JANUARY 7TH 2024, EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
- Posted On 7th Jan 2024
Masses for the Week
| Sat Jan 6 09:00 AM | † Florie Vegas D'Souza |
| Sat Jan 6 05:00 PM | † Liam Traynor |
| Sun Jan 7 09:00 AM | † Deceased members of the D'Abreo family |
| Sun Jan 7 11:00 AM | People of the Parish |
| Sun Jan 7 07:00 PM | † Tomislav (Tom) Ledvinka |
| Mon Jan 8 09:00 AM | Intention of Jonathan Parucha |
| Tue Jan 9 09:00 AM | † Gerard Sherrer |
| Wed Jan 10 09:00 AM | Intention of Alicia Santos |
| Thu Jan 11 09:00 AM | Intention of Esteban & Milgaros Jovellanos |
| Fri Jan 12 09:00 AM | † Segundo Tumulak † Eusebia Bensi † Devasia Poovelil † Thomas Lee † Antoonita Antonio † Alexandro Macatangay Intention of Leocardia Shiekh Intention of Alban & Gloria Moniz Intention of Mathilda & Denis Gracias |
| Sat Jan 13 09:00 AM | Intention of Joshlene Nimalraaj |
| Sat Jan 13 05:00 PM | † Lean Hinds |
REFLECTION
Today’s feast, older than Christmas, marks the showing (epiphany) of Jesus to the world. Once revelation had been limited to the chosen people of Israel; now it extends to all nations. In the persons of the wise men the world comes bearing gifts to worship its King. The magi responded to signs, even to that most surprising sign of God’s presence in the world, a little child cared for by its mother. God manifests who he is in the weakness and simplicity rather than in power. The psalm brings to mind Jesus’ ministry to the needy; one day all humankind will worship and serve him as rising over the city of Jerusalem, drawing peoples from all over the earth out of their darkness. God’s presence makes his people radiant, and praise to him wells up spontaneously, God’s revelation of himself to the world is the great mystery of which Ephesians speaks; all of us without exception are called to be members of Christ’s body and radiant signs of his glory.
Sunday Mass Book for Canada
2024 DONATION ENVELOPES
The 2024 donation envelopes are available for pick up in the Narthex. They are alphabetized within each tray.
Please be patient and ensure you are taking your own box. Please help us return those boxes that are not yours to their original spots to save everyone’s time.
We thank you for your generosity and for following and respecting this guideline.
PASTORAL LETTER FROM THE MOST REV. FRANCIS LEO
Seeking The Kingdom of God Above & Beyond All Other Things
Archbishop Francis Leo has released a Pastoral Letter to the Church of God in the Archdiocese of Toronto, entitled, “Seeking The Kingdom of God Above and Beyond All Other Things”. This significant reflection from our spiritual shepherd is intended to offer a theological, spiritual, and pastoral meditation as we embark upon a New Year and our collective efforts to build and strengthen the Kingdom of God throughout our archdiocese.
The Pastoral Letter can be accessed by visiting the archdiocesan website at: www.archtoronto.org.
The Epiphany of the Lord
On entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:11
“Epiphany” means manifestation. And the “Epiphany of the Lord” is Jesus’ manifestation not only to these three Magi from the East, but it’s also a symbolic but real manifestation of the Christ to the whole world. These Magi, traveling from a foreign and non-Jewish nation, reveal that Jesus came for all people and all are called to adore Him.
These Magi were “wise men” who studied the stars and were aware of the Jewish belief that a Messiah was coming. They would have been versed in much of the wisdom of the day and would have been intrigued by the Jewish belief in the Messiah.
God used what they were familiar with to call them to adore the Christ. He used a star. They understood the stars and when they saw this new and unique star over Bethlehem they realized that something special was happening. So the first lesson we take from this for our own lives is that God will use what is familiar to us to call us to Himself. Look for the “star” that God is using to call you. It’s closer than you may think.
A second thing to note is that the Magi fell prostrate before the Christ Child. They laid their lives down before Him in complete surrender and adoration. They set a perfect example for us. If these astrologers from a foreign land could come and adore Christ in such a profound way, we must do the same. Perhaps you could try literally lying down prostrate in prayer this day, in imitation of the Magi, or at least do so in your heart through prayer. Adore Him with a complete surrender of your life.
Lastly, the Magi bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These three gifts, presented to our Lord, show that they acknowledged this Child as the Divine King who would die to save us from sin. Gold is for a King, frankincense is a burnt offering to God, and myrrh is used for one who would die. Thus, their adoration is grounded in the truths of who this Child is. If we are to adore Christ properly, we must also honor Him in this threefold way.
Reflect, today, upon these Magi and see them as a symbol of what you are called to do. You are called from the foreign place of this world to seek out the Messiah. What is God using to call you to Himself? When you discover Him, do not hesitate to acknowledge the full truth of who He is, lying prostrate before Him in complete and humble submission.
Excerpt from Thomas, J. P. (2020, January 4). The Epiphany of the Lord. Catholic Daily Reflections. https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2020/01/04/the-epiphany-of-the-lord/
Do you feel called?
The Son of God was first manifested to the world through the visit of the magi. Today, God’s Son is brought into the world and is present to the world through His Church.
If you think that God is calling you to be a priest, religious, or permanent deacon, call Fr. Matt McCarthy, Director of Vocations, Archdiocese of Toronto at (416) 968-0997 or email vocations@archtoronto.org.
ST. VINCEnt de Paul
This year our Christmas appeal was a great success. For 66 families their Christmas was a little brighter. We wish to express our appreciation and thanks to all of you for your generous response to the families in need in our midst. Blessings to each and every one of you in this New Year!
The beauty of life is found in people who care And the goods of life are given only to share And we who are blest with the ability to give Just remember, not doing so 'may our gods forgive
Author Unknown
Edge Youth Ministry
EDGE Youth Ministry 2023—2024 has opened its registration for youth in grade 6, 7, and 8.
EDGE will meet on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month, starting from Oct 13th, 2023.
COME DISCOVER HOW THE WORD CREATES!
We grow in our relationship with God & one another through various activities: obstacle courses, escape room puzzles, team crafting & more.
Please contact Jeremy Tanuan for more information: JTanuan@archtoronto.org or 416-282-0370 ex. 213.