WEEK 11 02 Excelling in Faith: Forgiveness, Compassion and Generosity (2 Cor 8:1-9; Ps 146; Mt 5:43-48) ******************************************************* “You have heard it said, but I say to you …” With that simple statement, Jesus opens up a whole new way of being in this world for us – to make both forgiveness and compassion our […]

HOMILY WEEK 11 01 – Year I Going the Extra Mile (2 Cor 6:1-10; Ps 98; Mt 5:38-42) *********************************** What do the readings today and the 12 Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous have in common? The answer in one word is “service” although expressed differently. For Jesus in the gospel, it is “going a second […]

TRINITY SUNDAY – YEAR CA Triune God Who Suffers (Proverbs 8:22-31; Psalm 8; Romans :1-5; John 16:12-15) ******************************************************** Every year the northern and western Canadian bishops invite a resource person to address them at their plenary. In 2007 Dr. Hannah Kassis, an expert on Islam, was asked to speak about the culture and religion of […]

HOMILY WEEK 10 06 Newly Minted Ambassadors of Reconciliation (2 Cor 5:14-21; Ps 103; Mt 5:33-37) ************************************************ A young boy wanted to be alone with his newly born little sister. Curious, his parents stood by the door to listen, and heard him say to his baby sister, “Quick, tell me about God. I’m starting to […]

HOMILY WEEK 10 05 Yr I Holiness and Fidelity (2 Cor 4:7-15; Ps 116; Mt 5:27-32) ************************************** “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away!” “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off!” What are we to make of these harsh sayings on the part of […]

Week 10 04 Living A Transformative Faith Memorial: St. Anthony of Padua (2 Cor 3:15-4:6; Ps 85; Mt 5:20-26) ****************************************** What do you make of Paul’s focus on “glory” in the first reading today? The message he is earnestly trying to communicate to the Corinthians, and to us, is to allow our faith in Jesus […]

WEEK 10 03 Ministers of a New Covenant (2 Cor 3:4-11; Ps 99; Matt 5:17-19) ************************************** Would you like to be given new very important role in your life? You already have one – just believe it and be ministers of a new covenant. Those who are married will perhaps understand this message more easily. […]

MEMORIAL – ST BARNABAS Returning to our Roots of Faith (Acts 11:21-26, 13:1-3; Ps 98; Mt 10:7-13) *************************************** The readings today, and this memorial of St. Barnabas, brings to mind a four-year renewal process we developed in our Archdiocese of Keewatin-The Pas years ago that was designed to involve everyone in the archdiocese. Based on […]

HOMILY – WEEK 10 01 Memorial: Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church (Gen 32:9-15,20; Judith 13:18-20; Jn 19:25-27) ************************************************* Take a moment to think of your mother. What thoughts come to mind, and what feelings flood your heart? Hopefully gratitude, warmth, tenderness, affection, and compassion for her limitations, etc. Now think of Mary, Mother […]