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Bulletin – February 17, 2019

Sunday, February 17th, 2019

COUNTING MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Each Monday morning Parish members count that weekend’s Offertory (and special collections) a process of usually 2 ½ hours. The Counting Ministry ensures prompt and accurate depositing of weekly collections and accurate input into the process of recording parishioner donations.

We need additional volunteers for this important ministry. Volunteers work on a team which normally counts every fourth week and approximately 4 to 5 other weeks regarding special collections. If you are available on Mondays (Tuesdays when the Office is closed on Monday because of a statutory holiday), please contact the Parish Office as soon as possible. Training will be provided.

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Sunday, February 17th after 12:30 PM Mass

Tuesday, February 5th marks the beginning of Lunar New Year. This year is the Year of the Pig. For many years, the Asian community in our parish has gifted our parish community with a wonderful Lunar New Year Party.

This year, the Lunar New Year Celebration will take place on Sunday, February 17th after the 12:30 PM Mass in the Gathering Space. All are welcome.

FAMILY DAY

Monday, February 18th

Monday February 18th is Family Day, a day to celebrate our families. The Parish Office will be closed and there will be no 9:00 AM Mass on that day.

FEAST OF ST. GABRIEL CELEBRATING IN SONG
TOGETHER IN WORSHIP

Wednesday, February 27th at 7:30 PM

St. Gabriel’s Church

Together in Worship, featuring Leo Marchildon, Josh Tamayo and the Together in Worship

Vocal Ensemble will perform here at St. Gabriel’s Church on Wednesday, February 27th at 7:30 PM.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated in Sienna Margani’s name to the Blu Genes Foundation in support of treatments for Tay Sachs Disease. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

February 18th – February 23rd, 2019

MONDAY – FAMILY DAY – No 9:00 AM Mass
TUESDAY – JOHN McDONOUGH – Requested by the Mulhall Family
WEDNESDAY – ERNEST RICKETTS – Requested by his Family
THURSDAY – PEDRO MOYA – Requested by Bob & Cora Parke
FRIDAY – MADALENA & ADILIA NASCIMENTO – Requested by their Family
SATURDAY – PATRICIA CHEONG – Requested by Yvonne Singh

FIRST COMMUNION INTERVIEWS

Interviews for children who are preparing to receive their First Communion are now being scheduled.

Interviews will begin on Tuesday, April 23rd and continue until Friday May 10th. They are scheduled every 15 minutes from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

Please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866-to book your appointment with Fr. Brando or Fr. John as soon as possible.

WELCOME! BAPTISM

The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome: Ernest Cerilli who received the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, February 10th. Congratulations!

FIRST RECONCILIATION

Saturday, March 2nd at 10:00 AM

St. Gabriel’s Church

First Reconciliation for children attending St. Gabriel’s School, those in the Children’s Faith Program and children attending other Catholic Schools will be held at St. Gabriel’s Church on Saturday, March 2nd at 10:00 AM.

2019 LIFT JESUS HIGHER RALLY

Saturday, March 2nd from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W.

Be inspired, encouraged and healed at the largest single day Catholic event in Canada, the 27th annual Lift Jesus Higher Rally! The theme of this year’s rally is “Hope In The Midst of Suffering”.

The Rally will be held on Saturday, March 2nd from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Be inspired by talks by Ralph Martin, Sr. Ann Shields and guest speaker Fr. Mark Goring.

The adult high mass (with Sunday readings) will be celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Collins.

There will be a separate youth event (13-18 years) with great music, dynamic talks and inspirational skits. The youth mass (with Sunday readings) will be celebrated by Fr. Mark Goring.

Tickets: are $25 for adults and $15 for the youth. For additional information, please see our website, your church bulletin board or kindly contact us at (647) 243-9441.

Email: contact@lift-jesus-higher-rally.ca or visit: www.lift-jesus-higher-rally.ca.

FOOD FOR ROSALIE HALL & GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Each month the food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.

Your food donations are more important than ever as the winter continues and numbers of needy people continue to increase. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired. Thank you for your generous support.

JUST COFFEE

Weekend of February 23rd/24th

Because of our Lunar New Year Celebration next Sunday Fair Trade organic coffees, usually on sale next weekend, will be on sale after all the Masses on February 23rd/24th.

FAITH CONNECTIONS: CHRIST AND CULTURE AT THE AGO

Wednesday, February 13th from 6:30 to 9:00 PM

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), Free Admission

Can we encounter God through art?

Join the Sisters of St. Joseph for Christ and Culture to find out!

Together, as you walk through the galleries at the AGO and admire the beauty of art, you will reflect on a select few pieces and how they relate to your faith journeys. Admission is free!

At 8:15 PM the group will head to “The Village Idiot Pub” to share with one another what stood out to them during the visit.

HOW TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

Thursday, February 28th from 7:00 to 8:00 PM

Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home, Thornhill

This time of year, grief can leave us frozen in our tracks. Join us for a casual evening as we take a closer look at the symbolism of winter and discover greater insight into accepting peace and comfort as we go through this seasonal journey. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome! For more information please contact Catholic Cemeteries & Funeral Services-Archdiocese of Toronto by phone at 416-733-8544 x 2047, by email: at info@cc-fs.ca or go to the website: catholic-cemeteries.com.

THE ANNUAL MARDI GRAS MASS AT MARYLAKE

Saturday, March 2nd at 5:00 PM

Marylake, 13760 Keele St., King City

The Augustinians at Marylake invite you to join them for the Annual Mardi Gras Mass at Marylake on Saturday, March 2nd at 5:00 PM.

This lively Mass in preparation for the Lenten season will feature traditional New Orleans style Dixieland Jazz hymns with the Red Peppers Dixieland Jazz providing the musical accompaniment and the Cardinal Carter High School Concert Choir providing the vocals. After Mass, there will be a short concert and complimentary Shrove pancakes, sausages and refreshments will be served.

For more information, please call 905-833-5368, e-mail at info@marylake.com or visit at www.marylakecom.

COME AND SEE WEEKEND

March 15th to March 17th

St. Augustine’s Seminary

Young Catholic men ages 17 and older are invited to cultivate a deeper prayer life and relationship with Jesus Christ, leading to a better discernment of God’s call for their lives. Registrants age 17 will require a parental consent.

There will be time for prayer, reflection and information on the process of becoming one of Christ’s disciples as a Catholic priest. Please register online at www.vocationstoronto.ca.

For more information, please contact the Office of Vocations at 416-968-0997 or email vocations@archtoronto.org.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

Friday, March 1st at 1:30 PM

Church of the Incarnation Anglican Church
15 Clairtrelle Road

You are cordially invited to the annual ecumenical World Day of Prayer Service which will be held at the Church of the Incarnation on Friday March 1st at 1:30 PM. The theme this year, “Come – Everything Is Ready!”was written by the women of Slovenia. St. Gabriel’s is one of three Catholic churches involved but has very little representation at the service. Please join us, along with our neighbouring Christian churches, in prayer and reflection. A reception will follow.

QUEEN OF APOSTLES RENEWAL CENTRE

Women’s Lenten Retreat
Weekend of March 22nd to March 24th

On the weekend of March 22nd to 24th, the Centre team will preach a Lenten retreat on the theme “Every Gift Reveals God’s Love; But No Gift Reveals God’s Love More Than the Gifts of the Cross” For more information, or to register please call 905 278 5229.

GARDEN MINISTRY

GARDEN MINISTRY COMMUNITY GARDEN PROJECT

Items for donation to the indoor planting of the community garden can be brought to the Garden Ministry table in the Gathering Space before or after all Masses on the weekend of February 23rd/24th.

For more information please contact Heather Bennett at heathermjb@gmail.com.

FINANCE CORNER

The Finance Council wishes to share this with all who come together as our worshipping community …

“The financial burden of the Parish is the responsibility of each and all parishioners to the extent that your means allow.” Our operating payments average $17,000 per week.

Please consider giving your offertory by picking up Envelopes, enrolling in Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG), or Donate Now (through the Archdiocese of Toronto website). Please come by the parish office if you have any questions.

TAX RECEIPTS FOR 2018

Tax receipts for 2018 have been mailed out. Receipts for PAG contributions are included in the Parish tax receipt.

Tax receipts for the Family of Faith Campaign or for any donations made by credit card for ShareLIfe or Donate Now through the Archdiocese will be receipted by the Archdiocese in February.

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Homily – February 17, 2019

Sunday, February 17th, 2019

There is nothing blessed about having to worry about where your next meal will come from. There is nothing blessed about trying to survive on a minimum wage. There is nothing blessed about living on the street or in a shelter. There is nothing blessed about grieving over the death of a spouse or the death of a child. There’s nothing blessed about grieving over a failed marriage or a broken relationship. There is nothing blessed about being excluded from the company of others because of the color of your skin, or the church, synagogue or mosque you attend. There is nothing blessed about being ridiculed and excluded because of your sexual orientation or a physical or mental disability.

These realities of being excluded, rejected or belittled can make a person bitter, harden a person’s heart, sour their outlook on life and limit their ability to have any relationships.

The reality of poverty, exclusion and loneliness are not things we look for or want in our lives. Can we remember that we believe in and follow Jesus Christ? He was born in poverty, earned his bread by the sweat of his brow, was rejected by his own town folk, rejected by people of power, betrayed and abandoned by close friends, tried and convicted as a common criminal and condemned to the shameful death of crucifixion but he was vindicated in his resurrection.

In our second reading Paul maintains that ‘if Christ be not risen then we are still in our sins, Good Friday was a waste. But Christ is raised.

For our faith in Christ to be fruitful, we need to believe that there is a life after this one where there is no more hunger, weeping, or hatred. If we can trust the truth that after the crucifixions of this life, there is the life of the resurrection when God himself will wipe all tears away, then and only then will you be fruitful in love, joy, peace, and patience.

This is not pie in the sky. As followers of Christ we are called to do whatever we can and support in any way we can all those good people who are burdened with poverty and homelessness. Good people who suffer discrimination because of their racial background or sexual orientation.

May we always remember these words of Jesus; ‘whatever you do to one of these least of my brothers and sisters, you do to me, you do for me.’

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Homily – February 10, 2019

Sunday, February 10th, 2019

Just a few words on our second reading; Paul is explaining his faith in Jesus to the infant Christian community in the seaport city of Corinth. He wants to get right to the heart of the matter and so he tells them of what he knows in his heart after his meeting with the Risen Christ on the road to Damascus. This is of first importance, that Christ died for our sins; he was buried and was raised from the dead. Paul writes in this letter, ‘if Christ be not raised then we are still in our sins, nothing has changed in our relationship with God. Paul insisted Christ has been raised, the Father has accepted his sacrifice on the cross and we are invited into a life giving relationship with God. For Paul and for each one of us this must be of ‘first importance’ that Christ died for our sins.’

We celebrate this awesome truth at this Mass, this sacrament of the Eucharist. A sacrament is a sign of something that speaks beyond itself. The simple water of baptism speaks of the living waters of God’s grace poured into our hearts as our Baptism. The oils used in Baptism, Confirmation, the Sacrament of the Sick and Ordination are signs of the healing, strengthening and consecration that come to us in these sacraments. The power of the keys tells of the ability of the Church to bind or let loose the sins of our lives.

At every Mass we place the sign of death – separated body and blood and we renew the sacrifice of Christ’s life giving death on Calvary. After the words of consecration we say; when we eat this bread and drink this cup we proclaim your death O Lord until you come again.’ Calvary is made present, right here, right now.This is of first importance. This is a constant reminder of how loved we are by God, no matter what our faults and failings. This a constant reminder of the wonder that God so love us God sent his Son into our world, into our lives, not to condemn us but to embrace us, to heal us. This is of first importance.

The gospel Paul preached rests upon the recognition that we mere humans stand in need of salvation and that we are powerless to do this for ourselves. What is more, we are sinners who need to be healed of our moral wounds. This, we believe in faith, has been done in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and promises us a world beyond our earth and our earthly plans.

There was a prayer we used to say that began with the words, ’for how many ages have you hung upon your cross and still we pass you by and regard you not.’ Have we reduced the crucifix to a trinket? Do we look at a crucifix and are numb to the suffering, the humiliation and the degradation Christ endured on that cross? Do we presume on the love the crucified Christ has for each one of us? Do we forget that the love of Christ crucified for you, for me, demands a love for him in return?

Are these personal questions of first importance to us as we reflect on our own personal relationship with Christ?

The reason our Passionist community exists in the church is to keep reminding ourselves and the people to whom we minister in our parishes, retreat houses and mission of what is or most importance; that Christ died for our sins and brought us back into life with God. The motto of the Passionist community is, ‘may the Passion of Christ be always in our hearts.’

As we continue to celebrate our Eucharist may we pray for ourselves and for each other that we never forget what is of first importance; Christ died for our sins. A question we might ask of ourselves is what is my response to Christ’s great act of love? Is this truth of first importance to me? Do I stop to thank him? Do I trust in Christ’s love for me? Do I try to love others as Christ as loved me?

Something to think about.

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Bulletin – February 10, 2019

Sunday, February 10th, 2019

COUNTING MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Each Monday morning Parish members count that weekend’s Offertory (and special collections) a process of usually 2 ½ hours. The Counting Ministry ensures prompt and accurate depositing of weekly collections and accurate input into the process of recording parishioner donations.

We need additional volunteers for this important ministry. Volunteers work on a team which normally counts every fourth week and approximately 4 to 5 other weeks regarding special collections. If you are available on Mondays (Tuesdays when the Office is closed on Monday because of a statutory holiday), please contact the Parish Office as soon as possible. Training will be provided.

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Sunday, February 17th after 12:30 PM Mass

Tuesday, February 5th marks the beginning of Lunar New Year. This year is the Year of the Pig. For many years, the Asian community in our parish has gifted our parish community with a wonderful Lunar New Year Party.

This year, the Lunar New Year Celebration will take place on Sunday, February 17th after the 12:30 PM Mass in the Gathering Space. All are welcome.

FAMILY DAY

Monday, February 18th

Monday February 18th is Family Day, a day to celebrate our families. The Parish Office will be closed and there will be no 9:00 AM Mass on that day.

FEAST OF ST. GABRIEL CELEBRATING IN SONG TOGETHER IN WORSHIP

Wednesday, February 27th at 7:30 PM

St. Gabriel’s Church

Together in Worship, featuring Leo Marchildon, Josh Tamayo and the Together in Worship

Vocal Ensemble will perform here at St. Gabriel’s Church on Wednesday, February 27th at 7:30 PM.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated in Sienna Margani’s name to the Blu Genes Foundation in support of treatments for Tay Sachs Disease.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

February 11th – February 16th, 2019

MONDAY – JOHN McDONOUGH – Requested by the Mulhall Family
TUESDAY – TONINO DIADATO – Requested by the Family
WEDNESDAY – JOSEPHINE BADALI – Requested by John, Sal & Patsy
THURSDAY – CAANDIDO SAN JUAN – Requested by Ursula Holt & George Akleh
FRIDAY – NICOLA VUKOVIC – Requested by her Family
SATURDAY – MARGARET McGINLEY – Requested by Kathleen Olden-Powell

2019 LIFT JESUS HIGHER RALLY

Saturday, March 2nd from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W.

Be inspired, encouraged and healed at the largest single day Catholic event in Canada, the 27th annual Lift Jesus Higher Rally! The theme of this year’s rally is “Hope In The Midst of Suffering”. The Rally will be held on Saturday, March 2nd from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Be inspired by talks by Ralph Martin, Sr. Ann Shields and guest speaker Fr. Mark Goring. The adult high mass (with Sunday readings) will be celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Collins. There will be a separate youth event (13-18 years) with great music, dynamic talks and inspirational skits. The youth mass (with Sunday readings) will be celebrated by Fr. Mark Goring. Tickets: are $25 for adults and $15 for the youth. For additional information, please see our website, your church bulletin board or kindly contact us at (647) 243-9441. Email: contact@lift-jesus-higher-rally.ca or visit: www.lift-jesus-higher-rally.ca.

FOOD FOR ROSALIE HALL & GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Each month the food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.

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. 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. Your food donations are more important than ever as the winter continues and numbers of needy people continue to increase. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired. Thank you for your generous support.

JUST COFFEE

Weekend of February 23rd/24th

Because of our Lunar New Year Celebration next Sunday Fair Trade organic coffees, usually on sale next weekend, will be on sale after all the Masses on February 23rd/24th.

VISIT THE PASSIONIST COMMUNITIES IN EAST AFRICA

September/ October 2019

St Gabriel’s Parish has been invited to return to witness the work of the Passionists in Kenya and Tanzania in late September / early October of this year! If you are interested in joining this small group of parishioners please contact Steve Carey at skecarey@gmail.com for more information before February 12th, 2019.

FAITH CONNECTIONS
CHRIST AND CULTURE AT THE AGO

Wednesday, February 13th from 6:30 to 9:00 PM

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Free Admission
Can we encounter God through art?
Join the Sisters of St. Joseph for Christ and Culture to find out!
Together, as you walk through the galleries at the AGO and admire the beauty of art, you will reflect on a select few pieces and how they relate to your faith journeys. Admission is free!
At 8:15 PM the group will head to “The Village Idiot Pub” to share with one another what stood out to them during the visit.

HOW TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

Thursday, February 28th from 7:00 to 8:00 PM

Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home, Thornhill

This time of year, grief can leave us frozen in our tracks. Join us for a casual evening as we take a closer look at the symbolism of winter and discover greater insight into accepting peace and comfort as we go through this seasonal journey. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome! For more information please contact Catholic Cemeteries & Funeral Services-Archdiocese of Toronto by phone at 416-733-8544 x 2047, by email: at info@cc-fs.ca or go to the website: catholic-cemeteries.com.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

Friday, March 1st at 1:30 PM

Church of the Incarnation Anglican Church
15 Clairtrelle Road

You are cordially invited to the annual ecumenical World Day of Prayer Service which will be held at the Church of the Incarnation on Friday March 1st at 1:30 PM. The theme this year, “Come – Everything Is Ready!”was written by the women of Slovenia. St. Gabriel’s is one of three Catholic churches involved but has very little representation at the service. Please join us, along with our neighbouring Christian churches, in prayer and reflection. A reception will follow.

THE ANNUAL MARDI GRAS MASS AT MARYLAKE

Saturday, March 2nd at 5:00 PM

Marylake, 13760 Keele St., King City

The Augustinians at Marylake invite you to join them for the Annual Mardi Gras Mass at Marylake on Saturday, March 2nd at 5:00 PM. This lively Mass in preparation for the Lenten season will feature traditional New Orleans style Dixieland Jazz hymns with the Red Peppers Dixieland Jazz providing the musical accompaniment and the Cardinal Carter High School Concert Choir providing the vocals. After Mass, there will be a short concert and complimentary Shrove pancakes, sausages and refreshments will be served. For more information, please call 905-833-5368, e-mail at info@marylake.com or visit at www.marylakecom.

COME AND SEE WEEKEND

March 15th to March 17th

St. Augustine’s Seminary

Young Catholic men ages 17 and older are invited to cultivate a deeper prayer life and relationship with Jesus Christ, leading to a better discernment of God’s call for their lives. Registrants age 17 will require a parental consent.

There will be time for prayer, reflection and information on the process of becoming one of Christ’s disciples as a Catholic priest. Please register online at www.vocationstoronto.ca.

For more information, please contact the Office of Vocations at 416-968-0997 or email vocations@archtoronto.org.

GARDEN MINISTRY

EXCITING NEWS!

GARDEN MINISTRY COMMUNITY GARDEN PROJECT

This spring we are excited to launch a community garden project at St. Gabriel’s. The harvest from the garden will support the Good Shepherd Ministries, who have requested that our garden initially provide them with salad vegetables. Everyone is welcome to get involved in planting seeds indoors at the end March – more information will follow. If you have surplus equipment and supplies that could be used in this effort, your donation would be most welcome! A list of needed supplies is available at the Garden Ministry table in the Gathering Space after Mass, on bulletin boards and on our web-page.

You are also most welcome to join the Garden Ministry. For more information, contact Heather Bennett at heathermjb@gmail.com.

FINANCE CORNER

The Finance Council wishes to share this with all who come together as our worshipping community …

“The financial burden of the Parish is the responsibility of each and all parishioners to the extent that your means allow.” Our operating payments average $17,000 per week.

Please consider giving your offertory by picking up Envelopes, enrolling in Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG), or Donate Now (through the Archdiocese of Toronto website). Please come by the parish office if you have any questions.

TAX RECEIPTS FOR 2018

Tax receipts for 2018 have been mailed out. Receipts for PAG contributions are included in the Parish tax receipt.

Tax receipts for the Family of Faith Campaign or for any donations made by credit card for ShareLIfe or Donate Now through the Archdiocese will be receipted by the Archdiocese in February.

Posted in Bulletin | Comments Off on Bulletin – February 10, 2019

Homily – February 3, 2019

Sunday, February 3rd, 2019

Did you grow up in an area where everyone knew everybody and everybody’s business? Have you heard your parents, when speaking of someone else say, “I remember them when.’ People are not expected to get to uppity. They are to stay in their place.

The more things change the more they remain the same. At the time of Jesus this was the same mentality – know your place. Everyone had a proper place in society that was established by birth. No one was ever expected to neither become something better nor improve on the lot of their parents. The people of Nazareth knew Jesus was the son of Joseph the carpenter. What’s with his going around and acting like a rabbi?

Jesus worked his way home after spending 40 days in the desert praying and fasting and sorting out the message he’d received at his baptism – you are my son, the beloved, with you I am well pleased.

His neighbours had heard that this son of Joseph was saying and doing wonderful things in Capernaum. They didn’t know what to expect of him. The word went out that he was going to read the scriptures on the Sabbath. The synagogue was packed with curious people. His neighbours were curious about what he had to say and wondered about his popularity. Jesus read from Isaiah and attributed the call of Isaiah to himself – the Spirit of the Lord is upon me, he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, proclaim release to captives, sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed. Jesus is perceived by his neighbours as being uppity, as stepping shamefully beyond his family boundaries. His father Joseph was a carpenter – who does he think he making such claims.

Rubbing salt into the wounds opened by his insulting behavior Jesus inserts himself into the prophetic line of Elijah and Elisha. Prophets who worked beyond the confines of the Jewish people, prophets God sent to the gentiles, the widow in Sidon and the Syrian leper Naaman. Jesus too would reach out to Samaritans and Gentiles. He was called to be for all people.

This was too much; who did this man think he was, preaching to them. ‘All in the synagogue were filled with rage, they drove him out of town, proving the truth of his saying, and ‘a prophet is not without honor except in his own town.

Prophets can be bothersome, they can make us uncomfortable, we ask, ‘who do they think they are’’? We could ask ourselves the question, are we listening to the prophets of our times, prophets who disturb us, make us uneasy with their messages. Prophets such as the scientists who tell us of climate change and the negative impact our use of fossil fuel has on the health of Earth’s life systems, prophets who warn us of the impact our lifestyles have on the acidity of the oceans, the quality of the air we breathe, the health of the earth that feeds us, the waters that nourish us. Prophets like Pope Francis who calls us to our human and Christian responsibility to honor and care for God’s good creation. Their messages really can make us uncomfortable, they challenge us to a change in our life styles, our wastefulness, our unconcern about the impact we have one the wellbeing, not only on the earth but on those who share the earth with us, the people who live in lands facing drought or devastated by heatwaves, climate changes that bring about artic blasts or hurricanes. Prophets who challenge us to think about what kind of an earth we will leave for future generations.

As we continue our Mass we can pray for ourselves and for each other that hear the words of our prophets and commit ourselves to living simply that others may simply live.

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