23rd sunday in ordinary time

​This weekend we will hear proclaimed in our First Reading from the Prophet Isaiah (35:4-7a), “Thus says the Lord:  Say to those whose hearts are frightened:  Be strong, fear not!  Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you.”  Perhaps you or a child, grandchild, niece or nephew, are getting ready to return to school and are a bit scared.  Perhaps you are preparing to return to work after working from home.  Perhaps you are still uneasy leaving you home, going out, or returning to Mass.  Perhaps what you see going on around you in our world troubles you.  The list goes on.  So where do we place our trust?  That is in God, and for that reason we have nothing to fear.  That being said, we must use common sense, make use of sound information to guide us in making decisions, and remember that we are not in this alone.  We are part of a bigger community, and are called to love God and our neighbour.  And to be there for our neighbour, to be Christ for our neighbour.  So, when we are scared, worried, or frightened, we can be assured that we are united in prayer.  When we are perhaps too weak to pray, well that is when we lift up one another in prayer, our sister or brother in Christ.
 
Being part of a faith community like this of St. Julia is a beautiful thing.  Many generations gather each and every week, whether that be in person or virtually, to listen to the Word of God, to be fed by the Eucharist, and to be recharged and refueled.  And when our hearts are perhaps frightened, we are reminded to “Be strong, fear not.  Here is your God!”
 
As we begin this new month, we pray in a special way for the youth and young adults of our parish family.  We pray for those who long to be one in person with us at Mass and may still feel uncomfortable gathering together.  And we pray for an end to this pandemic, that we may all do our part, because we are in this together, united as one Body of Christ.
 
I had a very pleasant time away from the parish in Montreal and have returned refreshed and ready to serve you, my parish family.  I thank the priests who assisted in my absence, and pray that God will continue to bless them in their ministry and good works.
 
May God continue to bless each of you and those that you love, and I look forward to seeing you at Mass this weekend.
 
Fr. Greg