St. Joseph Church Homily Archive

First of all, sorry to begin with a sad story: I was once made a visit to someone who was severely held back in life by a mental health issue. He was truly tormented, despite having received the best of care. He told me though, that he was actually afraid of getting better because, having endured his ailment for so much of his life, he wasn't sure who he would be without it. He had allowed disorder, his cross, to define him. We each allow a variety of values to define who we are and it's a big deal because how we view ourselves shapes the choices we make around what to wear or buy, what language we use or how energy and time is spent. Some, very aware of their limits, might define themselves by their weaknesses, what they can or can't do. They may say things like, “I'm not a great athlete” or “I'm just not great first thing in the morning” and it can become progressively more self-deprecating. Holding a slightly more positive outlook, others define themselves by their strengths; they know what they're great at and what their best qualities are. They know they're strong or fast or smart and are pleased to let everyone know that's who they are. There are problems with both approaches, of course, because the various qualities someone might use to define themselves change. Someone who identifies as a good athlete is challenged when health fails or the inescapable truth of age creeps up. The one who identifies as ill is challenged when the right cure is found. Being defined by qualities, strengths or weaknesses, just eventually falls apart. Today we celebrate Trinity Sunday. Often, it's a prompt to revisit the Christian definition for who God is: three persons, one God, a true mystery. But today's feast isn't just a celebration of our Church's definition of who God is. It also celebrates the fact that God reveals himself. He reveals himself in creation. He reveals himself in the unique life of each. Best of all, he's revealed himself through Jesus and, yes, he's revealed himself as a Trinity. There may be a lot of mystery despite the best of definitions, but the Trinity remains worth celebrating because it's amazing that God reveals himself for us at all. It's also a celebration because when God reveals himself, he also reveals who each of us are. He is the maker and his mark is in each person; it's why we assert that each has been made in his image and likeness. In today's Gospel, Jesus reveals a little bit about who God is: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”[i] Through this one verse we begin defining God as one who sends his son and wishes to offer eternal life. But the same verse begins to define each of us too; it reveals that we're worth loving and we're worth saving: some very Good News! The more we learn about God the more we learn about ourselves. Without God, we're left to struggle to define ourselves; those anxious about weaknesses begin to tear themselves apart while others, honouring their strengths, can easily become prideful and even worse can happen when one group defines themselves as superior to even the smallest degree. Our faith proposes a different way: a definition based on who God says we are. Our faith proclaims that we're not defined by strengths but by our Baptism: we're first of all children of God. Our faith proclaims that we're not defined by weaknesses either but by the cross: there's no need to prove our worth when the Saviour has given his life for us. Our faith proclaims that we're not defined by any quality but by our call to share in the work of building God's Kingdom. Disciples don't define themselves but accept God's definition and this matters because those who define themselves allow their strengths or weaknesses determine how to live out faith. But disciples who accept God's definition allow him to determine how to live out strengths and weaknesses. Going back to the today's feast: as we celebrate the Trinity, how God has revealed himself as three persons, yet one God, as one who sends his son and offers eternal life, we also celebrate what it reveals about us: the Good News that we're worth loving and worth saving. But there's one more thing: God's self-revelation also unveils how we don't have to convince God of our value; we're worth loving and saving simply because God has defined us so. We only need to accept it. Father of all, we thank you for revealing yourself to us through the mystery of the Holy Trinity. May our contemplation of your revelation help us see ourselves not through our own eyes, through strengths or weaknesses, but as your beloved children, created in your image. Grant us the grace to accept the worth and dignity you have given us, trusting that we are worth loving and worth saving because you have declared it so. Following the example and command of your son, may our actions and words reveal your glory and the dignity of each person. We offer this prayer in his name. Amen. [i] John 3:16 NRSVCE

In the basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, one of the first things a visitor will notice are the massive statues, about three times the height of a person, looking down into the congregation. The statues are of the apostles who, of course, were all martyred but one. But what's catches the attention of visiting pilgrims isn't just the size of the statues, but how they're depicted: held in the hands of each statue are the very means by which they were martyred. For example, St. Simon, who was sawn in two, holds a saw that's as long as he is tall. While it may be a bit gruesome, these statues are also a great reminder of how committed the first Apostles were. It's certainly one of my prayers that I'm never put to the test like that. Truth be told, I'm not sure that I have what it takes to be a martyr, nor do I wish to find out; sometimes it's a challenge just to get up in the morning to celebrate the Mass, but the martyrs were killed for doing exactly what we're doing now. It's easy to imagine how tempting it would have been to abandon the faith, how tempting it would have been to simply deny Jesus to avoid horrible pain and death. Perhaps none of us will ever be threatened with martyrdom, but we all know what it's like to have faith put to the test, to be the subject of ridicule or to be told to keep faith to ourselves. Because we all want to be counted as faithful disciples, the question naturally arises: how did those first disciples remain so faithful and committed even when facing death? What is it that made the martyrs so strong? In short, the answer is the Holy Spirit. At one point, fear drove the disciples to lock themselves away. They feared death. They felt inadequate to share the Good News. They were very aware of their limits and failings; very far from sainthood. So, the disciples hid. It's not where they were to stay though. Once they received the Holy Spirit, they left their place of hiding to proclaim the Good News. When they felt inadequate, the Holy Spirit offered them the gifts needed to find the right words and acts. When they felt far from the Saviour, the Holy Spirit offered them the gifts needed to become saints and heroes for us today. We learn how it's the Holy Spirit that strengthens, teaches, equips and moves disciples, how the gifts of the Holy Spirit give life to our Church. One thing Catholics are great at is making lists. Sacraments, virtues, vices: we make lists not just so there's something to quiz Confirmation candidates on but so it's easy to have goals to aim for and to recognize signs of invisible truths happening all around. One list is the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, a set of categories of different ways we know the Holy Spirit works through disciples. Through the Gift of Wisdom, disciples gain the capacity to love spiritual things more than material things. Through the Gift of Understanding, we understand how to live as followers of the Saviour, never confused by conflicting cultural messages about the right way to live. The Gift of Counsel, sometimes called Right Judgement, reveals the difference between right and wrong, and even right and more right, helping disciples place values in the proper order. With the Gift of Fortitude or courage, we overcome fears and are willing to take risks when following Jesus and his commandments to love and share the Good News. Through the gift of knowledge, disciples don't simply wish to understand God and his ways, but actually see things from God's perspective. When empowered by the Gift of Piety or Reverence, we acknowledge our total dependence on God, we approach him with humility, trust, and love, offering right worship. Finally, the Gift of Fear of the Lord stirs awareness of how all we truly desire, perfect knowledge, and goodness, perfect power, love, happiness and joy, are found in God alone. Maybe you can recognize some of these gifts in your own life, great signs of the Holy Spirit working in your life, proof that God's called on you to share in his work. But maybe you recognize how you might lack some of those gifts. The statues I mentioned earlier: what they held in their hands, the instruments through which they were martyred, were transformed through the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, from instruments of death or signs of failure into trophies that proclaim victory through the Holy Spirit. So, what Gifts of the Holy Spirit could we use more of today? Which of his Gifts might empower our Church, our parish, our families and each Christian to become faithful Disciples who make as big a difference in the world today as did the first Apostles. Let's now take a moment to pray that we would always accept the gifts and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Father of all, we pray that you would send to us your Holy Spirit to offer us his gifts. With wonder and reverence, may we draw closer to you. With knowledge, and understanding, may we share our faith with the world and with courage, may we do so boldly. With wisdom and counsel, may we recognize where we're called to proclaim truth and how we are to use your gifts so our community would reveal your love and be a light in the world. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Our Lord. Amen.

I remember, back in high school student, being asked to envision my life ten years into the future, to make a five or ten year plan. It's a job interview question I've had too, “where do you see yourself in five years”. I get how it's important to have goals and plans, a positive perspective for the future. But it's not a question I've especially liked because, in my experience, life rarely goes as I plan. It works out, of course, and in many ways it's been better than I've planned. But those moments of having to surrender part of my vision, the experience of realizing how my plans just aren't going to work out, is frustrating and even painful at times. We're often left wondering why this has to be, why our vision or perspective, our great plans for the future, can't be realized. Today is often called Good Shepherd Sunday. Jesus has referred to himself as, “…the good shepherd.”[i] and in this weekend we take a closer look at how the image of a shepherd and sheep is a great analogy for our relationship with the Saviour. On our own, we accomplish many amazing things; we've built a blessed nation, we've formed wonderful families, we've harnessed great powers, but all it takes is a little turmoil in life, a health issue, the loss of a job, conflict or inflation, to discover how we're as weak as sheep, powerless against the predators of the world; a Good Shepherd is vital to our survival. Everyone loves Psalm 23, ‘The Lord is my shepherd'. It begins by forming an image from the perspective of sheep trusting that the good shepherd will lead to green pastures and clean waters. I'm sure, if we were sheep, there would be no argument from us; safety, shelter, food, drink: sounds like bliss for sheep; what else could be wanted? Maybe that's what you wish for yourself: safety, shelter food and drink. Maybe you've envisioned the best: a big house in a fancy neighbourhood, steak and eggs every morning. Maybe you're a little humbler, happy to settle for mac and cheese and a modest home in Bowmanville. But our vision and God's perspective don't always match. It may be enough for sheep to have their basic needs and comforts met. But we're more than sheep and the Good Shepherd is so good because he knows that we'll never be satisfied with simply having basic needs met. In the Psalm, the work of the Good Shepherd doesn't end with the provision of the best food and drink. It continues, “You prepare a table before me…”[ii]. Turns out, the comfort of green fields and flowing water isn't enough; the Good Shepherd wants to share a meal with his flock, he wants the sheep to share his joy. The Psalm concludes, “…I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.”[iii] The sheep are invited to live in the home of the Good Shepherd. That's not how farms usually work: animals usually stay in barns, away from those who look after them. This is the Easter perspective, the vision of the Good Shepherd: for his sheep to live, not in the best barns possible, or to have the best food, but to share in his life and joy. Here's the challenge and where many frustrations appear: before living with the Good Shepherd and eating at his table, before being truly happy with the Easter perspective of the Good Shepherd, the sheep must be willing to let go of their own dreams for barns and green fields and water, they must want for more than comfort and the fulfillment of basic needs and instead long for what only the Good Shepherd can provide. The flock of the Good Shepherd recognize that their plans and vision, no matter how good they may be, always fall short of the Easter perspective the Good Shepherd wishes for them. A great example of this lived out is seen in our patron, Saint Joseph. Before learning about his call to be the foster father of Jesus, I have no doubts he had great and good plans for the life of his family. Accepting the even greater plan of God, a plan for life for all, meant surrendering his own plans. Of course, it's still a great practice to make plans and envision a great future; it feeds hope and motivation. So do make the best of plans. But disciples pray to gain an Easter perspective, so when the Good Shepherd urges us away from the comfort of green fields, warm barns and fresh water, we're willing to follow. When we accept the Easter perspective of the Good Shepherd, when we long to join at his table and live in his home, the frustrations and pains that arise when our own dreams are shattered are overshadowed by his life and joy. Prayer Kindly shepherd, guide us to the banquet of your Kingdom. Shepherd of love, guard us against powers that work to divide. Holy Shepherd, reveal to us your redeeming plan. Good Shepherd, never allow us to wander away from you. In your name we pray. Amen. [i] John 10:11 NRSVCE [ii] Psalm 23: 5 NRSVCE [iii] Psalm 23: 6 NRSVCE

I know of many who love going to art museums and can spend hours appreciating great works of art. It's different for me though. After about twenty minutes of looking at paintings, they all start looking the same. I know I'm missing something and won't get the same enjoyment as many others, at least not till something in my own perspective changes. Missing out because of an incompatible perspective is something everyone experiences. It's felt when you don't get the punchline of a joke. Maybe, as a student, you experienced it when some concept taught in school just seemed impossible to grasp. Oh, you were told everything you needed to hear; no details were skipped. But, because of an incompatible perspective, something just seemed to go right over your head. That's basically the position the two disciples on the road to Emmaus found themselves in. As they walked along, Jesus was with them, but they didn't recognize him. It's a common pattern: that those who saw Jesus after the resurrection couldn't recognize him. We've reflected on how a perspective focused on the cross and tomb as symbols of definitive failure made it difficult for Peter to believe Jesus had risen and impossible for Mary Magdalene to recognize the Saviour standing right before her. We considered how the disciples could see no other option but to hide in a locked room, so long as their vision was fixed on the power of the Romans and religious authorities. Despite the strangeness of the resurrection, these closest friends of Jesus should have been able to recognize our Saviour; he was right there before their eyes. But they couldn't until gaining a new perspective, an Easter perspective. The disciples on the road to Emmaus we heard about in today's Gospel suffered from clouded vision too. They could retell the life of Jesus in great detail. They knew of his miracles and message. Their inability to recognize Jesus certainly wasn't because they didn't know enough. What they lacked was an Easter perspective. Death appeared final to them. In their mind, there was no need to look for Jesus, so they didn't. Instead of joy, their day was filled with sadness and God's presence went unrecognized. It's so easy to be like those disciples. Many of us have spent years in Catholic schools; we know lots about our faith. But, when worry and anxiety creeps in, when we feel threatened or hurt, the miracles and message of Jesus become clouded and it's hard to believe he's with us at all. We don't look for him. We can't recognize him. There's definitely great news though. Even when we cannot recognize him, Jesus still walks with us. To those disciples along the road, Jesus worked in their hearts by opening the scriptures, by reminding of them of God's Word. They were already very familiar with the scriptures; but God's Word always has more to reveal. But when they took a closer look at the connections between the life and death of Jesus and the promises found in scripture, their vision began to change; they opened up to receiving an Easter perspective. We do the same thing at every Mass. Yes, we've heard the scriptures many times. But God's Word always has more to reveal. We know that by reading and reflecting on the scripture, Jesus walks with us and offers a new perspective. When they finally arrived at Emmaus, Jesus broke bread with the disciples and they finally recognized him; they gained an Easter perspective. It's what happens at Mass too. Again, we know what's going to happen when we come to church; there's no real surprises here. But there is no better place to recognize the presence of Jesus among us than at the altar where he offers to us his very self. We meet Jesus in the breaking of bread and invite him to change our perspective as well so that, as we journey through life, we recognize his presence with us. There's plenty outside those doors to distract us from God or to say that God isn't really there or that he offers nothing against the dangers of the world. When that happens, when the Saviour is difficult to recognize, we gather here to join those disciples who gained an Easter perspective, who discovered that Jesus had been with them all along urging them in his ways. Maker of all, like those disciples found on the road to Emmaus, the hearts of your people are often filled with sadness and worry. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, help remove from us all that prevents us from recognizing the presence of your Son with us, all that keeps us from walking in your ways. Through this and every Mass, may our appreciation of your Word increase and our dedication to your Son be renewed. In his name, we offer our prayers. Amen.

I have to admit, sometimes seeing things from the perspective of others is a real challenge. So, I hope you'll forgive me for starting off with a little judgment. Now that the Artimis Two crew have returned, I've seen some early reports and reflections on the successes of their mission. It's not as great as Easter, but their success is a success for all and worth admiring. That crew went farther than anyone and the pictures sent from that unique perspective are amazing. But then, and this is where the little judgment comes in, I occasionally see some content posted proposing it was all made up and the earth is flat; and it leaves me wondering: when the earth looks so clearly round and spinning, what could possibly cloud someone's vision to see anything else? Now, if you happen to see the earth as a little less spherical than most, again, sorry for the judgment, we still love having you with us because Easter is for you too. Truth-be-told though, we all suffer with clouded vision in one way or another. It what suggests to a child in need that turning to a parent will lead to rejection. It affirms lunchroom gossip as an acceptable tactic for advancement. It proposes that forgiveness will only result in further hurt. Proposing limits to love, a clouded vision tempts someone to keep secrets from their spouse. Clouded vision leads us to see others as obstacles instead of opportunity, life as dangerous and ourselves as inadequate. Last week, we reflected on the clouded vision that afflicted the disciples on the first Easter morning. Their clouded vision insisted that the cross and tomb were symbols of definitive failure making it difficult for Peter to believe Jesus had risen and impossible for Mary Magdalene to recognize Jesus standing right before her. Like those disciples, when plagued with clouded vision, if we don't have the right perspective, we miss a lot. We can't see how God mysteriously answers prayers and guides his people. It's clouded vision that so often leads to choices that eventually require the healing of a good Confession. We admire the first disciples because they truly know what it's like to suffer from clouded vision. Their first Easter didn't start as a day of joy; the disciples weren't running out to buy lilies and egg-shaped chocolates. No, we're told how, on the evening of the first Easter, the doors, “…were shut where the disciples were, for fear…”[i]. The religious authorities had demonstrated how far they were willing to go to silence the message of Jesus. The Romans had proven their power over the people. That's all the disciples saw, and that clouded vision left them feeling powerless against such giant forces. So, filled with fear, they hid, they locked themselves away; their clouded vision told them there was no other option. But then something changed. The disciples saw and heard. Jesus appeared pointing out signs of his power; through the marks of the nails, the disciples saw. The Saviour then spoke: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”[ii] The disciples heard. While a clouded vision fixated on weakness against powers like the Romans or religious authorities, Jesus revealed an Easter perspective: that disciples are to work in his name and with his power. The religious authorities may have had power to imprison, but they could never silence the Good News. The Romans may have had power to crucify, but death would not have the last say. The disciples saw and heard the Saviour and it gave them an Easter perspective. Our continuing Easter celebrations offer great opportunities to reflect on our own vision and perspective. Maybe at times, it's easy to see things with an Easter perspective, to see God at work, to trust him and put him first and I hope that's your experience today. But there are also moments, and we've all been there, where it would be easy to stand among those disciples who have fearfully locked themselves in a room. Armies, inflation, politicians, relationships: there are some very intimidating powers out there. Regardless of where you are, the response is the same, to see and hear the Saviour. Disciples work to see Jesus maybe by coming here or taking a moment to reflect on where he has worked. We might examine the incredible lives of saints or on the good works done by Christians everywhere. Disciples work to hear Jesus too, perhaps by spending some quiet time in the chapel, by reading scripture or by caring for his creation. Disciples see and hear, not just for themselves but for all. We all know people who live as though they are in a locked room, fearful of the powers of the world. For many, life can seem like a cross and fear of the tomb highlights the limits of time, energy and resources. But disciples show something different: a power over all that, our Saviour who reveals a new perspective, an Easter perspective, that overpowers the cross, the tomb and all else that threatens God's people. God of all, we praise you this Easter season for conquering the grave. As the love of your Son transformed the cross and tomb into symbols of life, may he also transform all that threatens and inspires fear in your people today so we would accept the gifts of your Holy Spirit, who empowers disciples to lead others in seeing and hearing the call of the Saviour. In His name we pray. Amen. [i] John 20:19 NRSVCE [ii] John 20:21 NRSVCE

Something I've learned over time is how maintaining relationships takes constant, deliberate work. It's worth the effort, of course, but when that work isn't done, relationships begin to drift apart. I've had close friends from grade school, high school and beyond, some from workplaces, who I've just drifted from once various things in life changed, […]

For near a year, I've been paying a little more attention to what I eat, avoiding sugars and that kind of thing. As someone happy to start the day with apple pie for breakfast, the biggest challenge for me has been passing by baked goods; they smell good, they look good and they've never let […]

There are many reasons why I'm not a great athlete, but while watching the Olympics I've realized that one of those reasons might come from my attitude towards competition. When I might view other competitors as obstacles, getting between myself and a gold medal, the impression I get from the Olympians is that they see […]

Life is often full of clutter, of unhelpful things we cling to maybe out of habit or oversight or fear. Of course, God wants us to enjoy what he's made. But when there's so much that it creates stress: that's a sign of clutter. In addition to being a practical issue, clutter is a spiritual […]

I hear it all the time: someone frustrated with distracted prayer or a student struggling to focus on studying for an exam. We all know what it's like to be harassed by thoughts that confuse and get in the way of careers, relationships and peace; I'm certainly no exception to the experience. Maybe the minds […]

One of the biggest challenges in life, at least for me, is finding great friends. It's a challenge even to define what a friendship is or to determine what criteria to use when assessing a friendship or relationship. Is a friend the one willing to wait for you at the airport or to help lift […]

When I go grocery shopping, I always bring a list and, mostly, I stick to it. I discovered long ago that without a list, I'd end up buying just whatever looked good. The result: a bigger food bill, forgotten necessities and waste. I discovered that, for me at least, a successful grocery shopping trip demanded […]

One thing I really despise is losing something. I know it's something everyone experiences, but while some seem able to shrug off losing something as a frustration and children just accept losing things as part of life, I lose sleep when I know I'm missing something. It's an experience that encourages me to be a […]

I was actually hoping Brother Joseph could have preached this weekend, but he's filling in elsewhere. I have to admit, I find the Ascension is one of the more difficult feasts to preach on. We all know the story of Jesus Ascending to heaven on a cloud; it's a challenge to add much to what's...

There are many mysteries in our faith; but there's one that's noticeable on a very practical level: we know the death and resurrection of Jesus has changed everything, that it's somehow made things better for those who follow the Good Shepherd, and yet outwardly, it seems very little has changed. Disciple or not, everyone faces...

Especially around Easter, we hear a lot about being redeemed; so it's something we've been reflecting on over the last few weeks. There's lots of ways the word, “redemption”, can be used, but the redemption our faith offers is, “the restoration of something that had been lost.” In today's second reading, God's ultimate plan is...

For a few weeks, we've been reflecting on what it means to be redeemed; it's a word we hear a lot in our faith, especially around Easter. The redemption offered in our faith is something very different from the act of redeeming a coupon or gift card for something we want. No, for us, redemption...

We get to start with some great news. Our bishop has appointed Deacon Peter Bissonette as Associate Pastor after his ordination to the priesthood later this month. Br. Joseph will continue to serve our community till at least the end of June, but we'll shortly be joined by the newest priest in our Diocese. By...

For a couple weeks now, we've ben reflecting on the Jubilee Year we're celebrating. Despite our best efforts, it's easy for things to drift away from God's plan over time; a Jubilee year is a moment to set things back in the right direction, towards God and the life he promises. We started by considering...

When thinking about Lent and where it originated, today's Gospel is often what comes to mind. We connect this season to the forty days Jesus journeyed through the wilderness; or maybe some think of the forty years God's people wandered through the wilderness as they prepared to enter the promised land. Neither of those journeys...

In today's second reading, St. Paul encourages Christians to put on imperishability and immortality[i] and Lent is a season about doing just that; when powers try to hold our attention here, we devote a season to remembering that we have all been made for something truly great: eternity with our maker. It's a reminder of hope,...