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July 9, 2012 – Matthew 9:20-26 – A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed

"Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering form hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to her, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well… When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute–players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping. …But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand and the girl got up."

Father Michael Busch mentioned that the gospel has two stories intertwined together – raising a dead child and healing miracle of a sick woman. Jesus’ touch is an act of compassion. He allowed himself to be touched by a bleeding woman who was considered an outcast and an impure woman but was given the title of being a daughter of Israel and God’s chosen one. Jesus showed that no one is unworthy of the love and grace of God. God declares his own beloved children. No one is beyond the love of God or unworthy due to ethnic background, age, gender, or lifestyle like the beggars and those suffering from drugs or alcohol. We call ourselves Christians and can declare each one of us as worthy child of God.

July 7, 2012 – Matthew 9:14-17 – The Question about Fasting

"Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we, and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “The wedding-guest cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and the they will fast.” No one sews a piece of shrunk cloth on an old cloak, for the patch pulls away from the cloak, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put not fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved."

In his homily today, Father Patrick Fitzpatrick advised that the message of the gospel is to look at the past but not to live in the past. We do not need to patch up the past like putting a new cloak into old wineskins. Father Patrick wants us to meditate on the serenity prayer “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.”

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July 4, 2012 – Amos 5:14-24 – A Lament for Israel’s Sin

St. Elizabeth of Portugal

"Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph."

Fr. Michael Coutts mentioned that today is the Feast of St. Elizabeth of Portugal. She is known as a peacemaker and the Queen of Portugal. She reconciled her son and grandson who were fighting for the throne. Just like Elizabeth, we are called to seek good and not evil.

July 3, 2012 – John 20:24-29 – Jesus and Thomas

"But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe”….Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to them, “Have you believed because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”"

Father Jack Lynch said that many of us identify ourselves with Blessed Apostle Thomas in the gospel. Doubting Thomas is an authentic searcher and represents us who have questions and doubts about Jesus. Thomas questioned on what he believed but relied on his faith  when he met Jesus. He inspires us to have the courage to question and  believe in Jesus. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to ask the healing power of peace.

Note: We extend our prayers for Father Jack who will be leaving for his sabbatical year.   

July 2, 2012 – Matthew 8:18-22 – Would-Be Followers of Jesus

"A scribe then approached and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him. “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”"

Cardinal Tomas Collins said that the gospel reading emphasizes simplicity. We need simplicity and should not get caught with complexity. This means we should focus on what is important. During confession, the priest gives a simple penance consisting mostly of one “Our Father.” We must follow the Lord and seek to serve God faithfully. We live faithfully as we seek to serve God day by day until we see him face to face.

CANADA DAY - JULY 1, 2012

In his homily last June 28, 2012, Father Dan Donovan talked about the celebration of Canada Day on July 1. Canadians will celebrate its achievements and challenges as a nation, its beauty and nature, its freedom from terror, violence and war. Due to the large immigrants, we enjoy multiculturalism, multi-religion, and multiethnic society. Canada has been a model of love. It reminds us to be grateful and invites us to make Canadian society better.