Category: Articles

Paul Robson SJ

This Sunday’s Gospel reading strikes me as being a tough one. Tough to follow, to live out. Also perhaps tough to understand.

Jesus is quoted as saying: “If anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again”; and “from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt”; and “lend, expecting nothing in return”. Are we supposed to take these expressions literally? If someone owes us money, or if someone steals from us, are we supposed to forget about it and let it go, or give them even more? Wouldn’t fairness and justice require that the money be paid back, or the goods returned?

I would suggest that the main point, the important teaching here, is the one at the beginning, where Jesus says: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” I think we’re supposed to take these phrases literally, and so actually to love and pray for our enemies (or those who might want to be our enemies).

If we go back to the instruction about giving even your shirt to the one who takes your coat, I would see that as an example of how someone might “love their enemy”. The example suggests that we could surprise someone with kindness, surprise them with goodness, when they might be expecting “an eye for an eye”.

Also, if we have love in our lives, by God’s grace, then we’ll know what to do. “Love, and do what you will”, as St. Augustine said. Love, have love, and then decide whether to do this or that – and maybe love requires one thing in a certain situation, and something else at another time. Maybe the loving thing to do, at one time, is to “lend, expecting nothing in return”. On the other hand, at another time, the just and fair and loving thing might be to expect, or even to demand, that someone pays back what they owe!

One of my favourite verses of Scripture is this one: “Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing . . .” (Mark 10:21). May we look at others, think of others, with love. Or at least try to love them, pray to be able to love them. May we want what’s best for them and do whatever is the loving thing to do. Amen.

    This Sunday’s responsorial psalm states: “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord”. This phrase captures the message of the readings.

     The poor, and those who are afflicted in a variety of ways, very often have neither the ability nor opportunities to improve their status by their own efforts. If they do not fall into the trap of utter despair, they will turn to God for assistance and loving care.

     There is a clear warning for the rich and powerful in today’s Gospel. They can easily believe that the whole world is at their feet and that God is not needed in their lives. However, the facts of life prove that their fortune can be lost overnight.

    Whether poor or rich, everyone should have the basic necessities for a dignified life. The four blessings and the four woes, from today’s Gospel reading, implicitly appeal for a generous sharing among us, and promise God’s blessing for those who do it.

    The second reading exhorts us to expand our trust in the Lord beyond the present life. This is based on Christ’s resurrection, and on the fact that His followers will share the same destiny of eternal unity with the triune God.

Fr. Toni Baranowski SJ

Very often new mothers and fathers report that having a child is a turning point in their life. Similarly, falling in love, or becoming a grandparent, gives many people a reason to reorder their life. Learning of God’s mercy and healing love was a turning point for several of the characters we hear about in the First Reading and the Gospel today.

Take Peter, for example. He was an experienced fisherman. It was how he made a living. Luke tells us that he was a partner in business with his brother Andrew as well as with the brothers, James and John. Between them they owned at least two boats. They were not amateurs on the water!

Nevertheless, one morning, after fishing all night, and in spite of their skill and experience, it was not until Jesus found them that they pulled in a worthy load of fish. On this occasion they recognized the divine power at work in Jesus. In his presence Peter was moved with fear, and he felt humbled. “Leave me, Lord,” he begged. He felt unworthy and uncomfortable.

Jesus also was moved, but for Jesus the movement was toward mercy: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” It was then that all of them turned. At that point they left everything and became followers of Jesus.

Finding and knowing God’s mercy and love was a turning point for Peter and his companions. Luke tells us that falling at the knees of Jesus Peter found healing and comfort. The prophet Isaiah in our first reading had a similar experience. All of these characters were moved and turned to follow and embrace a new way of life. May each of us also be made new.

Kind and merciful God, please give to each of us the grace to know your mercy, and turn all of us toward new life today.

– Fr. Mark Hoelsken, SJ

Today is the feast of the Presentation, celebrating the time when Jesus was brought to the temple to be presented to the Lord.  The readings challenge us to become like Simeon and Anna and to recognize the Christ who is presented in the temple. What is our temple? Is it the church, our community, or the temple of our hearts?

In the first reading, Malachi prophesied about the Lord coming, or rather the Lord’s arrival to the people. His message is a challenging one, talking about the Lord coming to refine or purify his people, just as gold and silver are refined. The second reading, the letter to the Hebrews, reminds us that Jesus underwent his suffering, his testing, to be like us in every way, so he can help those who are being tested, people like us.

The Gospel gives us the story of Jesus being brought to the temple, as prophesied in the book of Malachi. My interest was sparked by Simeon and Anna, and Luke’s focus on them. They are both elderly and, in our culture, they would have been considered elders. Simeon was filled with the Holy Spirit, and it had been revealed to him that he would not see death before he saw Christ. Anna, we hear, practically lived in the temple, praying and fasting day and night, a very faithful and holy woman. I am reminded of our own culture and the role of elders. We become an elder when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizing Jesus when we see or meet him.

Like Simeon, we can accept the situation of our world because our Savior is here. We know that, even though we have a Savior, like Mary a sword can also pierce our hearts; and that if we live the life of a good Christ follower, we will become a contradiction to worldly values. Simeon is ready to let go of all because he has seen the Savior and is ready to die. Anna also recognized the Savior because she had emptied herself to God through prayer and fasting, totally focusing her life on God, day and night. Anna spread the news of Christ’s arrival to all who would listen, operating from the depths of her being.

Like Anna, let us reinforce our faith with prayer and fasting, which can transform our lives and remove the blinders from our eyes so we can see Christ; and let us wait patiently to see our Savior, like Simeon.

Sr. Terry Beaudry

The common theme of the readings this Sunday seems to be marriage or unity. However, the marriage being talked about here is not limited to our ordinary experience of it. Especially in Isaiah, the marriage being illustrated is the marriage of the Lord God himself with His creation – ultimately with us (if we accept the invitation).

The fruit of this union, as Paul describes in his letter, is the various manifestations of the one Holy Spirit, which are particular to each one of us. This union serves a double end: it is for our own benefit (the way a spouse wants to provide the best for their spouse), as well as for the benefit of the community – the unity and building up of our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a high and holy mystery as to how we remain both individual/distinct and yet are truly one. One in body and one in Spirit (through Christ).

Like any healthy marriage, and like the Creator’s marriage with creation, God’s union with us is meant to be further fruitful beyond just the spouses. It is meant to pour out from this (the life of the Church) and overflow out to all the earth.

Two people I know, who have been married for a long time, have shared two bits of advice: what you need in a happy and healthy marriage is faith/prayer, as well as copious amounts of patience. This, in connection with the above, is fitting for the theme of this week as we pray specifically for Christian Unity.

St. John’s gospel today illustrates the power that caring and interceding for one another has. Especially when we exhort each other and are careful ourselves to do all that the Lord desires of us. Even when we only bring what little we can, and we have no idea how that could possibly help anything. Let us therefore be encouraged and encouraging to one another, as the Lord will bring about his will, including this Unity, which is his own high priestly prayer – and we know that his prayers never fail.

– Aaron Neiva

When talking or writing about Jesus’ baptism, some of the Early Church Fathers talked about the water of the river being blessed by Jesus. For example, Saint Maximus of Turin (who lived circa 380-465) said: “Christ is baptized, not to be made holy by the water, but to make the water holy, and by his cleansing to purify the waters which he touched. For the consecration of Christ involves a more significant consecration of the water.”

This quotation suggests that there is a consecration, a blessing, of Jesus here – and not only a blessing of the water. In the book of the Acts of the Apostles, Peter mentions Jesus’ baptism, and then Peter talks about “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power” (10:38). Jesus’ baptism can be seen as a moment of him being blessed, being anointed, by God the Father; a moment of receiving the Holy Spirit and connecting with the Father in a particularly strong way. I would see this moment as one of Jesus being confirmed in his identity and his mission. Then he is sent out to begin his public ministry.

So is this also a moment of the water being blessed, as well as Jesus being blessed? In my own words I would say that John the Baptist, and the water, and all of Creation participated in that special, sacred moment.

Related to the blessing of water, my thoughts turn to holy water. I think we can fairly say that all water is holy and sacred and a gift of the Creator. But what about water that is blessed by a bishop, priest, or deacon, and then called “holy water”? Well, perhaps we can say that this water is extra-blessed, or that there is something special about it. Saint Teresa of Avila wrote: “From long experience I have learned that there is nothing like holy water to put devils to flight and prevent them from coming back again.” 

May we too receive the blessings of Jesus’ baptism, as we reflect on that scene and that special moment.

Fr. Paul Robson SJ

Have you ever wondered what the word Epiphany means? Well, I searched and found out that the name comes from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning “appearance” or “manifestation,” and refers to the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. The holiday is called the Feast of Epiphany, Theophany, or Three Kings’ Day.

In many countries, Epiphany is celebrated with special pastries, and children often receive small gifts in their shoes in honour of the Magi’s gifts (they came bearing the three unique gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh) to the baby Jesus. In Eastern traditions, baptism is common during Epiphany, and houses may be blessed with holy water.

Our Indigenous celebrations for Gimaa Gizhigak include traditions which can be traced to the Epiphany. Our special pastries are the tea biscuits containing the three hidden treasure items, “P’kwanjigeng”, representing the three kings and the gifts they brought to baby Jesus. In Baptism we are given names and so we have a ceremony to give Anishinabe nooswinan, and we gave our God-Children their gifts on this day. In working with children 3-6 years of age, in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium, I use Ininaatig jiwaagamisigan sisibaakwat for Gold – liquid gold; Spruce Gum (resin), zhingob gaawaandag, for Frankinsence (anti-inflammatory); Cedar, Giizhikaandag, used for giving the body a cedar bath after death, for Myrrh, which was used for embalming, used at Jesus’ death and burial.

The First Reading, Isaiah 60:1-6, is about light that shines, that draws people to it, and foretells those who will come with gold and frankincense. This prophecy is fulfilled by the Magi.

The Responsorial Psalm,  Psalm 72, is about how the king will bring fairness, peace, and dominion from sea to sea. Tributes of gifts will come from afar, and devotion from all nations.

The Second Reading, Ephesians 3:2-3A, 5-6: Gentiles are fellow heirs, and Jesus came for all peoples and nations and not just for the Jews. We are all children of God.

The Gospel, Matthew 2:1-12, is a biblical story where we can consider the meaning and what it’s saying to us. Let us go deeper and travel with the Magi, the three wise men of different nations. Be attentive, have the courage to be adventurous, recognize and follow the light of the star to be closer to Jesus.

Prayer

Jesus, You who said “I am the light of the world”, guide us by your light to You. We bring before You our “inner gifts” of faith, hope, and love, gifts that open our eyes and hearts. May we always follow Your example of humility and love. Teach us to share Your light with others. Turn our inner gifts to action, to show others the way to You. Amen.

Rosella Kinoshameg, DOS

  The Gospel reading for the feast of the Holy Family gives us some insights into the lives of the members of that family. They often prayed together and faithfully kept their religious Jewish tradition. Every year they travelled to Jerusalem in the company of their neighbors and relatives to celebrate Pascha. We can imitate their zeal for communal praise of God. May our families be a domestic church.

  While remaining in the temple, Jesus impressed the scribes with His profound knowledge. This knowledge was not miraculously infused in Him. He had to work hard to acquire it. May our youth imitate Him in that regard, while searching for their own vocation according to God’s will for the wellbeing of society. May they, too, grow in wisdom and respect for their parents.

   Mary, Joseph, and Jesus lived happily in Nazareth, a poor Palestinian village. They teach us that true joy does not mean possessing many material things; but it is based on being authentically present to others and supporting each other, and in difficulties remembering God’s Providence. 

– Fr. Toni Baranowski SJ

Anticipation has been the overall movement of the Advent Season.

We have experienced having a baby come into our families, whether our own child or someone in our family unit. We are filled with much anticipation, the father or someone in the family makes sure the gas tank is filled up. Some parents can’t wait; they want to know the sex of the baby before the child is even born. Anticipation is a wonderful feeling filling our hearts.

Today’s gospel is all about the anticipation, the Holy Spirit at work for Mary and Elizabeth. Mary went in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth, whom she knew was pregnant in her old age as told by the Angel.  Elizabeth was so overjoyed to have the mother of our Lord come to her. The baby in her womb leaped for joy too. “Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb”. These words are in the “Hail Mary” prayer.

Pope Francis has declared a Jubilee year of Hope, for 2025. As I read his letter, there is going to be so much movement of the Holy Spirit. There will be prayerful movements from this letter and opportunities for pilgrimages in our area. Stay close; keep your ears open. Hope for the Youth is found within the Pope’s letter.

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Wasse-abin High School as a Nokomis with my granddaughter. The elder for the High School, along with the students, held a gathering for the Winter Solstice Dec. 21, 2024. A student spoke about the shortest day of the year, and the longest day coming up June 21, 2025. The elder spoke about all the blessings and gifts from the Creator, and prayers were said as the attendees held onto their traditional tobacco. He ended off with “aww zhwenmishnong Zhemindoo”, three times. I felt the prayer “Have mercy on us”. I was moved, being present with all our High School Students. As I walked in I noticed many wearing black clothing, many are so tenderhearted with shyness, I can see some students with leadership skills. I was thrilled to see the young boys sitting around the big drum with two mentors, teaching them about the drum and the songs, and their responsibilities. Very powerful example of what is to come. Anticipation and Hope for 2025.      

I would like to end off with a short reflection from the 1st reading from the prophet Micah. The Lord God will bring us to peace as we are told: “we shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.”  During this Advent Season we have travelled with HOPE, PEACE, JOY AND LOVE. Our Savior is on his way. Are you ready to be filled with the Holy Spirit and leap as high as you can for all the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

Merry Christmas to all.     

Margaret (Tish) Manitowabi

By Eddie MacDonald

The 3^rd Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday.  The term refers to the first word of the Entrance Antiphon, REJOICE!  The rose candle is lit and reminds us that Christmas is near!  I have decided to write my reflection on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, as it looks at the early years of our Lord and our Mother Mary’s joy-filled experience.  I try to use my imagination and my personal experience to reflect upon each mystery.  I can walk my way through as a mother and see through the eyes of experience what is happening, I can tap into the feelings of Mary and those around her.  I feel a deep connection with our Blessed Mother and the love and joy she is experiencing.

Firstly though, we should give praise to God for the blessing of women!  We get to carry for nine months a new human being!  How special are we?!  How trusted by God to serve.  He created in us the capacity to bring life forward, the feminine genius.  As women we assist the Lord our God by carrying His precious ones.  Wow!!  This innate ability to assist Him with the moving of humanity forward. 

The first Joyful Mystery is the Annunciation.  Imagine an Angel appears, and you hear “Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you.”  I know I wouldn’t hear that as I am not pure without sin, but Mary was born protected by God’s grace to be without sin.  She is perfect!  She may have had God’s grace upon her birth, but she still had to say no to temptation throughout her young life.  So, there she is trusting and saying, “I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word”.  Her womb was to be the new Tabernacle.

In the second mystery Mary meets her cousin Elizabeth who exclaims “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”  Elizabeth is carrying Jesus’ cousin John the Baptist who will go first to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus.  In prayer I can feel the baby leap in my womb because when I was pregnant with my first son, I felt that joy when he happened to move in a big way when I greeted my late sister-in-law as she carried my nephew.  I will never forget that feeling as I always tie it to the second mystery.

The third joyful mystery is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.  As many women can attest, giving birth is the closest we ever get to dying. Physically dying, all for the life we are carrying.  Our blood pressure drops, our heart rate skyrockets, systems slow down as we push or have this baby lifted out of us.  Mary, our mother went through delivering Jesus.  Birth is truly miraculous!  It is the miracle of life!

The fourth joyful mystery is the presenting of the child Jesus in the temple. We can remember the joy of baptizing our child here at the church.  The white garment, the Godparents being present, the family brought together, the congregation there to witness this child entering the faith! We did not hear what Mary heard, though, that a sword will pierce her heart! When we think of some of the sad events of our children’s life then yes, we can empathize with Mary.  It hits our hearts hard whenever our child is hurt or in trouble.  We feel their pain!

The fifth joyful mystery, the finding of the child Jesus in the temple.  Well, I would have loved to experience that, but I usually found my kids at the hockey arena.  But again, using your imagination, can you see Jesus at 12 years old teaching in “His Father’s house”?  Would it not be wonderful to see your children wanting to be at church and be a part of parish life?

Let us pray in thanksgiving for Mary’s yes and let us pray for all the moms who have said yes as well.  This gift of life is precious, and the little ones will continue to need us to lead them to Christ. Let this Christmas be the opportunity to share with Joy the love within our families, and through our faith may the Joy in Christ be seen like a light in the darkness for all those around us.