Hear homilies given in past weeks at St. Joseph Church in Bowmanville, Ontario
Reading the feed…
First of all, in today’s Gospel, Jesus shouldn’t be interpreted as being short, dismissive or rude with the Canaanite woman. Sure, when I’m tired or stressed, I can get a little irritable and possibly do or say things I later regret; no one likes having their limits exposed. But Jesus doesn’t suffer from those kinds of failings. Like any of us, maybe Jesus was tired after a long day of ministering to others and teaching the disciples, but regardless of his human nature, he always responds to his people with love. His words to the Canaanite woman aren’t to put her down but to teach us something
One of the windows along the south side of our church features the image of a boat on stormy seas. The sky looks dark, the sail is full of wind and the waters look rough. I’ve been in a few storms while boating and each time was frightening in its own way. Each time, I had to take a breath and remind myself, all storms pass, all that’s needed is to stay in the boat. So, today’s Gospel reading, featuring Peter, who gets out of the boat during a severe storm at the command of Jesus, catches my attention as it goes against my own training and natural inclinations. Of course, literal storms out in
For the last couple weeks, we’ve reflected on our Baptism. Of course, the Baptized are adopted children of God; that’s who Baptism says we are. But Baptism also has something to say about what we are too, it makes a practical difference; it gives us a job going all the way back to Adam and Eve. Being made in the image and likeness of God, the first couple were true prophets; a clear reflection of the maker, at least until they said, “no”, to his plan. Since then, fear has led God’s people to hide or cover themselves, obscuring the image of God within. Adam and Eve were also kings, made to main
Canada Day offers a great time to reflect on all the blessings we enjoy here and among those is our electoral system: it’s a blessing to have the right to elect our leaders. It’s not perfect, of course, and that’s felt whenever an election fuels divides among even the best of friends, when you discover a friend has ‘cancelled’ out your vote with their own. It’s still a true blessing though because life in those nations where leaders do win one hundred percent of the votes isn’t nearly so nice as it is here. Our system works through humility, acknowledging that no one person has all the answers
Most of us, if not all, have been Baptized. Of course, we know the Baptized are connected to God’s family, that they’re children of God, called to inherit the Kingdom. That’s the answer Baptism gives to who we are. But, over the next few weeks, we’re reflecting on the practical difference Baptism makes, on the job Baptism gives to disciples; in short, the Baptized are priests, prophets and kings. It all goes back to Adam and Eve. Before the fall, before saying, “no”, to God, like us, the first couple were children of God, but they were also prophets. Being made in the image and likeness of God
First of all, sorry to begin with a sad story: I was once made a visit to someone who was severely held back in life by a mental health issue. He was truly tormented, despite having received the best of care. He told me though, that he was actually afraid of getting better because, having endured his ailment for so much of his life, he wasn’t sure who he would be without it. He had allowed disorder, his cross, to define him. We each allow a variety of values to define who we are and it’s a big deal because how we view ourselves shapes the choices we make around what to wear or buy, what langua
In the basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, one of the first things a visitor will notice are the massive statues, about three times the height of a person, looking down into the congregation. The statues are of the apostles who, of course, were all martyred but one. But what’s catches the attention of visiting pilgrims isn’t just the size of the statues, but how they’re depicted: held in the hands of each statue are the very means by which they were martyred. For example, St. Simon, who was sawn in two, holds a saw that’s as long as he is tall. While it may be a bit gruesome, these statues a
I remember, back in high school student, being asked to envision my life ten years into the future, to make a five or ten year plan. It’s a job interview question I’ve had too, “where do you see yourself in five years”. I get how it’s important to have goals and plans, a positive perspective for the future. But it’s not a question I’ve especially liked because, in my experience, life rarely goes as I plan. It works out, of course, and in many ways it’s been better than I’ve planned. But those moments of having to surrender part of my vision, the experience of realizing how my plans just aren’t
I know of many who love going to art museums and can spend hours appreciating great works of art. It’s different for me though. After about twenty minutes of looking at paintings, they all start looking the same. I know I’m missing something and won’t get the same enjoyment as many others, at least not till something in my own perspective changes. Missing out because of an incompatible perspective is something everyone experiences. It’s felt when you don’t get the punchline of a joke. Maybe, as a student, you experienced it when some concept taught in school just seemed impossible to grasp. Oh
I have to admit, sometimes seeing things from the perspective of others is a real challenge. So, I hope you’ll forgive me for starting off with a little judgment. Now that the Artimis Two crew have returned, I’ve seen some early reports and reflections on the successes of their mission. It’s not as great as Easter, but their success is a success for all and worth admiring. That crew went farther than anyone and the pictures sent from that unique perspective are amazing. But then, and this is where the little judgment comes in, I occasionally see some content posted proposing it was all made up
