3 quick reflection points for today!
1. The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. Saint Paul underwent one of the most dramatic conversions of anyone in the Scriptures. He went from killing Christians, to becoming one of Christ's most influential advocates. Traditional artwork depicts his powerful moment of transformation as literally knocking him off a horse whilst he was on one of his journey's of persecution. He immediately repented and dedicated the rest of his life to preaching peace, love, and that the name of Jesus Christ was to be honoured and revered above every other name. Our own conversions may not have been so dramatic but they are still important. In fact, everyday it is good to repent and reorder our lives towards Christ, turning away from evil and turning back towards the good.
2. Constant conversion towards Christ will ultimately have the effect of uniting us with a common purpose and breaking down any barriers of division, regardless of nationality, creed, gender, etc. And this is why the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul marks the end, or the culmination of the week of prayer for Christian Unity. What a scandal it is that Christ's body here on earth is so divided. While we may not, in our lifetimes, be able to surmount the differences that keep Christian churches apart, we may at least be able to work together with each other, not focusing on our differences, to bring the love of Christ more powerfully into this world.
3. Finally, today in Canada is a national day to raise awareness for mental illness, also known popularly these days as Bell Let's Talk. I mention this because it is both an issue close to my heart but also one not entirely unrelated to my previous two points on conversion and unity. In a time when mental illness and its effects seem to be on the rise in the form of suicide, addiction, and many other tragedies, it is increasingly important to not only be aware of mental illness but be actively engaged in helping those who suffer find help. Conversion in this sense means to learn and understand what mental illness is so as to break down the stigmas that surround it. It is not a weakness or a personality defect and someone cannot simply "get over it" or "snap out of it." Unity around mental illness means that it is not about an us vs. them, healthy vs. sick, but a "we." We are all in this journey of life together and it is essential that we work together to overcome anything and everything that divides us. Division leads to loneliness, which leads to many succumbing to the disease of mental illness.
We pause today and pray: what part of our heart needs converting? With whom do we need to be more united? And how can I reach out with more compassion?
Friar Tuc: A blog about God and all things important to me. Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Christmas 2016
Christmas 2016
And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. Et Le Verbe s'est fait chair, il a habité parmi nous. John 1:14
This is what we celebrate at Christmas. The Word, Gods word, becoming flesh. His words are of a parent, of a Creator, of Love. At Christmas we celebrate that he spoke his word of love so powerfully that it actually took on the form of another person, the person of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us! Dieu avec nous!
Depuis septembre j'ai été étudier français. This was not merely an academic pursuit. When you learn a language you don't learn only another form of communication but you learn how to speak with other people. In other words, you build a bridge that connects you more closely to the other.
This is why it is so significant that God spoke the word to us, he communicated himself to us, and God speaks all languages perfectly. God is the ultimate communicator. And he doesn't speak simply with mere words, but with his entire self, most especially with his heart!
We all speak a unique language , and I'm not talking English or French or German , but we all listen and communicate in a unique way. For example, friends of mine travelled to Africa to visit their daughter who became a doctor and desired to travel and aid those who have not the recourse to regular medical help. They arrived at the airport and jumped in a taxi, eager to meet their destination. It was a quiet ride and so, deciding to make small talk with the driver, they begun with a topic that all prairie folk would: so hows the weather? They were met with an icy glance and an enduring silence that lasted the remainder of their cab ride. Were they impolite? Did they use the wrong words? Nope. You see, weather, in much of Africa, does not change. It's hot, dry, and very similar from day to day. Extremely unlike Canada, there are very little fluctuations and so conversations about the weather are very dull and sterile. Hot yesterday, still hot today, that's all. It had nothing to do with a lack of linguistics, but rather a lack of understanding of a culture, of a people. In Canada, weather is livelihood, is money. Conversations about weather are conversations about the very well being of the family of the other. In other places, not so at all. One would do better speaking of kids or food or sports!
This why, even when we can speak fluently the same language as the other, there can arise misunderstandings, hurt feelings, verbal fights, anger, unforgiveness, and all those wonderful things that can happen when families get together for Christmas haha. Because communication is so much more than the stringing together of words in order to create coherent sentences, but it is an expression of oneself, an opening up of our hearts and minds devant l'autre, making oneself vulnerable and then opening up our oreilles to recevoir les mots la coeur, the mind, and the very being of the other!
We know very well and we celebrate every year that God's greatest gift to us was himself. It is necessary though every year to remind ourselves of that and ask, are we listening? Est-ce que nous écoutons? Similarily the greatest gift we can give to each other, besides chocolate and Star Wars toys, is the gift of ourselves. This Christmas let us give to others the love of God that is inside us, and let us listen to others, not merely with our ears, but with our hearts!
Joyeux Noel! Et que Dieu vous benisse!
And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. Et Le Verbe s'est fait chair, il a habité parmi nous. John 1:14
This is what we celebrate at Christmas. The Word, Gods word, becoming flesh. His words are of a parent, of a Creator, of Love. At Christmas we celebrate that he spoke his word of love so powerfully that it actually took on the form of another person, the person of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us! Dieu avec nous!
Depuis septembre j'ai été étudier français. This was not merely an academic pursuit. When you learn a language you don't learn only another form of communication but you learn how to speak with other people. In other words, you build a bridge that connects you more closely to the other.
This is why it is so significant that God spoke the word to us, he communicated himself to us, and God speaks all languages perfectly. God is the ultimate communicator. And he doesn't speak simply with mere words, but with his entire self, most especially with his heart!
We all speak a unique language , and I'm not talking English or French or German , but we all listen and communicate in a unique way. For example, friends of mine travelled to Africa to visit their daughter who became a doctor and desired to travel and aid those who have not the recourse to regular medical help. They arrived at the airport and jumped in a taxi, eager to meet their destination. It was a quiet ride and so, deciding to make small talk with the driver, they begun with a topic that all prairie folk would: so hows the weather? They were met with an icy glance and an enduring silence that lasted the remainder of their cab ride. Were they impolite? Did they use the wrong words? Nope. You see, weather, in much of Africa, does not change. It's hot, dry, and very similar from day to day. Extremely unlike Canada, there are very little fluctuations and so conversations about the weather are very dull and sterile. Hot yesterday, still hot today, that's all. It had nothing to do with a lack of linguistics, but rather a lack of understanding of a culture, of a people. In Canada, weather is livelihood, is money. Conversations about weather are conversations about the very well being of the family of the other. In other places, not so at all. One would do better speaking of kids or food or sports!
This why, even when we can speak fluently the same language as the other, there can arise misunderstandings, hurt feelings, verbal fights, anger, unforgiveness, and all those wonderful things that can happen when families get together for Christmas haha. Because communication is so much more than the stringing together of words in order to create coherent sentences, but it is an expression of oneself, an opening up of our hearts and minds devant l'autre, making oneself vulnerable and then opening up our oreilles to recevoir les mots la coeur, the mind, and the very being of the other!
We know very well and we celebrate every year that God's greatest gift to us was himself. It is necessary though every year to remind ourselves of that and ask, are we listening? Est-ce que nous écoutons? Similarily the greatest gift we can give to each other, besides chocolate and Star Wars toys, is the gift of ourselves. This Christmas let us give to others the love of God that is inside us, and let us listen to others, not merely with our ears, but with our hearts!
Joyeux Noel! Et que Dieu vous benisse!
Sunday, September 07, 2014
Homily 22nd Sunday in Ordiany Time year A
22nd ord year A
I love when I see my brother priests and they tell me I'm fat. Thanks for that helpful tip guys, haha.
Sometimes we are afraid to speak words of correction to each other, even our family. We fear that they won't like us or that we will hurt them.
Or maybe we are on the other side, maybe we love correcting people, telling them what Is wrong in their lives. This gospel may seem right up their angle!
In today's Gospel, Jesus was actually being merciful. It was the practice of the time that if anyone did anything wrong they were brought to public humiliation. It's kinda like the news media today. Can anyone explain to me how it benefits society to know that Joe smith murdered somebody?!?! Sure it's good for us to know that someone died, was murdered even, but smearing the murderers name all over the country changes nothing. This needs to be between the family, those affected and God, and that's all.
So Jesus was firstly condemning public shaming. He teaches us to quietly, and in a loving way, speak one on one to the person. He didn't say to gossip or talk behind their back, but to talk to them. Then, if they don't listen, sit down with a couple people. It's like an intervention haha. This is the year of the family. How often in our families do we sit around at the dinner table and truly talk about what's going on in our lives. This is what Jesus meant. Conversion first happens at home. And finally it says come see the pastor. Talk with each other, talk with family and friends, and finally, come see me. And I hope you can feel comfortable enough to come and speak with me. Not because I have all the wisdom and can fix everything, but for two reasons: it's good to have an outside perspective. Someone who is neutral and not involved. Second, because I'm there to represent God and the Church. And ultimately this is all about us growing together in our love relationship with god and growing closer as church.
The Gospel ends by saying that if nothing changes, let that person be to you as a sinner and tax collector. So what does that mean? Do You cast them out of your family or church? NO! How does Jesus treat sinners and tax collectors?! He loves them for who they are and doesn't try to change them. He knows that their faults will only lead them to unhappiness but he doesn't force anyone to change. He loves them, and it is love, that ultimately causes people to change.
Finally, something we don't want to face, is that often we are the one who needs to change. People tell us and we just don't listen.
Let us pray for hearts, open to God's voice of love, calling us closer to himself. And let us pray for the courage and strength to be that voice of love to others, calling them to a closer relationship with God.
I love when I see my brother priests and they tell me I'm fat. Thanks for that helpful tip guys, haha.
Sometimes we are afraid to speak words of correction to each other, even our family. We fear that they won't like us or that we will hurt them.
Or maybe we are on the other side, maybe we love correcting people, telling them what Is wrong in their lives. This gospel may seem right up their angle!
In today's Gospel, Jesus was actually being merciful. It was the practice of the time that if anyone did anything wrong they were brought to public humiliation. It's kinda like the news media today. Can anyone explain to me how it benefits society to know that Joe smith murdered somebody?!?! Sure it's good for us to know that someone died, was murdered even, but smearing the murderers name all over the country changes nothing. This needs to be between the family, those affected and God, and that's all.
So Jesus was firstly condemning public shaming. He teaches us to quietly, and in a loving way, speak one on one to the person. He didn't say to gossip or talk behind their back, but to talk to them. Then, if they don't listen, sit down with a couple people. It's like an intervention haha. This is the year of the family. How often in our families do we sit around at the dinner table and truly talk about what's going on in our lives. This is what Jesus meant. Conversion first happens at home. And finally it says come see the pastor. Talk with each other, talk with family and friends, and finally, come see me. And I hope you can feel comfortable enough to come and speak with me. Not because I have all the wisdom and can fix everything, but for two reasons: it's good to have an outside perspective. Someone who is neutral and not involved. Second, because I'm there to represent God and the Church. And ultimately this is all about us growing together in our love relationship with god and growing closer as church.
The Gospel ends by saying that if nothing changes, let that person be to you as a sinner and tax collector. So what does that mean? Do You cast them out of your family or church? NO! How does Jesus treat sinners and tax collectors?! He loves them for who they are and doesn't try to change them. He knows that their faults will only lead them to unhappiness but he doesn't force anyone to change. He loves them, and it is love, that ultimately causes people to change.
Finally, something we don't want to face, is that often we are the one who needs to change. People tell us and we just don't listen.
Let us pray for hearts, open to God's voice of love, calling us closer to himself. And let us pray for the courage and strength to be that voice of love to others, calling them to a closer relationship with God.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Star Wars is Christian
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Sunday, February 16, 2014
My Valentines Love Story
I am hopelessly, romantically, in love. With the Church. Gee, what were you thinking? And so here is my valentines story.
Once upon a time in a small humble parish there was a lady who imagined church as place where young people needed to be. But alas, there was nothing for them.
So she started a youth program with just a few friends and their kids
nothing fancy, mostly just games.
But friendships were formed and relationships built.
Quickly, some parents arose and took leadership roles.
This group of youths expanded; the meetings more regular, more structured became!
Soon, some of them were leading teachings and prayers; and the parents, planning sessions.
Memories were made and good times were had; a couple families have moved so it wont be the same. But we continue to try and to learn and to serve.
Most recently these youth hosted a Valentines supper; spaghetti and salad, and the dessert was to die for. They served and they bussed, they laughed and enjoyed. The couples there present were unusually happy; from the newly engaged, to the faithfully aged.
Thrilled as they were to be served from these kids, more thrilled were the kids to be doing such things. After the eve whittled down to a chatter, still some of the couples and families still gathered; being with each other, is all that does matter.
Our young folk were asked what they liked what they'd change; none responded with a negative. In fact, most now want to work in a restaurant; servants, for sure, is what Christ called us for.
Two stories emerged that make me so proud; of the kids and their parents, of the St. Michael's crowd.
First, one lady, as touched as she was, made mention of how much the dinner meant to her. Emotional she got as she shared with the church; its amazing, the lives that we touch.
Second, another (among many) testimonials was offered; one kid was tipped, so excited she was, she didn't even look at the bill! She could have been handed a $5 or $100, what mattered to her was that people cared. It made the mans day, that she was so earnest. They were there for service, not personal gain.
My story does end here but it also goes on. This is my love life, my church and my God.
Once upon a time in a small humble parish there was a lady who imagined church as place where young people needed to be. But alas, there was nothing for them.
So she started a youth program with just a few friends and their kids
nothing fancy, mostly just games.
But friendships were formed and relationships built.
Quickly, some parents arose and took leadership roles.
This group of youths expanded; the meetings more regular, more structured became!
Soon, some of them were leading teachings and prayers; and the parents, planning sessions.
Memories were made and good times were had; a couple families have moved so it wont be the same. But we continue to try and to learn and to serve.
Most recently these youth hosted a Valentines supper; spaghetti and salad, and the dessert was to die for. They served and they bussed, they laughed and enjoyed. The couples there present were unusually happy; from the newly engaged, to the faithfully aged.
Thrilled as they were to be served from these kids, more thrilled were the kids to be doing such things. After the eve whittled down to a chatter, still some of the couples and families still gathered; being with each other, is all that does matter.
Our young folk were asked what they liked what they'd change; none responded with a negative. In fact, most now want to work in a restaurant; servants, for sure, is what Christ called us for.
Two stories emerged that make me so proud; of the kids and their parents, of the St. Michael's crowd.
First, one lady, as touched as she was, made mention of how much the dinner meant to her. Emotional she got as she shared with the church; its amazing, the lives that we touch.
Second, another (among many) testimonials was offered; one kid was tipped, so excited she was, she didn't even look at the bill! She could have been handed a $5 or $100, what mattered to her was that people cared. It made the mans day, that she was so earnest. They were there for service, not personal gain.
My story does end here but it also goes on. This is my love life, my church and my God.
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