October 4th, 2009
Genesis 2.7ab, 8b, 18-24
It is not good for man to be alone. This story of creation we just heard is one of two creation stories, each one having it own message. The basic message of this version of creation is that it is not good for man to be alone. We live our lives in relationships. To quote the Dalai Lama: “we come into this world as a result of others’ actions. We survive here in dependence on others, whether we like it or not there is hardly a moment in our lives when we do not benefit from others activities. It is hardly surprising that most of our happiness arises in the context of our relationship with others.”
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| Posted in Homily |
September 29th, 2009
Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48
Back in the 80’s I went back to school. I started a doctoral program in ministry. It was an ecumenical course; there were twelve of us from six different denominations. It took me five years to finish. On one occasion Cardinal Carter was visiting St. Gabriel’s. He asked me if I’d learned anything by going back to school. I said, “Yes your eminence I have. I’ve learned that the Roman Catholic Church does not have a corner on idiocy.” He was not amused. But listening to the stories the ministers of other denominations told about the struggles and conflicts in their own congregations I realized there is no such thing as a perfect parish, a perfect congregation or perfect leader.
Reading today’s scripture that conversation with the Cardinal came back to me. Just as we don’t have a corner on idiocy neither do we have a corner on either the Holy Spirit or the Spirit’s gifts. We are all gifted with the Holy Spirit, as was Moses and the others. We don’t own the Spirit, we don’t control the Spirit.
Professor Raymond Collins, a renowned New Testament scholar, will be giving a three-evening workshop on St. Paul at our parish on October 5 to 7, 2009 (Mon to Wed), from 7:30 to 9 PM each evening.
Until his retirement in 2006, Father Collins was, for more than three decades, professor of New Testament at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, and then at the Catholic University of America. He is author of numerous books and articles, many focusing on the Pauline epistles. He also writes extensively using his scholarship on the New Testament to help “break the Word” for the homilists as well as the faithful.
| Posted in Bulletin |
Last Monday the church celebrated the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. The epistle of the Mass was from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians in which St. Paul called the Philippians to have that mind in them which was also in Christ Jesus, Who though He was by nature God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient on to the point of death, even death on the cross.
It is this struggle of self emptying, not putting ourselves above others, not asking ‘what’s in this for me’, that Jesus puts before us to today. In last Sunday’s gospel Jesus accepted Peter’s acknowledgement that He was the Christ. But then He went on to tell Peter the full dimension of what being the Christ entails, “the Christ must undergo great suffering, be rejected by the elders, chief priests and scribes and eventually be killed. Peter couldn’t get his head around such a possibility and tries to talk Jesus out of it all. Calling Peter ‘Satan’, Jesus tells him, “you are thinking not as God does but as humans do.”
We find this thinking to be true in today’s gospel. Whether they didn’t want to hear it or couldn’t grasp it, the apostles still failed to understand what being the Christ would mean. As they made their way to Capernaum instead of trying to figure out what Jesus was trying to tell them they spent the time arguing about who would be the leader if anything should happen to Jesus. Jesus is telling them about His future death and they’re planning on their future rankings.
The need for power and prestige is part of all of us – we all want to be recognized, appreciated, lead the parade – we want to be number one. Ambition can be a force in our lives. On one occasion Jesus confronted this mentality when He heard the apostles were arguing who was first among them. He had to tell them “the Son of man came to serve, not to be served and to give his life as a ransom for many.” He even had to deal with the mother of James and John who wanted a special place for her sons in his kingdom.
Jesus wanted his apostles to see themselves as leaders who serve instead of seeking to be served, to rid themselves of pride and haughtiness and not to lord their authority over others. In the helpless powerless child the disciples were to find the simplicity that would enable them to see beyond their selfish ambition and understand the manner of life to which Jesus was calling them.
I think at one time or another we’ve all suffered from the abuse of power. Haven’t we been upset when, dealing with a professional person – a doctor, lawyer, a teacher, a priest – we’ve been treated like a moron. Haven’t we been annoyed, even angered when the professional we are seeing thinks himself too busy to take the time to explain our problem. The message is “just take my word for it.”
We’ve seen the abuse of authority in so many areas of life in the recent past; in the church, government, banking and investments, labor and management. In all these areas people have forgotten they are meant to serve, not to be served, not exploit their position.
As we continue to celebrate this Mass we can pray for ourselves and for each other, that if we are in a position of authority, be it as priest, parent, or in our place of work, we try to follow the example of Jesus, Who did not exploit His equality with God but emptied Himself becoming as we all are and gave His life in service to all of us.
If you wish to understand St. Paul better, this is an opportunity not to be missed. For further details, please consult the notice on the bulletin board, or contact Fatima Lee. Please call (416) 221-8866 to register. This will help us with arrangements for the venue.
Our journey of life and journey of faith are meant to converge at an early age. For many of us, however, we tend to grow physically, mentally, psychologically etc., but remain at a childish level of understanding our faith. The following information is for those who wish to keep growing, to be able to enjoy the Good news of God’s love for us as members of God’s Church.
R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) meetings begin on Monday, September 21st, 2009 at 8:00 PM. These evenings are for persons interested in learning about the Catholic Faith. Because the Parish Community itself is considered the official teacher and guide for potential new members, it is important that some parishioners participate by being present and by sharing their Faith in various ways. It is also an opportunity for “Born Catholics” to deepen their understanding of the faith. Adult Catholics who wish to celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist and/or Confirmation are welcome. For more information, please call Mary Landry at 416-221-8866.
In past years, Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings have been devoted to religious topics decided on by those who wish to participate. We have studied and discussed parts of the Bible and Church history, viewed videos, listened to tapes and read short but substantial books about Christ and the Church.
On Tuesday evening, September 22nd at 7:30 PM, we will decide what topics we will study. On Wednesday morning, September 23rd at 10:30 AM, we will have many topics we wish to explore. Come and tell us what you’re interested in learning!
For more information, please contact Mary Landry at 416-293-3760.
More than 1,700 people in Ontario are waiting for an organ transplant. In 2008, 81 people died waiting. Take the time to speak to your loved ones and make your wishes known. As Catholics, we are called to share the precious gift of life with those most in need.
Learn more about organ donation, from a Catholic perspective.
A Marriage Preparation Course will take place at St. Gabriel’s Church on the weekend of November 6h to 8th. If you are interested, please contact the Parish Office. at 416-221-8866. Register early as space is limited.
The Children’s Liturgy of the Word, for children 4-10 years old, will begin on Sunday, September 20th at the 10:30 AM Mass.
St. Gabriel’s School is in need of a lunchtime supervisor from 12:00 to 1:00 PM daily. This is a paid position. If you are interested in applying for this position, please contact the School Office at 416-393-5256 as soon as possible.
Your prepared chicken rice casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at all the Masses next weekend, September 26th/27th. More volunteers are encouraged to pick up a copy of the casserole recipe and a pan. Why not give it a try?
For more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.
The Centre needs
Thank you for your donation. For more information, please contact Rebecca Ferguson at 416-869-3619, Ext. 262.
You may have noticed a new bulletin board in the lower hall leading to the parking garage. This is an employment opportunities board where employers looking for help and individuals looking for work can post their information.
Please bring all notices to the Parish Office for approval.
Total: $7,705.00
The “Pre-Authorized Giving” plan allows parishioners to make their regular offertory donations by automatic monthly bank withdrawal. This system is widely used in the Archdiocese of Toronto and is a safe and convenient method of giving for those interested.
Forms, in a sealed envelope, may be placed in the collection basket or dropped off at the Parish Office.
“Those who sing pray twice!”
We would like to invite new membership to our Senior and Junior Choirs. The Senior Choir practices Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 PM and sings at the 10:30 Mass. The Junior Choir practices Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 PM and sings at the 12:30 Mass.
We invite all to consider joining this important ministry of music. For more information, please call Marilyn Calderone at 416-618-2041.
The Altar Service is now recruiting new members. If you are in Grade 4 or higher and are interested in becoming an altar server, please leave your name and phone number with the Parish Office at 416-221-8866. The orientation and training for new members will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2009 from 2:30 PM to 4:15 PM.
Tuesday, September 22nd 2:00 PM Blessed Trinity Parish Hall
Our fall season begins on Tuesday, September 22nd at 2:00 PM. Peter Ngan will speak on Crime and Punishment.
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
