Homily – May 31, 2015

May 31st, 2015

Today we celebrate the feast of the Holy Trinity. This is a mystery basic to our faith as Christians – this is the mystery that separates us from the great faiths of Judaism and Islam. They too believe in the one God, the Father of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But we believe that the “ God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob loved us so much He sent His Son to the world – not to condemn the world – but in order that the world, that we might be saved thru him.

We call the Trinity a mystery – a mystery is not something of which we can know nothing – a mystery is something of which we cannot know everything. Even when we see God face to face we will not, we cannot completely comprehend the wonder of God – for God is beyond the limited capabilities of our human minds.

What this mystery teaches us in that the inner life of God is a life of relationships – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We pray in the Mass – all life, all holiness comes from you Father, thru your son Jesus Christ our Lord, by the workings of the Holy Spirit. And thru God’s goodness – shown us in the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ – we are invited into those relationships – when we are baptized God’s Holy Spirit is poured into our very being and gives us the boldness to call God – Father/Mother – God’s Holy Spirit permeates our very being, molding and fashioning us into the image of God’s Son Jesus Christ. St.Paul tells us in our second reading ‘The Spirit bears witness to our spirit that we are children of God.’

The creative, life giving, love giving relationship of the Trinity is to be the model of all our relationships – our very existence springs from the creative love relationship of our mother and father. Our whole lives are lived in relationship – the life and death of each of us has its influence on others. We do not go thru life untouched or un-touching.

Instead of trying to sort out the mystery of the Trinity we can use this feast as the occasion of our personal examination as to how creative, how life giving, how healing we are in our relationships – husband/ wife – mother/ father – brother/ sister / friend or lover / neighbour/stranger. On this feast of the Trinity we can ask the question – in my relationships am I a source of life, love, growth, healing, forgiving. Do I enrich the lives of others by my friendship – are people better people thru their friendship with me? Do I encourage, foster the gifts and abilities of others. Do I give my spouse, my sons or daughters, my friends, the freedom to be themselves, to find their own way? Is my friendship strong enough that I am willing to confront or face up to issues that are not healthy, that can weaken my relationship? In any and all of my relationships am I dependable, trustworthy, and faithful?

Forming and maintaining good healthy relationships is not easy. Friends ‘fall out ‘husbands and wives split, parents and children are alienated. That’s why it’s important to question ourselves – am I a control freak – am I a demanding person, a needy person, do I try to manipulate, dominate family or friends. Does everything have to center of me? Living in healthy, life giving relationships is a life time task. When all is said and done – our whole lives will be judged on how we lived our many relationships – with family, friends or strangers – These are the facts by which our lives will be judged – I was hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, imprisoned – and you were there for me – welcome into the eternal life giving relationship of Father, Son and Spirit – for as often as you did these things to one of these, the least of mine, you did it to me.

Sometime this year Pope Francis will be issuing a letter to the world on the matter of the environmental crises facing us all but denied by many. We really have messed up our relationships with the rest of Earth’s life systems, systems that support and sustain our lives. To satisfy our need for more and more we have polluted Earth’s lakes and rivers with our wastes from pulp mills and mines. We’ve polluted Earth’s air with toxic fumes and the soil with pesticides. We’ve ignored the fact that we are not lords of creation; we are kin with all other life forms on our common home, Mother Earth. You’ve heard me say this many times, ‘the earth does not belong to us, we belong to the earth and what we do to the earth we do to ourselves. We did not weave the web of life; we are a strand in the web and what we do to the web we do to ourselves. We humans have placed a great strain on our relationships with the rest of God’s good creation. The church calls us to live simply that others may simply live and to see that Earth’s bounty is shared equally by whole human family.

As we continue to celebrate this feast of the Blessed Trinity, this feast of relationships we pray for the ability to always live in holy, life giving, life sustaining, life healing relationships with all those who come into our lives.

Bulletin – May 31, 2015

May 31st, 2015

CONFIRMATION

Congratulations to the following young people of our Parish who were confirmed on Sunday, May 24th, 2015. The Sacrament was administered by Rev. Fr. Brando Recana C.P.

Chloe Gabreille Aguila
Julia Francesca Aguiar
Judy Akhras
Naia Nicole Aquino
Dennis Bagayawa
Darya Barghian
Marjor Bento
Sabrina Berih
Rachel Beyfuss
Leonardo Blanco Rutty
Aaron Cappuccio
Simeon Charles
Stephanie Chen
Wilton Choi
Aidan Cooke
Liam Corelli
Adrian Diaz
Spencer Doraty
Anya D’Souza
Dante Farinha-Eliahou
Gabrielle Marie Ferrer
Thomas French
Dominic Guzzo
Eugene Jang
Clarissa Jepson
Bianca Junio
Jasmine Neriza Lagula
Gerardo Jose N. L. Layug
Cassandra Francesca Lazzer
Jonathan Lee
Luke Myeongjun Lee
Klara Matic
Ethan McKinley
Drewmore Moon
Sanghyun Park
Anna Perugini
Laurel Pierroz-Wong
Julie Pimentel
Jeffrey Predie
Mara Primucci
Hannah Routledge
Joshua Sanelli
Jordan Sinclair
Cristina Socas
Kaedreena Thomas
Rodrigo Yabut
Matthew Yau
Nathan Yung

Let us pray for them as they continue on their journey of faith guided by the Holy Spirit.

CHANGE OF GRADE FOR CONFIRMATION

Cardinal Collins recently announced that the grade level of those eligible for Confirmation will change from Grade 8 to Grade 7. In the transitional phase of the 2015 – 2016 academic year, all children in Grade 7 and 8 will be prepared for and will receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Accommodating the increased number of candidates will be a challenge but by mid summer, we hope to have a clearer idea of how we will approach this unique situation.

If your child is currently in Grade 6 or 7, please watch our bulletin or check our website, www.stgabrielsparish@bellnet.ca for further information. The process for Confirmation preparation for students entering Grade 7 and 8 will begin in September 2015.

RESPECT FOR THE SACREDNESS OF THE CELEBRATION

As a sign of respect for the celebrant and others attending Mass, please do not let your children roam around freely during the liturgy.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

June 1st to June 6th 2015

MONDAY – FERNANDO LASA – Requested by Ana Maria & Family
TUESDAY – MARCELINO FERNANDES – Requested by Tita Fernandes
WEDNESDAY – JOHN HUYBERS – Requested by the Family
THURSDAY – ABANDONED SOULS – Requested by the Nguyen Family
FRIDAY – FELIX CHAN – Requested by John Chan
SATURDAY – A. B. DES ROCHES – Requested by Marion & Mark

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Friday, June 5th from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon

ROSARY GROUPS

English: Saturday, June 6th at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room.
Chinese: Sunday, June 7th at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.
For information, please contact Linda Law at 416-918-8029.

NEPAL EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

The Archdiocese of Toronto is accepting financial contributions for humanitarian relief following the catastrophic effects of a serious earthquake on April 24th The earthquake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, and aftershocks have devastated huge areas of the country, with more than 7,000 people reported dead, many more injured and thousands of families displaced from their homes.

Relief workers from the official Catholic relief agency on the ground, Caritas Internationalis, say the victims most need temporary shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene supplies as relief operations gear up. So far, Caritas organizations around the world have pledged $3.3 million to the relief effort as well as providing 10,000 shelter kits and 3,000 tarps.

Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:

Online through the Archdiocese of Toronto website: www.archtoronto.org
By phone through the Development Office – 416-934-3411
Through the parish, making cheques payable to:
St. Gabriel’s Parish – Nepal Earthquake – Humanitarian Relief

Donations to Date: $14,859

FEED THE HUNGRY

Each month the food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall or the Good Shepherd Centre. As summer approaches, food donations tend to drop off. These donations are more important than ever as families struggle to make ends meet. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired. Thank you for your ongoing support.

SHARELIFE

Working wonders for those in our community…

“I searched the internet for “help young mother pregnant Mississauga” and I found Vita Centre. I was shocked to find out that there were complete strangers willing to help and guide young mothers to success. Even the resources that I have learned about from my counsellor has saved me so much time and hassle, and has given me hope that things will get better no matter how tough it may feel.” shares Alyssa, who as a young mom, is now experiencing a brighter future, thanks to ShareLife-supported Vita Centre. Last year, over 6,300 young parents received the care, counselling and educational support they needed to care for themselves and their new families.

ShareLife, 2014: $220,250.
ShareLife to Date: $124,272

Thank you for your generosity.
Together we can work wonders!

MILK BAGS

Did you know that milk bags can be cut, looped and woven into sleep mats for individuals or families in developing countries? Schools churches and senior homes throughout the Greater Toronto Area would welcome your contributions. Please drop the colourful outer bags in the bin located in the gathering space. Please make sure that the bags are clean and dry.

For further information about this program please visit www.milkbagsunlimited.ca or contact Sharon Gusz at sharongusz@gmail.com.

PLANNING TO BE A CATHOLIC TEACHER?

It is important 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, a contact with the pastor is highly recommended. Please plan to have a conversation with your Pastor early in the process, well before applications are to be submitted.

WHAT’S OK AND WHAT’S NOT OK WITH END-OF-LIFE CARE

Monday, June 1st from 5:30 to 7:00 PM

Newman Centre, 89 St. George Street

All are welcome to learn more about Catholic teaching on end-of-life care. The talk will be delivered by Dr. Bridget Campion, Bioethicist and Researcher with the Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute. There will be opportunity for Q & A and discussion followed by a short reception. To register contact Sonal Castelino at sonal.castelino@newmantoronto.com.

SEEING WITH HEART – DAY OF REFLECTION

Catholic Parents of Lesbian Daughters and Gay Sons
Saturday, June 6th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Scarboro Missions, 2685 Kingston Road

A retreat for Catholic parents of lesbian daughters and gay sons will be held at the Scarboro Missions, 2685 Kingston Road on Saturday, June 6th.The cost for the day including lunch is $40.00.

For Brochure and information call John Montague at 416-523-6449.

MOSAIC INTERFAITH – ABRAHAM THREE FAITHS

Monday, June 8th at 7:30 PM
Temple Har Zion

Mosaic Interfaith invites you to attend the next presentation in their series “From Abraham Three Faiths” at Temple Har Zion, 7360 Bayview Avenue on Monday June 8th at 7.30 PM. The subject is “Can You Be a Secular Jew/Christian/Muslim? The Impact of the Secular on our Religious Traditions” Panelists will be Rev. Canon John Hill, Rabbi Michael Stroh and Dr. Liyakat Takim from Christianity, Judaism and Islam respectively.
See the flyer on the bulletin boards.
For more information or to RSVP call Nora at 416-218 0680.

DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE (CARITAS CANADA)

Saturday June 6th from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM
ST PATRICK’S PARISH, Markham

You are invited to attend the annual year end meeting of the Toronto Development and Peace organization on Saturday, June 6th. There will be a presentation on our relief work following the earthquake in Nepal.

Then Guest Speaker, Rev. Riscylla Shaw, an Anglican priest will speak on the topic: “Reconciliation…it matters to all of us” to mark the closing of the five year Truth and Reconciliation Commission (www.trc.ca) initiated by the survivors of Residential schools in Canada. The meeting will be from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM on Saturday, June 6th at St Patrick’s Parish, 5633 Hwy #7, Markham. Lunch will be provided.

RSVP to Patricia Griffith at pcouscous@bell.net.

DISCERNING THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ST. LUKE’S PARABLES

Tuesdays, June 9th, 16th, 30th; July 7th
from 9:45 to 11:00 AM
St. Bonaventure Parish, 1320 Leslie Street

St. Bonaventure’s Parish is hosting a four-week reflective and interactive scripture study, Discerning the Holy Spirit in St. Luke’s Parables. Liturgical prayer, contemplation and fellowship in the Holy Spirit will be emphasized in understanding the powerful message presented by Luke.

For more information, contact the Office of Formation for Discipleship at 416-934-3400, ext. 523.

FINANCE CORNER

Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.

Collection for Last Weekend

Envelopes 404 $ 8,382
Loose Change 1,753
Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 166 3,153
Total 570 $ 13,288

Homily – May 24, 2015

May 23rd, 2015

In our first reading Luke’s tells us what happened to the early Christian church on the Jewish feast day called Pentecost. Imagine being gathered together with fellow believers to praise and thank God in the breaking of the bread. All knew that Jesus had returned to his father. They were told they were to wait for another gift from God, the Holy Spirit who would keep fresh in their minds the things that Jesus said and did.

And suddenly we hear a sound as of a violent wind blowing, filling the whole house. People who lived through a tornado often describe it as the sound of a roaring train passing through. It must be frightening and confusing. You are at the mercy of the elements. Luke then tells of strange tongues of fire settling gently on all present and something deep within them happened. They were changed, transformed, emboldened. They came to see as never before who Jesus was and what his passion, death and resurrection were all about and they were driven out into the streets compelled to tell others all about Jesus the crucified, Jesus the risen one.

Each one of us received the Holy Spirit at our Baptism when through the pouring of water and the saying of the words, ‘I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’ the Holy Spirit was poured into our very being giving each of us the boldness to call God “Father’. The gift of the Spirit was strengthened and renewed when we were anointed by the Bishop and given the gifts of the Spirit – wisdom, understanding, courage, reverence, right judgement, knowledge and wonder and awe. These gifts are meant to help live lives as faithful followers of Christ in the face of life styles and values that would have us live our lives as if God did not exist. The gifts wisdom and understanding sensitize us to wrongs that are so much a part of today’s society, today’s world; the intolerance and vindictiveness of religious fanatics who blow up mosques and churches and slaughter those who do not see God as they see God. The gifts of right judgement and knowledge help us recognize the sins against justice that affect the lives of men and women who struggle to raise a family on an unfair minimum wage or holding down two if not three part time jobs. The gifts of reverence, wonder and awe help us realize how misguided our present government’s denial and resistance to acknowledge the environmental and ecological crises the world community faces. The question for each one of is, are this gifts operative in the daily living of our lives? Do we support movements that call for justice for the poor or justice for planet Earth?

Do you feel or are you aware of the presence of the action of the Holy Spirit in your life? We might say that Pentecost was a pretty violent experience in the lives of the men and women who were there in that room behind locked doors. After their transforming experience of being seized by the Holy Spirit they burst out of that room, gifted with many tongues and proclaimed to all God’s deeds of power.

There are men and women who are in the charismatic movement who sometimes experience the wonder of that first Pentecost, who pray in the Spirit or speak in tongues. I’m not one of them. I survive with the conviction that the Holy Spirit works in most of our lives by nudging us, a little push now and then to be more patient, kind or understanding towards spouses, children. Maybe we’re nudged to make a phone call, drop a note, or make a visit to a house bound friend. Maybe we are touched by the idea to pray for people with cancer, especially children. Maybe we are nudged toward a deeper consciousness of the unfairness and desperation that darkens the lives of so many people. Maybe the Holy Spirit pokes us to think about the desperation of the men, women and children in the refugee camps in the Middle East or the coast of Italy. I like to think this is how the Holy Spirit is alive and well in us in the ordinary living of our ordinary lives.

We are good people but sometimes we get distracted by the soap operas of our lives that we forget the important things, the important people.

In Paul’s letter to the Galatians he tells of the fruits of the flesh; the fruits of those who live only for themselves, people who will not inherit the kingdom of God, they are fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy anger, quarrels and factions. Paul compares these to the fruit of the Spirit, people who respond to the nudges of the Spirit, they are; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self- control. If these are in our lives then the Holy Spirit is with us.

I read this recently, ‘Why do we not act like people who have God within us? Well, like anything planted so deep, the Spirit’s presence must be given a lot of time to make its way into our words, our actions, our deeds. Whenever we find patches of charity or joy in ourselves, or patience and kindness, or the ability to endure hardships and injuries; when we are tempted toward mildness and modesty, then we can be sure that the Holy Spirit is at work within us.’

Maybe we have to say to ourselves – be patient, the Spirit is not finished with me yet.

Bulletin – May 24, 2015

May 23rd, 2015

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to the following children from our parish attending St. Gabriel’s School who received their First Communion as a group on Sunday, May 17th, 2015.

Azher John Balajadia
Vince Cabaltera
Therese Celis
William Cha
Grace Chung
Dorothy Italia Copetti
Kayla de Guzman
Jean Philip Dizon
Ina Kim
Czarina Therese Reyes
Nicolas Saldivar-Brittain
Andra Serban
Regina Shin
Motolani Shoga
Zachary Vaz
Phoenyx Wyse

It was a beautiful celebration. Let us promise to support them with our prayers as they continue on their journey of faith.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

May 25th to May 30th 2015

MONDAY – JACQUE GRUOT – Requested by Theresa Yang
TUESDAY – SOULS IN PURGATORY – Requested by D. Lauzon
WEDNESDAY – JACQUELINE IREGI – Requested by Ruth & Marc
THURSDAY – LEWIS ROYES – Requested by Helene Royes & Family
FRIDAY – MARIA CHUNG & THERESA KANG – Requested by the Peter & Gemma
SATURDAY – GUS CALDERONE – Requested by Marie Calderone

PLANNING TO BE A CATHOLIC TEACHER?

It is important 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, a contact with the pastor is highly recommended. Please plan to have a conversation with your Pastor early in the process, well before applications are to be submitted.

NEPAL EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

The Archdiocese of Toronto is accepting financial contributions for humanitarian relief following the catastrophic effects of a serious earthquake on April 24th The earthquake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, and aftershocks have devastated huge areas of the country, with more than 7,000 people reported dead, many more injured and thousands of families displaced from their homes.

Relief workers from the official Catholic relief agency on the ground, Caritas Internationalis, say the victims most need temporary shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene supplies as relief operations gear up. So far, Caritas organizations around the world have pledged $3.3 million to the relief effort as well as providing 10,000 shelter kits and 3,000 tarps.

Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:

Online through the Archdiocese of Toronto website: www.archtoronto.org

By phone through the Development Office – 416-934-3411

Through the parish, making cheques payable to:
St. Gabriel’s Parish – Nepal Earthquake – Humanitarian Relief

Donations to Date: $12,872

Donations made before May 25th will be matched by the Canadian government.

SHARELIFE

Working wonders for those who need help in our neighbourhood…

“What an ambassador for Mary Centre he was and Gord was really tickled to be chosen for this role as co-speaker.”said Dominic Conforti, retiring Director at Mary Centre. Gord, who is intellectually challenged, shared his story at the 2014 ShareLife Golf tournament about how he and his two brothers came to be part of Mary Centre. He spoke about Christina who helps them during the day involving them in activities in the community and teaching them to do things for themselves. Then there was James who is with them on the weekends and helped them grow a veggie garden every spring and summer and the pride they feel when they pick their vegetables. Last year, over 2,300 people with special needs received the compassion and care they needed to enjoy their life and be productive in their homes and communities
.
ShareLife, 2014: $220,250.
ShareLife to Date: $122,235

Thank you for your generosity.
Together we can work wonders!

FEED THE HUNGRY

Each month the food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall or the Good Shepherd Centre. As summer approaches, food donations tend to drop off. These donations are more important than ever as families struggle to make ends meet.

Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired. Thank you for your ongoing support.

CASSEROLES FOR THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Weekend of May 30th/31st

Your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses next weekend for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.

More volunteers are needed to help feed the hungry in our city. Please get a copy of a casserole recipe and a pan and give it a try. Three recipes are available on St. Gabriel’s web site. Printed copies of the recipes are also available in the Parish Office. Please remember to mark the label on the pan lid with the name of the casserole. For more information, you may contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.

MILK BAGS

Did you know that milk bags can be cut, looped and woven into sleep mats for individuals or families in developing countries? Schools churches and senior homes throughout the Greater Toronto Area would welcome your contributions. Please drop the colourful outer bags in the bin located in the gathering space. Please make sure that the bags are clean and dry.

For further information about this program please visit www.milkbagsunlimited.ca or contact Sharon Gusz at sharongusz@gmail.com.

SPRING MEN’S ACTS RETREAT

May 28th to May 31st, 2015

Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre

A Men’s ACTS retreat will be held at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre on the weekend of May 28th to May 31st.

Men are invited to come deepen their Faith.

Private rooms with 2 piece ensuite.

Excellent Food for the Soul and Body

For more information, please call Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre at 905-278-5229.

DAY OF PRAYER AND HEALING FOR WOMEN

Saturday, May 30th

Do you know someone who is carrying the grief of a past abortion? Hope and healing are possible and God’s mercy endures forever. The Sisters of Life will be hosting a Day of Prayer and Healing for Women in Toronto on Saturday May 30th.

For confidential registration please call the Sisters of Life at 845-357-0258 or email hopeandhealing@sistersoflife.org. Visit http://www.sistersoflife.org/days-of-prayer-healing-testimonies-faqs for additional information.

MOSAIC INTERFAITH

Mosaic Interfaith are entering a team in the Big Bike Ride for Heart and Stroke on June 25th and are looking for more riders. If interested contact thisisfran@yahoo.com for more information and let her know you are from St. Gabriel’s. Each rider would be expected to raise a minimum of $25.

HIKE AND PRAYER: TORONTO ISLAND

Sunday, May 31st at 1:45 PM

Meeting at the Toronto Ferry Docks

Young adults (18-39) are invited to take an opportunity to slow down with God and enjoy the beauty of nature, with the theme “Be still and know that I am God.” The hike will end on Centre Island where you will have time to relax and to explore. Children welcome!

The group will gather at 1:45 PM at the Toronto Ferry Docks located at the foot of Bay Street and Queens Quay to take the 2:15 PM ferry to Hanlan’s Point, rain or shine. Ferry cost is $7.25, includes return. For more information or to RSVP, please go to faithconnections@csj-to.ca.

SEEING WITH HEART – DAY OF REFLECTION

Catholic Parents of Lesbian Daughters and Gay Sons

Saturday, June 6th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Scarboro Missions, 2685 Kingston Road

A retreat for Catholic parents of lesbian daughters and gay sons will be held at the Scarboro Missions, 2685 Kingston Road on Saturday, June 6th.The cost for the day including lunch is $40.00. For Brochure and information call John Montague at 416-523-6449.

DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE (CARITAS CANADA)

Saturday June 6th from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM

ST PATRICK’S PARISH, Markham

You are invited to attend the annual year end meeting of the Toronto Development and Peace organization on Saturday, June 6th. There will be a presentation on our relief work following the earthquake in Nepal.

Then Guest Speaker, Rev. Riscylla Shaw (a Priest in the Anglican Tradition) will speak on the topic: “Reconciliation…it matters to all of us” to mark the closing of the five year Truth and Reconciliation Commission (www.trc.ca) initiated by the survivors of Residential schools in Canada.

The meeting will be from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM on Saturday, June 6th at St Patrick’s Parish, 5633 Hwy #7, Markham, Ontario. Lunch will be provided. RSVP to Patricia Griffith at pcouscous@bell.net

MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT WEEKEND

Queen of Apostles Retreat Centre
1617 Blythe Rd., Mississauga

Consider joining a Marriage Enrichment Weekend for married couples focused on improving communication skills, refreshing and renewing your marriage. The weekend is hosted by a team of three married couples and a priest. For more information contact Gerard and Marge McCauley at gerard.marge@rogers.com or by phone at 905-792-1925.

FINANCE CORNER

Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.

Collection for Last Weekend

Envelopes 409 $ 7,960
Loose Change 831
Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 164 3,117
Total 562 $ 11,908

Homily – May 17, 2015

May 17th, 2015

One of the big events the city and the province are preparing for is the upcoming Pam Am and Parapam Games. The games begin on July 10 and whole event will end Aug 15th. Stadiums and the athlete’s village are all under construction. Commuters are going crazy with all the road work being done to be ready when the games start. Athletes will be here from Canada, the U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America. There will be an extraganza at the opening and closing of the games.

The high light of each event will be when the athletes go to the podium to receive their medals in recognition of their years of the hard work of training and discipline. It is then they know it was all worthwhile.

Stretch your imagination a bit and see today’s feast of the Ascension of Jesus as His going to podium to receive his gold medal and the praise of his father. His great feat was obeying the Father’s will and emptying himself of his divinity and taking to himself our humanity. Jesus humbled himself by enduring a humiliating death of a common criminal. Because of this the Father raised Jesus up in the Resurrection and gave him a name above every other name that can be named, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Jesus’ medals are his five wounds, blazing badges of his undying love for each of us.

Maybe we could also imagine that standing on the podium with Jesus are his Mother Mary and her husband Joseph both of whom made their lives available to God so that the Word could be made flesh and dwell amongst us.

The resurrection of Jesus and this feast of his Ascension to the Father are inseparable. The church separates their celebration so that we better grasp the meaning of two aspects of a single, indivisible event.

But what has all that to do with us?

In our first reading, Paul’s letter to the Christian community in Ephesus, he prays for his converts that God give them a spirit of wisdom and revelation as they come to know him, so that with the eyes of their heart enlightened they may come to know what is the hope to which Christ calls them, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance, what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for those who believe. Paul is praying that these good people come to appreciate and embrace the deep relationship they have with the Father Son and Holy Spirit because of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. Paul calls them to live a life that is worthy of the calling to which they have been called.

A number of years ago I attended a funeral for one of our priests and the homilist was using the example of an up and coming baseball pitcher. The pitcher never realized his dreams. As the homilist said, pointing to his head – he had it here – and then pointing to him arm – but he didn’t have it here.

When it comes to our faith in Jesus our Christ most of us have it here – in our heads, we know all the prayers, we can recite the apostle’s creed, but how many of us have it here – in our hearts? How many of us know, as St. Paul says, with the eyes of our hearts what is the hope to which the risen Christ calls us? How many of us open our lives to a loving, life giving relationship with Christ? How many of us really trust in the love of the crucified Christ? How many of us see our faith as a reality that is meant to grow and deepen in and through our relationship with other people? Do we really believe we meet Christ, serve Christ and love Christ in every person who comes into our lives?

On this feast of the Ascension, this feast of fulfillment we can all ask for that spirit of wisdom and revelation as we come to know him, so that with the eyes of our hearts enlightened we may come to know what is the hope to which Christ calls each one of us and what are the riches of his glorious inheritance, what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for we who believe. May we have it here and most importantly have it here.