urn:uuid:4592EA24-2A2A-42E5-88FC-E7C6DC633F04 Mon, 20 Ma 2013 22:00:00 EST Fr. Richard Siok urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,19 Ma 2013 12:15:00 EST Sun,19 Ma 2013 12:15:00 EST Our mission as Christians and the Holy Spirit urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,12 Ma 2013 9:30:00 EST Sun,12 Ma 2013 9:30:00 EST Before He ascended, Christ left His "disciples" to look after His kingdom by being witnesses to all nations. Fr. Farrell also introduced his "Year of Faith" presentations urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,5 Ma 2013 8:00:00 EST Sun,5 Ma 2013 8:00:00 EST Christ's call to evangelization - a duty for each Catholic. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,21 Apr 2013 8:00:00 EST Sun,21 Apr 2013 8:00:00 EST Christ the Good Shepherd urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,14 Apr 2013 8:00:00 EST Sun,14 Apr 2013 8:00:00 EST Following Jesus as a total commitment urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,31 Mar 2013 8:00:00 EST Sun,31 Mar 2013 8:00:00 EST Easter: It's all about the Resurrection. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,24 Mar 2013 8:00:00 EST Sun,24 Mar 2013 8:00:00 EST Jesus the Suffering Servant - Being worthy disciples of Jesus. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,17 Mar 2013 9:30:00 EST Sun,17 Mar 2013 9:30:00 EST Sin, repentance and Christ's Mercy. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,10 Mar 2013 8:00:00 EST Sun,10 Mar 2013 8:00:00 EST God's mercy in our Christian journey urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,17 Feb 2013 8:00:00 EST Sun,17 Feb 2013 8:00:00 EST Lent: for love of God and neighbour. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,10 Feb 2013 12:15:00 EST Sun,10 Feb 2013 12:15:00 EST Catching the fire of God's love - Zeal to be Christ's prophet. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,3 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST Sun,3 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST The New Evangelization: All talk and no action? urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,27 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST Sun,27 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST The Public Ministry of Jesus and the ultimate Jubilee Year. - The Exodus in our life. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,13 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST Sun,13 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST Baptism of the Lord: living Christ's Passion and Resurrection in our lives. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,6 Jan 2013 12:15:00 EST Sun,6 Jan 2013 12:15:00 EST Emulating the Magi: following the light of Christ in our lives. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,30 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST Sun,30 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST The Most Holy Family: an icon of the Holy Trinity - A model for living out agape love. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,23 Dec 2012 9:30:00 EST Sun,23 Dec 2012 9:30:00 EST urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,16 Dec 2012 12:15:00 EST Sun,16 Dec 2012 12:15:00 EST Carrying out our mission as Christ's disciples: With faithfulness and joy - The massacre of the innocents in Connecticut. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,9 Dec 2012 9:30:00 EST Sun,9 Dec 2012 9:30:00 EST The three comings of Jesus and our exodus to eternity urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,2 Dec 2012 9:30:00 EST Sun,2 Dec 2012 9:30:00 EST Preparing for Christ's Comings: His hidden coming in our daily lives - The Parousia urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,25 Nov 2012 8:00:00 EST Sun,25 Nov 2012 8:00:00 EST The Kingship of Christ - Where does it begin? What are its consequences? urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,18 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST Sun,18 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST God's patient and loving solicitude for us - Guiding the Church and us to the Eternal Present urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun,11 Nov 2012 09:30:00 EST Sun,11 Nov 2012 09:30:00 EST God, family and our future. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 4 No 2012 08:00:00 EST Sun, 4 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST Christ's overriding commandments: Some practical implications. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 28 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST Sun, 28 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST Leaving Jericho for the Eternal Jerusalem: the example of Bartimaeus urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 14 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST Sun, 14 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST Discipleship, God's transformation and freedom based on God's Wisdom urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 7 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST Sun, 7 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST Christian Marriage as an icon of the Blessed Trinity urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 30 Sept 2012 08:00:00 EST Sun, 30 Sept 2012 08:00:00 EST Human dignity vs Discrimination - Human Dignity and Discipleship urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 23 Sept 2012 09:30:00 EST Sun, 23 Sept 2012 09:30:00 EST Godly wisdom vs ungodly wisdom - Success for eternity vs success for the world urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 16 Sept 2012 09:30:00 EST Sun, 16 Sept 2012 09:30:00 EST Being a disciple of Christ and the Cross: bold followers or lukewarm cowards. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 9 Sept 2012 11:00:00 EST Sun, 9 Sept 2012 11:00:00 EST The desert of this life and renewal in the Holy Spirit. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 19 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST Sun, 19 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass - The altar: where time and eternity intersect. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 12 Aug 2012 9:30:00 EST Sun, 12 Aug 2012 9:30:00 EST The Eucharist and our Prophetic Mission through Baptism: The transforming Power of the Eucharist. - Our mission "for the world". urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 5 Aug 2012 12:15:00 EST Sun, 5 Aug 2012 12:15:00 EST Jesus: the Bread of Life. -The Word of God -The Real Presence in the Eucharist. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 29 July 2012 11:00:00 EST Sun, 29 July 2012 11:00:00 EST The Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fish. - The introduction to Christs's discourse on the Bread of Life. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 22 July 2012 9:30:00 EST Sun, 22 July 2012 9:30:00 EST Christ our Shepherd: Christ Shepherding through the Mass. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 15 July 2012 12:15:00 EST Sun, 15 July 2012 12:15:00 EST Narcissism in our Culture - The Christian Response. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 8 July 2012 11:00:00 EST Sun, 8 July 2012 11:00:00 EST Being a Prophet. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 1 July 2012 09:30:00 EST Sun, 1 July 2012 09:30:00 EST Touching Jesus as the Source of Salvation.- The example of Jairus and the woman with a hemorrhage. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 24 June 2012 08:00:00 EST Sun, 24 June 2012 08:00:00 EST The Nativity of John the Baptist - A model for an active Christian life. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 17 June 2012 09:30:00 EST Sun, 17 June 2012 09:30:00 EST The Kingdom of God - The dynamics of growth. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 10 June 2012 12:15:00 EST Sun, 10 June 2012 12:15:00 EST The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ - or Corpus Christi urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 3 June 2012 09:30:00 EST Sun, 3 June 2012 09:30:00 EST The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity: Who the Holy Trinity is. Glorifying God as vessels of the Holy Trinity. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 27 May 2012 11:00:00 EST Sun, 27 May 2012 11:00:00 EST Pentecost today: The gifts of the Holy Spirit - Contributing to the common good. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 20 May 2012 11:00:00 EST Sun, 20 May 2012 11:00:00 EST The Ascension of Christ - Christ's Kingship: From Heaven, Through the Liturgy, Through the temples of the Holy Spirit. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 13 May 2012 9:30:00 EST Sun, 13 May 2012 9:30:00 EST Agape Love for God and Neighbour - God's pruning through actual grace. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 29 Apr 2012 9:30:00 EST Sun, 29 Apr 2012 9:30:00 EST Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST The Peace of Christ: The prerequisite for a fruitful Communion - The Prayers in the Communion Rite of the Mass. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:15:00 EST Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:15:00 EST Divine Mercy - Being a channel of Christ's Mercy in the world. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sat, 7 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST Sat, 7 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST God's acceptance of Christ's sacrifice for our sins is manifested in the Resurrection. The Resurrected Christ continues to act on our behalf to the end of time. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Fri, 6 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST Fri, 6 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST Invitation to grow in the love of God - What's our response to the extravagance of God's love for us? urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Thurs, 5 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST Thurs, 5 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST The Jewish Passover meal, the Christ's Passion and Death, and the Mass ... what are the connections? urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 25 Mar 2012 9:30:00 EST Sun, 25 Mar 2012 9:30:00 EST Being transformed through the Sacrifice of the Cross - The purification of the senses and the purification of the soul: the road to the freedom of the children of God. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 18 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST Sun, 18 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST God's Mercy - Receiving God's Mercy and being a channel of His Mercy to the world. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 11 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST Sun, 11 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST Keeping our priorities straight during Lent. (also serves as an introduction to Fr. Farrell's Lenten Parish Mission) urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 26 Feb 2012 9:30:00 EST Sun, 26 Feb 2012 9:30:00 EST Living Lent as a Catholic: Christ's 40 days in the wilderness as our model. - The Lenten practices as a desert experience. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 12:15:00 EST Sun, 19 Feb 2012 12:15:00 EST Sin and Being a Spiritual Paralytic. - The Healing Touch of Jesus in the Sacramental Graces. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST Sin as spiritual leprosy - Finding the healing touch of Jesus in the sacrament of reconciliation. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST Sun, 5 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST Faith, hope and abiding agape love. - Essential elements for an effective Christian life. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:15:00 EST Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:15:00 EST Being a prophet conformed onto Christ through Baptism. - Some practical implications. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST Carrying out the Great Commission - Allowing Jesus to act and speak through us: Evangelization, Catechesis. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST Prayer as a dialogue with God - Listening to God: concrete methods of listening to God. - Being a temple of the Holy Spirit: allowing God to act and speak through us. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 8 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST Sun, 8 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST The Epiphany and the star.-The Church as the light of Christ -Our faith as our light -Our Mission to be Christ's light to those around us. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 1 Jan 2012 8:00:00 EST Sun, 1 Jan 2012 8:00:00 EST The Blessed Virgin Mary. - Mother of God - Mother of the Church - Model disciple. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST The Nativity of Jesus: the fulfillment of God's Old Testament promises. - Our mission in Christ: to be His light in a world of darkness. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:15:00 EST Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:15:00 EST The extraordinary encounter between Mary and the Angel happened in everyday life ... it is the image of the permanent encounter that God wants to have with humanity - and with each one of us. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 9:30:00 EST Sun, 11 Dec 2011 9:30:00 EST Gaudete Sunday - Rejoice in the Lord always - Concrete reasons for every Catholic to rejoice. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 4 Dec 2011 8:00:00 EST Sun, 4 Dec 2011 8:00:00 EST John the Baptist as an Advent Example - Preparing the way for the Lord. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST Stay Awake! - Are you ready to meet the Lord face to face right now? urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 20 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST How is Christ King? - Is He my King? urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 13 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 13 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST Parable of the talents - The Nuptial Union with Christ: The road to joy. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 6 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 6 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST The wise and foolish virgins - Vigilance: the parousia and our death. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 30 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 30 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST Christian Priesthood: the Baptismal Priesthood and the Ministerial Priesthood. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 23 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 23 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST Which commandment in the Law is the greatest? - The Shema Israel and the Golden Rule. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 9 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 9 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST The Mass and the Eternal Wedding Feast. - Being dressed appropriately in grace. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 2 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 2 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST The church, our families and our souls as vineyards of the Lord. - Producing the good fruits of holiness for the Lord. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 25 Sept 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 25 Sept 2011 11:00:00 EST Growing spiritually - Conversion and the experience of God's love. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 18 Sept 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 18 Sept 2011 11:00:00 EST The exodus from exile in this life to the promised land of heaven. - Conversion as an ongoing lifelong process. - It's never too late to begin the exodus and associated ongoing conversion. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 11 Sept 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 11 Sept 2011 11:00:00 EST Forgiveness - When Jesus answered Peter's question and told the parable that we heard in today's gospel, He introduced an almost unimaginable rule of Mercy. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 28 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 28 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST Holiness and the fire within. - The road to heaven. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 21 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST Sun, 21 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST Jesus, the Church, and the power of the Keys. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 14 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST Salvation comes from the Jews. - Being a descendent of Abraham through faith. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 8 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 8 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST Salvation in Jesus Christ in the Church - The importance of community worship. - The importance of private prayer. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 31 July 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 31 July 2011 11:00:00 EST Suffering, our exodus through life to the eternal promised land and the Eucharist. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 10 July 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 10 July 2011 11:00:00 EST The Parable of the sower - What kind of ground am I for God's Word? urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 3 July 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 3 July 2011 11:00:00 EST Faith in Jesus Christ: does God ask us to be infantile? - Faith and reason. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 26 June 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 26 June 2011 11:00:00 EST The Eucharist - The Real Presence - Heaven on earth - Calvary made present. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 12 June 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 12 June 2011 11:00:00 EST Pentecost: The Holy Spirit and transformation. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 29 May 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 29 May 2011 11:00:00 EST The immutability of the Liturgy and the Church's teaching: how does change fit in? - The Holy Spirit in the Liturgy and the Church's teaching. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 22 May 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 22 May 2011 11:00:00 EST Time, eternity, the Liturgy and our discipleship. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 15 May 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 15 May 2011 11:00:00 EST Jesus Christ: the one true shepherd, and the one true gate to the sheep-fold. - Faithful priests as instruments of Christ the Good Shepherd. - Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing! urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 8 May 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 8 May 2011 11:00:00 EST The disciples of Emmaus and the first post-Resurrection Mass. - Lessons in discipleship for us. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 1 May 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 1 May 2011 11:00:00 EST The homily reflects on God's Mercy as evident in both the Old and the New Testament. Reference is made to God's particular blessings given to us through St. Faustina and Blessed John Paul II. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sat, 23 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST Sat, 23 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST A reflection on the fundamental role that the Resurrection and the Ascension play at Mass. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST A reflection on the behaviour of Pilate - In many ways, Pilate is a modern man who would fit very well in today's morally relativistic society ... "what is truth" he asked. Christ rules but only for those committed to and searching for the truth ... He is Truth. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Thurs, 21 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST Thurs, 21 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST Making ourselves present to the Last Supper - It is at Mass that we are nourished with the Passover Lamb of the New Covenant ... that allows us to pass-over the rule of Satan in this world. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 10 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST In the 1st Reading the prophesy points to Baptism, when we rise from spiritual death to partake in the life of God; it also points to spiritual life returning to us after we have sinned through the Sacrament of Confession. In the 2nd reading St. Paul reminds us that ultimately we have a choice of two roads to follow: that of the flesh (life focused on self or the ego), or life focused on God - agape (self donating) love of God and neighbour. In the Gospel reading the raising of Lazarus is Christ's greatest miracle. This miracle reveals Christ's dominion over life and death, and that He will deliver on His promise of resurrection for all those who believe in Him. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 3 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 3 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST In the 1st reading Samuel anoints David as the future king of Israel. In his reign, David was not only king, but also acted as a prophet, and at times carried out the role of God's priest ... thus prefiguring Christ. In our Baptism, we are also called to be priest prophet and king. As the blind man in the Gospel, we need a spiritual awakening in mature faith in order to take a public stand for the Lord. The 2nd reading reminds us that we are called to be Christ's light to the world ... and to be willing to take a public and bold stand for the Lord. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 20 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST Today's readings invite us to ponder the personal call each one of us has from God ... our personal mission in life. We are to be His witnesses and show His light to others because we are His beloved sons and daughters. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 13 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 13 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST The Church readings for the 1st Sunday of Lent focus on temptation, and how to defend ourselves from these spiritual attacks. The 1st reading presents us with the spiritual fall of Adam and Eve through temptation in the Garden of Eden. The Gospel on the other hand presents us with Jesus Christ, the 2nd Adam who resisted Satan's onslaught providing us not only with an example to follow, but also with the means to fend off Satan in our lives. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 27 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 27 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST Jesus tells us should not become consumed with material things or completely tied up in amassing wealth ... these are passing things. He invites us to place our trust in God. We are told that we must seek His kingdom and his righteousness and all else will be given to us. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 20 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 20 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST "...love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." This consists of loving others not because of any relationship ... or because they somehow deserve it ... it is entirely generous, spontaneous and is given without thought of return. To love someone is to want the best for them and we can do that even for our enemies. Jesus is inviting us to lead the kind of life in which this specific kind of love is our motivating force. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 13 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 13 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST God's explicit revelation of His moral Law, and the associated teaching of the Church, is to specify for our consciences what is good and what is evil ... without such objective standards, we can too easily rationalize evil in our lives. God offers us the graces not only to transform our external behaviour, but also our interior dispositions. This is a transformation to holiness which requires not only prayer, but also conscious action on our part to live out God's will. When we strive to live out God's Laws and examine our conscience we should ask ourselves each night 'how did I do in being loving (agape) towards God and my fellow human being?' urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 6 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 6 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST The 1st reading urges us to conversion in order to have a grounded relationship with God ... where the outer form of our faith is accompanied by acts of mercy. It is only by living our faith in this way that we can live out Christ's mission given to us to be "light to the world" ... a world in moral and spiritual darkness. Are we living out this mission? Do we welcome newcomers to our church? Do we live lives any differently from the rest of society? Do we consciously make Christ the priority of our every-day lives? Is there a disconnect between our lives and our worship? urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 30 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 30 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST In the beatitudes that Jesus offers us a way of life that promises eternity in the Kingdom of Heaven. How do we incorporate the Beatitudes into our daily lives? The Beatitudes identify the steps, but we need to be meek like Moses, to be pure in heart, and we need to mourn for our sins. Living the beatitudes, we gain the peace that comes from being close to God. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 23 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 23 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST In Galilee Christ chose his apostles - the embryo of His Church . Through the Church His light would spread - not only to all of Israel and Judea, but to the ends of the earth. Through the Church we enter into the fullest and most intimate relationship possible with God, as offered in the New Covenant by Christ. As God's people, it is our mission to bring Christ's light into the world. To be a credible people, we have to be united. Unity comes about by community living out a bond of agape love. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 16 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 16 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST In this day's Gospel, John the Baptist points to Jesus and dramatically declares: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world". These same words are used at the Communion Rite during Mass. In his homily, Fr. Richard reflects on what is meant by "Lamb of God". urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 9 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 9 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST Until about 50 years ago, baptism was almost totally identified with taking away original sin. While that was and still is true, it is only one part of the sacrament and often a misunderstood part. The 2nd Vatican Council emphasized these three truths about baptism: 1) Baptism is an initiation into the people of God; 2) Baptism is a call to discipleship; and 3) Baptism is a commissioning ... Initiation, call and commissioning. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 2 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST Sun, 2 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST The Magi, astrologers and sorcerers, originated in what is now the Iran/ Iraq border. First reference to a Magi is made in the 22nd chapter of the book of Numbers when the services of Balaam were requested by the Moabites to place a curse on the Israelites. In the 24th chapter Balaam prophesizes "a star shall rise from Jacob, and a staff shall rise from Israel". urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sat, 1 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST Sat, 1 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST In his homily, Fr. Richard reflects on Mary as Queen Mother. To more fully understand Mary's role in the Church and in our lives, we have to consider the Davidic Dynasty kings' in relation to their mothers, or "Gebirah" (Heb). urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sat, 25 Dec 2010 23:00:00 EST Sat, 25 Dec 2010 23:00:00 EST Christ came to remove the shroud of darkness which covered the world (1st reading, Isaiah's prophesy), and to bring us the light of truth ... the truth as to who God is. With Christ, God's revelation of what is right and wrong also came to a deeper fulfilment. When we look at our own society, it is clear that we as a civilization are not following Christ's light, and are thereby reverting back to the darkness of paganism. What is to be our response as Christians to this growing darkness? Our society's defiance of Christ and His light will not stand! The Lord is in charge ... He rules. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 19 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 19 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST In his homily, Fr. Richard provides the context and explanation of Isaiah's prophecy to King Ahaz: "the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel". Christ's coming is not just a historical event ... but is ongoing: He comes to us as Mass, in the sacraments, at prayer time, and hence into our daily lives. Do we interact with Christ in our daily lives? Do we welcome Christ when He knocks on the doors of our hearts? urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 12 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST In responding to John the Baptist's question, Christ revealed that he exceeded the promises of the 1st reading prophesy the (healing the blind, the deaf and the lame), by raising the dead to life. All these miracles were but signs of a much deeper healing offered by Christ to all people: to raise those in spiritual death through sin to spiritual life ... to a closeness to God not available in the Old Testament. Christ came to save us from the ultimate tyrant and oppressor, Satan, and then to lead us to heaven ... the definitive exodus throughout our lives. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 5 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 5 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST The promises God made through Isaiah were fulfilled with the birth of Jesus Christ. His Kingdom is the Church on earth, in heaven and the souls in purgatory. Through Christ's sacramental action in the Church, all of humanity can participate in the life of God. With Christ's second coming, the physical world will be transformed, our bodies will resurrect, and the world will become one of perfect peace and harmony. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 28 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 28 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST The purpose of Advent is to develop a yearning for the coming of Jesus. We do this by strengthening our souls against temptations and against sin. In so doing, these acts then predispose us to receive God's transforming graces so that He can mould us unto Christ. In so doing, these acts then predispose us to receive God's transforming graces so that He can mould us unto Christ. This purpose of Advent is often forgotten in our popular culture with its emphasis on Christmas parties. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 21 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 21 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST Christ is the King of the universe. However, His Kinship over us begins on the cross. It is through His death that mankind is saved, and given access to new life in Him. (This homily was given by Fr. Rad Lojan.) urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 14 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 14 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST In the 1st reading, Malachi prophesized a time of judgement and justice. - a time when the unjust would be burnt-up or destroyed. In today's Gospel, Christ is announcing the coming fulfilment of the prophesies found in the Book of Malachi - the destruction of Jerusalem and its splendid temple. Christ intertwines the destruction of Jerusalem with His 2nd coming in the end times. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 17 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 17 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST Fr. Richard reflects on the three dimensions of the Church: the Church Triumphant (saints in heaven), the Church suffering (souls in purgatory), and the Church militant (us on earth). urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 10 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 10 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST This Gospel reading is about Christ's healing of the ten lepers. This was Thanksgiving Weekend. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 3 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 3 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST The one theme underlying the readings is that of faith. In the present crisis facing us, we are called to emulate the Apostles in this day's Gospel readings and ask Jesus "to increase our faith". urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST The 40 Days for Life campaign was launched September 21st with an uplifting Mass at Saint Patrick's Basilica. Fr. Richard Siok gave a reflective homily. He offered insights into the relevance of Christ's words to the Pharisees 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice' to the Pro-life cause. He also presented practical advice on how to argue against pro-abortion advocates from a human-rights perspective. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 22 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 22 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST By breaking Gods covenant, the people of Jerusalem separated themselves from God. They drove God out of their lives but God did not forget them. They had only to repent and prayerfully await God's action. Our society is no better than the corrupt people in Jerusalem at the time of Isaah. Only a small minority of Catholics come to Church and seek a serious relationship with Christ. Others choose to exile themselves from God and live by the values of the world (present-day Babylon). The 'narrow gate' requires us always to choose fidelity to God above all else, and to persevere in this choice. God allows us to undergo difficulties in order to train us in righteousness, and to help us to mature spiritually. In this way we are forged into the image of His Son. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 15 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 15 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST Why is Mary referred to as the ultimate Arc of the Covenant? Why is She also our Queen? Why is the Church under attack? What is the significance, and what lessons can we draw from this important Feast for our lives? Fr. Richard Siok's homily discusses these questions. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 8 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 8 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST Today's readings teach us that it is not enough to say that we believe in God, the bible, and Church teachings. These are important, but not enough. For God to be effectively present in our lives, we must strive to live out our faith. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 1 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 1 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST While on this lifelong pilgrimage, it is part of our Baptismal mission to develop and nurture the life Christ and God's presence within us. We must detach ourselves from a meaningless life. When we are detached from material things we can be receptive to God's graces of renewal: graces which transform us more and more unto Christ's image, allowing us to grow as temples of God's presence already in this world. As Christians, we are not to have a disdainful attitude towards the secular humanists. Christ commanded us to teach them, to share our convictions with them through the examples of our lives, and through our words. If you love God, you love your neighbour. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 25 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST If we are part of Christ's remnant, He joins our prayers in a particular way at His intercessions before the Father. To grow closer to Christ is to conform our wills to His. We die to our self wills and allow Christ to be more and more within us. Hence what we pray for is what Christ wants for us. - it is He who prays within us. Prayer does not preclude the necessity for us to bear fruit through work and the development of our talents - work and pray as per the motto of St. Benedict. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 18 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST Christ is the fulfillment of all the Old Testament Passover sacrifices: saving us from spiritual death and opening the way to our Promised Land in heaven. The famous icon by Andrei Rublev entitled "The Hospitality of Abraham", in essence represents the Eucharist, the core of God's plan for our redemption. If we don't nourish ourselves spiritually with a one on one relationship with Christ (example on Mary of Bethany), we will run dry spiritually which will show itself at Mass and during prayer. An Examen Prayer is helpful in integrating our daily life, work and routines in our relationship to Jesus. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 11 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 11 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST The Hebrews did not succeed in living out the Law of Deuteronomy. Hence God had to intervene personally by sending His own Son. It is only in and through Christ can we can unconditionally love God, and hence truly extend agape-love to others. This is the major reason why we come to the Eucharist. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 20 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST The crisis in Christianity today is in large measure related to the cross. The principal that there is an objective right and wrong is rejected by many. For our own good (even materialistically speaking) we need conversion. This conversion process entails establishing a personal goal of allowing Christ to grow His personal presence within us. This is done by faithfully following God's commandments, Christ's teachings and participating in a rich sacramental life. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 13 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST Sin leads to death (physical and spiritual). Christ, being God, died for the sins of each man so we would not have to die. The only suitable response on our part is self giving (agape) love. How to we respond to Christ's love...is it measured? urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 6 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 6 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST At the Offertory we are called to humbly offer ourselves along with our spiritual needs and frailties. Then, just like the bread and wine is transfigured into the Body and Blood of Christ, so our lives can progressively share in Christ's divinity in an ever more profound manner (provided we have the proper disposition). The Corpus Christi procession is a public acknowledgement of the presence of Christ in our midst in the form of bread, as well as the redeeming action of this Presence in our lives. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 30 May 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 30 May 2010 11:00:00 EST Many of us identify ourselves as being Christians, but most in point of fact reject the cross: sacrifices, sufferings and even inconveniences are set aside. Christ's words are clear - Christianity without the cross is a sham: to be my disciple you must take up your cross and follow me. It is through perseverance in affliction that God's grace can mould us unto the image of the Son. It is through suffering, when we're open and united to Christ that we truly become vessels worthy of the Trinity's presence to the world. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 23 May 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 23 May 2010 11:00:00 EST The first Pentecost coincided with the Jewish Pentecost. The Christian Pentecost is the fulfillment of the Jewish Pentecost. Receiving the Holy Spirit does not mean that we stop sinning...but it opens up the path to greater freedom as we strive to live out God's will in our lives, provided that we are reconciled to the Lord and strive to live out His will consciously. Then the Holy Spirit's presence in our souls grows...and the greater the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, the more we are conformed to Christ. We are all called to be a witness to Christ and to do this we require the help of the Holy Spirit. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 16 May 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 16 May 2010 11:00:00 EST We can only evangelize effectively if we allow Christ to act through us...on our own, we can accomplish nothing. God endowed each of us with unique talents, personality and energy. We must thus discover our own individual approach to witnessing for Christ so that He can speak and act effectively through us. Witnessing to Christ always means being counter - cultural. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 9 May 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 9 May 2010 11:00:00 EST John's Gospel is full of reminders that Jesus came to reveal to us the true nature of God...He is the Word of God. As Catholics we are called to defend life from conception to natural death. God is the God of life. The venerable Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty wrote that the most important person on earth is a mother...she has built a dwelling for an immortal soul. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 2 May 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 2 May 2010 11:00:00 EST Suffering is ever present reality of human existence. Despite any difficulties, anxieties, rejections or illness we may face, we are to be joyful! If we posses Christ,we possess everything: the Holy Trinity, the whole Heavenly Host and the Communion of Saints which are made present at every Mass. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 11 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 11 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST Divine Mercy is the expression of God's agape love for us, both individually and as a people. In the confessional, the priest acts in Persona Christi. This Sacrament is an inexhaustible source of God's Mercy throughout our lives. The full font of God's graces is available to us on an ongoing basis at the Eucharist. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 03 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 03 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST All Sacraments turn past biblical history into present graces. The Easter Vigil homily. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 27 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 27 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST Fr. Siok explains the Triduum. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST When we live out our faith and there is a presence of Christ within us (in the sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation) there is no need to fear death, not spiritual death or physical death, because in Christ's second coming our bodies will be glorified and returned to us. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST The blind man did not hesitate to stand up for Christ, and was rewarded by a growing spiritual awareness of the Messiah. We are called to do the same. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 21 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST Temptation to sin is a constant in life. If we encounter Christ regularly through the sacraments, He will help us to overcome temptation. All sin is choosing the creature over God. Lent is the privileged time to detach ourselves from these creatures, and in so doing to attach ourselves more closely to God. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST God invites all of us to a personal relationship with Him. This requires us to undergo two types of purification: of the senses, and of the soul (intellect and will). urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST Christ came to announce a New Exodus - liberation not from foreign oppression, but from the cause of all oppression, Satan and sin. Just like Jeremiah, we are called to be faithful to our Baptismal promises of being prophets - we are either faithful to Christ or against Him. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 24 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST If we seek God's mercy for our spiritual debts, we must also be merciful towards others. We must also be willing to share our faith (gently and respectfully) with others thereby leading them to Christ. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 17 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 17 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST Mary shows us how to be a model disciple when she focuses on the needs of others, helps them through Her intercession, and tells others to do what Christ tells them. When I pray, do I just focus on my needs and those of my family, or do I bring the needs of others to God? urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 10 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 10 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST Jesus was praying as He was Baptized accepting humanity's guilt - in anticipation of the Cross where our sins would be washed away. Christ's Baptism also anticipates His resurrection when the Father's words were heard. At our Baptism, we not only join Christ in His Baptism, but also at the Cross where we benefit from the life-cleansing waters which flowed from His side. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 03 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST Sun, 03 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST We are called to be sources of Christ's light to those around us through the live we lead, and through our words. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 25 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST Sun, 25 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST Christ gave us His all in coming to us in the creche; our only appropriate response is to give our entire being totally to Him. In this way He can flower ever more powerfully and completely within us, and speak more clearly and effectively, through us, in the world. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST Sun, 13 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST God's relationship with the entire human race is established and maintained on the basis of His relationship with a chosen few: with those who have given themselves up to Him, and in whom God finds His delight thereby allowing Him to shower His mercy on the human race. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 06 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST Sun, 06 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST Isaiah announced a new joyful Exodus. We embark on such an Exodus when we seek to meet Christ: through the Sacraments, prayer, devotions, etc. In this way Christ will level our mountains of vice and pride, and fill the valleys of temptation and spiritual woundedness. Like John the Baptist we must proclaim Christ to those confused and distracted by worldly events. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST We must "learn to make still greater progress", and not remain idle. While we wait for Christ's Coming, we should not live succumbing to worldly indulgences, but always keep Christ in our minds. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST This Feast reminds us that we won't find peace and security within ourselves until we live out the purpose for which we were created: to live in union with Christ, to live in union with God. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST We must be constantly vigilant to meet our merciful Judge at the unknown time of our death; similarly we must always be prepared for the unknown moment of Christ's 2nd coming. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 07 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST Sun, 07 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST True spiritual humility truthfully recognizes our dependence on God, and trusting on His solicitude. Everything we accumulate is transient, so make sure to gather up for yourself heavenly treasures. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST The saints are those who lived the beatitudes...the beatitudes are the constitution of the perfect Christian life... beyond external behaviour, more importantly internal disposition... in order to live such a life to the fullest. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST At Mass, Christ offers Himself in a more intimate union surpassing that which was available to Bartimaeus. Like Bartimaeus we have to have zeal to cry out to Jesus that He cure us from our spiritual blindness, so that we can follow Him to the eternal Jerusalem. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST Christ came to establish a life of service where we offer up all aspects of our lives, especially our sufferings. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST Jesus came to transform us interiorly with His graces, so that we not only obey the commandments in our exterior behaviour, but to interiorize the commandments and in so doing bring out their full meaning. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST Lord Jesus, heal us from our selfishness and self-centeredness. Strengthen our bond with the gift of agape love. Make the union of our married couples ever more an icon of the life of the Blessed Trinity. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST As Christians we have to accept the challenge to be holy and bring Christ to others. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST Sun, 20 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST "Let us test the righteous one". The difference between the godly and the ungodly. urn:uuid:3053C842-33FC-47C6-B710-D823C98292A7 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST