National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples 2024

 

Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops remind us that on 12 December, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Church in Canada marks the National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples:

This initiative of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has been coordinated since 2002 by the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council (formerly the Canadian Catholic Aboriginal Council).

This year, the reflection by the Council is inspired by Pope Francis’s words of healing and reconciliation spoken during his “penitential pilgrimage” to Canada.

To mark the National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples, the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council (CCIC) recalls the profound sorrow expressed by Pope Francis, during his Penitential Pilgrimage to Canada in July 2022, for the catastrophic effects of the residential school system on Indigenous communities, as well as the journey of reconciliation and healing we have embarked upon together. Two years later, the Pope’s words still compel us to recognize this painful legacy and walk alongside the Indigenous Peoples in a spirit of repentance, solidarity, and hope.

We contemplate the Holy Father’s words: “The Church is the house where we conciliate anew, where we meet to start over and to grow together”. This vision of the Church as a “living body of reconciliation” has guided us in our ongoing commitment to justice and healing. In this spirit, we reaffirm our pledge to work for healing and reconciliation, and to reflect on our efforts since the Holy Father’s visit to Canada in 2022.

Together we pray:

O God, Creator and Father of all,

with humility and hope, we, your children, 

acknowledge the relationship in You

of all living things.

For this we thank You and praise You.

We call on You, Great Mystery, our God who comes to us

in Jesus Christ, Your Son

– our Lord, teacher, prophet and brother –

to open our minds and hearts

as we continue to walk the difficult, yet critical journey

of reconciliation and healing.

In our world of such blessed diversity,

we see so many struggles and obstacles to oneness and unity.

We implore You to heal our brokenness and division.

Show us in Jesus the way to unity among the multiplicity

of Your peoples in our world.

We also pray that You will guide and lead us in the Truth,

and show us how to be a people who walk with You. 

May we be a people of

Respect, Humility, Courage, Honesty, and Compassion

- as we find Your Wisdom on the Spirit-led journey

that supports deep healing

and fosters renewed relationships.

Lord, make us channels of Your Peace, Hope, and Love!

+Amen

World Day of the Poor 2024

 

Image credit: https://allenbrowne.blog/2021/03/01/fig-trees-and-seasonal-change/

Extract from the Sunday homily by Deacon Steve.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near."
    - Mark 13:28. From the Gospel reading for 33rd Sunday, World Day of the Poor.

As threatening as today’s gospel sounds, with all of its vivid and stressful imagery of pain and despair, in the end it is not a gospel of doom. Amid the collapse, Jesus is asking the apostles and us, to trust our Lord and have trust in God, even when our world appears to be turning dark. 

We are all very aware of the harsh realities of life going on in the world today. All we have to do is listen to the news or read the paper, and we are confronted with numerous stories of war and crime, not to mention the people suffering devastating illnesses, both chronic and terminal, as well as family tragedies.

Despite living with all of these harsh realities, Jesus invites us to read the signs all around us, to look well at all the small buds about to blossom, the harbingers of summertime. Distress is not the final word of the story. Jesus tells us to look more closely. What signs of hope do we see that lifts our spirits, ever so slightly, with hope. Hang on to them, they are reminders that God has not left us on our own. They in fact are assurances Christ is coming with new life for us.

In reading these signs we are to join in God’s work. Wherever there are human needs and situations that cry out for justice, reconciliation, compassionate action and peacekeeping there is an opportunity for encountering our Lord.

Pope Francis, in his message for the Eighth World Day of the Poor, which is being celebrated today (33rd Sunday), offers some insights to help us see the “small buds… from the fig tree… and learn its lesson, and know that summer is near.”

First, we need to keep in mind that the “poor” are not only those people who suffer financial problems, homelessness and starvation, but also people who suffer chronic and terminal illness in long term care homes, hospitals and hospices, as well as those who suffer mental illness, loneliness and depression.

And so, the pope writes, “In this year dedicated to prayers, we need to make the prayer of the poor our own and pray together with them… Indeed, humility generates trust that God will never abandon us and will never leave us without a response.’

“We all have had the experience of prayers that seem to remain unanswered…God seems not to hear our cry…However, God’s silence does not mean he is inattentive to our sufferings.”

The World Day of the Poor is an opportune occasion…to recognize, support …and thank the Lord for the people who make themselves available to listen to and support the poorest among us…[and] by their testimony give voice to God’s response to the prayer of those who turn to God. 

“God’s silence, therefore, is broken every time a person in need is welcomed and embraced.”

In the spirit of Pope Francis’ message, on this the Eighth Day of the Poor, let us thank all of our volunteers. To our Vincentians, who visit with those who are poor in our community. To our ministers who visit those who are poor in hospitals and nursing homes. And to our CWG and Knights of Columbus who work to raise funds as well as all parishioners who make donations to support all of these works. You are the “small buds,” the signs of hope, that remind us to have faith and keep going. You are the ones who break the silence for our poor.

Christmas Program 2024 Kickoff

 

Image Design by Freepik

It is that time of year when we start planning and fundraising for our Christmas Program and the food requirements of our families in need.  Thank you for your donations last year. Through your generosity you made Christmas special for over 1,000 less fortunate people in our community and allowed us to sustain these families with food vouchers and fresh food baskets throughout the year. The need is greater than ever.  In the first 8 months of 2024 we saw a 26% increase over last year.

One again we are reaching out to you, our supporters of those in need, hoping you will once again wish to donate to our Christmas program and food needs. To best serve our families in time for Christmas your donation would be appreciated on or before November 24th. You can make donations with a credit card here on our Christmas Page, as you did last year.  You can also go to the parish websites or simply use your smartphone to scan the QR code. This year you can also donate at the back of the church using your debit or credit card on the weekend of October 26/27 at St. John Chrysostom and on November 2/3 at St. Elizabeth Seton.

Use your smartphone to scan the QR code.

Family Flyer: October-January

Click on the flyer to pop it out.

How do you want your tax dollars spent?

 

Image credit: barrie.ca

Why are Canadian taxpayers still subsidizing the oil and gas industry which is making handsome profits?

According to CSIMarket (csimarket.com), in the second quarter of 2022, the net profit margin for the oil and gas production industry was 31.43%, significantly above the industry average; and the gross margin for the industry was 86.46% in the same period.

Both the federal and provincial governments provide financial support to fossil fuel companies through various means, such as tax breaks, direct funding, and public financing. A report by Environmental Defence estimated that in 2023, the federal government provided at least $18.6 billion in support to the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries. This includes $8 billion in loan guarantees for the Trans Mountain pipeline and $7.4 billion in public financing through Export Development Canada.

Here are a few ideas for a more compassionate and less environmentally harmful use of $18 billion from the federal government than lining the pockets of fossil fuel company shareholders:

• Affordable housing
• Childcare subsidies for single parents
• Education
• Healthcare, Pharmacare and Long Term Care
• Improved Disability Benefits
• Universal Basic Income (UBI)

Discrimination Against the Homeless Population

 

Image credit: https://thecanadaguide.com/basics/money/

In the spirit of our founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, the Society of St Vincent de Paul has a two-fold mission in assisting those in need:

• charitable works
• advocacy for social justice when the poor are hindered from advocating for themselves.

It is being widely opined in the public media that the Ontario Government will be sending out cheques for $200 to Ontario residents, tax free, with a total cost of $3.2 Billion. If true, this will discriminate against the entire homeless population, and even many of the housed will fall through the cracks. Without a registered mailing address and up-to-date tax records with the Canada Revenue Agency, they will get nothing, regardless of their desperate circumstances.
If the Ontario government really wants to help all their citizens, they would have been better advised to put that $3.2B into health care, education, affordable housing, and the environment.

No doubt many of the people who will receive the $200 will be grateful because they really do need it, but most of us will not need it as desperately as those without homes and some of the families who come to our Society for food and other assistance. 

Charitable donations will reduce your taxable income. Please consider donating some or all of your $200 to a charitable cause as a way to protest the injustice and share with the poorest who will, yet again, be discriminated against with this latest round of Provincial Government largesse for the middle class. Just as importantly, do talk about it with your family and friends.

The Cry of the Poor - Laudato Si'

 

Image credit: https://institucionteresiana.org/en/focal-points/the-cry-of-the-earth-cry-of-the-poor

I asked Meta AI, "What does Laudato Si' say about 'The Cry of the Poor'?" 
Laudato Si' is an encyclical written by Pope Francis and released on May 24, 2015. It addresses the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues. Here is the response from Meta AI...

Laudato Si' emphasizes the intimate relationship between the cry of the Poor and the cry of the Earth. Pope Francis stresses that we're facing a single, complex crisis that's both social and environmental ¹. The encyclical highlights how the Earth's degradation disproportionately affects the world's most vulnerable populations, particularly the poor.

The Cry of the Poor

In Laudato Si', Pope Francis identifies two significant injustices experienced by the poor due to the climate crisis. Firstly, they're usually the first affected by extreme weather events, losing their livelihoods and facing displacement ². Secondly, despite contributing minimally to climate change, they bear the brunt of its consequences.

Key Points

- Ecological Debt: The global north owes an "ecological debt" to the global south due to commercial imbalances and disproportionate resource consumption ².

- Vulnerable Groups: The encyclical emphasizes the need to protect human life in all forms, with special attention to indigenous people, migrants, unborn children, and children at risk of modern slavery ³ ⁴.

- Spiritual Crisis: The ecological crisis is also a spiritual crisis, requiring a spiritual conversion to address the root causes of environmental degradation ⁴.

Pope Francis urges us to listen to the cry of the poor and respond with solidarity, advocating for eco-justice and defending human life ¹ ³. By doing so, we can work towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Here are the references for follow up:

1 https://www.jpic-jp.org/en/a/the-cry-of-the-poor-laudato-si-2nd-goal

2 https://ssnd.org/shalom-laudato-si-laudato-si-reflections-response-to-cry-of-the-poor/

3 https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/listening-to-the-cry-of-the-poor/

4 https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/response-to-the-cry-of-the-poor/

Charity AND Justice

 

Image credit: Clyde Watts

Corry Wink is on the SSVP National Advocacy Committee

Social justice: Stronger Together Imagine a patient heading to a doctor with severe abdominal pain. A pain killer would solve the problem temporarily, but is the issue truly addressed? Charity is like the pain killer, a vital component of care but only a beginning. Social Justice takes the next step. Unfortunately, charity… Never fills the gap between need and sufficiency… Is often inconsistent as limited by the means of the giver… Is limited to people who know how to ask for it… May create a dependence, robbing people of their dignity and sense of self-worth. On the other hand, in social justice… The entire community is responsible for people’s well-being… All people are eligible, and benefits generally keeps up with inflation… Dignity and rights are given to basic needs… The entire community benefits, not just recipients of social programs. To illustrate, consider the following:

Charitable Activities Social Justice Measures Food banks and Christmas hampers Liveable incomes Clothing and household items from outlets Shopping options Couch surfing Shelters Out of The Cold programs Affordable, secure housing Medical treatment by pharmaceutical samples supplied by doctor Pharmacare Occasional special dental clinics A universal dental program

Liveable incomes whether from paid employment, the social assistance system or the pension system should provide enough money for people to have secure and safe housing, nutritious food and a modest level of basic needs such as clothing, communication and transportation. High quality publicly funded health care programs such as pharmacare and dental plans allow people to maintain their health as they age. When their basic needs of people are met, they have the stability, mental and physical health and strength to take their place in society as citizens and participants in the economy. The World Happiness Report produced annually by the United Nations finds that countries with the most generous social programs have better outcomes in every aspect of their societies: successful economies, good public health, and happier people.  Social justice measures benefit the entire community and end up costing society less than keeping people in poverty. How can you get involved? Society must respond to alleviate the suffering of those who live in poverty. Consider supporting food banks with food and financial donations as well as volunteer your time. For a just and fair society, advocate for liveable wages, social assistance and other social programs which can lift people out of poverty so that they can become productive citizens. Consider organizing a social justice committee at your conference or council to communicate the benefits of social justice programs.  Work with Vincentians and others to develop effective advocacy strategies.  Once elections are called, attend candidates’ meetings and support the need for better social programs. We call all Vincentians to join us to accomplish our goals as per the Fundamental Principles stated in the Rule and Statutes: Work as a team within the Society and in collaboration with other people of good will to: Serve people in need Discover and help redress situations of social injustice that cause poverty, suffering and need. Thank you for your engagement. Corry Wink, Advocacy Committee member

Personal Reflections on Today's Gospel

 

Jesus eats with sinners and publicans by Alexandre Bida

Some personal reflections by Terry McCann

Catholics are taught that when the priest at mass says the words of consecration: take and eat, this is my body, this is the cup of my blood of the new covenant; do this as a memorial of me -  that the priest is representing Christ who is really present in our midst, eating and drinking with us who are gathered "in his name."

My mother converted to Roman Catholicism so that my dad and she could get married in the Catholic Church. She died in January of the year that I would turn six years old. In December of that same year my dad married again - this time he married a non-Catholic divorcee. It is not surprising that he married again relatively quickly. I have been given to understand that I was something of a 'handful', with behaviour problems and temper tantrums. It must have been incredibly brave of my stepmother to marry my dad, given the baggage represented by the five year old brat that he brought with him. I found out later that, immediately after the wedding service at Manning Road Methodist Church in Durban, one of my aunts (second cousin 1x removed) said to my new mom, "Of course, you must realise that you are not really married in the eyes of the Catholic Church." This left my mom hurting and angry.  In all their married years, I have no recollection, other than with one exception, that they ever stepped foot in a Catholic church. Nor did they ever again communicate with that side of the family. I met that aunt at my dad's funeral. She was a stranger to me and had to introduce herself.

In his Apostolic Exhortation, The Joy of Love (Amoris Laetitia), Pope Francis writes:

It is important that the divorced who have entered a new union should be made to feel part of the Church. “They are not excommunicated” and they should not be treated as such, since they remain part of the ecclesial community. These situations “require careful discernment and respectful accompaniment. Language or conduct that might lead them to feel discriminated against should be avoided, and they should be encouraged to participate in the life of the community." - AL 243.

Many of us know how that went down. A small but vocal contingent of fervent Catholics, led by some bishops, accused the pope of sowing discord and confusion in the Catholic Church. Sin is sin, they say, and adultery is sin and should be called as such.

We also know from the gospels how Jesus felt about sinners, and about religious people. He called the tax collector, Matthew, to be a disciple and then joined in the party Matthew gave to his friends, eating and drinking with other tax collectors and sinners. See Matthew 9:9-13. This shocked the pharisees who were fervent, religious and meticulous about keeping the law. And yet it was to the scribes and pharisees that Jesus gave his sternest warnings: Woe to you, scribes and pharisees. See Luke 11:37–54 and Matthew 23:1–39.

It is very dangerous for us to judge who should be 'in' and who should be 'out'. Let's not go down that road. Our call is simply to love. As a general rule, the ones who most need our love are the most vulnerable people, and those who feel least loved. Our Lord call us to serve these with love, respect, justice and joy.

Hope and Act with Creation

 

The Season of Creation began September 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and ends tomorrow, October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology.

The theme for the 2024 Season of Creation is "To hope and act with Creation." This annual Christian celebration encourages Christians worldwide to pray and respond to the cry of Creation. The guiding symbol for this year's season is "The first fruits of hope," inspired by Romans 8:19-25.

The cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are two sides of the same coin. The cry of one causes the cry of the other.

The times we live in demonstrate that we often view the Earth not as a gift from our Creator but as a resource to be exploited - almost always at the expense of the poor. However, Creation teaches us that hope is present in waiting, in the expectation of a better future. To hope, in the biblical context, doesn't mean remaining still and silent; it means actively groaning, crying out, and struggling for a new life even amidst difficulties. Creation and all human beings are called to worship the Creator and work toward a dynamic future from which the first fruits of hope can spring.

As the season comes to a close, let us reflect on our relationship with the Earth, seek reconciliation with the Earth and with one another, and resolve on meaningful new personal habits to care for our common home.

In Pursuit of Truth and Reconciliation

 

Any sincere search for truth and reconciliation with First Nations, Metis and Indigenous Peoples in Canada must include becoming acquainted with the Doctrine of Discovery. Most immigrants and Settler descendants in Canada have never even heard of it. Here is a short summary of the Doctrine of Discovery which you can download and read.

Doctrine of Discovery

Here is a presentation that I gave to an SSVP conference in March of this year (2024) after referencing Matthew 5:23-24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift."

Doctrine of Discovery Rescinded - Now what?

During the discussion afterwards it emerged that almost all of us had never before heard of the Doctrine of Discovery, and yet it is something that Indigenous People have been aware of for centuries. The United States Supreme Court in 2005, relying on a series of Indian law cases going back to 1823, specifically cited the Doctrine in its decision denying the right of the Oneida Indian Nation of New York to regain its territory. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote in the 2005 decision: “Under the Doctrine of Discovery … free title to the land occupied by Indians when the colonists arrived became vested in the sovereign – first the discovering European nation and later the original States and the United States.” 

My purpose in sharing this was not to make us feel guilty, but to raise awareness with knowledge. We cannot tackle a problem unless we admit there is a problem and try to understand it. As Christians and Catholics our problem is, how can Colonial Settler descendants be justly reconciled with Indigenous First Nations in this present time? 

There is also a series of YouTube videos which I strongly recommend for further information. These have also been recommended by the SSVP ONRC Social Justice Committee and Indigenous Sharing Circle. Here are the links to YouTube.

Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen lands, Strong Hearts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQwkB1hn5E8&t=6s

TRC Part # 1 Introduction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9tRe5aN0eE

TRC Part # 2 "We Are All Treaty People"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoZu6DYZYIQ

TRC Part # 3 The Residential Schools
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlXuLs9s-ds&t=3s

TRC Part # 4 Apologies and The Churches
https://youtu.be/RWqdul1ZDfk?si=VlYkUPWHv28ro51o&t=6

TRC #5 Calls to Action
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi9euHR0YdI&pp=ygULVFJDIFBhcnQgIzU%3D

Please share these links with others whom you think might be interested.

September 27 – Memorial for St. Vincent de Paul

Reflection by Deacon Steve

“Set your hearts on the greater gifts…If I give everything I have to feed the poor…but have not love, I gain nothing. There is no limit to love’s forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure.
Now we see indistinctly, as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. My knowledge is imperfect now; then I shall know even as I am known.
There are three things that last; faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love.” 
 - 1 Cor 12:31-13:13

St. Vincent de Paul wrote, 

“Charity is certainly greater than any rule. Moreover, all rules must lead to charity. Since she is a noble mistress, we must do whatever she commands. With renewed devotion, then, we must serve the poor, especially outcasts and beggars. They have been given to us as our masters and patrons.” (Correspondence, Paris, 1922 -1925)

Each time a “client’ is visited, know that you are seeing Christ “face to face” and likewise they see Christ “face to face” in you. Each time you go out on your visits you are a living testimony that charity is greater that any rule or teaching. You are a witness to how the Church’s teaching is to lead to charity. May that love you share return to you a hundredfold!

Have a blessed day and may God bless you and your families.

 - Deacon Steve

Reflections on the Canadian Martyrs

 

Today Canadian Catholics celebrated the Feast of the Canadian Martyrs, six priests and two laymen, all Jesuits: Jean de Brebeuf, Gabriel Lalemant, Antoine Daniel, Charles Garnier, Noel Chabanel, René Goupil, Jean de la Lalande, Isaac Jogues. While the Catholic Church universally celebrates this feast on October 19, the Canadian Bishops decided to celebrate the feast on September 26, mainly because the Martyrs' Shrine in Midland is closed as from early October due to the cold Canadian weather. The Martyrs' Shrine is a historic site of pilgrimage which includes the famous Shrine Church, the Martyrs’ Hall and Education Centre, and 75 landscaped acres conducive to prayer and contemplation. Within the Church are the relics of St. Jean de Brébeuf, St. Gabriel Lalemant, and St. Charles Garnier.

The Feast of the Canadian Martyrs takes place just four days before September 30th, Orange Shirt Day since 2013, and since 2021, National Truth and Reconciliation Day: a Canadian day of memorial to recognize the atrocities and traumatic generational impact caused by the Canadian Indian Residential School system. The irony of the juxtaposition of these two days, just four days apart, is deeply poignant. The movie, "The Mission," comes to mind, where well intentioned and holy missionaries saw their work thwarted by the imperialistic and hegemonic actions of the Portuguese colonial power aided and abetted by the Doctrine of Discovery. The avaricious Portuguese king and his loyal subjects saw in the native Guarani people a cheap source of slaves.

In the Canadian case, however, the treachery and betrayal were worse. It was not Church vs State as in the movie. Regrettably, the Christian churches, especially the Catholic Church, eagerly stepped in to provide the human resources needed to run the Government mandated Indian Residential Schools. This presented as a much 'easier' way to gather converts to Christianity than the respectful, loving, compassionate way of the Cross demonstrated by St. Jean de Brébeuf and his Jesuit companions.

It would be very easy to be lulled into a romantic and pietistic spirituality that just looks at the faith and fortitude of the Canadian martyrs and their interior life, but goes no further. But that would be a betrayal of all that they lived and died for. They loved the people to whom they preached Christ, and Him crucified. Not only the Hurons but also the Iroquois who killed them. Take Father Isaac Jogues. After several months of captivity and torture, he was ransomed by Dutch traders and the Dutch Calvinist minister Johannes Megapolensis from New Netherland (later Albany). He returned for a time to France, but then sailed back to Quebec. In 1646 he and Jean de Lalande were killed during a visit to Ossernenon where he had been held captive. They had hoped to achieve peace between the French and the Mohawk Nation.

If these holy men would see today the strained relationship that is so evident between the Church and the peoples of the First Nations to whom they gave their lives, they would weep inconsolably. They would rush to be in the vanguard of the Church's efforts at acknowledging and confessing the truth of our failures, understanding the full impact of what we have done as a Church, seeking ways to make amends and restitution and facilitate healing, repeatedly asking for pardon and forgiveness.

Let us move beyond romantic piety. Let us ask Our Lord to inspire us with the same Spirit with which God energised and moved St. Jean de Brébeuf and his Jesuit companions. Let us ask the Lord Jesus Christ to show us what He would have us do this coming National Truth and Reconciliation Day/Orange Shirt Day. Wearing an Orange Shirt might already be a good start. Do you know the origins of the Orange Shirt? Do you know who Phyllis Webstad is?

Opportunity to enhance job seeking skills

 

If you or someone you know is seeking employment, then this information might be helpful.  It is a great opportunity for individuals to enhance their job seeking skills and to better prepare themselves for future employment opportunities.

So Many Different Ways To Follow Jesus

 

Image Credit: www.catholicregister.org

by Deacon Steve,
Homily for 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2024

In our contemporary films and TV programs, and thus for many of us, the perfect hero is one who responds to rejection, persecution, or some form of personal attack with a dazzling display of power and most likely, violence, enhanced of course by CGI and AI. For our modern society the measure of a hero is measured in body counts and timely explosions.

In our first reading today, from a section of Isaiah known as the Song of the Suffering Servant, the hero responds with silence, patience, and unwavering determination. The Suffering Servant knows that they are guided and inspired by our Lord. As this faith grows, they develop the courage and patience to face every kind of adversity for they have come to believe deeply that God will be the source of their strength.

Thus, Isaiah writes, “The Lord God helps me; therefore, I have not been disgraced; therefore, I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.”

We may think that we have to be a fanatic. But a fanatic, is self-centered and willing to use force, violence and hatred to impose their own vision of the truth and believes everything depends on them. In contrast, the one who is truly listening to God and is called by God, is God centered and does not wish to undermine God’s work with violence and hatred. It is God’s show - and their strength and success will only come from our Lord. They will quietly and peacefully stand firm in their ideals and let the power of truth itself win the victory.

And so, they say, like Isaiah, “It is the Lord God who helps me.”

****

“What good is it my brothers and sisters. If you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you?
If a brother or sister is without clothing and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So, faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.” James 2:14-18 – Second Reading 

The Letter of James reminds us that religion is not about focusing merely on our own personal salvation – in other words, the “me and Jesus” form of spirituality.

Scott Lewis, a scripture scholar reminds us,
“Although faith springs from the depth of our own heart, it must always be expressed in concrete ways, most notably in the care and concern for the well-being and happiness of others (all of our brothers and sisters). Any form of religion or theology that turns a blind eye to the human suffering of others or theologizes it away is human selfishness and a lack of love cloaked in pious platitudes. Faith as love – is always manifested in deeds.”

****

Jesus in our gospel today from Mark, asks the apostles a simple question. “Who do people say that I am?” After they give the usual pat answers, Jesus asks them, and so us, “Who do you say that I am?”

Peter, who has been quiet, lost in deep thought and silent communion in the depths of his soul, blurts out the answer, “You are the Christ.”

The gospel writer, rather than Jesus praising him, has Jesus tell them sternly to tell no one.
What follows reveals why Jesus does this. For Jesus goes on to tell them what it really means to be the Christ, the Messiah. It is about suffering, humiliation and death, which we know the apostles, like ourselves at times, do not want to hear. Jesus reveals to them that they are thinking, “as humans do” and as the world does. As humans we tend to think of comfort, safety and reputation. 

Jesus…then says to them, “Whoever wants to become my follower, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mk 8:34

Taking up one’s cross means one thing – being willing to focus on God’s will regardless of personal cost.
Today, we can see all sorts of examples of people who do this very thing, volunteering at soup kitchens, clothing and food banks and Out of the Cold programs. Right here in our parish we have the CWG, the Knights of Columbus, the bereavement ministers, our ministers who volunteer to help at our liturgies.
As well there are our outreach volunteers, bringing communion to those who cannot be here. In addition, there are our Vincentians, members of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, who, with the help of our weekly donations, go out each week to bring food cards and baskets to those in need. More important is the time they spend with our brothers and sisters who feel weak and vulnerable.
Together all of these ministers, day by day, deepen their faith by their works, becoming followers of Christ by taking up Christ’s cross.

Thomas Merton a famous monk and spiritual writer in our modern times, wrote, “It is not a matter of God or humanity, but of finding God by loving humanity, (all of our brothers and sisters) and discovering the true value of humanity in our love for God. Neither is possible without the other.”
And further he writes, “…we exist solely for this, to be the place God has chosen for our Lord’s presence, God’s manifestation in the world.”

Our Eucharist speaks to us, tells us that we are the Body of Christ, Christ’s manifestation to the world. Let us then, each day, try to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow our Lord and with God’s grace and blessing, grow in our confidence that God will stand with us and help us.

Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, Our Founder

 

Blessed Frédéric Ozanam

The feast of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam is celebrated on September 9. Pope John Paul II beatified him on August 22, 1997. The following biographical snippet is taken from the SSVP Canadian Rule and Statutes.

Blessed Frédéric Ozanam is recognized as the main founder of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. He was that rare type of individual of intellectual genius and extraordinary holiness. He was a husband and father, professor and researcher, journalist and author, apologist and defender of the faith. Above all, he personified the Good Samaritan.

Antoine Frédéric Ozanam was born in Milan, Italy, on April 23, 1813, where his parents, residents of Lyon, France, had moved temporarily. His parents were devout Catholics who passed on to young Frédéric a deep love of God and the poor. After graduating from high school at the Royal College of Lyon, he moved to Paris to study law as his father wished. There, he was confronted with a society in deep turmoil and detached from its faith, as a result of the Revolution of 1830. Guided by André-Marie Ampère, an eminent scientist and Catholic, he came to the unshakable certitude that Christianity was the only remedy to cure the evils of his time.

He gathered around him students of like mind and faith and they confronted faculty members of the Sorbonne University who attacked their faith. He persuaded the Archbishop of Paris to have Father Henri Lacordaire, a renowned preacher, deliver a series of lectures at Notre-Dame Cathedral. The success of those lectures, or conferences, was overwhelming and the Conférences de Notre-Dame were launched. 

Ideas about social justice were promoted in the Tribune Catholique, a newspaper founded in 1832 by Emmanuel Bailly. A literary circle, La Société des bonnes études, was linked to this newspaper. The aim of this circle was to develop among Catholics a taste for historical, philosophical and religious research. Ozanam had a similar idea and he and his friends became active in what became known as the Conférences d’histoire. It developed into a dynamic forum of discussion and research at the university. One March night in 1833, a fellow student who was a non-Catholic, challenged Frédéric and friends. His question was “What are you doing for them (the poor), you and your fellow Catholics…? Show us your works!” Ozanam knew that faith must be translated into action and that, like the apostles, they needed to evangelize by the practice of charity. He rallied the group when he cried out, “The blessing of the poor is that of God…let us go to the poor.”

One evening, on April 23, 1833, Frédéric and five other students met in the office of Mr. Bailly and the “Conference of Charity” was born. They asked Sister Rosalie Rendu, a Daughter of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul to teach them how to minister to the poor with love and respect, and she did so with much kindness. By 1834, the conference had more than 100 members. Taking the saint as an example to follow, it renamed to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and placed it under the protection of the Blessed Virgin.

... In addition to the service he gave to the poor, he researched the conditions of the working classes and defended their rights as human beings and workers. He co-founded the newspaper l’Ère Nouvelle (New Era) to propagate his social and political ideas. Ozanam was one of the first to formulate the idea of a “natural salary” to claim compensation against unemployment and accidents, and to ask that a pension be guaranteed to workers.

From the Canadian Rule and Statutes of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Grace Before a Meal

 

Grace Before a Meal

Our Father in Heaven,

We thank you for our daily bread which you provide, for the fresh food in our fridge and the groceries in our pantry, and the food on our table. 

Fill our hearts with your generous compassion, that those of us who have more than enough might share with those who do not have enough. 

Bless them, and bless us, Lord, and these gifts which we receive from you who make the sun to shine and the rain to fall on all of us, good and bad, poor and rich. 

We ask this though Jesus your Son, who is Christ the Lord. Amen.

Biblical purity explained by Pope Francis

 

Image Credit: McGill University

The Pope's Sunday Angelus address for yesterday reported by Zenit

Biblical purity explained by the Pope in a nutshell

The day before departing for Indonesia, Singapore, Timor, and Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis led the traditional Sunday Angelus in St. Peter’s Square. Around 15,000 people gathered to listen to his Sunday address and pray the Marian Angelus with him. Below is the English translation of the Pope’s words: 

***

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday! 

Today, in the Gospel of the liturgy (cf. Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23), Jesus speaks about the pure and the impure: a matter very dear to his contemporaries, which was linked principally to the observance of rites and rules of behaviour, to avoid any contact with things or persons considered unclean and, if this happened, to erase the “stain” (cf. Lev 11-15). Purity and impurity were almost an obsession for some religious of those times.

Some scribes and Pharisees, obsessive, strict observers of such norms, accuse Jesus of allowing his disciples to eat with unwashed hands, without washing their hands. And Jesus takes this reproach on the part of the Pharisees to His disciples to talk to us about the meaning of “purity”.

Purity, Jesus says, is not linked to external rites, but is first and foremost linked to inner dispositions, interior dispositions. To be pure, therefore, it is no use washing one’s hands several times if one then, within the heart, harbours evil feelings such as greed, envy or pride, or evil intentions such as deceit, theft, betrayal and slander (cf. Mk 7:21-22). Jesus draws attention to the need to beware of ritualism, which does not make one grow in goodness; on the contrary, this ritualism can sometimes lead one to neglect, or even justify, in oneself and in others, choices and attitudes contrary to charity, which wound the soul and close the heart. 

And this, brothers and sisters, is important for us too: one cannot, for example, leave Holy Mass and, still in front of the church, stop and gossip wickedly and mercilessly about everything and everyone. That chatter that ruins the heart, that ruins the soul. And you can’t do this! If you go to Mass and then do these things at the entrance, it is a bad thing! Or to show oneself to be pious in prayer, but then treat one’s own relatives at home with coldness and detachment, or neglect their elderly parents, who are in need of help and company (cf. Mk 7:10-13). This is a double life, and one cannot do this. And this is what the Pharisees did. External purity, without good attitudes, merciful attitudes towards others. One cannot be apparently very decent to everyone, and perhaps even do a bit of voluntary work and some philanthropic gestures, but then inwardly cultivate hatred towards others, despise the poor and the least, or behave dishonestly in one’s work.

In acting in this way, the relationship with God is reduced to external gestures, and within one remains impervious to the purifying action of His grace, indulging in thoughts, messages and behaviour without love. We are made for something else. We are made for the purity of life, for tenderness, for love.

Let us ask ourselves, then: do I live my faith in a consistent manner, that is, what I do in Church, do I try to do outside in the same spirit? By my sentiments, words and deeds, do I make what I say in prayer tangible in closeness and respect for my brothers and sisters? Let us think about this. 

And may Mary, Mother most pure, help us to make our life, in heartfelt and practiced love, worship pleasing to God (cf. Rm 12:1).

To read this on the Zenit website click here.

Season of Creation

 

Being an accepting, inclusive, and not completely $#!^^y human

 

The following is reproduced from the Facebook page of Diary of a Mom:

Let’s talk about the folks who are trying to backtrack on mocking Gus Walz because they didn’t know he had a disability.

Right. Okay. So …

Let’s start with the fact that he’s a seventeen year old kid who was so proud of his dad, whom he obviously loves deeply, that he was moved to tears. That’s beautiful, and a hell of a testament to their relationship. 

But sure, some people thought his reaction was over the top and “weird.” And therefore fair game. Until they heard he has a disability. 

(So, to recap, it would have been a-okay in that crowd to bully a typical kid for *acting atypical* but maybe he should be off limits now that they know he has a diagnosis.)

Pull up a chair, won’t you, friends? 

Being an accepting, inclusive, and not completely shitty human isn’t about having access to everyone’s medical records. It’s about humanity. It’s about not having to know that there’s a label for a fellow human’s unique constellation of strengths and challenges in order to approach them with compassion. 

It’s about not needing an explanation for why someone comes across a little - or a lot - differently from the average bear in order to indulge their quirks, celebrate their differences, support their challenges and accommodate their access needs, to give them extra time and love and leeway.

Labels / diagnoses / identities are important and valid and helpful in a million different ways, but they shouldn’t ever be the ticket that we demand from others before granting them entry into the arena of our empathy. The only fare needed is humanity.

So lay off the kid. Not just because he has a disability, but because he’s human, and that’s reason enough. 

{image is a photo of Gus joyfully hugging his Dad on stage last night, flanked by his sister, Hope, and his mom, Gwen, who is just out of the frame.}

The Fruit of the Spirit

 

The fruit of the Spirit is...
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control.

 - Galatians 5:22-23

Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord

 

Sr Mary McGlone writes by way of reflection on this Sunday's readings in the National Catholic Reporter:

In our history, we Christians have missed the mark on carrying out much (most?) of what Jesus tried to teach. In the name of Christ, a shameful number of men went crusading to destroy unbelievers. The Council of Trent found it necessary to prohibit such egregious abuses of the Eucharist as paying priest celebrants according to how long they could hold up the host for the people to adore.

In the U.S., some Christians saw it as their duty to carry out outlandish "proofs" that allowed them to put "witches" to death. In the name of freedom of religion, we have privatized our faith to the point that many feel free of responsibility to the common good, believing that all God desires is that we will each save our soul.

Worst of all, we have found ways to justify all of this by citing Scripture — selectively.

St. Paul warned the Ephesians about this kind of distorted theology, saying: "Watch carefully how you live, not as foolish persons, but as wise ... do not continue in ignorance." He said, "the days are evil." 

Each of the deformations of Christianity mentioned above came from self-serving interpretations of Scripture, interpretations that employed fear and magic as well as bigoted exercises of power over others.

… How are we to know if we are following Paul's advice to seek the will of God rather than interpreting like the Crusaders?  … Instead of accepting inadequate interpretations of the Gospel, Christ invites us into an ongoing, mystical spiral of tasting and seeing the goodness of the Lord. 

Read the rest of Sr McGlone's reflection on the readings for this Sunday here… 

Rebuild My Church - Instruments of Shalom-Peace

 

San Damiano Cross

While often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, the Peace Prayer wasn’t written by the saint. However, it remains a popular traditional prayer.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

Supporting Indigenous Rights

 

Charity is no substitute for Justice withheld.
Charity without Justice is not Charity.

  Charity is no substitute for Justice withheld.
     - St Augustine

  Charity without Justice is not Charity.
     - St Vincent de Paul

These statements by St Augustine and St Vincent de Paul show clearly why the word "justice" appears in the mission statement of the Society of St Vincent de Paul: "To live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy." For this reason, it is written into Vincentian fundamental principles to work as a team within the Society and also in collaboration with other people of good will to discover and help redress situations of social injustice that cause poverty, suffering and need.

Established statistics show that First Nations, Métis and Indigenous People are disproportionately represented in the homeless population, among those needing food assistance, and in the Canadian criminal justice system as both victims/survivors and accused/convicted individuals. There is overwhelming consensus, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, that this is directly related to historical social injustice, much of which continues to this day where Indigenous rights are still being ignored or trampled on.

I asked Microsoft's artificial intelligence (AI) program, Copilot, "How can we support Indigenous rights?" Here is how Copilot responded.

Supporting Indigenous rights is crucial for promoting justice, equality, and cultural preservation. Here are some ways to contribute:

1. Education and Awareness:

   • Learn about Indigenous history, culture, and challenges. Understand the impact of colonization, forced assimilation, and discrimination.
   • Share this knowledge with others to raise awareness.

2. Advocacy and Activism:

   • Support Indigenous-led movements and organizations advocating for land rights, sovereignty, and social justice.
   • Attend rallies, sign petitions, and participate in campaigns.

3. Land Acknowledgments:

   • Acknowledge the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples when giving speeches, hosting events, or writing articles.
   • Show respect for their connection to the land.

4. Economic Support:

   • Purchase Indigenous-made products, art, and crafts.
   • Support Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs.

5. Collaboration and Partnerships:

   • Collaborate with Indigenous communities on projects related to education, health, and economic development.
   • Build respectful partnerships based on mutual understanding.

6. Advocate for Policy Changes:

   • Support policies that recognize Indigenous rights, self-determination, and cultural preservation.
   • Advocate for fair representation and inclusion in decision-making processes.

Remember that supporting Indigenous rights is an ongoing commitment. Small actions can make a significant difference! 🌿🤝