Human Mercy versus Divine Mercy

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batman-v-superman-dawn-justiceThis week, as I was preparing the homily for Divine Mercy Sunday, I could not help but think of a movie that I saw earlier this week: Batman versus Superman— The Dawn of Justice. For those of you who have not yet seen this movie, the characters in it speak a great deal about justice, mercy and God. Why I thought about this movie this week is because I think it captures accurately the idea of human mercy, or how it is that we as humans think about mercy.

This movie is obviously a story about two superheroes— Batman and Superman.  The movie suggests that humans are always looking for a powerful being who will rescue them and whom they can turn into a type of god. The view of mercy that is presented in this movie is dependent upon a superhero like Batman or Superman who will come and show mercy to those who are in need of being saved. There are two ways that a superhero can show mercy. One way that a superhero can show mercy is by coming to rescue a person who is in need. The second way that a superhero can show mercy is by not destroying someone who deserves to be punished. Both of these ways are shown in the movie, Batman versus Superman— The Dawn of Justice.

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Second Sunday of Easter April 3, 2016

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sharelife2Working wonders in our community…

Terry obtained his Master’s Degree in music and philosophy earlier in life and was successful in careers in spirituality with the Carmelites as well as in the hospitality industry. While working, he became addicted to alcohol. Recognizing the seriousness of his problem and in order to return to work successfully, Terry would need to be involved in a long term recovery program. He chose the spiritually enriched program St Michael’s Homes offered and as a result, Terry became focused and deeply connected with the staff at St Michael’s and was able to continue on the right path. He looks forward to the day soon when he can confidently leave and be successful once again in the hospitality industry, and an inspiration to those around him. ShareLife funded agencies like St. Michael’s Homes helps many men suffering from substance abuse get their lives back on track through life-changing counselling and extensive support.

Next ShareLife Sunday is April 17, 2016
Please give generously. You can work wonders!

Many Thanks for the Holy Week & Easter Celebrations to:

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  • Our parish community extends a special word of thanks and gratitude to all liturgical ministers and to all those who helped make our celebrations so prayerful
  • All involved in assisting in the preparation of our adult candidates for the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil
  • Our musicians for providing the beautiful music which greatly enhanced the Triduum Liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil
  • All Lectors and Eucharistic ministers, Altar Servers and Ushers for their endless dedication
  • Our Sacristans for the fine work in helping prepare and make the Triduum liturgies run so smoothly
  • Many thanks to all who made donations for flowers.

Easter Sunday March 27, 2016

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sharelife2Working wonders overseas through the Pastoral Mission Fund…

“This workshop has helped me to reflect on my priestly call, a privileged service in God’s Kingdom; and has reenergized me and my brother priests to be better in our service. Given our rural and remote location, serving people who live in poverty can be draining at times. This workshop and dialogue has made a renewing impact for many of us. It has given us hope and strength to renew our enthusiasm and we do hope it continues in the future. We are deeply grateful and offer our prayers of support to ShareLife who made it financially possible for us to come together.” —St. Justine de Jacobis Pastoral Office, Catholic Eparchy of Segenelty, Eritrea.

Next ShareLife Sunday is April 17, 2016
Please give generously. You can work wonders!

“Celebrating A Love That Cannot Wait.”

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maxresdefaultThe celebration of Easter is for all Christians the highpoint of our year of faith. At Easter we celebrate the fact that Christ has risen from the dead and destroyed death for all who place their hope in Him. Easter means that, because of Christ’s resurrection, we shall not die but rather we are all invited to spend eternity with our loving God in heaven. At Easter we think of our loved ones who have died and we rejoice that they have been spared death because of Christ’s resurrection and are with Him in heaven for all eternity. Ultimately, at Easter we celebrate that God loves us so much that He destroyed death so that He might spend eternity with each of us. Easter is the greatest celebration of God’s unconditional and undying love for each of us; a love so strong that death cannot destroy it.

eastervigilcandlesThe Good News about Christ’s resurrection and His destruction of death is so overwhelmingly joyful that it can sometimes overshadow another aspect of Christ’s victory. Christ’s resurrection from the dead is so powerful that not only does it destroy death, it also destroys all other barriers which stand in the way of our encountering Him—even the barriers of time and space. Christ’s resurrection does not just announce God’s desire to be with us in heaven; it also proclaims His passion to love and live with us today. God the Father raised Jesus from the dead not so that He could live with His disciples and apostles once they got to heaven. The Father rose Jesus up in order that all people of all times and places could live in communion with Himself and the other persons of the Holy Trinity at every moment in time and history. Easter celebrates the fact that God will not let anything stand in the way of His love for us. At Easter we celebrate that God’s love is so strong for us that He cannot wait to be with us in heaven. God loves us so much that He desires to be with us “today.” All that is required for this to happen is that we open our hearts to His presence. Continue reading →