“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife…” (Matthew 1:20)
In today’s gospel, we are introduced to Joseph, another key figure of the Advent season. He doesn’t utter a word in any of the gospels but he reminds us that sometimes we don’t understand what is happening in our lives but to listen to God in our hearts and he will lead us in the way he wants us to go. Rather than complaining to everyone we meet about our problems, let’s follow Joseph’s example and listen to God!
“Am I not here, who am your mother?”
(Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Juan Diego in 1531)
On this feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we recall the encounter between a new convert to the Christian faith, a married middle-aged layperson, Juan Diego in 1531 in Mexico. Once again, we are reminded by Mary our mother, of the love, care and concern she has for all her children, regardless of who we are. Our Advent challenge today is to have a heart like Mary’s and be kind and respectful to others!
On May 15, 2022, Pope Francis canonized a priest-hermit whose name was Charles de Foucauld. He lived between 1858 until his brutal murder in 1916 in the Saharan regions of Algeria. He lived the command of Jesus by loving God and his neighbour. Charles provided spiritual care and hospitality to all - Christians, Muslims, Jews and everyone else. His life and death beg to ask the question: Why are we so threatened by kind people? St. Charles reminds us that if we do anything today - be kind!
God loves you! God loves you all, without distinction, without limit…He loves those of you who are sick, those who are suffering from AIDS…He loves us all with an unconditional and everlasting love.
(Pope John Paul II-Sept 17/87-San Francisco USA.
Dec 1st is World AIDS Day. Today I remember those whom I ministered to and those whose funerals I led. I also remember the men, women and children who live with HIV/AIDS in their lives - may we always see the presence of Christ in every person!
I was reminded that yesterday (November 28th) was the fourth anniversary of the dedication of Saint Benedict Church. I wish the parishioners congratulations and many blessings as they continue to grow and make a difference in the Milton Ontario community! Ad Multos Annos! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
On this day (November 29) in 1980, Servant of God, Dorothy Day, passed from this world to eternal life. Dorothy’s life and service was a profound testimony to her faith in Jesus. She saw him in every person by embracing them with non-judgment and dignity! May her example be our challenge as well! Dorothy Day, Pray for us!
Only Luke is with me. (2 Timothy 4:11)
Today we honour Saint Luke the Evangelist. His gospel is one where women have prominent roles (including Our Blessed Lady) and where miracles and healings are highlighted in the ministry of Jesus. He is patron of medical doctors and health care workers!
Only Luke is with me. (2 Timothy 4:11)
Today we honour Saint Luke the Evangelist. His gospel is one where women have prominent roles (including Our Blessed Lady) and where miracles and healings are highlighted in the ministry of Jesus. He is patron of medical doctors and health care workers!
October 16th is the Memorial of Saint Marguerite D’Youville. She is the first Canadian-born Saint. She was a wife, mother and widow. She founded the Sisters of Charity of Montreal (Grey Nuns). She reminds us that despite the obstacles we face in life, we can always make a difference in our society. Through her prayers, may Canada always be a country that is “glorious and free”! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Today in the church calendar, we honour a special woman. She is one of my favourite saints - Teresa of Jesus (from Avila). Teresa lived between 1515-1582. She was a religious, a reformer, a spiritual master and a faithful daughter of the church. She had a great sense of humour and a brutally honest and open relationship with God! Teresa always let God know what was on her mind. She reminds us to do the same! Never be afraid to laugh at oneself and embrace God in the realities of life!
