St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), Founder of the Jesuits

I would invite you to think about someone whom you know and love; someone whom you now believe is in Heaven with God. What is it that you remember about that person? Why is that person special to you?

I could be wrong, but my guess is that what you remember about the special person that I have asked you to think about is not how much money they made per year; or how big their house was; or what kind of car they drove. What you remember is probably how they loved you, supported you, and how they reflected God’s love to you. In many ways, what we remember about those people who were special in our lives is those things that they did to build up their wealth in the riches of the things that matter to God. Those things that matter to God are expressed beautifully in the commandments: “you shall love the Lord your God above all things and your neighbour as self.” Continue reading →

For many very good Christians one of the biggest questions that they have about their faith life relates to how they are to talk to God; or to put it another way, how they are to pray. In this Sunday’s readings, we are given some of the most powerful lessons about prayer that are found in the Scriptures. In the first reading from the Book of Genesis, we are allowed to listen in on a conversation that takes place between Abraham and God. The Gospel contains an actual lesson in prayer from Jesus to His disciples. Both have a great deal to teach us about the way in which God invites us to communicate with Him. They provide an invitation to relate to God freely, openly as we authentically come before Him. They also encourage us to trust that God will always hear our prayers; even if it can sometimes take us a while to understand His answer. In order that we might understand His answer, Jesus promises us that His Father will send us the gift of His Holy Spirit. Continue reading →

This past Friday, July 1, as we celebrated Canada Day, one of the “good news” stories that was reported on the Friday evening news had to do with the number of new Canadians who received their citizenship in different celebrations across Canada. As a priest, I have had the privilege of accompanying both friends and parishioners who have received their citizenship and it is always a very happy experience that usually comes at the end of a difficult and challenging adventure. For many, a new life in Canada has come at the end of a journey that entailed much hardship. Often, those who come to Canada have left family and loved ones at home. There can be many sacrifices in coming to a new country. Yet, despite the difficulties, those who do seek a new life in a new country often do so because they believe in the better future that lies ahead of them; either for themselves or for their children. The dream of a better future makes the sacrifices of the difficult journey worthwhile. Often, it is only the hope of that better life, and the security that it offers, that gives those who come to Canada the strength to persevere through the different and various challenges and tribulations. Continue reading →