September 3, 2012 – Luke 4:16 – 30 – The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour….. They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” He said to them, “Doubtless, you would quote to me this proverb, Doctor cure yourself. And you will say, do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.” And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown.

Father Michael Busch asked who really is Jesus in our lives. History would dictates us that Jesus’ life has been witnessed by saints  2000 years ago when changes in  literature, art and music took place; when there are political issues involved whether you belong to the right or left wing, liberal or conservative; when  moral pollution and scandals are present,  there rests the meaning of our lives. But we should remember Jesus as the who healed and forgave people in times of  troubles, pains, and sorrow. Father Michael advised us that wherever you are, Jesus is with you. Put your life in order, speak the healing word, call the best in you; and rethink the role of faith in your life. Know who you are and what life is all about. 

Intl. Workers Day

 Today, we celebrate Labour Day in Canada.

September 1, 2012 – Matthew 25:14-30 – The Parable of the Talents

For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once, traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and his master’s money…But the master replied. “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers and on my return, I would have received what was, my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to the one with those ten talents. For to all those who have more will be given and they will have abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him in the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

In his homily, Father Patrick Fitzpatrick cited the saying “come as you are” which goes beyond how you are dressed. God calls the poor, ordinary men, and entities to be His followers. God is the source of life. He gives us talents, to use what we have and not bury it for safekeeping. Those who play it safe, their talents will be taken away. What matters is to use it and have the life God wants us to be. It is a  tragedy if we  show nothing of what we have on earth. Father Patrick reminded us of the Olympics game in London where Oscar Pistorius, an athlete who has two prosthetic legs,  inspired the world of his strengths and courage to compete in the track and field. We are now left with a challenge to ask ourselves what are we  doing to what God has given us.

August 31, 2012 – 1 Corinthians 1:17-25 / Matthew 25:1-13

1 Corinthians 1:17-25 – The Life that the Lord Has Assigned 

However, that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the churches….Let each of you remain in the condition in which you were called. Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. Even if you can gain your freedom, make use of your present condition now more than ever. For whoever was called in, the Lord as a slave is freed person belonging to the Lord, just as whoever was free when called is a slave of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of human master. In whatever condition you were called, brothers and sisters, there remain with God.

Matthew 25:1-13 – The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids

Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps they took no oil with them, but the wise took flask of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept… And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord open to us. But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you. Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

Father George Smith, a member of the Order of Priests, said that Jesus uses parables as a primary means of teaching and the church uses parables as part of adult education. The gospel spoke about the kingdom of heaven or the reign of God, which is not form of government. The reign of God requires a change or conversion of heart in order to find authentic happiness. In course of our daily lives, we should allow God to walk into our lives and find that happiness. Are you ready to accept the reign of God to interrupt your life? Father George advised to run some tests for the reign of God appeals to freedom.

August 30, 2012 – 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 / Matthew 24:42-51

1 Corinthians 1:1-9 - Salutation

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God and our brother Sosthenes….I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind - just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you - so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; he called you into the fellowship of his son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Matthew 24:42-51 – The Faithful or the Unfaithful slave

Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slave their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly, I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. But if that wicked slave says to himself, My master is delayed, and he begins to beat his fellow slaves and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and  at an  hour that he does not know. He will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Father Dan Donovan opined that St. Paul’s writings to the Corinthians are fascinating. He was a wandering preacher who recognized that his messages were not his own but entrusted by God. It reflected the teachings of the life of Jesus. St. Paul mentioned about grace, which pertains to gifts including forgiveness, reconciliation and new life, leading to the fruit of grace, that is, peace. St. Paul emphasized his followers to accept the gifts of grace.