information visit the Toronto Theology on Tap web page, or contact Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt by phone at 416-467-2645 or e-mail at faithconnections@csj-to.ca.

CATHOLIC FAMILY SERVICES, NEW BEGINNINGS

“Presence: Opening Up to God’s Love in Our Experience of Loss.”
Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge Street, 4th Floor
Tuesday February 4th at 7:00 P.M.

On Tuesday, February 4th at 7:00 P.M. Catholic Family Services of Toronto and New Beginnings invite you to an inspirational talk with Maureen McDonnell, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology at Regis College, The Jesuit School of Theology at the University of Toronto.

The event will take place at the Catholic Pastoral Centre:
1155 Yonge St (at Shaftesbury Ave. next to the Summerhill Subway station) – 4th Floor and the topic will be “Presence: Opening Up to God’s Love in Our Experience of Loss.”

Free underground parking is available.
Pre registration is NOT required.

For further information, please contact Deacon James Shaughnessy MSW., RSW., Psyn.D. at
416-921-1163 ext 2227 or by email at jshaughn@cfstoronto.com.

RETREAT WEEKEND WITH FATHER RON ROLHEISER, OMI

February 7th to 9th
Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, Mississauga

The theme is “entering the soul through stories.”
Call 905-278-5229 to register.

IS THERE A GOD?
NEW DEBATE SERIES TACKLES LIFE’S BIG QUESTIONS

Friday, February 7th at 7:00 P.M.
Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles Street West

This question will be explored at the inaugural event of the Chesterton Debate Series, sponsored by the Office of Catholic Youth and the Archdiocese of Toronto. The debate takes place on Friday, February 7th at 7:00 P.M. at the Isabel Bader Theatre (93 Charles Street West).

Fr. Philip Cleevely, CO, an Oxford and Cambridge educated philosophy professor at St. Philip’s Seminary, will argue the Catholic position. Representing the atheist position is Justin Trottier, the founder of the Centre for Inquiry Canada and one of the country’s foremost advocates of secularism and skeptical inquiry. Stephen LeDrew, longtime host and commentator of CP24, will moderate the debate.

Tickets cost $10. Sales began January 10th through online registration at www.ocytoronto.org.

FINANCE CORNER

Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.

Collection for January 12th, 2014
Envelopes 412 $7,539
Loose Change $1,074
Weekly Portion of PAG 180 $3,461
(Pre-Authorized Giving)
Total $12,074

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR 2014

Please pick up your 2014 Offertory Boxed Envelopes as soon as possible. If you are on the Pre- Authorized Giving Plan, you will still receive a smaller green box of envelopes since these include Initial, New Year’s, Christmas, Easter and Maintenance envelopes. You may contact the Parish Office if you do not have envelopes but would like a box for 2014.

There will be a Maintenance Collection at all the Masses next weekend.

We would like to remind you not to use envelopes from previous years as this number may have been reassigned to another family.

Posted in Bulletin | Comments Off on Bulletin – January 26, 2014

Homily – January 26, 2014

Sunday, January 26th, 2014

In today’s gospel we hear of Jesus calling other people to join him in his work of proclaiming the good news of God’s love for all of us. He calls these men, Peter and Andrew, James and John while they were in the midst of their daily work, Peter and Andrew were casting out nets while James and John were mending their nets – they were all fishermen. Jesus offers them a greater challenge – from now on they would be fishers of people, they would be catching people for God. Jesus began the work of networking, organizing others to help him in his work of proclaiming the good news.

Jesus networked with each one of us when we were baptised. In baptism we became members of the body of Christ, the church. In his letter to the Corinthians Paul compares the union of the human body to the unity of the church. Each member of the body has its own role to play in the life of the body and no one part can do without the other. Each member of the body of the community of the church, of the community of this parish, has his or hers own gifts that are to be used for the good of the whole body, the church, this parish.

I’m sure you heard the words, ‘I have no hands but yours’. These words are meant for every member of the body of Christ, the church. And they are spoken to each of us as we go about the daily tasks of our lives just as they were spoken in a different way to Peter and Andrew, James and John in the midst of casting nets and mending lives.

Christ says to you and to me, as we go about our daily living our ordinary lives, I have no hands but yours, I have no voice but yours, I have no eyes but yours, I have no ears but yours, I have no heart but yours, no feet but yours to continue my work on earth. These words challenge each of us to live no longer for ourselves but for Christ, to complete his work on earth and bring us to the fullness of grace.

Pope Francis say we share our faith by the way we live our lives and you’ve heard that saying of St. Francis ‘ preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.

So when we speak we say only the good things people need to hear, word that will really help them. So in our conversations, at home or at work, we speak words of encourage and support and avoid gossip and criticism.

We listen to other people’s problems, knowing they don’t expect us to solve their problems; they just want to be heard. We look at others and see in them their dignity and worth as human beings and as brothers and sisters in Christ. We reach out to others and help them in and through the different ways the parish outreach programs offer us.

Jesus called Peter and Andrew, James and John as they went about their daily work. He calls each of us to be attentive, aware of the possibilities offered in our daily contact with others, at work, at the supermarket, on the street – whenever and where ever we are in contact with other people – there is our chance to be the hands and the ears and eyes of Jesus. This is our opportunity to bring the life and love and healing of Jesus to others.

As baptized Christian Catholics we have to know that Christ’s work of bringing the people to the Father must truly be our own.

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