St. Joseph Church Homilies

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  Christmas 2025 25.12.2026 11мин
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  Nuanced I 06.09.2026 9мин

  I like long weekends as much as anyone. But, I’ve never been a great fan of Labour Day weekend. As a child, I wasn’t the greatest student and didn’t especially look forward to school. But even today, I know that, after this weekend, life will become a little more nuanced, filled with hidden complexities. The regular meetings and school visits begin again. It will take more effort to keep on top of emails and voicemails. After this weekend many nuances, hidden complexities, will replace the slower pace of summer. Teachers return to the nuances of their work. Students resume their complex learning. Parents will be challenged with balancing schedules. Some may be called on to watch grandchildren after school. Maybe some will have to hunt for the sweaters needed for cooler weather. That’s just life in general, though, it’s nuanced, full of hidden complexities. Till Thanksgiving, we’re going to explore Jesus’ wisdom on some issues that often seem incredibly complex. The wisdom of the Saviour may be challenging, but maybe it offers ways to alleviate the complex moments of life and give more space for joy. This week we look at a very nuanced issue everyone experiences: the conflict that arises when hurt by a loved one. Today’s Gospel began by naming the conflict: “If your brother or sister sins against you…”[i]. Of course, by, “…brother or sister…”, Jesus means anyone with whom we have a close relationship. It’s simple, after all, to brush off the abuses of a stranger, to label and dismiss them. We all know what to do when we’re in the wrong; it’s a simple prompt to acknowledge the fault, apologize and make a Confession if needed. But handling hurt from a loved one is much more nuanced, carrying deeper pain. This is the friend who spoke behind your back, the sibling who never returned the borrowed money, the parent who didn’t keep a promise, the spouse who kept a secret, the loved one who deeply offended you. Regardless of if it was accidental or on purpose, it hurts. It’s an experience simple to name, but much more nuanced. Jesus addresses this experience with a simple first step when dealing with the nuances of hurt; when you’re the one harmed, the victim, the Saviour directs, “…go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.”[ii] When the natural tendency is to want the offender to step up first, to come forward and apologize, Jesus instructs his followers to instead take the first step in reconciling; and no, it’s not easy or fair. It’s not fair for the one hurting to be the first to offer peace. But Jesus focus, his priority, is his work of reconciliation. When his people had turned from him, God didn’t wait for an apology; he sent his son to offer peace. From on the cross, Jesus didn’t wait for an apology before offering forgiveness to those who put him there. After rising from the dead, Jesus didn’t wait for Peter, who had denied him three times, to apologize; Jesus approached him first to reconcile. It’s a pattern the Saviour models for his followers, the model he wishes disciples to follow. It is challenging to confront one who hurt. It’s much easier to wait for the offender to step up first and apologize. But disciples follow a divine pattern that doesn’t always seem fair or make sense; we give priority to healing division knowing there’s no room in the Kingdom for divides among God’s people. Now to be clear, there’s no expectation for anyone to put themselves in harm’s way, to take the first step in reconciling, if it means further hurt or abuse. Only make the first step for peace when it’s safe to. It’s also much easier to take the hurt to someone else, to anyone other than the offender, to share what happened and the injury received. Truly, it’s wise to get support or advice from others when hurting, to get a different perspective, receive assurance or to vent a little. But anything beyond risks entering the territory of gossip and does nothing to address the nuances of conflict, to really reconcile or br
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  22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time 30.08.2026 19мин
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  21st Sunday of Ordinary Time 23.08.2026 14мин
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  Finding God at Work 16.08.2026

  First of all, in today’s Gospel, Jesus shouldn’t be interpreted as being short, dismissive or rude with the Canaanite woman. Sure, when I’m tired or stressed, I can get a little irritable and possibly do or say things I later regret; no one likes having their limits exposed. But Jesus doesn’t suffer from those kinds of failings. Like any of us, maybe Jesus was tired after a long day of ministering to others and teaching the disciples, but regardless of his human nature, he always responds to his people with love. His words to the Canaanite woman aren’t to put her down but to teach us something about who God came for and who he works through. Many years ago, I was helping out at another Church for Christmas Eve. Though the weather was poor, the Church was, thankfully, still very full. Just before the Mass began, one individual, looking obviously frustrated from having to park far from the church and battle the weather between the car and the doors of the church, began suggesting that regular parishioners should somehow have reserved parking spots. To them it seemed unfair to have to park blocks away while many who come to worship only a couple of times a year got the best spots. They were expressing a feeling, probably a fleeting thought, that in some way their faith, which led them to participate in the Mass frequently, should somehow entitle them to special consideration above those who weren’t seen at church as frequently. Developing the good habit of coming here, putting in the effort to nurture faith and live out our Baptism: it’s hard work when there are so many pressures on our limited time, energy and resources. Even our faith has limits as does our understanding of God and his ways. We work hard to be disciples and it’s easy to believe that God comes to us first and there is a lot of truth to that; we’re a blessed people because of our faith. But that sentiment can fuel temptations to turn inwards too, to become dismissive of those who, for whatever reason, have not developed many of the good faith habits that lead us here and bring many of us great comfort. It’s a temptation that’s not at all new. During Jesus’ ministry, questions arose about who it is the Saviour came to save, who he was calling to belong to the new Kingdom he was founding. For those Jewish people who recognized Jesus as the Messiah it was clear: they were the chosen people. It was the Jewish people who God first spoke to in their father Abraham. It was the Hebrews who God miraculously led out of slavery to the Egyptians through great signs of power, for who the Red Sea was divided and to who the Word and law of God was delivered through figures like Moses and the prophets. As for the Canaanite woman who seemed to be harassing Jesus at the beginning of today’s Gospel: well, she belonged essentially to a conquered and displaced people. The Canaanites had their own cultures, customs and pagan religions. They lived in the promised land before the Jewish people arrived after their wanderings through the wilderness. In some cases, conflict arose between the arriving Jewish settlers and the Canaanites who were eventually conquered. In other cases, the Canaanites were displaced and in still other cases they were simply assimilated. The Jewish people knew they were the chosen people because of how God had guided them to the promised land. As for the Canaanites: to many it seemed as though God had no real use for those conquered and displaced pagans and this sentiment tempted the disciples to urge Jesus to send the Canaanite woman away; she was simply a nuisance. Without question, God works through disciples, but he’s not limited to his disciples. The Canaanite woman may not have received the teaching the disciples had; she may not have followed Jesus so closely as they or shared their faith. But by dismissing the woman, the disciples were also dismissing the possibility of God working through her or in her heart, nearly missing opportunities to witness mira
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  Stay in the Boat 09.08.2026 9мин

  One of the windows along the south side of our church features the image of a boat on stormy seas. The sky looks dark, the sail is full of wind and the waters look rough. I’ve been in a few storms while boating and each time was frightening in its own way. Each time, I had to take a breath and remind myself, all storms pass, all that’s needed is to stay in the boat. So, today’s Gospel reading, featuring Peter, who gets out of the boat during a severe storm at the command of Jesus, catches my attention as it goes against my own training and natural inclinations. Of course, literal storms out in the lake aren’t the only kinds of storms I’ve faced. We all encounter different kinds of storms throughout life. Some maybe experience financial storms and worry about being swamped by the waves of bills and inflation. Others could be experiencing relationship storms, concerned about properly navigating the shoals of rocky relationships. Maybe battling health issues or poor workplace conditions feels like fighting against gale force winds. Storms of all kinds surround us and even though we know Our Saviour is never all that far away, sometimes the threats of the storms we face seem like impossible barriers between us and his saving power. The key to surviving all these storms is to stay in the boat. The disciples in today’s Gospel were confronted by multiple storms all at once. Of course, there was the literal storm that threatened their lives. But their God given mission at Capernaum, their destination, would include other kinds of storms. Their journey across the lake would take them from the familiar territory of the Jewish people to a territory infused with Gentile cultures; on the other side, they would face not just opposing winds, but cultures completely opposed to the Good News. Internally, each of the disciples faced storms in their relationship with Jesus; instead of being comforted, the appearance of Jesus walking on the waters terrified them. They were also in the middle of stormy faith, demonstrated visibly when Peter allowed the dangers of the storm to distract him from Jesus. For the disciples to survive all these storms, they had to stay in the boat. Going back to our church window with the boat: the sail in the image is inscribed with a word, “Ecclesia”, the word for Church. The Church is the boat we’re supposed to cling to when facing storms. While in the boat, Peter could trust in Jesus and hear him; but once he got out, the winds and waves distracted him and he needed rescue. When facing so many threatening storms in life, the presence and voice of God is often difficult to perceive and trusting in his power is a true challenge. Today’s first reading featured Elijah who hid in a cave when the rulers threatened his life. While hiding, he could have given in to despair over his predicament. Instead, he remained in a prayerful state, he was attuned to the voice of God and could hear him in the whisper of a breeze even over the noise of fire, great winds, earthquakes and the threats against his life. Disciples know our faith doesn’t spare us from the threatening storms of life. So, we come here regularly: to stay in the boat of our Church, listening for the voice of God. Outside of this place, when the threats of storms distract us from trusting in the power of The Saviour, like Peter we begin to sink. Here though, we stay in the boat of our Church; we retreat from distracting storms to focus on him and listen for the whisper of his voice. From in the boat, Peter and the disciples were attuned to the voice of Jesus. From in the boat, they could hear his voice. From in the boat of the Church, the disciples properly worshipped Jesus, professing that he is, “…the son of God.”[i]. Maybe you’re lucky, you’re not currently experiencing storms in your life. For disciples, that’s an opportunity to worship Jesus from in the boat of our Church. Here, we praise him for his power and give him thanks for safely guiding us and guardin
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  18th Sunday of Ordinary Time 02.08.2026 12мин
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  17th Sunday of Ordinary Time 26.07.2026 17мин
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  16th Sunday of Ordinary Time 19.07.2026 15мин
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  15th Sunday of Ordinary Time 12.07.2026 19мин
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  Baptized Priests, Prophets and Kings III 05.07.2026 8мин

  For the last couple weeks, we’ve reflected on our Baptism. Of course, the Baptized are adopted children of God; that’s who Baptism says we are. But Baptism also has something to say about what we are too, it makes a practical difference; it gives us a job going all the way back to Adam and Eve. Being made in the image and likeness of God, the first couple were true prophets; a clear reflection of the maker, at least until they said, “no”, to his plan. Since then, fear has led God’s people to hide or cover themselves, obscuring the image of God within. Adam and Eve were also kings, made to maintain the harmony of the Garden of Eden through their leadership and it worked, again, till they said, “no”, to the plan of the maker. Since then, even the best of leaders have let us down. We need good prophets whose life, words and actions reveal God and his word. We need good leaders, good kings for today, who bring harmony to God’s people and creation. Baptism is God’s first step in restoring those essential roles. Made after his own image, God made Adam and Eve to be prophets, kings and also priests. The Garden of Eden was the place where Adam and Eve met with God, walked and spoke with him and offered back to him all that was made; it was a place of prayer, a kind of temple. Again, since the first couple said, “no”, to God, it’s been a challenge for many to find God, hear and speak with him and to offer him right worship. We need good priests to restore the relationship between God and his people. Now, as Catholics, our understanding of priesthood is rooted in our Jewish background. Priests, like Zechariah, whose words we heard in today’s first reading, worked in the temple to restore and maintain the relationship between God and his people through prayer, worship and sacrifice; that’s what the priests were expected to do. In fact, only the priests were permitted inside the temple building, everyone else had to stay out in the courtyards. When thinking of priests today, it’s easy to maybe think of priests like Brother Joseph or myself. But we’re not the only priests in this space. Each Baptized person is a priest; it’s why, not just Brother Joseph and I but all of you are invited inside our church. Each of us are called to restore and maintain the relationship between God and his people through prayer, worship and sacrifice beginning right here at Mass. At every Mass, each Baptized priest, each of us, has opportunity to offer prayers for the world by, not just listening, but by participating in what happens here; even the different postures we take and the hymns we sing are part of our shared prayer. At every Mass, each Baptized priest has opportunity to offer worship by helping out, maybe as choir members, hospitality, decorators, gardeners, altar servers or even by cleaning this space before each weekend: we don’t need any of ministries; they’re acts of worship done for God. At every Mass, each Baptized priest has opportunity to make a sacrifice, especially at the collection. Especially for parents, I know part of your sacrifice includes just getting here with your kids. God has Baptized us priests so each can help restore the relationship between God and his people, to make every place, somewhere to meet God. Brother Joseph and I and every ordained priest work at that task in our own unique way, especially in this space. But, to tell the truth, I believe we have the easy job; we just need to follow the directions given by the Church. While we’re called to work here, you’re called to work everywhere else, to transform your homes, workplaces, communities, families, to make everywhere opportunities for all to meet God. Disciples do this by offering prayer, worship and sacrifice wherever they go. It’s a serious job, a big job. So, begin in your own homes. Parents: you’re the chief priests in your families. Take steps to make your homes places of prayer, worship and sacrifice; it could be as simple as praying grace before dinner. To any employers here: you’re the chief priests in your workplace. Take steps to make your workplace a space of prayer, worship and sacrifice; it could be as simple as making sure your business is involved in charitable works in even a small way. Wherever disciples go, they go as Baptized priests, offering prayer, worship and sacrifice so, once again, all God’s people have opportunity to meet, walks with and listen to the Maker, just as Adam and Eve first did. Maker of all, we praise you for including us in your work. Send to us your Spirit, to form of us wonderful leaders, kings for today, with hearts reflecting your love. Make prophets of us who reveal your Good News and presence and inspire us as we serve you and all you have made as Baptized priests who imitate the prayer, worship and Sacrifice of our Saviour, in whose name we offer all our prayers. Amen.
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  Baptized priest, prophet and King II 28.06.2026 9мин

  Canada Day offers a great time to reflect on all the blessings we enjoy here and among those is our electoral system: it’s a blessing to have the right to elect our leaders. It’s not perfect, of course, and that’s felt whenever an election fuels divides among even the best of friends, when you discover a friend has ‘cancelled’ out your vote with their own. It’s still a true blessing though because life in those nations where leaders do win one hundred percent of the votes isn’t nearly so nice as it is here. Our system works through humility, acknowledging that no one person has all the answers. We’ve all experienced the struggles that come when a leader misuses their position. A bad coach, an unsympathetic teacher, an uncompromising landlord, an arrogant boss: politicians and clergy aren’t exempt; and it’s easy to completely mistrust leaders, whoever the kings of today may be, after being let down enough. For a few weeks, we’re reflecting on our Baptism. Of course, the Baptized are adopted children of God, called to inherit his Kingdom. That’s who Baptism says we are. But Baptism makes a practical difference in the lives of disciples too; it gives us a job going all the way back to Adam and Eve. Being made in the image and likeness of God, they were true prophets; a clear reflection of what God’s like, where he’s to be found and what he wants, at least until they said, “no”, to his plan. Since then, fear has led God’s people to hide or cover themselves, obscuring the image of God within. Last week, we examined how Baptism is God’s first step in restoring the role of prophet so, once again, the life, words and actions of each disciple can reveal God’s presence and message. Adam and Eve were made to be prophets, but also kings. One of their jobs was to name all God had made: God made it all and included the first couple in his work by inviting them to name what he had made. This is a big deal; naming all God created wasn’t just about applying labels to things but about properly asserting why God made all there is and declaring how his creation is to be properly used. Through that leadership, that kingship, harmony existed in the garden. But once the first couple said, “no”, to God, that kingship was corrupted and instead of using creation according to God’s purpose, people since have sometimes used creation, including others, for their own selfish purpose; that original harmony found in the Garden of Eden has been lost. God has lots to say about leaders. He’s revealed his desire to work through leaders. While good leaders are praised for cooperating, for bringing harmony back for God’s people and creation, leaders who misuse their position are greatly criticized. In today’s Gospel, Jesus points out the qualities disciples should exhibit when leading. Good kings place nothing ahead of following the Saviour. Good leaders are ready to take up the cross. Good managers listen to and welcome prophets. The ones in charge are doing it right when they truly care about even the simplest needs of those most in need and at our Baptism we were anointed, called to seek the gifts needed to become that kind of leader. Just as we need good prophets, we need good kings, good leaders, who work to restore the harmony of God’s plan. But, while we may not have much influence over the leadership qualities of others, beyond doing our best at the polls, there’s a few things disciples can do for ourselves. Disciples recognize how in ways, big or small, we’re each in some kind of leadership position. Maybe you’re not leading a nation, but a family, or workplace project, a team or some other group. Perhaps you’re in a place of influence, work with children, pass on skills or host guests; maybe all you’re the leader of is a few extra dollars in a wallet. These are all places God has led his disciples to. We also admit our own need for growth; disciples acknowledge there’s been moments where each has misused their position. If you’re a parent, maybe there’s been times you’ve put yourself before your children. If you’re a manager or supervisor or teacher of some kind, it’s so easy to be less than perfect in using authority. I know I’ve had to bring up my own shortcomings as pastor in the Confessional. It’s uncomfortable, it’s humbling, but admitting the need for growth softens the heart so the Spirit can form us into the kings God’s called us to be. Disciples also declare that our royal dignity is exercised not through authority over others, but through authority for others. We reign by becoming like the greatest king of all, who’s given his life for others, for us; that’s the king, the leader, disciples long for and imitate. Here’s the thing: elections, nations, empires, armies and dollars all come and go. Those who use authority only for themselves eventually become powerless. Our Saviour, however, calls us to aim for something endless. Shortly, in, ‘The Lord’s Prayer’, we’ll entrust all to our eternal king; we’ll pray that the Father’s, “…will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” This isn’t a passive request. No, in this petition disciples accept that from Baptism, we are anointed kings, called to reflect the love of our maker. King of all, we praise you for anointing the Baptized, for inviting us to share in your kingship and work. Bless all who find themselves in positions of authority, big or small, and guide them to escape all temptations to use their positions selfishly so your holy will can truly be done on earth as it is in heaven. May your disciples follow the example of your Son, who ruled through sacrifice and love. This prayer we make in his name. Amen.
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  Baptized priest, prophet and King I 21.06.2026 8мин

  Most of us, if not all, have been Baptized. Of course, we know the Baptized are connected to God’s family, that they’re children of God, called to inherit the Kingdom. That’s the answer Baptism gives to who we are. But, over the next few weeks, we’re reflecting on the practical difference Baptism makes, on the job Baptism gives to disciples; in short, the Baptized are priests, prophets and kings. It all goes back to Adam and Eve. Before the fall, before saying, “no”, to God, like us, the first couple were children of God, but they were also prophets. Being made in the image and likeness of God, all they said and did revealed what God’s like, where he’s to be found and what he wants. Adam and Eve were a clear reflection of God at least until they said, “no”, to his plan. Ever since that divide, sin, appeared between God’s people and the source of life, fear has been a problem and it was the experience of being full of fear, that led Adam and Eve to cover themselves, to obscure the image of God within. Fear prevented the first couple from being effective prophets. So long as fear has filled God’s people, there’s been much confusion, even outright conflicts, about God. We need prophets who are free of fear. God didn’t make us for fear though; he made us to be prophets, and Baptism is the first step God takes in restoring the role of prophet so, once again, the life, words and actions of each person can reveal God’s presence and message. It’s a huge challenge, though, because God’s Good News isn’t always welcome. We’ve all felt the discomfort; we’ve all experienced moments when the call to publicly practice or profess faith has left us feeling full of fear. We’re in good company though. Today’s First Reading comes from one of the major prophets, the prophet Jeremiah, whose message was very unwelcome during his life. At God’s prompting, the prophet declared that the people of Judah would be conquered if they didn’t change their ways; no one wanted to hear that. Then, while the city was under siege, surrounded by enemy forces, Jeremiah encouraged surrender. Despite following God’s will precisely, doing the best he could, no one listened. Many, including the king, tried to eliminate him; even the temple priests had Jeremiah arrested and violently mistreated. We can imagine the fears Jeremiah may have had: He was abandoned by everyone, his life was in danger and despite proclaiming God’s word and doing God’s work, no one listened. Aware of his situation, the prophet wrote, “…All my close friends are watching for me to stumble.”[i] We may not fear for our lives in the same way, but it’s still easy to imagine the fears of Jeremiah, the discomfort of isolation and rejection. There is a difference between feeling fear and being full of fear. In this life, feeling fear can be good; it’s what reminds us to lock the door at night or to turn off the oven. “Fear of the Lord”, is one of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit urging disciples to put God first. I’m sure Jeremiah felt fear. Being full of fear is different though; it’s paralyzing, holds prophets back and makes it difficult to trust God. We each have our own fears and maybe some here are full of fear: paralyzed by fear, holding back or in some way covering themselves, obscuring the image of God within. Jeremiah gives a good example of what to do. While acknowledging his situation, the prophet also observed, “…the Lord is with me like a dread warrior…”[ii] Because God never fails, Jeremiah had no fear of failure. By filling his life with signs, reminders, of God’s presence, the prophet knew he was not alone. When God is difficult to find, we come here to do a similar thing, to recognize God with us. The Eucharist, the Confessional, the Anointing of the Sick: the Sacraments bring us closer to the source of life, undoing the divides of Adam and Eve. Disciples know we’ve not been made to be full of fear but to be prophets of God today. So, we bring our fears here and present them to the Saviour, the source of life. Poverty may have some temporary power now, but at Communion we remember how God defeats poverty by feeding us with his very self. Betrayal, injustice, heartbreak, even cancer and death: one look at the crucifix reminds us of the overpowering faithfulness of God. Bad things are going to happen to us, some will face terrible things, as did the prophet Jeremiah, there’s no escaping it. But here we’re reminded that God, through his love, will have the last say. Maker of all that is good, many of your people are held back by fear. To those paralyzed by fear, send your Holy Spirit to draw them to yourself, the source of life. To those haunted by fear send reminders that you always walk with them and to those tempted to hide away for safety, may this celebration be a reminder of how your love conquers all. May your comforting presence fill our hearts, empowering us to walk boldly on the path of faith. This we pray through our faithful Lord. Amen. [i] Jeremiah 20:10 (NRSVCE) [ii] Jeremiah 20:11 (NRSVCE)
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  11th Sunday of Ordinary Time 14.06.2026 14мин
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  Corpus Christi 07.06.2026 15мин
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  Allowing God’s Definitions 31.05.2026 11мин

  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
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  Transforming Power of the Holy Spirit 24.05.2026 8мин

  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.
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