Food For Sinners

Message from Fr. Jose Koluthara, C.M.I.

Lord Jesus, have mercy on me a sinner; come to my heart and reign in me. Amen.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

“Do this in remembrance of me”. With these words (2nd reading, 1Cor. 11:23-26) and the gift of himself – body and blood in the form of bread and wine – Jesus left another means (besides the Paraclete) by which he would remain always present to his own. He gave himself as real food and real drink, and just as food is a biological necessity for life, so the body and blood of Jesus have become forever necessary for our participation in the life of God and life of the believing community.

In his teachings, Jesus often imaged the kingdom or reign of God in terms of meals. Recall the parables of the wedding feast (Mt 22:1-14; Lk.14:15-24), the ten virgins (Mt. 25:1-13), the faithful servants (Lk. 12:35-48), the locked door (Lk. 13:22-30), the lost son (Lk. 15:11-32) the rich man and Lazarus (Lk. 16:19-31) and the servant (Lk. 17:7-10). All these anticipated the special meals and the gift of himself as Eucharist that we remember and celebrate today. After breaking bread that night with his friends and after being broken in death risen Jesus appeared to his followers amid an ambience of meal sharing. Recall the longer ending of Mark (16:14-18), wherein Jesus is featured as appearing to the eleven while they are eating. Recall, as well, the Emmaus sharing (Lk. 24:13-35), the meal of baked fish in Jerusalem (Lk. 24:36-49) and the grilled breakfast by the sea of Tiberias (Jn. 21:1-13).

Six times within the course of the four Gospels, the evangelists tell us of the open-air meal Jesus provided for the multitudes. Today’s Gospel offers the praying assembly the Lucan version of this meal and renews the challenge of Jesus to his first disciples, “Why do you not give them something to eat yourselves?” As this question is asked again in our hearing, it reminds all who are fed by Jesus’ most-holy body and blood that the satisfaction of our spiritual and physical hungers by Jesus prepares us and makes us responsible for seeking out, serving and satisfying the hungers of others… as he did. In order to do this we must be willing to return again and again to this holy place where food for sinners is freely given. This holy food, this Eucharist, is not a food we merit. We do not have to become worthy before we share it. Rather, this is a food that makes us worthy, a food that tells us with every taste that God is good, that Jesus loves us beyond all telling and even more importantly, that Jesus remains forever present in our eating and sharing.

Happy are those called to His supper Jesus has given us His Body to eat and His Blood to drink so as to nourish us on our journey towards the Kingdom. May we be faithful to him on our journey as a married, single, ordained or consecrated person. If God is calling you, contact Fr. Hansoo Park 416-968-0997 Email vocations@vocations.ca or visit www.vocationstoronto.ca

Trinitarian Experience

Message from Fr. Jose Koluthara, C.M.I.

Holy Trinity, One God, help us trust in the Father, make us love like the Son and inspire us to listen to the Spirit.  Amen.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In the month of June, as spring moves into summer, a new season of the liturgical year is also beginning. Called Ordinary Time, this season is introduced on its first two Sundays by two feasts of dogma, that of the Trinity and that of the Eucharist. But, what is dogma and what does it have to do with the ever-changing seasons of our world and our lives? As defined by the church, dogma is a doctrine promulgated with the highest authority and solemnity. Today, the praying assembly celebrates the dogma of the Trinity, and in our celebrating, all present are invited to pass through dogma’s gateway so as to be fully and freely immersed in the mystery of Trinity.

Through the centuries, many have attempted to explain the dogmas and enunciate the mystery of Trinity in a variety of ways. Some have offered symbols intended to elucidate the three-in-oneness of God. An equilateral triangle, three interwoven circles, a trefoil, three fish formed into a circle, a shamrock – all have been held forth, at one time or another, as illustrations of Trinity.

Only at the end of the fourth century did the early theologians formulate what would thereafter stand as the Trinitarian dogma: “Father, Son and Holy Spirit are consubstantial, one Godhead, one power, one substance, of equal dignity and majesty, but in three perfect hypostases or persons”. In subsequent centuries, church Fathers, Doctors and mystics have attempted to explain the mystery and guide the faithful to a greater understanding of Trinity.

But understanding does not necessarily lead to contemplation, and contemplation, as author Flannery O’Connor (1925-1964) suggested, is the only worthy response to the mystery we celebrate today. It could be said that explanations are perhaps of less importance than experience. Our knowledge of God as Trinity is made possible by God, who has chosen to be revealed as Mother, Father, Son and Brother, and as living, loving Spirit. As parent, God has brought forth the created universe and even our very selves. As Son and Brother, Jesus has made known a God who hears our cries, who cares, who counts the hairs on our head and who loves so passionately as to become one of us, to suffer, for our sins, to die that we may live. As Spirit, God remains with and within us. These are the experiences of Trinity; these experiences become known in prayer, they are solidified and palpable through contemplation.

The Most Holy Trinity Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Listen to what Jesus says: “When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” What is the 'truth' of your life? How can you best serve God? If God is calling you, contact Fr. Hansoo Park Phone 416-968-0997 Email vocations@vocations.ca or visit www.vocationstoronto.ca

 

POPE’S  PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR JUNE

Respect for Human Life

General: That every national and transnational institution may strive to guarantee respect for human life from conception to natural death.

The Churches in Asia

Missionary: That the Churches in Asia, which constitute a “little flock” among non-Christian populations, may know how to communicate the Gospel and give joyful witness to their adherence to Christ.

Wind and Fire

Message from Fr. Jose Koluthara, C.M.I.

Risen Lord, fill us with your spirit to promote unity, understanding and peace amidst people. Amen.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Anyone who has had the experience of the hurricane knows the fright and awe it can inspire, as well as the strength it can wield. The phenomenon of fire is the same way. Each year, uncontrolled blazes sweep across acres of many countries, leaving behind scars of ash and ruin as reminders of their devastating power. Either of these natural phenomena can strike dread into the human heart-so it may seem surprising and even a little strange that these two forces, wind and fire, are the symbols of the Spirit, the symbols of the feast of Pentecost.

As the praying assembly will hear in today’s first reading from Acts (2:1-11) those first believers in Jesus had gathered in one place (probably the Upper Room) to wait and pray. While the “wind” came gently to the disciples through the breath of Jesus at Easter, it came forcefully upon the community at Pentecost (Acts). Could it be the same wind that swept across the dark waters on the very first of all mornings (Genesis 1)? Then, as now, the wind was blowing with life; a new creation was coming forth. Then. It was the creation of an ordered universe and the creation of humankind by God’s own breath (Genesis 2:7). Now at Easter and at Pentecost (Acts) it is the creation of a community ready to go public with the good news of salvation and God’s gift of forgiveness for a waiting, needy world.

Tongues of fire were also sent to ignite the church’s mission of proclamation. All present, regardless of their varying backgrounds and different languages – every one understood. Wind and fire signalled that the role of the church was to gather together all things in heaven and on earth into a unity of mutual respect and understanding in Christ. This unity, explains David Knight, is not a uniformity that negates or destroys the richness of diversity. It is a unity of Spirit that brought into being a diverse and pluralistic first-century church.

According to the measure that the wind and fire of the Spirit remain active in the 21st century church, we will continue to promote unity, understanding and peace between different races and genders, between different ethnic groups, between people divided by different beliefs and ideologies. The wind and fire of Pentecost, suggested Henri Nouwen in his book “Jesus, A Gospel”, lift the whole mystery of salvation out of its particularities and form it into something inclusive of all peoples, all countries, all seasons, all eras.

 

Come Holy Spirit… "Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love." Send forth workers into your vineyard. May some of our parishioners choose to serve you by becoming priests, brothers and sisters If God is calling you, contact Fr. Hansoo Park 416-968-0997 Email vocations@vocations.ca or visit www.vocationstoronto.ca

Ordination of  Rev. Luis Manuel Calleja Jr. at St. Michael’s Cathedral, May 15, 2010.

Jesus’ Continuing Mission

Message from Fr. Jose Koluthara, C.M.I.

Risen Lord, fill us with your spirit to continue your mission and to bring the good news to every heart. Amen.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Two versions of Jesus’ ascension are set before the praying assembly today, in the text from Acts (1:1-11) and in the Gospel (Lk. 24:46-53). Both include the essential kerygma; both include the promise of the Spirit as the powerful and ever-present enabler of Jesus’ continuing mission through the church. Both include the statement that Jesus was taken up from earth to heaven and both include the charge of the risen Jesus that his own should be witnesses of who he was and what he did before the world. However, they serve two different functions. The Gospel version of Jesus’ return to glory functions as a doxology that concludes the Lucan telling of the Good News, and the Acts account serves to introduce the mission of the church.

Notice also, that while the Gospel recounts the ascension of Jesus on Easter Sunday evening, Luke, in Acts, has chosen to separate the ascension from the resurrection by a period of 40 days. This enables Luke to establish his own historical-theological framework, with its post-Easter instruction of the apostles stretched over a 40-day period.

What did the disciples learn from the risen Jesus during their special time with him? Did the reality of his resurrection take hold of them? Did they begin to perceive him as truly alive? Did they come to realize that the Jesus who died on the cross was the same Jesus who rose and appeared among them? Were they becoming cognizant of their place in God’s plan of salvation and the responsibilities they would assume after Jesus’ returning to glory?

After the disciples had spent so much time with the risen Jesus, their question to him about the restoration of the rule of Israel (Acts 1:6) may seem imperceptive. It may be, however, that Luke included the question to renew in his readers the hope for the kingdom. Without quashing their hopes, the risen Jesus reminded his own that the exact time was not theirs to know. Rather, their job was to witness to his truth, work that could be empowered and directed by the Spirit. Luke ably recounted that work in Acts so as to inspire future generations to continue to do as their ancestors had done – to bring the good news to every heart!

YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES The Lord said, “…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Pray for an increase of vocations to the ordained and consecrated life. If God is calling you, contact Fr. Hansoo Park 416-968-0997 Email vocations@vocations.ca or visit www.vocationstoronto.ca

 

"Priesthood is the Love of the Heart of Jesus" On Saturday, May 15, His Grace, Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto presided at the ceremony celebrating the ordination of five new priests for service to the community of the Archdiocese of Toronto. Please keep them in your prayers. They are: 1 - Rev. Luis Manuel Calleja Jr. (Rev. Luis was baptised in St. Edith Stein Parish and will concelebrate mass with us next Sunday). 2 - Rev. Kim D'Souza 3 - Rev. Silvio Eljuga 4 - Rev. Landorff José García Mariona 5 - Rev. Bartlomiej Palczewski Photos and bios

Continuing Action of the Spirit

Message from Fr. Jose Koluthara, C.M.I.

Blow in us, O Spirit of God, as we prepare to celebrate your continued presence with us and within us.  Amen.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today’s readings remind us of the gift of the abiding Spirit. The action of the Spirit transformed our ancestors in the faith, strengthening them for the work of evangelization and encouraging them in times of doubt, difficulty, conflict or persecution. It plotted their path for the growth of the Christian community. But some of us are perhaps less aware of the continuing action of the Spirit in the Church today. Is it because the Spirit continually challenges believers to practice discernment? Is it because we think we will be caught off-guard by what the Spirit might say?

The scripture selections will enable us to see how the early church dealt with similar issues and to appreciate some of the principles of discernment that they developed under the aegis of the Spirit. Jesus in today’s Gospel (Jn 14:23-29) establishes the Spirit as God’s gift sent in Jesus’ name to remind the church of all that Jesus said and taught. An attitude of welcome is necessary on the part of all believers to benefit from this gift. This welcome should express itself in the form of constant collective and private prayer besides having a willingness to be surprised.

A second principle is suggested in today’s 1st reading from Acts (15:1-2, 22-29). Don’t backpedal, don’t attempt to restrict the action of the Spirit. After the Cornelius event (Acts. 10-11) and the Spirit-driven, landmark decision to accept gentiles, some wanted to impose Mosaic practice on gentiles as a requisite for salvation. After considerable dissension and controversy, the church agreed to gather, tapped into the power of the ever-present Spirit and decided not to burden the gentile converts “beyond that which is strictly necessary”.

In this post Vatican II era, we must allow the Spirit, so much in evidence at that Council, to continue to move us to realize its insights, decisions, reforms and renewals. Rather than backpedal or ignore or even deny the movement of the Spirit, let us be as bold as a Paul, a Peter, a Barnabas or a John XXIII.

To encourage our continued openness to the Spirit author Murray Bodo, a Franciscan priest, shares the following: “…from time to time, there is an unexpected, sudden revelation or shining forth of God,… call it insight, epiphany, the presence of the Spirit... because of that moment, all the rest of my days are changed permanently.”

WE WILL COME TO HIM… Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him. How will I respond to that love? Am I being called to the priesthood or religious life? If God is calling you, contact Fr. Hansoo Park 416-968-0997 or send an email to vocations@vocations.ca or visit www.vocationstoronto.ca If God is calling you, contact Fr. Hansoo Park 416-968-0997 Email vocations@vocations.ca or visit www.vocationstoronto.ca

 

"Priesthood is the Love of the Heart of Jesus" On Saturday, May 15, the Archdiocese of Toronto will celebrate the ordination of five new priests for service to the community. His Grace, Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, will preside at the ceremony, which will take place at St. Michael’s Cathedral. Please keep them in your prayers. They are: - 1 - Rev Mr. Luis Manuel Calleja Jr., 31, was born and raised in Toronto (baptised in St. Edith Stein Parish and will celebrate mass with us on May 23). - 2 - Rev Mr. Kim D'Souza, 27, was born into an Indian family living in Nigeria. - 3 - Rev Mr. Silvio Eljuga, 41, was born in Zagreb, Croatia. - 4 - Rev Mr. Landorff José García Mariona, 34, was born in San Salvador City, El Salvador. - 5 - Rev Mr. Bartlomiej Palczewski, 32, was born and raised in Poland. Visit the Archdiocese of Toronto website for photos and their brief biographies.

Living Gospels

Message from Fr. Jose Koluthara, C.M.I.

Risen Lord,  help us bring the good news to life and allow it to speak God’s love to all the unloved as well as the unlovable. Amen.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This Sunday, as we continue our look back at our beginnings, we are reminded that the quality and character by which we are to be known and identified as Jesus’ own is the love that we have for one another. Love compelled Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:21-27, first reading) to persevere in carrying the message of salvation to as many places and people as possible. Love is the atmosphere that pervades the Seer’s vision (Rev. 21:1-5, second reading) of the new Jerusalem wherein the presence of God, who is Love, obviates all suffering, sorrow and pain. In today’s gospel (Jn 13:31-33, 34-35), Jesus makes it clear that truly authentic Christian love must be more than mere words; love must become a way of life.

In order to affirm the absolute necessity of genuine love for living an authentically Christian life, Anglican Canon William Barcus, in an address delivered to a Nashville, TN, audience (1988), cited a 1944 photo essay published in Life magazine. The subject of the essay was the red foxes of Holmes County, Ohio. One Saturday about 600 men and women and their children got together and formed a big circle, five miles across. They all carried sticks and started walking into the woods and fields, yelling and baying to frighten the foxes out of their lairs. Inside this diminishing circle, the foxes ran to and fro, tired and frightened. A number of them were killed on the spot. Finally as the circle grew smaller and smaller, down to a few yards, the remaining foxes went to the centre and lay down, for they didn’t know what else to do. But the men and women knew what to do. They hit these dying wounded with their clubs until they were dead.

While his listeners dried their eyes, wet with sympathy, Barcus continued “I stand before you today, as one weary of running, as one wounded myself” (Barcus was suffering from AIDS and all the surrounding stigma).
“My people are being destroyed, and your people and all our people together… not only by an illness called AIDS but by a darker illness called hatred… The Christ, Jesus, the compassionate Lord of Life and Lord of more forgiveness and Lord of more hope is the one we have vowed to follow and be ultimately guided by. Sadly, too many of these sick have wondered if they had any alternative but to go to the centre of the circle and lie down and die. Where are you in the circle? Where are we? Where would Christ be?”

A NEW COMMANDMENT… The new commandment of love is required of every one who follows the risen Lord. How do you fulfill the commandment? If God is calling you, contact Fr. Hansoo Park 416-968-0997 Email vocations@vocations.ca or visit www.vocationstoronto.ca

 

 

CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK

May 2-7, 2010 “Rejoicing in Hope”

Our parish Catholic schools invite parishioners to join them in celebrating Catholic Education Week 2010 this week. During this week, the Catholic community celebrates the distinctive contribution that Catholic schools make to our students, our community, our society and to the province at large. Catholic education continues to integrate Gospel values into every aspect of the school’s life and curriculum.

Thanks to all those who provide leadership in our Catholic schools. We pray for all educators and students, giving thanks to God for all those who faithfully spread the Good News.

Tracking the Movement of the Spirit

Message from Fr. Jose Koluthara, C.M.I.

Risen Lord, help us find a lasting home with you and all those who have gone before us, tracking the path of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

One of the advantages of tracking hurricanes is the possibility of preparedness; knowledge of the storm’s path and power allows those in close proximity to travel a predetermined escape route to safety. A very different type of “tracking” is set before the praying assembly today. We, the 21st century disciples of Jesus, are invited to track how the great and powerful breath of the Spirit moved the church’s mission slowly but surely beyond Judah to the rest of the then known world. The inevitable spread of the Gospel and the amazing growth of the church in apostolic times prove tiny beginnings can result in astonishing ends.

In the 1st reading (Acts 13:14, 43-52) we see Paul Barnabas and others working diligently to bring the good news to all of Jesus’ sheep (Gospel, John 10:27-30). We shall follow their movements when they are met with welcome as well as when their best efforts are rejected. We shall marvel as the universal embrace of the Gospel reaches out to gentiles as well as Jews. We shall learn what it means to persevere despite persecution and we will be challenged to ask ourselves, if we see any reflection of those first evangelizers in our own efforts for the sake of the Gospel.

Do we rejoice as they did at the very thought of proclaiming the good news and witnessing to its truth, justice and love? Can we set aside, as they did, our preconceptions, our racial biases, our penchant for judging the worthiness or not of others? Can we persist in embracing Gospel values and in living lives that will necessarily contribute to our lack of popularity within the current culture.

As we reconnect at this time each year with those who have gone before us in the faith and as we track their efforts and measure ourselves against the standards they set, we are also to be encouraged, as they were, by the visions of John the Seer (Revelation, 2nd reading for Easter 4,5,6). To those first evangelizers and to us, John’s visions hold out the hope that when, at last, our lives have been spent in service of the Gospel, we shall find a lasting home with God and Jesus and all those who have gone before us, tracking the path plotted by the Spirit, wherever, whenever and however it may lead.

AM I BEING CALLED? How am I being called to feed the lambs of Jesus? Could it be as an ordained or consecrated person? If God is calling you, contact Fr. Hansoo Park 416-968-0997 Email vocations@vocations.ca or visit www.vocationstoronto.ca

 

FEED MY SHEEP… In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells Peter again and again, “If you love Me, feed my sheep.” He says the same to each of us, “If you love Me, use the gifts I have given you to serve your brothers and sisters.”