REVJJ

As we approach the end of the Church's liturgical year, we are reminded that everything will fade and pass away, but Christ's words, love and presence will not.  We need to draw close to Christ so that we can fully live and journey to heaven.  Cemeteries remind us of light, hope and joy that only Christ can offer.  Listen for more!!

The gospel challenges us to be more like a poor widow who places all her trust in God while the rich give to the treasury out of their excess and abundance.  Who do we truly rely on and place complete trust in?  Is it God or ourselves?  Who do we choose and how can we change? Listen for more!

Jesus is asked what is the greatest commandment in the Gospel this weekend----he responds with two---Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbour as ourselves.  There is nothing greater than this.  How can we live this out each day?  Listen to find out.

Today the Gospel tells the story of a blind beggar named Bartimaeus who cries out to Christ so that he may see again.  In this great miracle he sees Christ as the Son of God and follows Him.  May we always cry out to the Lord so that we may see as God sees---seeking to be instruments of mercy and love in the world.

This weekend the Gospel reminds us to be servant of all like Christ.  James and John wanted to sit on the left and right hand side of Jesus in the kingdom without really understanding the call of faith is to be humble and slave of all.  We can't get caught up in fame or fortune but of humble and loving service--this makes us rich in the eyes of God.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!  As we give thanks for the countless blessings in our lives we are called in the Gospel this weekend to inherit eternal life by changing our lives---becoming Christ by following the rules, re-organizing our priorities and then live differently following Christ.  This may seem impossible but for God all things are possible.

Fr. John interviews Christine Canniff and Renée  Culverwell--parishioners along with Pastoral Minister Colleen Keane about the Alpha Series that took place in the Chatham Catholic Family of Parishes this past year in preparation for the next series in January 2025.  Colleen describes the why and how Alpha works while Christine and Renée share their personal experiences of the journey that has enhanced their faith!!

Fr. John concludes this message series reminding us that we are all chosen, anointed and sent out to blaze a new pathway to Christ for others. We are all missionaries---but do we really know this?

This weekend Jesus reminds us of the covenant of love for the sake of the other in the Sacrament of Marriage.  Married couples are true and real signs of how God loves us and how we are called to love God.  May we give ourselves away sharing God's grace serving everyone around us!!

The Gospel this weekend reminds us to take account and purge things that take us away from God's love and path while embracing a deeper spiritual life to draw close to the Lord.  Jesus in the Gospel also challenges us not to be stumbling blocks or obstacles for others drawing them away from the path of eternal life.  This Gospel gives us lots to think about!!