Parish Bulletin for Sunday, October 1, 2006

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

THE WAYS OF THE SPIRIT

In today's Gospel, we find Jesus trying to educate his followers in the charismatic freedom of the Spirit to blow where it will, to inspire whom it may and to empower whom it chooses. Jesus challenged them to venture beyond protocol and institution and open themselves to God's mysterious workings. Even someone the disciples considered outside their group can be acceptable to God and a vessel of the Spirit. Even someone whom contemporary believers in Jesus may hold suspect or unorthodox, if that person is not against us, insists Jesus, that person can be an agent of the power and Spirit of God.

Think about our own dealings with one another. Have we not developed our own system of doing things, so structured that we are reluctant to change them? Do we not have set ways of conducting business, certain rites as regards our relationships, specific ideas as to what is and what is not polite and who is or is not acceptable? We can be impatient with deviation from what we consider to be normal and we can definitely be intolerant of others who choose a different course or action. Now look at both the Gospel and the reading from Numbers – both deal with impatience and intolerance.

Jesus' challenge to his disciples, both then and now, is one of inclusiveness. To meet this challenge, believers must be willing to surrender preconceived ideas and judgments to the sometimes untamed and unimaginable ways of our God. Too frequently, those who are different, those who dissent and those who march to the beat of a different drummer are ignored and rejected outright.

Space must be made for mavericks and outsiders as long as they are not explicitly opponents of Jesus. Imagine the power and possibilities for goodness in a community that could accept a Galileo, a Martin Luther, a John Calvin, a Charles Curran, a Hans Kung, a Leonardo Boff, an Elizabeth Schussler Fiorenza!

Wouldn't our world be better served if we truly heeded Jesus' insistence that "anyone who is not against us is with us!" With the author of Numbers we pray, "Would that God might bestow the Spirit on us all!"

TUESDAY, Oct. 3

Weekday

8:30 a.m. – Intention: Thanksgiving

Requested by Dorothy Johns

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 4

St. Francis of Assisi

8:30 a.m. – Intentions of Benjamin Rubio

Requested by family

THURSDAY, Oct. 5

Weekday

8:30 a.m. - † Giuse Nguyen

Requested by Kim Luu

FRIDAY, Oct. 6

Weekday

8:30 a.m. - † Amelia Couvinha

Requested by Helena Sousa

Parish Bulletin for Sunday, October 8, 2006

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

FOUNDATIONS BUILT ON FAITH

I do not think that there are many of us today who do not realize that the age of the Internet has descended upon us and is here to stay. Everything from ordering groceries on line to mating and dating sites can make us wonder just what we did without this modern invention.

One such site, founded by author and relationship expert, Dr Neil Clark Warren, advertises itself as a patented "Compatibility Matching System." Part of the slogans at the entrance into this site asks the online guest to 'let eHarmony help you begin the journey to your soul-mate today."

The journey begins with a 436-question "Relationship Questionnaire" designed to screen applicants on as many as 29 dimensions of compatibility – values, character, education, sense of humour, belief systems, family background and life experiences being just a few of the tools. EHarmony boasts that it has matched thousands of couples. Obviously, we have discovered the joys of online compatibility testing!

Humour aside, staying married, even to one's soul-mate, requires effort and cannot be based on mere feelings and infatuation. Marriage is "a long and winding road" as the song writer puts it. This journey only becomes possible when two persons share at the deepest level their faith, values and spirituality. These stand at the centre of most of our life experiences and relationships.

Our most important relationship is our relationship with God, formed and founded in faith. What would happen if faith became an integral part of the relationship between a husband and a wife in marriage? Faith, shared faith in God, endures when beauty fades. Faith survives when finance fail, when physical or mental health deteriorate, when troubles come, when death visits.

Faith sustains when friends or relatives disappoint or betray us, when jobs are lost, when trust is tested. Faith enables when self-esteem and self-confidence are lost. Faith empowers when fear cripples. Faith, shared faith in God, makes for the deepest degree of compatibility that can exist between a man and a woman in marriage. Faith enables that relationship to continue, to thrive and to endure.

It is through today's first reading from Genesis, that poetic and faith-inspired account of the creation of the universe and the creation of the partners who would share dominion over it, that we see the divine intention at work. The two become one, a new creation.

And in the Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples, then and now, to stop looking for the loopholes. Jesus challenges his disciples, then and now, whether married or single, to give themselves completely and fully to their commitments. To service in the church, to struggling for justice and peace, or to another person in the relationship of marriage, grace is present to support and strengthen the disciple in all things.

TUESDAY, Oct. 10

Weekday

8:30 a.m. - † Antonio Deberardinis

Requested by wife and family

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 11

Weekday

8:30 a.m. - † Lydia Arsenault

Requested by husband

THURSDAY, Oct. 12

Weekday

8:30 a.m. –
Special Intention: 50th Wedding Anniversary of Mr. And Mrs. Hardy,

parents of Stephen Hardy

Requested by Stephen and Jenny Hardy

FRIDAY, Oct. 13

Weekday

8:30 a.m. - † Alfred and Celia Gallucci

Requested by Catarina

Parish Bulletin for Sunday, October 15, 2006

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel is a challenge to both the disciples around Jesus and to his disciples everywhere today. The choice that Jesus offers is clearly and simply defined. The rich man who ran up to Jesus to ask about a share in everlasting life puts the choice directly to the would be disciples and to us. One can continue to remain at the status quo, keeping the rules that have served well since childhood – not killing, not committing adultery, not stealing, not lying or defrauding, and honouring one's parents. There is definite appeal and comfort level that comes from following this path that requires faithfulness and perseverance for sure. After all, these are the rules of an honourable life and there is obvious virtue and a certain wisdom in living one's life within these parameters.

Nevertheless, Jesus' word to the man who ran to him and to every would-be disciple cuts the willing listener to the quick. Like the two-edged sword in the second reading, the sword that penetrates and divides soul and spirit, joint and marrow, the words of Jesus lay bare and expose the heart and mind of the disciple. While Jesus' words are always spoken in love, they are also filled with challenge. Come away from your comfort zone and from the satisfaction of your adeptness in keeping the law, Jesus says. Come away from knowing what you are to do, how much you are to do, when to do it, and why. Come away from the safe harbour of familiar rules and rote obligations. Let go of what you have stored against a rainy day, your hedge against inflation, your secured savings. Let go of what makes you feel invulnerable and prepared to face any and all emergencies. Come away, challenges Jesus. Let go, he invites. Then come and follow me. Attach yourself to me.

Fully aware of the challenge Jesus offered, the man who had run to him in eager anticipation went away sad, his face fallen, his heart, mind and spirit weighed down with the blessings and burdens, the joys and responsibilities of many possessions. His leaving begs us to allow Jesus' words to speak to us.

Shall we too depart? Are we too unwilling to forgo the routine and comfortable niche we have carved out for ourselves in this world, among our friends, within our comfort zone, surrounded by our possessions, those things that define our sense of security – the bastion against the proverbial rainy day? Shall we, like Peter and the other disciples, choose to put aside everything in order to follow him? Shall we, like Solomon in the first reading, forego all else, all wishes, all power, all prestige, even health and good looks in order to know the wisdom of God who became incarnate among us in Jesus? Are we truly willing to let go of all else so as to let God and God's gifts and graces work within us?

A share in the kingdom, entrance into eternal life or salvation, far from being easy, demands our most attentive obedience to God's word and all our best efforts. Even when we are willing to do this, it is not sufficient alone to achieve the life we seek. Such life and wholeness are possible only for God and are received by us only as gifts. These gifts do not simply drop into our laps – we must work as if everything depended upon us and believe as if everything depended on God. For every one of us, this means being willing to let go of all else so as to let God and God's gifts work within us.

If we dare to let go of all else and belong fully and freely to Jesus, we are assured that God and God's good graces shall ever be with us. Amen

Schedule Change for Daily Mass

For this coming week only, the daily Mass schedule will be changed. On Tuesday, Morning Prayer will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. There will be no Eucharist at this celebration. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Eucharist will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. as usual.

TUESDAY, Oct. 17

St. Ignatius of Antioch

8:30 a.m. – Morning Prayer

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 18

St. Luke

8:30 a.m. - † Mariano Espela

Requested by Priscilla Espela

THURSDAY, Oct. 19

Weekday

8:30 a.m. - † Bill Pisarski

Requested by Peter and Mary Waychison

FRIDAY, Oct. 20

Weekday

8:30 a.m. - † Daniel Jude Florentino

Requested by family

Parish Bulletin for Sunday, October 22, 2006

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Many of us have been fascinated over the years by "How the West Was Won," the story of the settling of the great western U.S. states. We have seen the great movies and TV shows, depicting everything from Little House on the Prairie folks to the days of Wyatt Earp.

Recently, I read an article that really brought to life the difficulties and challenges of road travel in days gone by. Many early settlers made their way by wagon train and others by stagecoach. Once the small cities developed, stage coach travel became a very popular method to get around, particularly if you did not have your own horse and wagon.

What we may not realize is that stagecoach companies were really into the business of providing all travellers with an affordable method to travel. They sold first, second and third class tickets to fit all budgets. But wait until you hear what this meant. For the price of a 1st class ticket, you were welcome to sit out your journey in style. Even if the coach got stuck in the mud or had difficulty climbing a steep hill, you remained seated for the duration.

Second-class passengers were required to get off the coach until any problems were resolved. Our third-class ticket holders were the means to fix the problems. You not only had to get off the coach – you also became a part of the solution! Third-class passengers were conscripted into service and would have been expected to do anything from pushing or pulling a stuck wagon to repairing broken wheels and axles. It was an accepted method to get from point A to point B with the least possible expense along the way.

When we meet Jesus and his disciples in today's Gospel, we find them travelling from Caesarea Philippi in the north to Jerusalem in the south. Jesus is not wasting this time with his followers because he knows that time with them is short. He is instructing them in the blessings as well as the rigours of discipleship.

He has been very open with the disciples by speaking more about the service and suffering involved and less about the power and prestige of leadership. He continues to warn them about the inevitable conflict and struggle that he himself will face in fulfilling his God-given mission.

James and John reveal to us that the disciples do not understand; they ask for the privilege of travelling with the Lord as first-class ticket holders. They want the positions of left and right hands precisely because they want to be close to the seat of power. They mistakenly think that Jesus is travelling with a first-class ticket into glory.

What does it mean to share Jesus' cup? Thinking that this means a sharing in his kingdom, the disciples are full of confidence. "We can!" they offer excitedly. Before we become too complacent, how many of us are similarly unaware and uninformed regarding the cost of discipleship? We start out well, with the enthusiasm of first-class ticket holders. Yet when the cup turns bitter and the bath becomes an immersion into sacrifice . . . when we realize that we are truly travelling on a third-class ticket and we must not only give up our seat, but also plunge in wholeheartedly to become a part of the solution, we balk.

Like James, John and the other disciples, we have yet to fully comprehend the paradoxical role of the servant-leader. Jesus struck the path that all are asked to follow. Serving the needs of all, he always chose the third class ticket, giving himself freely and wholly to the work of our salvation.

This work continues today. Until all sinners know themselves to be saved, forgiven, ransomed and redeemed, our challenge is clear. We stay the course and continue to choose the third-class ticket, the status that Jesus has elevated to holiness. The servant-leader disciple pours out his/her life for another, whether that be an aging parent, a difficult or ailing spouse, a brother or sister with special needs or any person who requires service, even at personal cost to self.

Jesus came to serve and give his life; his disciples are called to do likewise. Because of Jesus' service, because of the gift of his life, the price, as it were, has been paid. Forgiven and freed, we are third-class ticket holders and fellow travellers, bound for glory. Jesus shows us how and provides us the way. By being least, we become the greatest.

TUESDAY, Oct. 24

Weekday

8:30 a.m. - † Paul Asselin

Requested by Nancy and Bill Faughnan

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 25

Weekday

8:30 a.m. - † Trouvilliezs family

Requested by family

THURSDAY, Oct. 26

Weekday

8:30 a.m. - †Courtino family

Requested by family

FRIDAY, Oct. 27

Weekday

8:30 a.m. - † Emeterio Dupitas Butac

Requested by Marilou Butac

Parish Bulletin for Sunday, October 29, 2006

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Marcan Jesus, at this point in his gospel writings, is in teaching mode. He is intent on giving us a clear picture of the purpose and personal cost of Jesus' mission and the subsequent cost to those disciples who follow him.

Framing this teaching mode we find the stories of the healing of two blind people. Jesus' healing of the first blind man of Bethsaida was a gradual cure, requiring two touches by Jesus; in the end, the man who saw less clearly at first left Jesus' presence seeing everything distinctly. It has been suggested by Scripture scholars that the gradual cue is a Marcan symbol for the gradual process of enlightenment and understanding on the part of Jesus' disciples.

In contrast to this first gradual cure, the second healing introduces us to Bartimaeus, calling out to Jesus as the Son of David. His cure is immediate; his faith has set him free. Although Bartimaeus is charged to be on his way, the Gospel concludes with the words "he received his sight and started to follow Jesus on the way." Clearly, Bartimaeus is a symbol for the disciple who comes to know and believe and see Jesus for who he really is and chooses to make Jesus' way his or her own.

This story again gives us insight on the relationship between faith and healing and salvation. We hear the echo of Jesus' word to the haemorrhaging woman: "Your faith has made you well." Bartimaeus begins with barely an inkling of who Jesus really is, yet continues to raise his voice in order to be heard. Then he boldly and eagerly responds to the call of Jesus, even when that call comes through others. Once he encounters Jesus, he is clear in what he wants and confidant that Jesus can fulfill his needs. These are the attitudes and actions that Jesus calls faith.

This same faith leads Bartimaeus to follow Jesus as he continues to make his way into Jerusalem, to the conflict and controversy Jesus will meet in this city. To Jesus' death on a cross. Faith had led to Bartimaeus' healing and faith could lead him to the end of the road.

It has been said that the Marcan miracles based on faith assist disciples of Jesus in their struggles with doubt and unbelief. Mark offers us the most unlikely of teachers in faith. We find in this story a blind man who calls out to Jesus, who responds with all the blind man needs to be whole. He is restored in order to follow Jesus on the road and along the way to discipleship. Each day, Jesus offers healing and challenge to every one of us. Shall we learn from the example of Bartimaeus and make Jesus' way our own?

In biblical talk, blindness is the code word for unbelief and sight is the word for faith. Our friend Bartimaeus is pleading for faith in God. "I want to see" comes from his heart. Real faith rises out of our lack of faith. It is born of an absolute need to know. We sometimes use our faith as a pattern to impose over reality. We vaguely know there is a God, but do not experience God. Faith must needs come from a deep heart-rending need to see - a Bartimaeus need to see.

TUESDAY, Oct. 31

Weekday

8:30 a.m. - † Florencia Austriaco

Requested by Fe Nidoy

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 1

All Saints

8:30 a.m.

THURSDAY, Nov. 2

Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed

8:30 a.m. - † † †

FRIDAY, Nov. 3

Weekday

8:30 a.m. - † Fred Topping

Requested by wife Patricia Topping