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By Fr. Paul Robson sj

Happy feast of Saint Ignatius! (Almost! We can celebrate this Wednesday, July 31 st .)

Ignatius (or Iñigo) was born in Loyola, Spain, in 1491. He had a spiritual conversion experience at the age of 29 or 30, while lying in bed after a cannonball had shattered his leg. Later, he and his companions formed the Society of Jesus, which was approved by Pope Paul III in 1540. Ignatius became the new religious order’s first Superior General. He died in Rome on July 31, 1556, and was canonized a saint in 1622.

In Ignatius’ autobiography, concerning the conversion experience after the cannonball injury, we read the following: “Little by little he came to recognize the difference between the spirits that agitated him, one from the demon, the other from God.” Similarly, in the Spiritual Exercises, he writes about movements that arise in one’s soul – and some of these movements come from the good spirit, some from the evil spirit. Ignatius wrote down some rules “for recognizing those [movements] that are good to admit them, and those that are bad, to reject them.” Let us pray that we might live lives which follow the promptings of the good spirit, and not those of the evil spirit.

Here in Wiikwemkoong, and around much of Manitoulin and the North Shore, our Catholic parishes can be considered Jesuit parishes, under the patronage and protection of St. Ignatius. St. Ignatius, guide us and pray for us!

Role and Commitment of the Disciple

By Rosella Kinoshameg DOS

Luke’s gospel tells us about Jesus’ beginning journey to Jerusalem, “set his face” means with resolve and single minded purpose, to fulfill his destiny – to his eventual crucifixion and resurrection.

Jesus did not travel alone, and as he travels, he teaches as he leads his followers. James and John, the same disciples who asked to sit at Jesus's right and left (i.e., next in command), wanted to call divine wrath on the Samaritan village. In rebuking them, Jesus teaches a very important lesson by demonstrating love, not vengeance, towards
the Samaritans.

Jesus’ words sound harsh to potential followers but his words make an important point about discipleship. The journey with him is not an easy one. Jesus says to go and proclaim the kingdom of God. This is our Christian vocation and must be our first priority.

There is uncertainty, but we must trust God to provide and not worry about needs, keep our focus. “The Son of God has nowhere to lay his head” means this is a mobile ministry. Discipleship requires a clear understanding of our role and commitment: to serve, and to trust in the Lord is the highest priority.

Let us pray and ask God for strength to accept his invitation to follow. As the journey will not be easy, let the Holy Spirit be our guide to keep us focused on our journey and the importance of love, so that we will come closer to God.

By Paul Robson sj

Today we celebrate the Feast, or the Solemnity, of the Body and Blood of Christ. Considering that this is our focus, what Gospel reading do you think would be the most appropriate for today’s Mass?

The story of the Last Supper might come to mind. On that occasion, gathered around the table with his disciples, Jesus took the bread and blessed it and broke it, and said, “This is my body…” We do what they
did, and receive the Body and Blood of Jesus, when we gather for Mass.

That Last Supper story would indeed be a good Gospel reading for today. However, the Gospel that we read and hear today is not that one, but is the story sometimes referred to as “the feeding of the five thousand”. This passage about the five thousand might be less of an obvious choice than the Last Supper, for today’s Feast. Upon further reflection, though, it too is appropriate.

In the story of the feeding of the five thousand, the people receive a great gift and blessing from Jesus. He blesses a small amount of bread and fish, and somehow, miraculously, a great crowd is fed. We might say that Jesus is doing most of the work here, and he is; but there is also participation from
others, who bring the bit of food that is available, and who help to distribute the bread and the fish.

Something similar happens when we celebrate the Eucharist. We receive a great gift, but our participation is also important. God takes our small offerings of bread and wine, and transforms them. Likewise God takes our small offerings of our selves, of our hearts, and transforms us.

Let us pray that we might be open today to receiving this great gift, the gift of Jesus.

By Fr. Paul Robson sj

Today we celebrate the Feast, or the Solemnity, of the Body and Blood of Christ. Considering that this is our focus, what Gospel reading do you think would be the most appropriate for today’s Mass?

The story of the Last Supper might come to mind. On that occasion, gathered around the table with his disciples, Jesus took the bread and blessed it and broke it, and said, “This is my body…” We do what they
did, and receive the Body and Blood of Jesus, when we gather for Mass.
That Last Supper story would indeed be a good Gospel reading for today. However, the Gospel that we read and hear today is not that one, but is the story sometimes referred to as “the feeding of the five thousand”. This passage about the five thousand might be less of an obvious choice than the Last Supper, for today’s Feast. Upon further reflection, though, it too is appropriate.

In the story of the feeding of the five thousand, the people receive a great gift and blessing from Jesus. He blesses a small amount of bread and fish, and somehow, miraculously, a great crowd is fed. We might say that Jesus is doing most of the work here, and he is; but there is also participation from
others, who bring the bit of food that is available, and who help to  distribute the bread and the fish.

Something similar happens when we celebrate the Eucharist. We receive a great gift, but our participation is also important. God takes our small offerings of bread and wine, and transforms them.

Likewise God takes our small offerings of our selves, of our hearts, and transforms us.

Let us pray that we might be open today to receiving this great gift, the gift of Jesus.

By Fr. Jim Kelly SJ

“Justice: administration of what is just especially by the impartial judgement of conflicting claims”

Today’s Gospel reading from John about the woman caught in adultery has to do with justice. Some scribes and Pharisees bring a woman in front of the crowd and in front of Jesus and demand justice. She was caught “in the very act of adultery”. According to the Law, both religious and civil, “Moses commanded us to stone such women.”

Two things: First, they “make her stand before the people”. In doing so they have humiliated her and turned the crowd into a mob. Second, they have selected the offense. They want her judged without any mention of the man she was caught with “in the very act.” They do not want justice, they want blood.

So often, even today, people will say they want justice when in fact they are acting out of hatred, racism, sexism, anger, bigotry, or even a thirst for blood.

Jesus’ response is a good guide if we find ourselves caught up in such a situation. He steps back and pauses. In fact he seems to ignore the angry cries as he writes with his finger in the sand. Then: “Let anyone who is among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.”

Recently, in a complicated situation, Canada’s Minister of Justice resigned from her position, saying that she had to be faithful to her ethics and to what is just. A couple of days ago the Prime Minister asked her to leave her Party’s caucus, because she had broken trust. Not to ask who was right or wrong, but how did you react to these things? Did you react as part of a mob, or out of bias or anger, or did you genuinely quieten yourself, and pause and reflect on what is truly right and just?

It matters a great deal. In a few days, on Passion Sunday and again on Good Friday, we will stand and hear the account of Jesus, an innocent man, being dragged before the crowd and the authorities to be judged. How do you react in such a situation?

By Rosella Kinoshameg DOS

In Anishinaabe aadizookaan (traditional storytelling) among our people, Nanabozho, also known as Nanabush, a half spirit possessing supernatural powers that were not possessed by any other, was sent to live among the Anishinabek, to help them become stronger, to guide them and to make their lives happier and meaningful. He was also to teach healing using the medicines of plants. His life was a combination of wisdom and foolishness. He has been called a trickster but his foolishness was not to be malicious but was to be a medicine of laughter. His mistakes were to be laughed at but they were also to teach great lessons.

Jesus,too, frequently used parables, a common storytelling method in his day, using common things (salt, bread, sheep, etc.) familiar to everyone, to teach profound, divine truths, rich in meaning. The people could remember these stories.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us about God’s love for the lost and found through “the story of the prodigal son.”The son was an individual living in sin, who left home as a sign of rebellion against God, who finally “comes to his senses” – gibe mkowe. When he reaches rock bottom, he repents and returns to a personal relationship with God. In this Parable, Jesus reveals God’s character and love for those who are ready to accept it (the prodigal son who returns to his father), and his rejection of the Pharisees’ self-centered righteousness (the older son).

We all need to return to God in repentance and faith. He does not force us, so it must be our personal choice. God’s forgiveness is gained only by repentance.Jesus talks about God who, like the father in the story, is always watching and waiting for our return home. God is always ready to forgive, has great everlasting unconditional love for us, no matter what. That day of repentance is cause for joy and great celebration!
Father, help us always to return toyour open arms and merciful heart. Amen.

Paul Robson sj

On Monday, March 25, we celebrate the feast of the Annunciation. The word annunciation is used because something was announced, as the angel Gabriel made an announcement to Mary.

It is also fitting to call this the feast of the Incarnation. That word, incarnation, has the meaning of “taking on flesh”; and, as we read in John’s Gospel, “the Word became flesh and lived among us” (1:14). Now, we might associate Jesus’ incarnation with his birth – but, actually, he took on flesh about nine months earlier than that.

In the early Church, in the 3 rd century or so, there was some debate about when Jesus was born and about which day should be celebrated as his birthday. Someone suggested that March 25 be the special day. That day may have been suggested because it is close to the beginning of spring, the time of new life on Earth. In the end, as we know, December 25 was decided upon, as the day to mark Jesus’ birth.

So with Christmas, with Jesus’ birth, celebrated on the 25 th of December, it makes sense that we have another celebration on the 25 th of March. After all, there are nine months separating the two dates. On Monday, then, we celebrate Mary’s pregnancy, her acceptance of God’s will for her life, and the amazing moment when God first took on flesh.

May this Monday, then, be a day of celebration and of giving thanks to God!

by Paul Robson sj
(Spoiler alert: if you haven’t seen the superhero movie Aquaman, and are planning to see it, and don’t want to know how it ends, then you might not want to read the next paragraph!)

In the movie, Aquaman is half-human and half-Atlantean (where an Atlantean is someone from the underwater kingdom of Atlantis). Orm is an Atlantean, a half-brother of Aquaman, and the ruler of Atlantis. Toward the end of the movie, Aquaman defeats Orm in battle and has the opportunity to kill him. In fact, Orm encourages his half-brother to kill him, and says that showing mercy is not the Atlantean way. Aquaman replies that, well, he isn’t one of them, he isn’t Atlantean.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus gives his disciples, and gives us, some good but challenging advice. He says: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”

No doubt Orm would have gladly killed Aquaman, had he had the opportunity. Aquaman does not do what would have been done to him. We might say that it would have been fair, that it would have been just, for Aquaman to kill his half-brother. The hero of the story goes beyond that kind of justice, though, and shows mercy instead.

When Jesus asks us to love our enemies, perhaps he is asking us to do something along the lines of what Aquaman did. If people don’t like us or even wish us harm, or even do us harm, we are asked to respond with love. Such a response might seem odd, might seem surprising – and it might be beyond the usual human way of proceeding. (According to the movie, being merciful is more of a human than an Atlantean thing to do; but maybe it isn’t too common among humans, either!) If mercy is beyond our usual human way of doing things, well, perhaps it is something that is more a part of God’s way of doing things. And if we find ourselves loving and being merciful and forgiving, it might be because God has enabled us to do so.

By Jim Kelly, s.j.

As February begins we already notice the sun changing. Not only are the days noticeably longer (I guess about five minutes longer each day), but the sun seems to carry a lot more heat. We are obviously moving to the long sunny warm days of spring.

At the same time this is the coldest time of year. Even after looking at the weather report we are surprised at how cold it feels when we go outside, and shiver when we hear the house or trees cracking in the night.

I wonder what the deer or the little squirrels feel like. They must also notice the longer days and warmer sun, and yet their own lives are most in danger now. Some may starve and some will freeze to death.

In today’s Gospel from Luke, Jesus arrives back in his hometown of Nazareth and receives a very warm reception: “All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.”

Within a few minutes, though, the same crowd of people wanted to throw him off a cliff.

Jesus knows and proclaims that the Kingdom is near at hand, and the people have a sense of joyful anticipation. Something new is here, with real authority. But it is also the most dangerous of times and there will be division and confusion and even death.

How do we look forward to the good things that are coming, even in the midst of challenges? How do anticipate the heat and light even in moments of cold and darkness?