Mary's Pharmacy Blog

CLOSED BLOG

2012-10-05T18:56:00.001-07:00

Mary Pharmacy Blog was opposed by a certain group (anti-Catholic and some Catholic enemies) and the blogger was mentally harassed so it needs to be closed with the last three (3) posts unedited to reflect the condition of the blogger. The contents are being transferred to another website in WEEBLY.COM together with the Google site, travel services and web store. This resulted to the closure of websites owned by Buenosgracia Enterprise and affiliations; deletion of email and phone contacts, twitter followers, Google circles, LinkedIn connection and facebook friends.

NO MASS / NO BLOG:

I was instructed by a voice in the brain system not to attend mass and not to write a blog for two days on September 25 and 26, 2012. Afterwards, I was instructed to create a blog "MARIA TRAVELS" linked with the Archdiocese of Toronto with its emblem attached. But due to bodily pains and sufferings received by the blogger and her family, Maria Garcia, in doing the blog and attending TV mass, I was instructed to CLOSE THIS BLOG effective October 4, 2012.

September 29, 2012 – John 1:47-51

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Nathanael asked him, “Where did you come to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree, before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the king of Israel.” Jesus answered, Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things that these.” And he has said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Today is the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Father Patrick Fitzpatrick relayed that his confirmation name is Michael. Michael is the patron of Toronto. St. Michael is the saint who defended God in war in heaven. St. Gabriel, which means God is Mighty, is the second angel of God. St. Raphael, which means God Heals, is the third angel. He said that Guardian Angels are not only for children but for adults as well. In the gospel, Jesus was called Rabbi, the Son of God, and the King of Israel. Father Patrick mentioned a song phrase “I believe in Angels. I’ll cross that stream, I had the dream.” His prayer was “May our Guardian Angels protect us. Amen.”

September 28, 2012 – Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 / Luke 9:18-22

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Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven;

A time to be born, and a time to die;

A time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted;

A time to kill and a time to heal;

A time to break down and a time to build up;

A time to weep and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn and a time to dance;

A time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones together;

A time to embrace and time to refrain from embracing;

A time to seek and time to lose;

A time to keep and a time to throw away;

A time to tear and a time to sew;

A time to keep silence and time to speak;

A time to love and time to hate;

A time for war and a time peace.

What gain have the workers from their soil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time, moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their mind, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

Luke 9:18-22

Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They answered, “John the Baptist but others Elijah, and still others that one of the ancient prophets has arisen. He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, The Messiah of God.” He sternly ordered and commended them not to tell anyone, saying, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering and be rejected by the elders, chief priest and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

Father Ernie DeCicio said that it is only by walking with Jesus and having a relationship with Him with our faith that we will know who Jesus is. Jesus wants to bring us peace and joy.

September 27, 2012 – Ecclesiastes 1:2-11 – Reflections of a Royal Philosopher

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Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What do people gain from all the toil at which they toil under the sun? A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun goes down, and hurries to the place where it rises. The wind blows to the south, and goes round to the north; round and round goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns. All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, there they continue to flow. All things are wearisome; more than one can express. The eyes is not satisfied with seeing, or the ear filled with hearing. What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, “See this is new?” It has already been, in the ages before us. The people of long ago are not remembered, nor will there be any remembered of people yet to come by those who come after them.

Father Dan Donovan said that the Book of Ecclesiastes is the Book of Wisdom. Live into old ages, see children succeed. “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” which means refrain or repeating. Nothing is done in vain.

September 24, 2012 – Proverbs 3:27-34 / Luke 8:16-18

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No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Then pay attend to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not even what they seem to have will be taken away.

Father John Bertao talked about his personal experience about children’s confession when a parent joined in the confession. He said that there is nothing to be feared of nor there is a dark mystery about confession. He said that by doing so we obtain a life of peaceful communion with others. He added that Holy Scriptures or the bible is not outdated and applicable although it is written thousand years ago. We should go out of our comfort zone to demonstrate Gods commandments to everyone or set good example of morals. We should practice good faith especially to children who are in great need of values. We should encourage them to do good because doing good never go out of style. Let yourself shine and be a light to others.

September 22, 2012 – Luke 8:4-15 – The Parable of the Sower

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When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: A sower went out to sow his see; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on the birds of the ate it up. Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up it withered for lack of moisture. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it a chalked it. Some fell into good sill, and when grew, it produced a hundredfold. As he said this, he called, Let anyone with ears to hear listen!

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The news on the path is those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts so that they may not believe and be saved. The ones on the rock are those who when they hear the word, receive with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in time of testing fall away. As for what fell among the are the one ho hear but eye go on their way, they are choked by the cares, riches, and pleasures of life and their fruit does not mature. But as for that in the good solid, these are the eons how when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart and bear fruit with patient endurance.

Father Darren Dias said that parables are stories of everyday life that draw involvement holy images to illustrate deeper truth. The gospel is about a man who sowed seeds and scattered these seeds on earth – the rock, thorns, and good soil. The seeds refer to the words of God. The seeds that were thrown on rocks refer to the words of God unable to stand the test of time. The seeds thrown on good soil yielded much and it produced hundredfold. The word is success, trustworthy. We should need to listen to become good soil. We should persevere in spite of rocks and thorns and grow in hundred fold in our daily living.

September 21, 2012 – Matthew 9:9-13

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As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me” and he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”

Father Joe Gorman said that the gospel is about Jesus invitation, i.e. “Walk with me.” and his message of hope, healing, wholeness. The gospel is about a story of tax collector named Matthew who is a public sinner who cheated in tax and disliked by Jewish people. He also mentioned about outside oppression of foreign domination, interior events and journey of faith and healing. We should also reflect upon our opportunities.

Sept. 18, 2012 – 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31 / Luke 7:11-17

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1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31 – One Body with Many Members

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members so the body, though many are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one spirit, we were all baptized into one body- Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, and were all made to drink of one spirit. Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many.

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles second prophets, third teachers, then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greatest gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus raises the widow’s son at Nain

Soon afterwards, he went to a town called Nain and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mothers' only son, and she was a widow and with her was a large crowd drowns the town. When the Lord saw her he had compassion for her and said to her “Do not weep.” Then he came forward and touched the bier and the bearers stood still. And he said “Young man, I say to you Rise.” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them, and they glorified God saying, “A great prophet has risen among us.” And God has looked favorably on his people.

Father Liborio Amaral said that the gospel is about the widow of Nain, which begins in tragedy and ends in joy. It is a story of light turning to darkness, a life near death. Jesus is the light as he performed miracle to the widow’s only son who met tragedy but no one to defend her. Her life was in deep darkness. Jesus was compassionate and turned her life from darkness to become light. Like all of us who have pains and struggle, God gives light, joy, and freedom. We have our own cross to carry, a story of life of commitment to Christ’s compassion.

Sept. 17, 2012 – Luke 7:1-10 – Jesus Heals a Centurion’s Servant

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After Jesus had finished all this sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly and who was ill and close to death. When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly saying, “He is worthy of having you do this for him, for he loves our people and it is he who build our synagogue for us.”

In addition, Jesus went with them but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. Only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. For I am also a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one “Go” and he goes to another “Come” and he comes, and to my slave “Do this” and the slave does it. When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

Father Michael Busch said that the gospel is the story about the Roman soldier, a pagan who occupied Israel. He revealed his own character as a soldier who knew his authority. He knew Jesus had the power to heal his servants. The centurion was aware of the chain of command and Jesus’ power to heal which came from God. In the present times, why is it hard to have that kind of faith? Why can’t we accept the weakness of each other? Why can’t we trust God? The problem is two-fold: there is a power greater than our own. There are some who are reluctant to obey the discipline of obedience or to put a trust in the chain, which could maintain an empire. Thus, we should understand that the chain of command begins with God. For all of us and those who exercise their authority, we should have strong link in the chain of command and pledge our obedience to Him.

Sept. 15, 2012 – John 19:25-27 – The Crucifixion of Jesus

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Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of
Clopas and Mary Magdalena. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then, he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

Father Patrick Fitzpatrick said that today is the Feast of our Lady of Sorrows, Mary at the foot of the cross in Calvary with Jesus. She was receiving the body of Jesus in linen shroud for the burial of Jesus. Mary said, “I have to let you go.”

September 10, 2012 – 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 / Luke 6:6-11

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1 Corinthians 5:1-8 – Sexual Immorality Defiles the Church

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of kind that is not found even among pagans; for a man is living with his father’s wife. And you are arrogant! Should you not rather have mourned, so that he who has done this would have been removed from among you?

For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present I have already pronounced judgment in the name of the Lord Jesus on the man who has done such a thing…Your boasting is not a good thing. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch as lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the year of malice and evil but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Luke 6:6-11 – The Man with a Withered Hand

On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and taught and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him to see whether he would cure on the Sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. Even though he knew what they were thinking he said to the man how he had the withered hand, “Come and stand here!” He got up and stood there. Then, Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do well or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?” After looking around at all of them, he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.

In his reflections, Father Michael Busch spoke about the scribes and Pharisees who were blind guides and lead people astray. He asked everybody if we use the law as an excuse for not doing well. Are we required to do what is necessary or to destroy life? How much are we willing to sacrifice? There is no real love, no honesty, and no sincerity in what we do if we are not true to ourselves. We become antagonistic to anyone including priests and laymen who try to open our eyes and have a look of what is happening around us. The church has changed its core beliefs, is open to new ways, and the needs of modern life. But real worship means love in action and that includes sacrifice. We should listen to God’s voice and deny ourselves or step out of our comfort zone. Nothing will change unless we put our prayers into action, love one another, and do something about it.

September 8, 2012 – Matthew 1:1-16,18-23 – The Birth of Jesus the Messiah

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When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived her from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save, his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord through the prophet had spoken: "Look, the virgin shall convene and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel who means God is with us.”

Father Patrick Fitzpatrick announced that today is the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Mary. Joseph, her husband, the man of Bethlehem, had a meeting with Angel Gabriel about Mary's pregnancy. In his second visit, Angel Gabriel told Joseph in his dream “Don’t be afraid!” So Joseph stood by Mary until the child Jesus was born. Father Patrick recited the Litany of St. Mary.

September 7, 2012 – 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 – The Ministry of the Apostles

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Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they should be found trustworthy. But with me, it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself but I am not thereby acquitted. The Lord judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.

Father Liborio Amaral said that we can act as servants of Christ and stewarts of God's mystery. When we become stewarts, it is our decision to serve but not to be served. A clergy is a stewart of God’s mystery and so does other sectors of the society. They are stewards of mysteries of faith, trustworthy and who bring faith in God to others. They do not ask what we can gain, but for Christ's sake and are called servants of the Lord.

September 6, 2012 – 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 / Luke 5:1-11

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1 Corinthians 3:18-23 - On Divisions in the Corinthian Church

Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you maybe become wise. For the wisdom of these worlds is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness, and again, The Lord knows the thought of the wise, that they are futile.” So let no one boast about human leaders. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas of the world or life or death of the present or the future-all belong to you, and you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God.

Luke 5:1-11 – Jesus Calls the First Disciples

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down our nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their tents were beginning to break. So they signaled to their partners in the other board to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus knees, saying: “Go away from me Lord for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish they had taken; and so were James and John, son of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

Father Dan Donovan said that the context of the gospel is about the remarkable catch of fish by the disciples of Jesus. We can find in the gospel images such as nets and fish which symbolizes man’s journey. There is a widespread of images around the world signifying that we are all in a journey, whatever the images are. With the words of Jesus to Peter, “Do not be afraid you; will be catching people”, Father Dan advised the crowd to reap for hope whenever we are touched by fear and trepidation.

As the school starts, Father Dan mentioned that independent young people, especially the university students who are launching into the deep, need encouragement and support from their families. We hear stories calming the storms and see images of the church as boat in the sea of the world. To the members of community, his words of advise is “Do not be afraid, in joy and success, in pain and fear, God is with you!”

September 5, 2012 – 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 – On Divisions in the Corinthian Church

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And so, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready, for you are still of the flesh. For as long as there is jealousy and quarrelling among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving according to human inclinations? For when one says, I belong to Paul, and another I belong to Apollos, are you not mere human? What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe as the Lord assigned to each. I planted Apollo’s water but God gave the growth so neither the one who so plants nor the one who waters is anything but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labour of each. For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.

Father Michael Coutts cited about the TV advisory “Viewers' discretion is advised” to let the viewing public know the presence of violence and coarse language in TV shows. In the public ministry of Jesus in Galilee, a village of Nazareth, there were hatred, anger and jealousy ,working side by side. St. Paul taught his followers to do something good and put value on earthly things. Paul and Apollo’s theme is to comfort the afflicted and the uncomfortable; to reach out and heal them; caught up with the message rather than the messager and the message is Jesus Christ.

September 4, 2012 – 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 / Luke 4:31-37

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1 Corinthians 2:10-16 – The True Wisdom of God

For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the work, but the Sprit that is from God, so that we may understand the gift bestowed on us by God. And we speak of theses things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual. Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are discerned spiritually. Those who are spiritual discern all things, and they are themselves subject to no one else scrutiny. For who has known the mind of the Lord to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Luke 4:31-37 – The Man with Unclean Spirit

He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue, there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him.” When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm.

Father Nino Cavoto said that in the gospel, the people in Capernaum were astounded by Jesus’ words and the way he spoke when he healed a man with unclean spirit. Let us ask ourselves if we are astounded by the words of God. We should also listen to the words of God like “Follow me” and "Do not be afraid.” God's message is to renew ourselves and seek the His healing power.

September 2, 2012 – Psalm 15:2-5 / Mark 7:21-23

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Loving Heart

Psalm 15:2-5

Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart; who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbours; in whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honour those who fear the Lord; who stand by their oath even to their hurt; who do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent. Those who do these things shall never be moved.

Human Heart

Mark 7:21-23 – The Tradition of the Elders

Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you and understand, there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but things that come out are what defile.…..For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come; fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.

September 3, 2012 – Luke 4:16 – 30 – The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth

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The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour….. They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” He said to them, “Doubtless, you would quote to me this proverb, Doctor cure yourself. And you will say, do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.” And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown.

Father Michael Busch asked who really is Jesus in our lives. History would dictates us that Jesus’ life has been witnessed by saints 2000 years ago when changes in literature, art and music took place; when there are political issues involved whether you belong to the right or left wing, liberal or conservative; when moral pollution and scandals are present, there rests the meaning of our lives. But we should remember Jesus as the who healed and forgave people in times of troubles, pains, and sorrow. Father Michael advised us that wherever you are, Jesus is with you. Put your life in order, speak the healing word, call the best in you; and rethink the role of faith in your life. Know who you are and what life is all about.


Intl. Workers Day

Today, we celebrate Labour Day in Canada.

September 1, 2012 – Matthew 25:14-30 – The Parable of the Talents

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For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once, traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and his master’s money…But the master replied. “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers and on my return, I would have received what was, my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to the one with those ten talents. For to all those who have more will be given and they will have abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him in the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

In his homily, Father Patrick Fitzpatrick cited the saying “come as you are” which goes beyond how you are dressed. God calls the poor, ordinary men, and entities to be His followers. God is the source of life. He gives us talents, to use what we have and not bury it for safekeeping. Those who play it safe, their talents will be taken away. What matters is to use it and have the life God wants us to be. It is a tragedy if we show nothing of what we have on earth. Father Patrick reminded us of the Olympics game in London where Oscar Pistorius, an athlete who has two prosthetic legs, inspired the world of his strengths and courage to compete in the track and field. We are now left with a challenge to ask ourselves what are we doing to what God has given us.

August 31, 2012 – 1 Corinthians 1:17-25 / Matthew 25:1-13

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1 Corinthians 1:17-25 – The Life that the Lord Has Assigned

However, that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the churches….Let each of you remain in the condition in which you were called. Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. Even if you can gain your freedom, make use of your present condition now more than ever. For whoever was called in, the Lord as a slave is freed person belonging to the Lord, just as whoever was free when called is a slave of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of human master. In whatever condition you were called, brothers and sisters, there remain with God.

Matthew 25:1-13 – The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids

Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps they took no oil with them, but the wise took flask of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept… And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord open to us. But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you. Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

Father George Smith, a member of the Order of Priests, said that Jesus uses parables as a primary means of teaching and the church uses parables as part of adult education. The gospel spoke about the kingdom of heaven or the reign of God, which is not form of government. The reign of God requires a change or conversion of heart in order to find authentic happiness. In course of our daily lives, we should allow God to walk into our lives and find that happiness. Are you ready to accept the reign of God to interrupt your life? Father George advised to run some tests for the reign of God appeals to freedom.

August 30, 2012 – 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 / Matthew 24:42-51

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1 Corinthians 1:1-9 - Salutation

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God and our brother Sosthenes….I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind - just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you - so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; he called you into the fellowship of his son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Matthew 24:42-51 – The Faithful or the Unfaithful slave

Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slave their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly, I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. But if that wicked slave says to himself, My master is delayed, and he begins to beat his fellow slaves and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know. He will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Father Dan Donovan opined that St. Paul’s writings to the Corinthians are fascinating. He was a wandering preacher who recognized that his messages were not his own but entrusted by God. It reflected the teachings of the life of Jesus. St. Paul mentioned about grace, which pertains to gifts including forgiveness, reconciliation and new life, leading to the fruit of grace, that is, peace. St. Paul emphasized his followers to accept the gifts of grace.

August 29, 2012 – Mark 6:17-29 – The Death of John the Baptist

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But when Herod heard of it, he said, John, whom I beheaded, has been raised…..For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brothers’ wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him.… He went and beheaded him in the prison brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and lay in a tomb.

St. John the Baptist

Today is the feast of the memorial of the Passion of John the Baptist. Father Michael Coutts said that “passion” means suffering and we remember St. John who died as a prophet. His work is to spread the gospel and spoke with clarity of his message “do good and avoid evil. He met invariably with opposition group who follow the easy path. He followed the narrow path towards God’s kingdom, which is seldom tread upon by people nowadays. His motto and advice for his followers is to “preach what you believe and practice what you preach.”

August 28, 2012 – Matthew 23:13-22 – Jesus Denounces Scribes and Pharisees

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Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe met, dill and cummin, and has neglected the weightier matters of the law; justice and mercy and faith. It is this you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisees! First, clean the inside of the cup so that the outside may be also clean.

Father Damian McPherson said that the scribes and Pharisees received severe criticisms from Jesus as they do not practice what they preach. They were unwashed, corrupt, undisciplined and sold their souls to values not respected by law. They were clean outside but inside a war in waging. We are inclined to choose God because sin and grace live side by side. We encounter stumbling blocks which we could turn into stepping stones to possess the truth of the gospel and follow it more convincingly. We should be open to the power of God’s grace.

Today is the feast of St. Augustine, the son of St. Monica.

August 27, 2012 – Matthew 23:13-22 – Jesus Denounces Scribes and Pharisees

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St. Monica

And you say, “Whoever swears by the altar is bound by nothing but whoever swears by the gift that is on the altar is bound by the oath. How blind you are! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? So whoever swears by the altar, swears by it and by everything on it and whoever swears by the sanctuary swears by it and by the one who dwells in it; and whoever swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by the one who is seated upon it."

Today is the feast of St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine and a convert of faith. Her husband and children did not follow her lead but she never gave up praying. She is the patron of mothers and grandmothers who are praying for their sons, daughters and grandchildren. St. Augustine, the son of St. Monica, found his way and helped his mother until he was given the gift of faith. Father Paul Cusack said that it is a sad reality that most people do not attend mass. We should never stop praying for our loved ones so that they will still continue in their religious commitment. We should trust the truth that we did our best and live in our own decision.

August 26, 2012 – Joshua 24:15-18 – The Tribes Renew the Covenant

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Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the river or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living but as for my household, and me we will serve the Lord. The people answered, far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt out of the house of slavery and who did those great sins in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went and among all the people through whom we passed.

Father Pierre Robitaille mentioned in his homily that God wants us to think well and decide that it is a matter of choice in terms of work/job and personal/family life. Let us use our judgment and maturity when it comes to definite choices that we make.

Father Pierre is leaving St. John’s Church for his next assignment in Europe. We extend our warm wishes of good health and luck for his travel.