Apostolicity

Jesus said to Peter, “I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven (Matt. 16:19).

            When I was studying at the Seminary, one of my classmates had a unique Spiritual Life. His inability to wake up early meant he was often late for Morning Prayer. While my classmate spent hours learning how to serve Mass, he usually forgot when the chalice was required at the Offertory. Yet, when someone needed help with a project, he was the first to offer assistance. If anyone began to get uneasy about papers or exams he would always find time to listen. Although the external signs of his Spiritual Life needed work, we never doubted his basic goodness which gave him a kind of authority which others respected.

            In this passage from Matthew, Jesus gives Peter the authority to make binding decisions on Spiritual matters for the Church. By doing so, he gives leadership in the Church to someone whose humanity is flawed but still worthy of respect.

            Within the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament, Elders played an essential leadership role within Jewish Society. Their collective experience and wisdom was respected by others. In the Book of Numbers, Moses appointed seventy Elders to relieve his burden of leadership while the Israelites were in the Desert. Later, these individuals established Councils in many communities which supplied advice on issues or handled a crisis. They served as Judges in family matters like: the punishment of a defiant son; the protection of a young woman’s reputation; or the application of the Levirate Marriage Law. Elders also joined in Liturgical Celebrations such as the offerings made for the sins of the entire Community. With their experience and insight gained over many years and the belief they were directed by God Elders had the authority to exercise a leadership role among the Jewish people despite their personal limitations.

            Matthew’s account of Christ’s commissioning of Peter revealed how the Human insight and experience of the Apostles was fortified by God. As one of the earliest Disciples, Peter had witnessed the Teachings and Miracles of Jesus. His response to the question about the identity of Christ recognized Jesus as the Messiah and not a forerunner like most Jews at the time. However, Peter was reminded his reply resulted from a revelation from God and not just human reasoning. Christ then called Peter the rock upon which the Church was built. Yet, in the following passage Peter is rebuked by Jesus for not accepting the need for the crucifixion. Later, during the Passion, Peter will deny knowing Jesus three times. Clearly, he is a flawed character. But Christ does not withdraw Peter’s authority. The flawed goodness in Peter was enough to maintain his leadership role. Later, this same willingness to overlook a flawed character led the Risen Jesus to transform Paul from a persecutor of the Church into a great Evangelist. Apostles like Peter and Paul played the role of Elders who kept the early Church linked to its Spiritual foundation by their profound but sometimes imperfect insights and experiences which were guided by God’s assistance.

            Today, this apostolic authority resides with Bishops and their assistants the Priests. They provide leadership in the Church by teaching and interpreting doctrines which have been passed on through the generations since the time of Peter and Paul. They insure the proper celebration of the Liturgy and Sacraments which enable Catholics to receive the graces they need to flourish as Faith-filled Disciples. They make decisions about how Pastoral Ministry is conducted and insure the Church is properly governed. They follow in the original Apostle’s footsteps. Yet, like Peter and Paul and the others they have imperfect insights and experiences and are flawed characters. There have been times when they have made bad decisions and shown poor example. After all, they are sinners. But the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, has preserved the truth handed down by Jesus. As an institution, the Church has survived many threats and divisions. One of the key characteristics (marks) of the Church is Apostolicity: the belief that the Church’s leadership and authority comes from the Apostles. This quality insures every generation has remained linked to its spiritual roots. However, this passing of the faith on to future generations includes the fact the Church is human institution made up of imperfect leaders. As with Peter and Paul, God takes the limited abilities of Apostles and enables to serve the Church.

            Apostolicity is a tremendous responsibility for those entrusted with the leadership roles in the Church. For this reason, Catholics should pray for their Bishops and Priests. The combination of their insights and experiences along with God’s guidance empowers the Church to continue its mission to spread the Gospel message on earth.

 

June 29, 2019

Apollo 13

When Joseph awoke from sleep he did as the Angel of the Lord commanded him. He took her (Mary) as his wife (Matt. 1:24).

            Most people think of Apollo 13 as a Movie which starred Tom Hanks and Kevin Bacon. In April 1970, I lived through the real thing. I have always thought the safe return of the Apollo 13 Astronauts to be the greatest success of American Engineers and Scientists in the Twentieth Century. Just after it had left Earth orbit the side of the Service Module of Apollo 13 was blown out and the people at NASA had to find a way to keep the Astronauts alive and bring them home. Those astronauts has to fly around the Moon before they could return to Earth. They had to solve such problems as: how to stop the increasing concentration of Carbon Dioxide from killing the Astronauts; how to conserve electric power to keep their instruments working; and how to align the spacecraft so it could re-enter the atmosphere. They had to do this with only the items which were on board Apollo 13 and no manual to tell them how to do it. They had to think practically, critically and clearly in order to solve every problem (and there were many). In other words, they had to make it up as they went along. While everyone in the world worried about the Astronauts, the tension in the NASA Control Room must have been extreme. Yet, the Astronauts and NASA Engineers and Scientists enabled Apollo 13 to return to Earth safely.

            In this passage from Matthew, Joseph faced a situation for which he was unprepared and there was no manual to guide him. His betrothed (Mary) was pregnant and he was not the child’s biological father. The Jewish Law stated a Divorce was required because their relationship was violated. Joseph was an honourable man and knew what he had to do. Then the Angel revealed to him all of this was part of God’s Plan. Imagine what Joseph must have thought after receiving this news. Was what the Angel said true or an illusion? If he remained with Mary, how could the situation be explained to family and friends? What was meant when the Angel said people would be saved from their sins by this child? What else was Joseph to do as part of God’s plan? He was faced with a situation for which he was totally unprepared, his support system was imperfect and likely unreliable and the end result was unknown. What was in store for him in the future? From now on, he was going to have to make it up as he went along.

            Our current situation with Covid 19 is a lot like the one faced by Joseph and the NASA Engineers. We do not know how many individuals will be infected or die from the virus. We do not know if all the efforts to “flatten out the curve” will make much difference in preventing the spread of the virus. We do not know if the limited Medical resources we have will be enough to care for all the sick people. We do not know if the glue keeping our society together will hold if things get really bad. Yet, what we do know is if we get through today, there will be a tomorrow.

            What our situation calls for is innovation and creativity. We need to do things differently from now on. We will have to make it up as we go along. We need to do that in how we look at Covid 19 and how we treat others. The Catholic Church is not always associated with innovation and creativity. However, when cities began to grow across Europe, St. Dominic and St. Francis of Assisi founded their Religious Communities to respond to the situation. There was no book on how to serve people in urban settings so they wrote one. Later, when the Black Death (Bubonic Plague) killed around forty per cent of the people in Europe between 1348 and 1351 the Church was still able to care for the sick (To put that in relative terms imagine if about 10,000 people in Thorold died in the next three years). When corruption and abuses threatened to ruin the Church in the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance Period, changes were implemented to set things right. In all of these cases: the problems were many; past experience provided almost no guidance; and the resources available to alter things were limited. Yet, through innovation and creativity a new way forward was found.

            What does that mean for us today? There are Priests who are celebrating daily Mass and Live-Streaming it on the Internet as the Bishop will do on Sundays and during Holy Week. It is possible to check on the vulnerable and maintain social distancing by telephone and dropping off whatever they need at the door. People can still come to Holy Rosary Church and pray for God’s help during these difficult times. They can also bring to the Church some toilet paper so the St. Vincent DePaul Society can insure the individuals they serve do not run out. Finally, members of the Parish can put their Offertory Envelopes through the slot in the Parish Office door to insure there will be enough money to pay for the heat, hydro and other bills that will arrive in the next few months.

            The challenges we face in the next weeks and months are immense. However, we should not worry if we have to make it up as we go along; we have done it before.

March 19, 2020

Anti-Semitism

Then the people as a whole answered, “His blood be on us and on our children” (Matt. 27:25).

            When I was a boy, I had a friend who attempted to get the best possible deal whenever he bought something. One time my friend thought he had outsmarted the owner of a Second Hand Goods Store when he purchased an old radio for a bargain price. The radio worked fine but had a very limited range. “That old man jewed me”, he said angrily when he realized his deal was not so great. Although we both knew the store owner was not Jewish, that expression was commonly used at that time to portray Jews as people who took advantage of others in Business.

            In this passage from Matthew, some Jews seemly take responsibility for Christ’s Death. By doing so, they provide a pretext for the Anti-Semitism which the Church is still struggling to overcome today.

            Within the New Testament, numerous texts have been used by Christians to justify hatred towards Jews. Some of these passages accuse the Jewish people of murdering Jesus while others are a response to their rejection of the Gospel. Yet, these texts were written by Jews who grasped the unique role their people played in God’s Saving Plan. Since early Christians saw themselves as within, rather than apart from, the Jewish People, these passages likely reflected the intensity of a debate which occurred within that Community, similar to the harsh words used by many Old Testament Prophets. As Christ’s followers experienced greater persecution from other Jews, their response grew more hostile. Since these texts were the product of a specific historical time, they should not be associated with the Gospel Message.

            During Holy Week the differences between Christian and Jewish Beliefs are made clear. Even Jews who appreciate the Moral and Spiritual Teachings of Jesus do not accept him as the Messiah and Savior of the world. Catholics must accept and respect this reality. They must also recognize the death of Jesus was not caused by the Jewish people as a whole but the result of the sins of humanity, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches. Numerous Jewish and Roman Leaders manipulated a crowd of individuals to have Jesus crucified. We cannot hold the Jewish people of today responsible for events which happened 2,000 years ago. Catholics must defend the right of all individuals to profess and practice their Religious Beliefs. They should oppose all actions which stereotype or dehumanize any group of people. One way to accomplish this goal is to think carefully about the language we use when talking about members of other groups. Our words usually say more about us than other groups. As my friend revealed that day, Anti-Semitic remarks can often come without even realizing it.

            Sadly, Anti-Semitism is still common today. The Church has made it clear it goes against Catholic Teaching. All Catholics need to make that doctrine a lived reality in our society.

 

April 7, 2023

Anointing of the Sick

The Apostles cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them (Mark 6:13).

            Some time ago, I was approached by a family whose elderly mother was dying of cancer. When I suggested the woman receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, they responded by saying since she was not dying they would wait. About a week later, her condition took a turn for the worse and she died before I could get to the Hospital. When I arrived they asked me to anoint her but it was too late: the Sacrament is for the living and not the dead. Their story demonstrates how there are still many Catholics who misunderstand the purpose of Anointing of the Sick.

            In this passage from Mark, Jesus commissions his Apostles to do Pastoral Ministry which includes the anointing and healing of the sick. By doing so, he reveals how care for the sick is an important part of the Church’s work.

            During New Testament times, people were anointed with oil for numerous reasons. When athletes prepared for competition, they loosened their muscles through the application of oil. Oil applied to the body (which then evaporated) provided relief from the heat during the hottest parts of the year. As part of the Jewish Burial Rites, the deceased were often anointed with oil. For the sick, oil frequently provided relief from discomfort and was occasionally included as part of the Medical treatment. Since illness was frequently seen as a form of Divine punishment, and certain types of disease (Leprosy, Hemorrhages) made one ritually impure, the connection between the Medical and Spiritual state of an individual was strong. Since the proclamation of the Kingdom of God was a central part of Christ’s Mission (and that of his Apostles), signs associated with its establishment, such as Healings and Exorcisms reinforced the message. When the Disciples were instructed about their Mission, Jesus indicated the importance of these two activities through the delegation of his authority over sickness and Demons. As a visible sign of this Divine power, the ill were anointed with oil. From this instruction developed the Church’s teaching about Ministry to the sick and the Sacrament of Anointing.

            Long before the Covid 19 Pandemic, many Catholics misunderstood the purpose of the Sacrament of Anointing. For some, it was delayed until right before death because it insured the forgiveness of all Sin and immediate entry into Heaven. Families often postponed requesting it for fear it would distress the dying. However, the Church has consistently taught the Sacrament could be repeated as frequently as necessary. Since Vatican II, the Church has stressed it is called the “Sacrament of the Sick” and not the “Sacrament of the Dying.” While not intended for minor ailments, it is appropriate for those undergoing surgery, suffering with serious chronic conditions as well as those who are dying. The purpose of the Sacrament is to assure those who are sick and their families the Church is conscious of their situation and prays for the restoration of health (if possible) and the removal of all Sin and other Spiritual obstacles from the ill. It also reminds the sick their suffering is joined with that of Christ which will bring to them Spiritual Graces. During this Covid 19 Pandemic, many of the ill and their families battle with feelings of loneliness. The Sacrament is one way to respond to this Pastoral need.

            Jesus taught his Disciples care for the sick and anointing them with oil were an important part of their Pastoral Ministry. The Sacrament of the Sick reminds all Catholics the needs of the ill are still a priority today.

July 11, 2021

Church Lady

“In the Temple, there was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher” (Luke 2:36).

            Within every Parish, there are a number of people I like to call “characters.” There is the “fundraiser” who takes charge of any fundraising campaign and always seems able to get people to donate money regardless of the cause. There is the “organizer” who takes charge of all Parish activities and no matter how many difficulties arise, always makes things run smoothly. There is the “youth leader” who comes up with ideas for Parish events for young people and gets them to participate and often run them. And then, there is the “church lady.” She is often an older woman who is waiting each morning when you open the Church and is the last one to leave the Church as you are locking up after Mass. If she is involved in any Parish group it is never in a leadership capacity. Her appearance reveals she is neither a professional nor wealthy. Her behaviour seems a little unusual and she becomes the butt of a few jokes by other parishioners. In some ways, she represents the ordinary people whose Faith is strong but ignored.

            In this passage from Luke, the parents of Jesus encounter Anna, an elderly widow, who has spent most of her life fasting and praying in the Jerusalem Temple. By doing so, she makes a connection between Christ and the people who are simply pious.

            As a widow, Anna would likely have been poor and vulnerable unless protected by her male relatives. Along with orphans, widows were considered especially close to God who heard their cries when they were treated unjustly. Families were expected to include widows in all their activities and support them in their old age. According to the Jewish Law they were permitted to gather unharvested crops from vineyards and grainfields. Like Joseph and Mary, Anna does not seem to have been part of the Religious or Social establishment. Despite her piety, she probably had a limited knowledge of Judaism. All she had to keep her going was her trust in God.

            Anna was probably the “church lady” of her time. It is always easy to recognize the other “characters” I mentioned in a parish. These are the people who make things happen and Parishes need them. After all a Parish does require money to pay the bills. Successfully organized events help build the sense of community which is critical for the health of every Parish. If any Parish is to have a future it must have activities which appeal to and involve young people. Yet, there are people who don’t have the education or skills to contribute much to such activities. What about the people with poor self-esteem and so lack self-confidence. Remember the kid at school who was always slow when learning to read, usually had no friends with whom to play at Recess, was often picked last when choosing teams in Gym or was told by Teacher “you will never amount to anything.” Some of those kids grew up to become the “church lady.”

            People like that often don’t contribute much to a Parish activities but they do have faith and that is their gift to us. Perhaps they know that although others may have given up on them, God has not. As the days, weeks, months, and years pass, they show up in Church to pray (maybe for themselves, their families, their fellow Parishioners or their Pastor), light Votive Candles and bring some Holy Water home. Their Faith is simple but strong. Few Parishioners notice them; many don’t even know their names. But God knows who they are and they come to Church for him.

            During this Pandemic, the individuals who make things happen (Medical Researchers, Doctors, Nurses etc.) are getting a lot of well deserved attention. Yet there many people whose contribution to preventing the spread of Covid 19 will never be recognized like those who wash their hands frequently, wear a mask and social distance. They visit elderly neighbours and listen to their kids talk about their fears. Perhaps the “church lady” can teach them an important lesson. Lasting results only come from doing the right thing for as long as required. Success is measured not by where one is at present or if other individuals are noticing one’s efforts. It demands strong faith which means: trusting in God; full commitment to the effort; and the patience to await the result.

            Anna the “church lady” of her time was rewarded with encountering Christ. The reward  for today’s “church lady’ might be to show us how we can survive Covid 19.

December 30, 2020

Ancestors

An account of the genealogy of Jezus the Messiah, the Son of David, the son of Abraham (Matt. 1:1).

            When I was in High School, the Television Series “Roots” inspired many people to trace their ancestry. As someone who was interested in the stories my older relatives told me about the past, I thought about putting together our “Family Tree”. After I proposed the idea to my father, he warned me: “Be careful”. There will be some branches in our Family Tree that are solid and to which you will want to be attached. Other branches will be weak or rotten and you might wish you never knew about them. His warning reminded me how every family is made up of different kinds of individuals.

            In this passage from Matthew, the Evangelist begins his Gospel with Christ’s genealogy. By doing so, he highlights how the :Family Tree” of Jesus included a variety of ancestors.

            Within the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament genealogies provided a record of a person’s descent and identity. More than twenty of them were written down and they confirmed the rights and claims of specific individuals and families within Jewish society. These “Family Trees” also helped put into order the various events in Jewish History. Finally, they demonstrated how God’s interventions on behalf of Israel throughout time were a key part of the unfolding Divine plan. A genealogy was often written at a certain point in History to serve a particular purpose. The Book of Chronicles listed Adam’s descendants down to David in an effort to show Israel’s Monarchy was part of God’s plan. When the Jews returned from their Exile in Babylon the lists found in the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah aided resettlement and the re-establishment of Religious Leaders.

            Matthew’s account of Christ’s Birth indicated how it connected the History of Israel to a further unfolding of God’s plan. As a descendant of Abraham, who established the Jewish nation and David, who was associated with a future Messiah, Joseph had solid roots in Israel’s History. His acceptance of Mary and her child (conceived by the Holy Spirit) embodied a union between this past and God’s future plan of Salvation for all people. As God acted in former times to form a covenant with Abraham; establish David as King of Israel; reproach the Jewish people for their sins through Exile in Babylon, now Divine action resulted in the birth of a child who would save humanity from its sins. Yet, the earthly family of Jesus was very human: filled with individuals who were great (Solomon) and obscure (Abiud); good (Hezekiah) and evil (Jeconiah).

            Christmas is the Season to consider how Jesus came to draw all kinds of people to God. Many individuals have personally experienced God’s Blessings and desire to give thanks to the source of them. Some people are not satisfied by what our society thinks will make them happy (money, status, power) and are searching for a deeper meaning in their lives. A few individuals experience a terrible suffering in their lives and want relief. Other people have done something bad and wish their shame and guilt would go away. These individuals differ in their nationality, educational background, social status and standard of living. They do not share the same Social, Moral or Religious Beliefs. However, they are the human family into which Jesus entered 2,000 years ago. By becoming one of us Jesus revealed God’s desire to share the burdens and joys of being human in every situation. He also offered everyone the opportunity to experience the peace and joy which results from a closer relationship with God.

            At Christmas we once again encounter an essential event in the unfolding of God’s plan for humanity: the birth of our Savior. Like Christ’s ancestors, our Church consists of numerous kinds of people. There are some who come to Mass each Sunday while others only show up at Christmas and Easter. While there are couples who decide to get married in the Church some opt for a Civil Marriage or are just living together. Many Catholics follow Church Teachings while others ignore them. However, we all have a common need for Redemption from Sin which was the reason for Christ’s Birth. Christmas is a time to recall God’s Love and desire to save us from Sin. It excludes no one regardless of their situation. By becoming part of a very “human” family, Christ showed he was not afraid to establish a very “human” Church. Let us appreciate this gift which God offers us through his Son.

 

December 25, 2019

Amazed

When the shepherds saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them (Luke 2:17-18).

            Recently, I was talking with someone about their experience of Christmas this year. He noted one of his neighbours had already started taking down his Christmas decorations. Another was asking him when he could put his Christmas tree by the curb to be picked up by the city. The man even stated his experience of Christmas had not lived up to his expectations. “All that work for what,” he lamented, “a few hours of happiness with my family.” His response caused me to wonder if our society has lost its ability to be amazed.

            In this passage from Luke, after the shepherds tell the story of what the angels revealed to them about Jesus in the field those who heard it were amazed and Mary treasured and pondered them. These responses remind us the significance of the Christmas story may be found in how God acts in unexpected ways.

            Mary was an unlikely candidate to be the Mother of God. First, the idea Humanity would have its broken relationship with God healed through the birth of God’s Son appeared unlikely. Becoming human meant God would have to take on all the limitations of our existence. God was eternal and all powerful. Why would God choose to act in this way? Next, Mary was a poor girl from an obscure town in Galilee. She was betrothed to a carpenter from the same town. He was a descendant of David the great Jewish King. Yet, he had no social rank or great amount of wealth. The couple were devout Jews but probably not much different from their neighbours. Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron, and Zechariah, a Priest, would have been far more likely candidates for being parents of an important Religious Leader. However, God chose Mary and Joseph to be the earthly parents of His Son.

            Similarly, shepherds were unlikely candidates to receive a Divine message from Angels. Although shepherds were associated with the leadership of the Jewish People, most references to them in the Old Testament were not flattering. In Scripture, these shepherds neglected the needs of their people and looked after themselves. Although David was the shepherd boy who became King, he left the flocks behind to move ahead. During the time of Mary and Joseph, shepherds were low skilled workers who were employed by other people. They lived a precarious existence moving from one pasture to another. Most people were suspicious of them and regarded them as thieves. Yet, God decided to reveal the message about the Birth of the Savior for all Humanity to them. The Angels said they would find this great person in the form of a helpless infant, wrapped in baby clothes lying in a feed box for animals in a barn or basement.

            Perhaps the key to understanding the amazing thing about the Christmas story is the fact it happened as it did. A helpless infant who possessed infinite power born to parents who had no social standing, who were far from home and had no idea what the future would be for them and their son. This infant’s first visitors were not family or friends but strangers employed as simple labourers and had a questionable reputation. The birth of any child has the ability to stop adults, even the powerful or cynical and make them see the wonder of life. It was the birth of this child and what he represented, God’s intense desire to reveal His concern for us by becoming Human and overcoming whatever obstacle kept us from loving Him which reminds us of the wonder of the Season.

            On this Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God we are reminded of just how much God wanted Humans to play an essential role in the unfolding of His plan of Salvation. His Son was one of us. Mary, an ordinary Human Being, played a key role in bringing this to pass. Perhaps, in our search to discover the true meaning of Christmas we need to re-learn how to be amazed. Like Mary, Joseph and the shepherds, God may be inviting us in the New Year to become involved in unexpected ways in becoming the instruments by which others will be amazed by God’s Love.

January 1, 2020

A Ha Moments

Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus and he vanished from their sight (Luke 24:31).

            Every once in a while I have an “a-ha” moment. I may encounter a situation which I do not understand and then suddenly it makes sense. I may face a problem for which there seems to be no solution and then unexpectedly one appears. I may have to make a decision and not know what to do and then abruptly the choice becomes clear. These experiences teach me how in life no amount of foresight and planning can prepare you for every situation you will face. However, somehow everything works out.

            In this passage from Luke, the Disciples who encountered the Risen Christ on the road to Emmaus recognized him at the Breaking of the Bread. By doing so, they learned how their Faith can grow in surprizing ways at unexpected times.

            When they left Jerusalem, Cleopas and his companion were likely saddened and confused by the Passion and Death of Jesus. Their hopes had been raised by Christ’s lessons and miracles and they had made sacrifices to follow him. Descriptions of Christ’s Empty Tomb and his having risen from the dead added to the confusion. Christ’s (unrecognized) presence and his explanation of how the Messiah had to suffer according to the Scriptures was of some assistance but it wasn’t until the Breaking of the Bread at table that everything snapped into place. Their “a-ha” moment linked their experiences over the previous few days with the unfolding of God’s plan in Scripture and pointed towards a new future for everyone. This revelation was unexpected and the disciples were unprepared for it. However, these factors did not limit their response to it. Their hearts were “burning” as they remembered what Jesus said to them on the road and they determined to return to Jerusalem that night so this news could be shared with their friends. Although their future was uncertain, everything was going to work out.

            Catholics and other people of Faith understand God is beyond the ability of any human being to fully understand. This acceptance enables them to recognize that life is a mystery to be lived rather than a problem to be solved. During this Covid 19 Pandemic, many people of Faith, like the rest of society are baffled by what is happening around them. Yet, times like this can also teach us things about ourselves and life itself. A while ago, I had a plan for what I was going to do this summer: what books I was going to read; which postponed Parish projects I could finally complete; and where I was going to go for some time off. Now all those plans have been thrown into confusion. As someone who likes to plan ahead so things will get done, I found this difficult to accept. My “a-ha” moment came a few days ago when I asked myself “so what?” There will be things I get done this summer and other things might have to wait until another time. If I die tomorrow, will God really hold it against me that I never got around to thinning out my library? Maybe I should remain open to what God drops into my life today and value it because somehow everything always seems to work out. I only hope I can maintain this attitude beyond next week. Old habits die hard.

            “A-ha” moments happen at the most unexpected times, like in the middle of a Pandemic. While we may be unprepared when they happen, we have to recognize them when they occur. It would be tragic if God were trying to teach us something and we were too distracted to notice.

April 26, 2020

Worship

Jesus said “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh”. (John 6:51).

            When I was growing up, my Parish would host a Holy Hour to which my parents would often bring me. After the Priest exposed the Host, those gathered would pray the Rosary in which I would participate. The forty minutes between the end of the Rosary and the start of Benediction seemed to last forty years. Since I understood making any noise would not be a good idea, I just sat there bored. As we left the Church one time, I complained to my father about it. He replied by asking me “If Jesus ever came into the Church would you have anything to tell him?” I answered “Of course”. “Well the next time we go to Eucharistic Worship”, he continued, “just tell him all those things in your mind”. The experience taught me how this devotion gives me an opportunity to simply talk to Jesus.

            In this passage from John, Jesus instructs the crowd he is the living bread that came down from heaven. By doing so, he points towards a way individuals can have a more personal form of Worship to God.

            Within the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament Worship consisted of Rituals which defined the relationship between God and the Jewish people. Prayer, Sabbath Observance, Sacrifices and the Celebration of Festivals reminded Jews of the central beliefs of their faith and deepened their commitment to them. Passover, the most important act of Worship during the year, recalled how God liberated them from slavery in Egypt. The blood sprinkled on the Door Posts and Lintels of Jewish homes was a reminder of how God protected the Israelites on the night when all first born males in Egypt died. As they ate the flesh of the Lamb they remembered how God gave them the strength needed to begin their journey back to the land of Abraham. Whenever the Jewish people celebrated Passover they recalled but also renewed their trust in God. While there were occasions when some Jews worshipped other gods, the strong and repeated condemnation of these actions demonstrated the importance of true Worship.

            John’s Bread of Life Discourse pointed towards a new focal point of Worship for Christ’s Disciples. When Jesus spoke about eating his flesh and drinking his blood he probably offended many in the crowd because the Jewish Law prohibited human sacrifice and cannibalism. Yet, he foretold how his sacrifice on the Cross would exceed the effects of the Passover Lamb. Through offering his flesh and blood, Jesus would redeem Humanity from Sin and open the way for it to achieve Eternal Life. This would do more than just extend earthly existence. His sacrifice would also set a standard of commitment which would strengthen his Disciples for life and not simply their journey to a new land. For Christ’s Disciples, Worship now focused on what his flesh and blood obtained on Calvary. Although not recorded in John’s Gospel, the words used during the Institution of the Eucharist indicated the flesh and blood of Jesus would remain with the Church through that Sacrament. With Christ being physically present in the Eucharist, Worship of God, whether by receiving Communion or in Eucharist Adoration, becomes a more personal devotion.

            Christ’s teaching about Worship questions the tendency to focus on its communal rather than personal dimension. Many people see Religious Rituals, especially those which gather large crowds, as public expressions of Faith. They forget each individual in the crowd has a different experience of Worship. While the Eucharist is a communal celebration of the fact Christ’s Body and Blood redeemed everyone, it recognizes this Redemption is experienced personally. Through providing quiet time alone with Christ, Eucharistic Worship enhances this personal dimension of the devotion. The Consecrated Host in the Monstrance provides a focal point for our Prayer. It is a reminder Jesus is physically present on the earth. Between the Opening Prayers of Exposition and Closing Prayers of Benediction we have time to simply be with Christ. We can communicate our gratitude for what we have received; frustrations at the challenges of life; and petitions for what we need. Although they may already be known by Jesus, we need to express them in order to deepen our relationship with him. Eucharistic Worship assists this process.

            Among the ways to more fully appreciate the value of Eucharistic Worship is to develop a conversational form of Prayer. Many individuals are challenged by this kind of Prayer because they need the structure of Formal Prayers or think it shows disrespect towards God. Others find it hard because they are afraid they will run out of things to say after five or ten minutes. However, experience teaches us as conversations develop they often include several topics. How often have you telephoned someone to just ask one simple question and remained on the phone for an hour? Our relationship with Jesus encompasses every part of our life. Conversational Prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament lets us share our thoughts, feelings, joys and frustrations with the one who knows and loves us best. Let our use of Conversational Prayer during Eucharistic Worship bring us to a more intimate and personal relationship with Christ.

 

August 18, 2024

Actions

The crowd said, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe in you” (John 6:30).

            It has been said that actions speak louder then words. However, actions like words can be misinterpreted. An offer to help someone in need can be seen as a way to prove their inadequacy. A generous donation to a charity can be perceived as an attempt to show off one’s wealth. A gift can be understood as a way to influence someone’s opinion. Even a good deed motivated by the best intention can produce a negative impression.

            In this passage from John, members of the crowd Jesus fed with five loaves and two fish ask him for another Miracle to strengthen their Faith. By doing so, they seem to indicate that all it takes to believe in Christ is to witness one of his signs (Miracles).

            Within John’s Gospel people learn about Jesus in two ways: by listening to what he says or witnessing one of his Miracles. This crowd has witnessed Jesus feed an enormous number of people with a limited amount of food and responded by wanting him to become their king. It also sees the gift of Manna given for food to the Jewish people in the Wilderness as a sign of Moses’s authority. In both cases the problem was not the miracle but the framework within which it was understood. For the crowd, the importance of the Miracles was found in the material world. But both Miracles also indicated God’s power and providential concern for His chosen people. This dimension was clearly misunderstood. If Jesus were to undertake another great sign, how could he be certain they would not misinterpret it as well? Jesus himself is the ultimate sign of God’s concern for the crowd and all humanity. It is for this reason that he is the Bread of Life. Yet, can the crowd ever grasp this idea?

            During this Covid 19 Pandemic even good actions motivated by the best of intentions are often misunderstood. Some conspiracy theorists have promoted the belief that self-isolation and social distancing measures are a plan by the Government to abolish our freedom and control our lives. Even discounting such fringe groups, there can be an element of misunderstanding around an individual’s deeds. When does stocking up on key supplies like toilet paper or hand sanitizer become hoarding? When does checking in on elderly neighbours border on prying? When does maintaining social isolation become a reason to stop caring about others? Perhaps, the essential element in this issue is trust. We have to trust Government and Medical Officials are placing the Common Good (preventing the spread of the virus) ahead of all other concerns. We have to trust that our family, friends and neighbours are concerned about us. We have to trust others keeping two metres away from us is not a sign of ostracism. For Catholics and other people of Faith, trust in God is meant to lead us to trust others. This requires they be willing to give others the benefit of the doubt. It means the framework through which they view the actions of others is one which sees good deeds and intentions even when they are not perfectly executed.

            Although good actions and intentions can be misinterpreted they are still the glue which holds our society together. During times of crisis, individuals often become suspicious of others because some people will use the situation to their advantage. Catholics and other people of Faith have the opportunity and responsibility to provide an example for others so they might recognize the positive things happening around them. Belief in Christ’s goodness or that of others does not require a Miracle just the ability to perceive what is really occurring.

April 28, 2020

Absolution

Jesus said, “Receive the Holy Spirit, If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20:22-23).

            Some of the most profound moments of my Priesthood have come during my celebration of a Sacrament. I recall at one Baptism, when as I poured the water over the baby’s forehead and invoked the Trinitarian Formula, it struck me how this was the moment when this child became a member of the Church. I remember a Mass, when as I spoke the Words of Consecration over the bread and wine, I became deeply conscious of how this was the means by which my parishioners received the Body and Blood of Christ. Yet, many of my most profound experiences have come during a Confession. I recall one occasion when someone who had been away from God and the Church for over twenty years was struggling to end a sense of disconnection from everything in life. A long list of Serious Sins was recited punctuated by expressions of guilt and remorse. After we talked for a while, I said the Words of Absolution and I suddenly realized their power as all those sources of separation from God and the Church were gone. The look on the person’s face when we were done was unforgettable.

            In this passage from John, Jesus gives his Disciples the power by which sins are forgiven. Over the centuries, this authority has been passed on to their successors (the Bishops) and their assistants (the Priests) which has enabled the Church to become a source of healing for countless people.

            The importance of unity was a theme found throughout the latter part of John’s Gospel. In his reply to Philip, Jesus revealed his union with the Father by stating: “I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” Later, Jesus desired his Disciples to be included in this unity by declaring: “may they also be in us.” This union was to be manifested in the relationship between Disciples as Jesus asked that “they may all be one.” Yet, in the Passion Story this unity was destroyed by Sin as Christ was physically and spiritually disconnected from his Disciples. Judas betrayed him. Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. The Beloved Disciple was with Annas when Christ was questioned but never intervened. At the Cross, the Beloved Disciple witnessed the Death of Jesus along with the women and when told by Mary Magdalene about the empty tomb went to it. But when the Risen Christ appeared to them, the Disciples were hiding in a locked room for fear of the authorities.

            Jesus began the renewal of unity between himself and his Disciples with his first words “Peace be with you” which communicated no judgement or condemnation for their failures. He then gave them the Mission he was given by his Father. Finally, he breathed the Holy Spirit upon them and gave them the authority by which Sins are forgiven. This highlighted the main focus of their Mission was the communication to all people that the source of strife within their lives (Sin) was overcome by Christ and that by the power he granted to his Disciples unity could be restored through them.

            During this Covid 19 Pandemic, many individuals are feeling a sense of separation from God and other people. There are the times when something was said to a loved one in frustration or anger about not wearing a mask. There are the occasions when individuals have acted without consideration for the safety of those around them. There are the times when advice from medical experts has changed and people no longer believe them. On a personal and collective level, many individuals feel they are being pulled apart by forces they cannot control. It can be hard in such a stressful situation to take time to examine where we are at in our relationships with God and the Church. However, it is for this reason that doing so is important. Sacramental Confession enables Catholics to reflect upon their lives, identify where they might be heading in the wrong direction and do something about it. No distance between us and God and His Church is so large it cannot be overcome. Hearing the words of Absolution is a tangible reminder disconnection with God is not a permanent condition. The authority to forgive sins in Christ’s name is a great privilege for a Priest and a reminder he is to always be a source of healing in the world.

            After the experience I shared earlier, the person thanked me for hearing their Confession. I felt I was the one who should be expressing thanks for the privilege.

April 11, 2021

Abiding

Jesus said, “Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit because apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

            Over the course of my life, a lot of people have left an impression upon me. My parents taught me to recognize words by reading to me every night before bed. My Mathematics teacher in High School taught me how to solve quadratic equations. A man I worked beside at GM as a summer student showed me how to install a Cruise Control in a 1984 Malibu. These individuals had a greater impact on me than I first realized. From my parents I acquired a love of books. My teacher enabled me to develop my abstract thinking skills. My co-worker taught me with enough practice you can learn to do anything. Each of these people took a little piece of themselves and planted it inside me. The final result was I became the person I am today.

            In this passage from John, Jesus tells his Disciples if they live in him and he in them, they will do great things. By doing so, he indicates their success depends upon how deeply they allow him to abide in them.

            Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus stated things which deeply affected his Disciples. When he declared, “destroy this Temple and in three days I will raise it up” after he cleansed Temple in Jerusalem, his Disciples later remembered these words and understood they pointed towards his Resurrection. When Christ said, “look around you and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting” after he talked to the Samaritan Woman, they realized his Ministry broke down Religious, social and gender boundaries. When he said, “neither this man nor his parents sinned” after he met the man born blind, they discovered such conditions were not a sign of God’s punishment. In each of these cases, Jesus revealed something about himself and his Mission which his Disciples recalled and shaped how they saw the world and carried out their Calling. The fruit of Christ’s abiding in them (living in their presence) was the spread of the Gospel Message throughout the world. The fruit of their abiding in Christ (living in his presence) was the Wisdom, persistence and courage which enabled them to make this happen. Clearly, Jesus had touched them deeply.

            During this Covid 19 Pandemic, the situation we face is having an impact upon us. Many people are afraid, tired and confused. Yet, we are also having an impact upon the virus and each other. Our efforts to prevent the spread of Covid 19, care for those who contract it and strive to vaccinate individuals so they do not acquire it are reducing the suffering it is causing in Canada and around the world. This is influencing those around us. The question is what part of ourselves do we want abiding in others. Is it the part where we care for ourselves and let others (especially those less well off) fend for themselves? Is it the part where we think about what has been taken away from us rather than what we can contribute to the Common Good? Is it the part where we look to blame others instead of taking personal responsibility for the challenges we confront? As Catholics and other people of Faith we must ask ourselves, do these attitudes show God abiding in us? Perhaps, the part of ourselves we might want to abide in others includes our recognition of the responsibility to care for others (especially the weak). It might incorporate our capacity to be grateful for the work of those saving and protecting lives. It may involve our desire to contribute something (anything) to make things better. It is up to each one of us to determine how we will be remembered for the impact we made on this Covid 19 Crisis.

            Christ told his Disciples they would achieve great success if they abided in him and he in them. He makes us the same offer. The spread of his Gospel Message has had a great influence upon our world. Let us hope the impression we make during this Covid 19 Pandemic is equally positive.

May 2, 2021

Persistence

Jesus said, “Will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them?” (Luke 18:7).

            When I was in my first year at St. Augustine’s Seminary, Prayer seemed to be a simple activity. I would go into the Chapel and recite the Breviary with the rest of the students or a few of the prayers my parents had taught me. As I prayed, there were occasions when I felt close to God. Yet, there were other times when my thoughts wandered. The more I tried to concentrate, the greater the distractions became. Finally, my Spiritual Director advised me to start praying by taking a few deep breaths. “You must allow your mind and body to slow down,” he suggested. “But, above all” he said, “you have to be persistent.” Clearly, Prayer requires discipline.

            In this passage from Luke, Jesus tells the Parable of the Unjust Judge and the Widow to demonstrate to his followers that prayers are not always immediately answered. By doing so, he teaches them about the importance of persistence in the Prayer Life of a Disciple.

            During Christ’s lifetime, widows occupied a low position within Jewish Society. For this reason, the Jewish Law extended specific protections to them. It forbid the use of their clothes as a pledge for a loan and required their inclusion in family celebrations. Like other disadvantaged groups, widows were allowed to collect unharvested crops from vineyards and grainfields. Public authorities were responsible for the enforcement of these protections. Scripture reminded them of how God heard the cries of widows and orphans and punished any injustice done to them. Since judges were public authorities, they were expected to maintain high Moral standards. With their knowledge of the Written Law and Oral Tradition, they understood Divine Justice. Like all Jews: they obeyed God; gave proper judgments; and upheld the rights of the poor. These expectations made Christ’s Parable of the Unjust Judge and the Widow more powerful. The situation depicted in the story seemed hopeless. The judge, entrusted with the administration of Justice, was instead corrupt. He had the advantages of education, wealth, power and social position. By contrast, the widow, who had no male relative as her champion, lacked everything except the knowledge she was right. It was her conviction that God was aware of her situation that probably motivated her. Although the judge abdicated his responsibilities to God and Society and repeatedly rejected her claims, the widow’s persistence exhausted him. Her trust in Divine Justice, even when obtained through a corrupt judge, remained unshaken. He granted her Justice not for a worthy reason but a selfish one: the end of an irritation. If persistence was effective in this situation how much more so is Prayer to a Just God. Persistence in Prayer was a sign of deep Faith. Were seemly hopeless situations truly unchangeable when faced with the power of constant Prayer? Disciples who lived when Luke wrote his Gospel easily identified with the situation which the widow faced. Yet had they sufficient Faith for persistent Prayer?

            Persistence is an admired quality in our Modern society. The student who comes from a disadvantaged background but through hard work and determination surmounts many obstacles to win a scholarship to university is praised. The athlete who undergoes treatment and training to recover from a serious injury is respected. The employee who begins working for a company at an entry level position and despite many setbacks eventually occupies a key leadership position within the organization is valued. Yet, this admiration is often attached to some material benefit. With his or her education the student gets a good paying job. The athlete contributes to his or her team having a successful season. The employee helps the company sell more of its product. But persistence for the sake of a principle like Justice or the benefit of the deprived has less appeal as Catholics and other people of faith experience. Those who advocate for the homeless know real solutions to the problem require the kind of long term thinking and commitment which does not fit well with the short term concerns of elected officials. Individuals who welcome refugees and migrants to their community understand how easy it is to mobilize hatred towards them through misinformation on Social Media. People in the Pro-Life Movement have long experience dealing with an often hostile media and well financed opponents. Those involved with these movements recognize the role played by Prayer in their struggles. They persist because they know God is on their side. In time, perhaps not in their lifetime, Justice will prevail. Yet, they also recognize they cannot succeed through their own activity. They pray that God will guide their efforts, strengthen their resolve and possibly change the minds of their opponents. Sometimes despite their constant prayers, the situation may appear hopeless. Like the widow in today’s passage, they need to have faith in the power of persistent prayer.

            As I learned at St. Augustine’s Seminary, being persistent in Prayer is not easy. It usually requires adopting a different way of thinking and acting. It demands patience with yourself and the world around you. In time, I was better able to deal with distractions during Prayer. But I also realized not all prayers are answered immediately. There were occasions when after praying for a long time for an intention I was tempted to stop doing so. I then thought of the widow in today’s passage and kept going.

August 7, 2024

Gratitude

Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean. But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner” (Luke 17:17-18).

 

            When I was a boy, my parents taught me to say “Thank you” whenever someone gave me something. At first, my words were a programmed response because I was told it was the polite thing to say. As I got older, I began to understand when people offered me something it usually represented a sacrifice on their part; either of an item or of their time. In a sense, they gave me a little piece of themselves. It helped me realize gratitude is not a trivial thing.

            In this passage from Luke, Jesus notes that while ten lepers were healed, only one came back to give praise to God. By doing so, he highlights the importance of gratitude in the life of a disciple.

            Within the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament, individuals expressed gratitude to God for reasons such as an experience of Divine Mercy or rescue from a dangerous situation. The Jewish Law outlined the appropriate Temple Sacrifices for such situations. Jews also offered Prayers of Thanksgiving, both communal and private, for such reasons as: a cure from illness: Forgiveness of Sin; the defeat of one’s enemies; and God’s Creation and power. In addition, gratitude to God was expressed by non-Jews. Naaman, a General in the Assyrian Army, sought to be healed of his leprosy by Elisha. After he received it, Naaman communicated his thanks through the offering of a gift to the Prophet. Yet, Elisha, who realized the cure came from God, refused it. The Assyrian then expressed his gratitude by recognizing the one true God and brought dirt from Israel for the proper Worship of Yahweh in Assyria. When Christ healed the ten lepers, he used their reaction to the miracle as a lesson about gratitude. All the lepers demonstrated their Faith by their appeal to Jesus for mercy and obedience to his command about going to the Priest. Christ responded to this Faith with the Miracle. However, only the Samaritan understood the meaning of what really happened. The healing was more than just a Miracle: it was an act of Divine Love. Like Naaman the leper’s whole perspective on life changed. The Samaritan’s deeper faith led him to a stronger sense of gratitude which demanded some visible expression. The leper returned, praised God and thanked Jesus. Of the ten healed lepers, one achieved Salvation. Jesus confirmed this outcome by his final remark. For a Disciple, gratitude was an essential quality because it showed the depth of one’s Faith: how much one received and depended upon God for everything.

            Our society often exhibits a superficial attitude towards gratitude. Children are taught to say “Thank you” when they receive anything. At Thanksgiving, even Non-Religious people will give thanks for the Blessings they enjoy in our country. During Remembrance Day events, many individuals remember and express gratitude for those who gave their lives defending our nation. Yet, how deeply does this outlook penetrate into a person’s attitudes and behaviors? Are children taught why they should be grateful for all they receive or are their words merely a way to insure they get what they want in the future? At Thanksgiving, do people stop and think about who they are thanking for all they have? In our Secular Society, many individuals are uneasy incorporating Religious Beliefs into their conversation, so the holiday becomes about turkey and pumpkin pie or gathering with family and friends. On Remembrance Day, public figures recall the sacrifices made by past generations but are they prepared to make similar ones for the sake of the Common Good when doing so could alienate their political supporters? Catholics and other people of Faith know gratitude involves more than saying the right thing at certain times. It requires one develop an “attitude of gratitude” which transforms Values into actions. The process starts with humility: the recognition of how dependent humans are upon God for everything. They did not create the world but received it as a gift and are called to be good stewards of it. It also requires generosity: the realization their environment is the common home to every individual and its gifts are meant to be shared with others. All people are made in the image and likeness of God and are meant to benefit from God’s Providence. Finally, it calls for Justice: the perception that humans are social creatures and therefore how they treat each other and their environment must accord with God’s intention. They must be actively involved in insuring that Political, Economic and Social systems give each person what they are due in their interactions with others. Gratitude means more than simply saying “Thank you” but expressing that message through one’s actions.

            As I learned growing up, gratitude involves recognizing how everything I have is a gift. When I received something from others, they gave me some of their treasure or time and put my happiness ahead of their own. In time I realized how all gifts can be traced back to God; it made me understand the degree of my good fortune. As a Disciple of Jesus, I am now called to share it with others.

October 9, 2022

Vigilance

Jesus said, “Be on your guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life and that the day does not catch you unexpectedly” (Luke 21:34).

            Some time ago I was driving on the QEW. Although it was raining, there was not a lot of traffic on the highway and everything seemed fine. A moment later it started raining heavier and I was having trouble seeing the road ahead. Suddenly, another car in the passing lane flew by me and covered my windshield with water. For a moment I could see nothing. When I regained my ability to see ahead of me, I realized my listening to the radio had distracted me from focusing on what was happening around me. The experience reminded me about the importance of remaining vigilant not just when I am driving but also in other areas of life.

            In this passage from Luke, Jesus instructs his Disciples to remain attentive so the Day of Judgment does not catch them unprepared. By doing so, he makes clear vigilance is an important quality for a Disciple.

            During Christ’s lifetime, the existence of various threats enhanced the need for vigilance. Sentries placed by local Rulers on the walls and gates of cities provided surveillance and warned against attacks by enemies. Landowners kept their flocks, fields and vineyards under continuous watch because of the danger posed by thieves and predators. Prophets were individuals selected by God who remained vigilant and supplied warnings against Spiritual threats. In his prediction about a future Davidic Ruler, Jeremiah revealed this leader’s association with a time of Judgment which implied the need for watchfulness among the faithful. Christ’s Instruction about the End-Times expanded upon this Prophecy with its focus upon possible distractions. For Jesus, the End-Times were about the entry of the Righteous into Eternal Life. It was the period of Redemption. News of Wars, Persecutions and Natural Disasters caused distress and confusion among people. For the faithful, such anxiety became a potential distraction. Fear eroded their Hope in the future Mercy of God. Complacency which resulted from a focus on daily routine was a second possible distraction. Ordinary Life required one to: earn a living, purchase daily necessities and carry out family obligations. This drew the faithful away from their Spiritual duties. Christ recognized the dangers posed by these distractions and warned his Disciples against them.

            Advent is the Season which reminds Catholics that remaining vigilant in Spiritual matters is their personal responsibility. Security has become a major preoccupation in our society. At the airport, passengers go through a metal detector and have their luggage examined to keep a bomb or weapon from being brought onto the plane. Many cars and homes have alarm systems which deter theft. Public spaces are monitored by close circuit television to discourage troublemakers. While such measures enhance security, they rely on personal involvement: like someone noticing a suspicious package or switching on their home alarm system. In a similar way, Catholics have the Bible, Catechism and the Sacraments to help them remain vigilant in their Spiritual life. Yet, the Bible is just another book unless you study it. The Catechism can’t help you understand your Faith unless you read it. The Sacraments must be received to gain the Graces which will help you to become Holy. It is taking personal responsibility for their Spiritual life and avoiding whatever might distract them such as disturbing events which happen in our world or the demands of daily life which helps Catholics to remain vigilant to developments which may threaten it and respond accordingly.

            As I discovered on that rainy day on the QEW, it is a challenge to remain vigilant all the time. Distractions include simple things like listening to the radio. However, being distracted for only a moment can cause big problems. Being a good Disciple means understanding the value of vigilance in all dimensions of life.

November 28, 2021