FM's Message | Sunday, February 19th, 2023

Perfect fit, perfect shot, that looks perfect in that room. The idea of perfection is part of our lives constantly. It is something that we aspire to, sometimes are challenged to achieve, or accidentally (most frequently for me personally) how we attain something. Over the course of the time I have been a priest, this idea of perfection and perfectionism generally had been used as a way for people to give up trying to achieve growth in the spiritual life. And it is understandable. Today’s Gospel challenges us to be perfect as God is perfect. I think the stumbling block is that we stop there. The whole Gospel is really challenging, but the final line is a call to remember that God in His perfection loves us as much as he loves our enemies. That is the most important point, I believe. We do not have to enjoy our enemies or even like them. And I am sure that God abhors the violence we commit against one another for all the reasons we do and is saddened that people reject and deny Him. However, He continues to love them patiently hoping and waiting for them to come to their senses and stop that behavior. History is filled with the story that violence begets more violence. The most powerful reality on earth is love and the more it is practiced, the better off we all will be. But it is not easy to do this as we can all clearly see. We need to remember that turning the other cheek, forgiving our enemies, and sharing generously are ways that will change us possibly and positively, and help us to grow towards the perfection of God who is love and who is perfect in compassion.  That is the real aspiration of Jesus for all of us. To be perfect, would mean that we would look on all peoples as made in the image and likeness of God. Treating them that way, even when they do not treat us well is what would bring about radical change. Quite a challenge, though. The only way to it is to submit ourselves to God completely, which is why these readings are so timely as we head into Lent.
This week, as we turn our minds and hearts to Lent with the Ash Wednesday services, it would be good to take a look at ourselves and see what, in humility, we might add or subtract from our lives to help us to grow as perfectly compassionate people. If we can look at others with the same forgiveness and love that God lavishes on us, or at least increase as a result of our sacrifices or additions for Lent, then maybe we will see that we are actually moving towards the spiritual perfection to which our loving God challenged to do by Jesus.
This Lent, we also hope to invite everyone to pray for our first communicants, confirmation students (teens to adults), and those who are coming into the church this Easter. We will publish the first names of all of them and ask people to pray for them daily.
We also will be having our second bi-lingual retreat on March 4th at St. James and hope you will save the date for this event too.
Finally, shortly we will receive a mailing from the cardinal concerning the annual appeal. It is an opportunity for us to support all the work of the Archdiocese and particularly the hidden work that is so important. As an example, this year we have had support from the Real Estate office (parking contracts), the building and engineering department (help with the re-pointing projects), and the pastoral offices (Emmaus project, which work with grieving parents). I have previewed the message this year from the Appeal office, and it is a gathering of people who relate why they give to the appeal. I hope all will consider a pledge this year.

Peace,
Father Murray

Building news: This week we are somewhat quiet and nothing immediately pressing is before us (first time in a long time).