April 10th, 2009
Though the reading of John’s passion takes a long time, we never tire of hearing it. It is not a fairy tale with a happy ending, it is the harsh accounting of betrayed and denied friendships, a telling of rejected and deserted love, false accusations, unfair trial and condemnation; it’s about the cruel execution of an innocent man. We can see in the suffering servant of whom Isaiah writes the suffering Jesus.
When we look on the broken body of the crucified we realize Christ was wounded for our offences. He bore our infirmities and carried our diseases. When think of this man of sufferings we know he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities, punished on our behalf and his many bruises heal us. Each one of us is a very important part of this story. Each one of us has left a mark on the body of the suffering Christ for it is by Christ’s wounds we are healed. Each one of us was on Calvary that dread day because Christ died for us, not as some speck in the mass of humanity, but for each of us individually. St. Paul tells us that Christ suffered for the righteous and the unrighteous in order to bring us to God. Christ died for you, and you and you and me. This is an amazing thing. Christ died for us knowing we are sinners, knowing we are weak and fickle and selfish, Christ died for us knowing we use one another, exploit one another, do violence to one another. Christ died for us knowing we are racists and bigots, and sexist. That’s what love does. Not our love for others but God’s love for us.
St. Paul reminds us that is was while we were still weak Christ died for the ungodly. Rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, a good and worthy person, but it might happen. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. When we look upon the broken, crucified body of Christ we see the love of God made visible, for you, for me.
Let’s imagine we were all there on those crowded streets of Jerusalem. Let’s imagine we were there as those who believed in Jesus and what he taught us about God, His Father, we believed in His miracles, we were willing to try to be the men and women He called us to be.
What would we have done, how would we handle all we saw being done to Jesus? Would we call out that they were killing an innocent man? Would we brave the fury of the whipped up crowd and try to save him, distract the crowd and help him escape? Probably not, we would have lacked courage, been intimidated by the soldiers and the crowd. We would be among the silent majority that allows injustice to go unchallenged.
We’ve all heard the truth that Christ suffers today in our humanity, Christ suffers in his brother and sisters who are the victims of injustice, exploitation, discrimination, prejudice, racism. There is a whole litany of sins common in our city, country and the world that are against the love we recognize today in the Crucified Christ.
We can admit we wouldn’t have done anything then but are we willing to do something today? Are we willing to let our government know we want justice and protection for the nannies and migrant workers who are exploited by agencies here and abroad? Are we willing to speak out in defense of the unborn and the aged? Are willing to let our local politicians know we want them to move on such issues as affordable housing and the proper care of street people? Are we willing to welcome refugees and immigrants to our neighbourhoods and country? Are we generous enough to support food and clothing drives to help those in need?
Years ago there was a book of reflections on the Stations of the Cross. The eighth station is Jesus consoles the women of Jerusalem. Reflecting on that Station the author has Jesus saying, “don’t weep for me as I suffered two thousand years ago, weep for me now and I suffer in your next door neighbour, your co-worker. Weep for me now as I suffer in all men, women and children, my brothers and sisters – your brothers and sisters – whose tragic stories you see on the news every day of the week. I suffer in them. Whatever you do for them, you do for Me.”
At the end of the service you will be invited to reverence the cross. I suggest we bring three things with us as approach the cross: sorrow for our sins, thanksgiving for Christ’s great love for us, and a determination to do whatever we can to relieve the sufferings of Christ, as He suffers today in all those who are innocent victims of any and all sins against their humanity. Whatever you do to one of these brothers and sisters of mine, you do to Me.
| Posted in Homily |
April 5th, 2009
Today we begin our Holy Week – the most important week in our Christian year. We’ve just listened to Mark’s account of the Passion of Jesus – Mark’s is the first recorded telling of the Passion.
Mark’s gospel never stressed the physical suffering of Jesus – he simply writes “they led him away and crucified him,” Mark writes the reality that Jesus was alone, abandoned, betrayed, morally lonely, hung out to dry. Physical pain is one thing – we can point to a broken leg – but emotional pain, pain of the heart is hidden – we can look as healthy as a horse but be devastated within, suffering our own emotional crucifixion. Jesus suffered the loneliness of moral integrity, of fidelity to His life’s task.
As we begin to live this week as a parish family I think the most important message of today’s scripture reading is found in the first few words of our second reading – “have this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Scripture scholars maintain Paul was quoting from a very early Christian hymn.
A hymn that sings of a wonder – From his rightful place as God’s equal, Jesus leapt down from heaven, from his royal throne – he emptied himself, in order to enter completely in the foibles and fragilities of our human existence. In fact he even went further – for our sakes Jesus accepted the indignity of a criminal’s death on the cross. Because of this God highly exalted Him and gave Him a name above every name that can be named – so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend – in heaven and earth and under the earth – and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. The emptied and the glorified Christ.
Have this mind in you that was also in Christ Jesus – this is the life long struggle of every Christian – to have the mind of Christ – to think as Christ would think, see as He would see, hear as He would hear – forgive as He forgave, especially love as He would love and so be a source of life to others. This is the pattern by which followers of Jesus are to frame and direct our lives
Have this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus – who always did the will of His Father – who came that we might have life and have it in abundance – Have this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus who knew that it is in dying we are born to eternal life.
As we continue to celebrate this Mass and begin this Holy Week, we can pray for ourselves and for each other that during this holy week God’s gift to all of us will be “the mind” that was in Christ Jesus our Lord – so that the Father can say of us what He said of Christ – this is my beloved in whom I am well pleased.
April 9 No 9:00 AM Mass 7:30 PM Mass of the Lord’s Supper Followed by Adoration until 10:00 PM
April 10 10:00 AM Morning Prayer 3:00 PM Solemn Passion of Our Lord 7:30 PM Stations of the Cross
April 11 Confessions 11:00 AM to 12 Noon No 4:30 PM Mass 8:30 PM Easter Vigil
April 12 Masses 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM
April 13 No 9:00 AM Mass Office closed
EXTRA PARKING AT ELKHORN PUBLIC SCHOOL
Good Friday Evening at 7:30 PM.
While remembering the passion of Jesus, we also prayerfully reflect on the passion of Christ as it is experienced in the sufferings of our brothers and sisters today. Please try to join us on Friday evening.
Total: $9,704
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Number of Envelopes Used: 480
Some of us who attended this series would like to discuss what we learned – or had difficulty with. You are welcome to join us on Wednesday, April 15th at 7:30 in the Library.
Wednesday, April 8th at 7:00 PM in the Gabriel Room
This annual parish event is again being sponsored by the Pastoral team. Passover is the oldest festival of the Hebrew liturgical calendar. It has been observed by the Jewish people for more than 3,000 years. Passover is a religious family meal celebrating Jewish freedom from slavery. It occurs in the spring, the time of renewal in “Nissan”, the first month of the Hebrew year, and it lasts for eight days. Why do we 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. Please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866 by Monday, April 6th to book your table of 6 or 8, or to have your name added to a table.
Tuesday, April 14th at 7:30 PM Topic: How the Bible Was Written
Wednesday, April 15th at 10:30 AM Topic: What is “The Will of God”?
In case of inclement weather, please call Mary Landry at 416-293-3760.
The Children’s Liturgy of the Word Group are looking for another adult to help on Sundays at the 10:30 AM Mass. If you are able to help, please contact Tim Lychy at 416-953-0555.
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 83 casseroles for the Good Shepherd Centre for March. For April, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of April 25/26 for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre
More volunteers are encouraged to become active in helping to feed our less fortunate sisters and brothers. If you require more information or would like to get a copy of the recipe and a casserole pan, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.
It’s a wonder more seniors don’t fall through the cracks…
“I love it here. There’s so much to do in the building: we have a seniors social once a week, exercise class, they have computer rooms. We laugh and we joke and we play cards. I find all the benefits great. You’re not alone. People are friendly. This place may not be here if it wasn’t for the support of the people who donate to ShareLife.” Rose, resident of Loyola Arrupe Centre for Seniors
2nd ShareLife Collection – May 3rd, 2009. You can work WONDERS!
The Toronto Catholic Singles Association is a non-profit social and recreational club for Catholic singles of all ages. Our mandate is to foster Catholic fellowship through a program of social, recreational, spiritual and volunteering events. Annual membership is $10.
For more information and to make a request to join, please visit http://torontocatholicsingles.vpweb.ca or write to us at: Toronto Catholic Singles Association, P.O. Box 45112, 5845 Yonge Street, North York, Ontario, M2M 4K3
Catholic Family Services of Toronto is offering a ten week group program for adult men and women who are dealing with the many struggles involved in the process of separation and divorce. The group will run on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM beginning April 14th at the North Office, 5799 Yonge Street, Suite 300 For further information please contact Mario Esposito at 416-222-0048.
Saturday, May 9th and Sunday, May 10th
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be collecting gently used clothing and household linens for those in need on the weekend of May 9th and 10th. There is a particular need for textiles and footwear. Please note that mattresses and appliances cannot be accepted.
A St. Vincent de Paul truck will be parked on the upper parking lot opposite the garden. Volunteers will assist with loading before and after each of the Masses on Saturday and Sunday.
Program 1: Monday, April 6th – 9:00 PM (repeated at 11:00 PM)
Program 2: Tuesday, April 7th – 9:00 PM (repeated at 11:00 PM)
The host of the Mission, “Reflections of Lent” is Most Reverend Paul-Andre Durocher, the much loved Bishop who launched the first National Catholic Mission in the year 2000.
For more information, please contact the National Catholic Broadcasting Council at 1-888-383-6277 or at www.canadiandailymass.com.
Have you wondered seriously if you have a vocation to be a sister, brother, deacon or priest? Are you looking for an opportunity to get away for quiet prayer and reflection to explore this more seriously? A discernment retreat weekend, arranged specifically for this purpose will take place on May 15th to 17th at the Scarboro Mission Centre, 2685 Kingston Road in Toronto. This retreat, intended for persons 18 to 35, is sponsored by the Toronto Area Vocation Directors Association.
For more information, please contact: Fr. Santo Arrigo C.Ss. R. Phone: 416-789-3217 Email: vocations@redemptorists.ca
Fr. Len Altilia S.J. Phone: 416-962-4500 Email: vocation@jesuits.ca
Sr. Dorothy Schweitzer, CSJ Phone: 416-934-0042 Email: dschweitzer@csj-to.ca
| Posted in Bulletin |
April 2nd, 2009
| Posted in Events |
March 29th, 2009
Just a few words on our first reading from Jeremiah. He was not a popular person. He could be called a defeatist. He encouraged the king not to resist the invasion by the Babylonians, an invasion that would bring about the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. This was all in God’s hands. Jeremiah confronted king and people with the fact that they had been unfaithful to their covenant with God; they had broken their relationship with God. Now they were facing the consequences of that break. But Jeremiah wants them to know this national crisis could be the occasion of a national renewal, an opportunity to renew their commitment to God, to the law and to the relationship their sins had shattered.
In today’s reading Jeremiah offers the people a vision of the new possibilities to be found in a new covenant. He promised that after a time of suitable collective repentance God will restore the people and enter into a new covenant, a new bonding with them. This new covenant offers the people forgiveness; God would remember their sins no more. God, through Jeremiah offers a defeated, exiled people the strength and hope they need to go on.
In every age people get caught up in correctness, exactness, precision. Every word, every gesture must be just so. If I miss one First Friday or First Saturday I have to start all over again. How many chain letters and prayers have your received in your e-mail? Pass this message on to 12 others within 24 hours and you will be blessed – or else.
Say your prayers, do the rituals just so and things will be ok. Jeremiah encourages the people to move beyond such ‘correctness’. The most important word in his message is the word ‘within’. It’s a word that calls us to interiority. Externals are important but it is what is within us that matters most. Jesus made this point time and time again to the people of His time.
The best example I can use to express this sense of interiority is to ask you why you are here today. Are you at Mass because of obligation? There is an obligation to be here, to keep holy our Sabbath day. But are you here because you must be here or because you want to be here? Are you here because you have a sense of gratitude to God for the blessings with which you have been blessed and you want to give thanks for these blessings? Are you here because you want to be with other parishioners to praise and thank God? Are you here because of your own struggles and your need to be nourished by the Bread of Life, our daily bread, to give you the strength to go on? All these are examples of interiority – the law written not on stone but on the fleshy tablets of our hearts.
The same can be said of our life of prayer. Are we caught in the trap of thinking our prayer must be said so many times with strict attention or are do we see prayer as a open gentle conversation with God. If our prayer life is, what one saint described as “heart speaking to heart” then we have caught the spirit of interiority.
St. Paul calls us to grow to full maturity in Christ. Such growth helps us to move beyond ‘having to do things’ to wanting to do them, wanting out of a sense of a deep desire to deepen our relationship with Christ.
Interiority helps us to come to grips with the words of Jesus in today’s gospel about the grain of wheat dying to come to life, those who love their lives losing their lives.
As we continue to celebrate this Mass – here because we want to be here not because we must be here – we can pray for ourselves and for each other that God in His goodness will put His law within us, on the fleshy tablets of our hearts and we will all come to know the Lord, the Lord who remembers our sins no more.
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