For many people, when they hear of the baptism of Jesus as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord, they ask the question: “why?” Why was Jesus, the sinless Son of God, baptized? The simple answer to this question is to show us the way. Because Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, we Christians are to follow Him and His example. Had He not been baptized, there would have been some Christians, who, attempting to model their lives on Christ’s, would have said, “as Jesus was not baptized, neither will we be baptized.” By being baptized Himself, Christ shows us the great hope that is ours through baptism. As the Holy Spirit is shown to come down on Jesus at His baptism, and He is declared Son of God at His baptism; so too in baptism we receive the Holy Spirit in baptism and become God’s children who are taught that we are to call God “Our Father” in prayer.Continue Reading Baptism—the Foundation of our Pilgrimage of Hope

I have often recounted at New Year that one of the things about being here at St. Peter’s Parish that I find a little funny at times, is that often I will be walking along Bathurst, in front of the Church, and as I do so someone will roll down their car window, and stop me on Bathurst Street, to demand that I give them a blessing as they are driving by on the street. My first inclination is to try to have a conversation with them to find out what they think that a blessing signifies. However, as the traffic is often heavy and they are in a hurry, they frequently get a little angry with me and demand that I stop my small talk and quickly give them the blessing that they are seeking before they drive off. These experiences have helped me to realize that many people may not even know what a “blessing” signifies or be aware of what is required for a blessing to really be of any value.Continue Reading Mary—Model of the Blessed Life

In the coming year of 2025, Pope Francis has asked that the Church observe a Holy Year with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” The purpose of this year is to emphasize the hope which Christ brings to humanity by being born into our midst. In a world, which for so many reasons has lost hope, we are to be reminded this coming year of the hope that Christ came to bring to all persons.

This theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” announces that every life involves a journey. Throughout this journey, there are different trials and tribulations that each person must face. Often these trials are passing and we all require hope to persevere through them. Knowing that the trials and difficulties experienced on our pilgrimage do not define us, is extremely important for preventing us from giving up and loosing perspective. As we are pilgrims, it is also important that we are aware that we have a final destiny—the Kingdom of Heaven. Being aware of that is often what can give us the strength to endure through life’s challenges. Scripture reminds us that we are called to be citizens of Heaven (Philippians 3:20) and that it is from there that Christ has come to save us.Continue Reading Christmas 2024: Pilgrims of Hope—Preparing for the Holy Year of 2025