March 8th, 2015
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
What an outstanding community we have here at St. Gabriel’s! Last Monday, the pledge total for the family of Faith Campaign reached $1,005,195! I can now sleep in peace! You have truly made my life much easier. You are truly wonderful people! Fr. Brando
Interviews for children who wish to receive their First Communion are now being scheduled.
Those children attending the Children’s Faith Program, private schools or others are asked to choose one of the following dates: April 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, or 24th.
Children from St. Gabriel’s School are asked to choose one of the following dates: April 23rd, 24th, 28th, 29th, 30th, May 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th.
Please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866 to book your appointment with Fr. Brando as soon as possible.
Wednesday, April 1st at 7:00 PM in the Gabriel Room
Passover is the oldest festival of the Hebrew liturgical calendar. It has been observed by the Jewish people for more than 3,000 years. It celebrates the freeing of the Jews who were slaves during the time of Moses. It occurs in the spring, the time of renewal in “Nissan”, the first month of the Hebrew year, and it lasts for eight days. At this time, their meals celebrate this momentous historical Jewish Event.
Why do we Christians celebrate this “meal” at St. Gabriel’s? First, this celebration helps us to understand our religious roots, which are Jewish. Second, it is an opportunity for us to celebrate our growth as a community and be together with families and friends at this most special time during Holy Week.
The menu is identical to the Seder supper’s menu and the meal is “pot luck” – each person brings a dish for their table.
To book your table of 6 or 8 or to have your name added to a table, please call Ed Shiller at 647-352-3123 by Wednesday, March 25th.
Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM.
We also encourage your attendance at our daily Mass throughout Lent.
Stations of the Cross Friday Evenings at 7:30 P.M.
Reconciliation Service March 25th at 7:30 PM
Palm Sunday March 29th Masses Sat., 4:30 PM 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM
Holy Thursday April 2nd No 9:00 A.M. Mass 7:30 PM Mass of the Lord’s Supper Followed by Adoration until 10:00PM
Good Friday April 3rd 10:00 AM Morning Prayer 3:00 PM Solemn Passion of Our Lord 7:30 PM Stations of the Cross
Holy Saturday April 4th No 4:30 PM Mass 8:00 PM Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday April 5th Masses 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM 12:30 PM
Easter Monday April 6th No 9:00 AM Mass Office closed
EXTRA PARKING AT ELKHORN PUBLIC SCHOOL
March 9th to March 14th, 2015
MONDAY – PATRICK (PADDY) CHUNG – Requested by the Family TUESDAY WEDNESDAY – DAISY COMAR – Requested by Ben Comar THURSDAY – DANICA PETRANOVIC – Requested by the Petranovic family FRIDAY SATURDAY – TOMMY HARRINGTON – Requested by Kathleen Olden-Powell
Wednesday, March 25th at 7:30 PM
This is an opportunity to spend some time in peace and quiet, to reflect upon how we are responding to our call to be sons and daughters of God.
Recognizing the fact that we are “good people”, we also accept the fact that good people can sin. Through an examination of conscience we face those sins, admit them and are reconciled to God.
For those who wish, individual confessions will be celebrated after the service. We encourage you to take advantage of this celebration.
Saturday, March 28th at 7:30 PM
St. Gabriel’s Church
On Saturday, March 28th at 7:30 PM the ancient service of Tenebrae will be celebrated here at St. Gabriel’s. Tenebrae evokes a sense of wonder and mystery as the Passion of Jesus is told through a series of readings, songs, and hymns. Fifteen candles are extinguished one by one, marking the progression to our Lord’s crucifixion. The last candle, the Christ Candle, is not extinguished but rather removed from view symbolizing the hope in the resurrection as all are blanketed in utter darkness.
St. Michael’s Choir School Alumni, the Seraphim Men’s Chorus, will present the musical settings composed by Msgr. Ronan, founder of St. Michael’s Choir School. A goodwill offering to cover costs, support the Choir School and St. Gabriel’s Music program will be taken up. This tradition is a wonderful way to prepare ourselves to celebrate the mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We hope you will attend.
Working wonders for those in our community…
“When Robert completed high school, there were very few options available to him. Of those options, many were inaccessible due to their remote location and lack of transportation services. We were blessed to find St. Jude’s Academy of the Arts. It has been a valuable life saver for Robert and his family. The positive social interaction at St. Jude’s has allowed Robert to grow and mature as a person. He has become more independent. St. Jude’s educational program has a wonderful, positive impact on Robert and others like him. We are truly grateful for their existence!” Last year, over 43,000 services were provided to people with special needs from ShareLife-supported agencies.
Final ShareLife to July 31, 2014 $220,250. (Collected at Parish & ShareLife Office)
ShareLife to Date: $ $48, 804.25
Next ShareLife Sunday – April 12, 2015
Please give generously. You can work wonders!
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared casseroles for February. For March, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of March 28th/29th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
More volunteers are needed to help feed the hungry in our city. You may pick up a copy of a casserole recipe and a pan from the Parish Office. Three recipes are also available on St. Gabriel’s website. Please remember to mark the label on the pan lid with the name of the casserole. For more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.
Don’t forget to buy your Easter candy this weekend!
The lollipops sell for $2 each and the almonds will be $5 per bag. Your support will help Fertility Care promote and maintain their service in the Diocese.
Once again we are collecting 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.co or contact Sharon Gusz at sharongusz@gmail.com.
Ripley’s Aquarium, 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto
Thursday, March 12th at 7:00 PM
This is a chance for young adults (age 18-39) to engage culture from the perspective of the nature and person of Jesus! Each of our Christ and Culture events are designed to open our eyes to the world of God’s beauty as expressed in every person. With that in mind, we will discuss and open our hearts to Christ in one another.
Our first event will be held at Ripley’s Aquarium, featuring 13500 exotic sea and freshwater specimens from more than 450 species. The cost of admission is $25 (plus tax).
For more information please contact John-Paul Markides at 416-467-2645 or visit www.faithconnections.ca – a ministry of Fontbonne Ministries, Sisters of St. Joseph, Toronto.
Sunday, March 15th at 2:00 PM
Blessed Trinity Parish Hall
The Knights of Columbus will be hosting a talk on Sunday March 15th at 2:00 PM in the Parish Hall at Blessed Trinity Church located at 3220 Bayview Avenue.
The first speaker is Dr. Moira McQueen, LLB, MDiv, PhD, Executive Director, Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute, Lecturer, Faculty of Theology, St Augustine’s Seminary and University of St. Michael’s College. Dr. McQueen was recently appointed by Pope Francis to the assembly of 30 theologians who advise the Pope and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in the Vatican.
The second speaker is Bob Parke, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW, MHSc, a Clinical Ethicist at Humber River Hospital in Etobicoke where he serves patients, families and staff. Mr. Parke is an active member of the Research Ethics Board and the Clinical Ethics Committee there. All are welcome to attend.
Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Collection for Last Weekend
Envelopes 450 $ 9,103 Loose Change 804 Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 165 3,104 Total 560 $ 13,011
| Posted in Bulletin |
March 1st, 2015
In the scripture readings we hear at a Sunday Mass there is usually a connection between the first reading and the gospel and the epistle has a lesson of its own. Today the connection is between the first reading and the epistle.
It is hard to imagine the event of the first reading in which God asks Abraham to offer his son, the son of his old age, his only, on an altar of sacrifice. Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sara’s old age. He was their promise of a blessed future for generations to come. Yet God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac and Abraham believed in his heart of hearts that God would be true to his promise that he would – through Isaac – be the father of a mighty nation. Trusting that God would be faithful to his promise Abraham was ready to sacrifice his son to God.
In his desolation on the cross burdened with a deep sense of abandonment Jesus cried,’ my God, my God why have you forsaken me?’ Even in that darkest of dark hours Jesus trusted the faithfulness of his Father’s promise of his vindication and that love would conquer hate and life would prevail over death. With this conviction Jesus spoke his last words, ‘into your hands I commend my spirit’ and breathed his last.
So many times we tempted to doubt God’s love and care for us. We think that the hard knocks that come our way are punishments from God. Visiting men and women in the hospital, good people seriously ill, I am too often asked the question, ‘what did I do wrong, was I so bad? There’ that twisted conviction, God is out to get me.
With thoughts like these we project unto God our own limited ability to let go of past hurts and wrongs, our own twisted wishes to get even. We project unto God our own limitations to love others, forgive others. There can be times when we can’t get our heads around the awesome truth that God did not spare his own son but gave him up for us all. We can’t get our heads around the truth that though our sins be as scarlet they will become white as wool, though they be red as crimson they will be white as snow. We can’t get our heads around the truth of God’s unconditional love for each one of us – there are no holds barred.
The people to whom Paul wrote this encouraging letter were men and women on the fringe of society. They were seen as different, looked upon with suspicion by family and friends because they had abandoned their faith in the gods and were believing in some criminal Jew who was put to death my crucifixion but then, they claimed, he’d came back from the dead. They were hounded and persecuted for their new found faith.
Paul’s letter was meant to help them stand fast. They were not alone, God, who did not spare his own son but gave him up for us all, is with them to strengthen them in their trust in him. Paul’s question to them is as valid today as it was then ‘if God is for us who can be against us’ hopefully these words strengthened the Coptic Christians as they faced their own deaths in Libya for their faith in Jesus Christ.
Whatever burdens of mind or body we bring to the Mass, whatever in our lives that causes us to wonder or question God’s love and care for each of us, may these powerful words of Paul strengthen our faith in the love we celebrate at this Mass – take eat, this is my body – take drink this is my life’s blood poured out for you…who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, disappointments, poor health, aging, loves gone sour, family disputes, loss of work, racism, sexism, discrimination – no in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
The motto of our Passionist community is – may the passion of Jesus Christ be always in our hearts. That’s another way of saying ‘If God is for us who can be against us. He who did not spare his own son but gave him up for us all, will he not with him also give us everything else.
As we continue to celebrate this conscious of our own weaknesses and worries may the words of Paul -If God is for us who can be against us? Strengthened us to live another day.
| Posted in Homily |
Daylight Savings Time begins next weekend. Please remember to set your clocks forward 1 hour on Saturday evening.
The generosity of our parishioners is humbling!
As of last Monday, the Family of Faith pledge total reached $954,155, surpassing our goal of $900,000. Our parish campaign officially ends today. If you still wish to contribute, please get your pledge form into the Parish Office by Friday, March 6th.
Thank you again. Fr. Brando
Saturday, March 7th from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM
We just heard from Mark’s gospel that “Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.” We invite you during this season of Lent to come out and spend a quiet afternoon to pray and reflect, and to experience a renewal of your faith.
As announced earlier, Father Robert Joerger CP, whose preaching touched many of us when he last visited, has very kindly agreed to lead our Lenten retreat this year. Fr. Bob is the Provincial of the Passionists of the St Paul of the Cross Province.
The topic of the Lenten retreat is “GUESS WHO IS COMING TO DINNER: Everybody has a hungry heart.” Come and be prepared to be inspired and to be challenged to a deeper relationship with God. The retreat will be on Saturday, March 7th from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM at the parish. It will end with Mass at 4:30 PM.
To pre-register or for more information, please call the parish office at (416) 221-8866, email fatimalee@bellnet.ca, or meet us in the Gathering Space, before and after all weekend Masses. By pre-registering you will facilitate our organizing of the event. There will be no charge for the retreat. However, donations will be gratefully accepted. The retreat will begin at 1:00 PM sharp. Please plan on arriving earlier.
This Sunday, March 1st after 12:30 PM Mass
Thursday, February 19th 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 Sheep.
Our Lunar New Year Party will take place this Sunday, March 1st after the 12:30 PM Mass in the Gathering Space.
All are welcome.
On February 23, 2015, the Government of Ontario released its revised Health & Physical Education Curriculum. Visit www.archtoronto.org to view a statement from Cardinal Collins in addition to a resource answering questions regarding implementation from a Catholic school perspective.
Individual Confessions March 4th 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Reconciliation Service – March 25th at 7:30 PM
Friday, March 6th at 1:30 PM
On Friday, March 6th at 1:30 PM, St. Gabriel’s is hosting World Day of Prayer 2015, an ecumenical service, which is written this year by the Christian women in the Bahamas.
The theme for this year is “Jesus said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you?” John 13:13.
Please join us, along with our neighbour Christian churches, in prayer and reflection. All are welcome to attend.
March 2nd to March 7th, 2015
MONDAY
TUESDAY – CHRISTIAN EGSGARD – Requested by Gerry, Molly, Helen & Kathi
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY – MEI SUET LAI – Requested by Mei Yung Fong
FRIDAY
SATURDAY – GORDON OATWAY – Requested by Patricia Oatway
Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM. We also encourage your attendance at our daily Mass throughout Lent.
Working wonders in our livelihoods…
“The services provided by ShareLife agencies are lifesaving and life-restoring to those who regularly rely on them.
Families are working through crises and are healing. People with developmental challenges are supported as they experience a sense of self-worth and fulfillment in their daily activities. Seniors are living independently, with access to the care and services they need. Refugees and new Canadians are guided toward a stable, productive livelihood in their newfound home. Sometimes the results are obvious and sometimes they’re invisible but, always, they make a tangible difference.” —Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop of Toronto
Today is ShareLife Sunday Please give generously. You can work wonders!
Weekend of March 7th/8th
To raise funds for FertilityCare Toronto, the St.Gabriel’s Youth Group will be selling delicious milk chocolate Easter lollipops and milk chocolate covered almonds after all the Masses on the weekend of March 7th/8th.
The lollipops sell for $2 each and the almonds will be $5 per bag.
Your support will help the Centre promote and maintain their service in the Diocese.
Friday, March 6th to Sunday, March 8th
Queen of Apostles Renewal centre, Mississauga
A Women’s Lenten retreat Weekend is being held at Queen of Apostles renewal Centre on the weekend of March 6th to 8th.
This is an opportunity to rest, renew, pray and grow in your personal relationship with Jesus. It will be preached by the Centre team. For further information or to register please call 905-278-5229
Tuesday, March 10th at 2:00 PM
The next meeting of the North York Retiree’s will be on Tuesday, March 10th at Blessed Trinity Church Hall. The meeting will feature guest speaker Andrew Bowerbank of Bowerbank and Associates. He will speak about New Technologies for Our Future. All retirees are cordially invited.
Ten consecutive Tuesdays, beginning March 10th From 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
St. Bonaventure’s Parish Centre, 1300 Leslie St.
This Life Story Programme is a programme for men and women in the second half of life. It is an opportunity to stop, take stock and look back over the process of life within a context of faith in order to gain deeper understanding, clearer perspective and a more integrated view.
The Facilitator is Mary Rose Marrin CSJ, Maturing Adults Minister It will be held at St. Bonaventure’s Parish Centre, on ten consecutive Tuesdays beginning March 10th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The Cost for materials is $10.00
Registration is Necessary. To register, call Sister Mary Rose at 416-462-1331 Ext. 4224 or email mrmarrin@csj-to.ca.
Ripley’s Aquarium, 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto Thursday, March 12th at 7:00 PM
This is a chance for young adults (age 18-39) to engage culture from the perspective of the nature and person of Jesus!
Each of our Christ and Culture events are designed to open our eyes to the world of God’s beauty as expressed in every person. With that in mind, we will discuss and open our hearts to Christ in one another.
Our first event will be held at Ripley’s Aquarium, featuring 13,500 exotic sea and freshwater specimens from more than 450 species. The cost of admission is $25 (plus tax).
For more information please contact Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt by e-mail at faithconnections@csj-to.ca or phone at 416-467-2645.
Collection for Last Weekend Envelopes 396 $ 8,719 Loose Change 743 Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 164 3,701 Total 560 $13,163
February 22nd, 2015
Friday, February 27th is the feast of St. Gabriel.
St. Gabriel, a member of the Passionist Community, was born Francis Possenti on March 1, 1838 in Assisi. In September, 1856 he entered the Passionist novitiate but before his ordination, he contracted tuberculosis. He died February 27, 1862 at the age of 24. Francis had a special devotion to Mary and chose as his religious name Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin. He is remembered for his enthusiasm in life and his extraordinary generosity. Pope John XXIII proclaimed him as a special Patron of Youth. Mass will be celebrated as usual at 9:00 AM on Friday.
You truly are good people! We have almost reached our goal. As of last Tuesday, the pledge total for the Family of Faith Campaign was $889,763. Thank you! There is only one week left in our campaign, so please get your pledge form into the parish office by next Sunday, March 1st.
As announced earlier, Father Robert Joerger, CP, whose preaching touched many of us when he last visited, has very kindly agreed to lead our Lenten retreat this year. Fr. Bob is the Provincial of the Passionists of the St Paul of the Cross Province.
Sunday, March 1st after 12:30 PM Mass
Thursday, February 19th marks 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 Sheep.
Our Lunar New Year Party will take place on Sunday, March 1st 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.
February 23rd to February 28th, 2015
MONDAY – MARJORY MILLER – Requested by the Lee Family TUESDAY – LING-TAI SUN – Requested Meiyung Fong & Kitty Wong WEDNESDAY – RENATA BELLISARI – Requested by Vincent & Diana Oakie THURSDAY FRIDAY – IVY LYN – Requested by the Family SATURDAY – LUIS C. RODRIGUEZ – Requested by Juan Rodriguez
Chinese: Sunday, March 1st at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room. English: Saturday, March 7th at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room
For information, please contact Linda Law at 416 -918-8029.
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome: Quinn Contway-Chand Jon Raphael Macoco Cabado Joni Rose McGee Gabriel Rene Szeto Xyra Gabriela Tupaz
These children received the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, February 15th, 2015. Congratulations!
Saturday, February 28th at 10:30 AM
First Reconciliation for children attending St. Gabriel’s School, those in the Children’s Faith Program and children attending Private Schools will be held at St. Gabriel’s Church on Saturday, February 28th at 10:30 AM.
Friday, March 6th from 9:30 AM – 12 Noon
Sunday, March 1st 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.
On Friday, March 6th at 1:30 PM, St. Gabriel’s is hosting World Day of Prayer 2015, an ecumenical Service, which is written this year by the Christian women in the Bahamas.
The theme for this year is “Jesus said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? John 13:13. Please join us, along with our neighbour Christian churches, in prayer and reflection. All are welcome to attend.
Together we are continuing to work wonders…
“Help one another. This is what Jesus teaches. This is what I do. And I do it with my heart…I love doing it because this is what the Lord has taught me. But you too must help us and help each other always. And thus in helping each other we will do good for each other.” -Pope Francis
This reminder from our Holy Father demonstrates the importance of caring for one another and our commitment to Catholic charity in a meaningful way. Through ShareLife agencies, we reach out to some of the most vulnerable and needy people in our community, helping our neighbours, friends and fellow parishioners as they work through difficult times. Please consider supporting ShareLife, our annual Archdiocesan appeal, during this Lenten season. -Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop of Toronto
Next Sunday is ShareLife Sunday – March 1, 2015
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 Toronto. 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.
On behalf of the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, thank you so much for your participation in the 2014 Hope For the Children Christmas Program. With the support of donors like you, we were able to provide assistance to many families and children served by the CCAS. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous 2015!
Tuesday, February 24th at 2:00 PM
The next meeting of the North York Retiree’s will be on Tuesday, February 24th at Blessed Trinity Church Hall. The meeting will feature guest speaker Brent Cumming, estate lawyer. He will speak about Financial and Estate Planning. All retirees are cordially invited to attend.
This Life Story Programme is a programme for men and women in the second half of life. It is an opportunity to stop, take stock and look back over the process of life within a context of faith in order to gain deeper understanding, clearer perspective and a more integrated view. The Facilitator is Mary Rose Marrin CSJ, Maturing Adults Minister.
It will be held at St. Bonaventure’s Parish Centre, on ten consecutive Tuesdays beginning March 10th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
The Cost for materials is $10.00.
Thursdays from February 26th to March 26th at 7:00 PM
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home, 211 Langstaff Road
Catholic Cemeteries and Funeral Services – Archdiocese of Toronto and Catholic Family Services invite you to a Lenten journey of hope and healing on Thursday evenings throughout Lent beginning February 26th at the Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home in Thornhill.
The presenters will be Frank Wagner CSC, Ms Sally Amaral, Ms Susan Morgan, Fr. Carlos Martins C.C., and Fr. Ed Curtis.
For more information, please contact Catholic Cemeteries and Funeral Services at 416-733- 8544 or Catholic Family Services at 416-921-1163 or visit www.catholic-cemeteries.com.
International Plaza Hotel, 655 Dixon Road
Calling All Girls, Friday, March 13th from 7:00 to 10:00 PM
An evening for Catholic mothers and their daughters featuring Canadian Catholic song writer and singer Maggie Wang, radio producer Laura Cirami, Gary Zimak, a EWTN personality, Catholic authors, Moira Noonan and Dorothy Pilarski.
Saturday, March 14, from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
This Catholic Women’s conference will feature guest speakers including His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Dr. Josie Lombardi, Gary Zimak EWTN personality, Ellen Hrkach, president of Catholic Writers Guild and Catholic authors Moira Noonan and Dorothy Pilarski.
For more information visit www.dynamicwomenfaith.com or call 905-279-7702.
Envelopes 346 $ 7,481 Loose Change 865 Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 164 3,095 Total 545 $ 11,441
February 15th, 2015
The other day I watched a video of a recent visit Pope Francis paid to the little village of Ponte Mammolo on the outskirts of Rome. The video gave no reason as to why he went there; he just seemed to drop in. Needless to say the people went wild. They were so excited and so surprised with this ‘drop in’ by Pope Francis. Francis, with that big smile on this face reached out to touch and hug men, women and children. He asked their names, listened to their stories, blessed them and before he left he prayed with them. I’ve watched that video about five times now. It just brings out the deep humanity of Pope Francis.
I thought of Pope Francis’ visit to Ponte Mammolo when I read today’s gospel. Certainly Jesus was not as well-known as Pope Francis. But his reputation went before him more as a miracle worker than as a preacher. People flocked to him to seek favors as did this leper. They all wanted something from him. The only conversation we have out Jesus’ visit to this town is the man’s words ‘if you want to you can make me clean. Jesus answers, of course I want to –be clean. But Mark never describes any interaction between Jesus and the townspeople. We never hear of Jesus asking their names, how long have they been sick, how are their children, do they know of anybody else who could use help. In fact if we look at any Christian art depicting the miracles of Jesus they are all so solemn and staid. There is little if any of his joy of being with the people and mingling with them, talking and laughing with them that we see in Pope Francis’ visit with the people of Ponte Mammolo.
Yet there must have been. Jesus was a people person and he enjoyed the company of others. He accepted a dinner invitation from a leader of the Pharisees and another from a despised tax collector. He performed his first miracle at a wedding celebration, his second home was that of Mary and Martha and Lazarus. But when we think back on our religious art can we ever remember seeing Jesus enjoying a great belly laugh as he mingled with the people of his time. And yet he must have, he came to us to bring us the good news that we are precious to God. He came to lift us up.
Jesus must have been smiling when he looked this leper in the eyes, this man condemned to live outside the camp, forbidden to have contact with family and friends, and say to him ‘of course I want to’ – why wouldn’t I want to? Be made clean.
With a simple touch or better still with an embrace Jesus restored that unknown man to health, to his family and to his community. And then he tells him a very strange thing, ‘see that you say nothing to anyone but go show yourself to the priest.’ There’s no way the cleansed leper will do this. Forget the priest, he wants to run home and show his wife and children he is cured, his leprosy is gone. Then the neighbours hear and the news spreads thru the whole town. And Jesus has to go into hiding. People will only see him as a wonder worker and fail to listen to what he has to say to them about his heavenly father.
But when you stop to think of it – there are two things we can’t keep to ourselves – good news and bad news. Can you imagine a scene like this? A guy goes to work and is called into the boss’ office and told he’s just been put in charge of the most important department in the company – it will be announced tomorrow. He comes home for supper and his wife asks.’ Anything happen at work today? And the good news come tumbling out of him.
It’s the same with bad news. You have a secret, something someone knows nothing about. You are too ashamed to tell anyone. It’s eating you up, wearing you down. The time comes when you have to tell, you have to get it off your chest. It may be a total stranger you meet in a bar –they say bartenders hear more confessions than any priest. It could be told under the seal of the confessional – but it must be told. The cured leper couldn’t keep his mouth shut neither can a person burdened by a shameful secret.
Here we are as a parish family gathered to celebrate Christ’s great act of love for each of us. Can we imagine the Risen Christ showing us his wounded side, hands and feet and smiling on each one of us – with a smile like that of Pope Francis – and saying to each one of us – ‘it is good for us to be here’ This is my fantasy at this morning Mass, try to make it yours.
Founded by St. Paul of the Cross, every Passionist takes a special vow to spend his or her energies in promoting remembrance of the sufferings of Jesus, the memory of the Cross, and reflection of the meaning of the Cross for the world.
Learn about Passionists and our insignia »
Companion for the Walk of the Stations of the Cosmic Earth
St. Gabriel’s Garden – Guided Sensory Reflective Walk