Fan or Follower?

You may wish to listen again to the Audio of the Lord’s Day Message

Life is a journey and during it, in our relationship with Jesus, we are often either: fascinated by Jesus, a fan of Jesus, frustrated by Jesus or we are followers of Jesus. In the readings of today we see all of those portrayed and the challenge of God’s word – as we discern to see the road ahead for us - is to decide which we are, and do you wish to remain there or move toward full discipleship in Christ – being His follower

Bartimaeus, the main figure in the Gospel this Lord's Day, was a blind beggar sitting by the side of the road. All he could say was “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me”—a prayer of last resort. The people there scolded him and tried to shut him up, but he wouldn’t stop, just kept repeating, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Jesus notices him and beckons him to approach. Bartimaeus does so without hesitation.

He asks nothing of Bartimaeus, demands nothing. He simply inquires, “What do you want me to do for you?” Is this not the question we really want to hear? Could it be that the distancing we so often feel between God and ourselves is not so much God’s doing as it is my own? Am I even aware of the blindness, the tardiness, the hesitation that keeps me from following Jesus? A blindness, tardiness and hesitation which turns us into fan instead of follower disciples? 

Bartimaeus got his sight and followed Jesus on the way (he took the step and saw the affect of Christ in his life and followed Him.) It is easy to be fascinated, frustrated and even to be a fan of Jesus. Well, because its dependent on us. But that is not what allows us to see. Jesus wants followers on the Way Forward – He wanted Disciples and the cornerstone of making the step from fan to follower is to rely on God’s Mercy. It is openness to letting God do His will that permits us to take the next step.

St. John Paul II stated that: 'the Church lives an authentic life when she professes and proclaims mercy ... and when she brings people close to the sources of the Saviour’s mercy, of which she is the trustee and dispenser'.

Benedict XVI, too, said: 'Mercy is indeed the central nucleus of the Gospel message; it is the very name of God … May all that the Church says and does manifest the mercy God feels for mankind. When the Church has to recall an unrecognised truth, or a betrayed good, she always does so impelled by merciful love, so that men may have life and have it abundantly'.

Mark, the Gospel’s author, sums up this story: “He (Bartimaeus) followed Jesus on the way.” His point is that only a person enlightened by faith can walk “the Jesus walk” without fear because they are not “fans” but they truly see and are “followers/disciples”. Might this turn of events be an example of such a reversal? Perhaps it is our turn to cry out and insist, as did Bartimaeus: “Master, I want to see.”

Thanksgiving Message.

 Here at St. Mary of the Visitation Parish we are thankful and blessed to have so many wonderful and amazing people as part of our parish family...

- Our member ministers (volunteers) are the best & the most gracious folks you could ever meet, they serve our Family of Faith in so many different ministries.

- Our Families big and small are giving, loving and doing all they can to be apart of our parish. 

- Our Seniors are loving elders of wisdom and support.

- Our Youth are dynamic and always challenge us to be and do better.

- Our Committees are humble servants, giving so much to those they serve, in all they do.
- Our Choir and music ministries fill our hearts with "joyful prayer" in everything they do and sing.

- Our Staff is dedicated and committed to all that they do for you.

Today we want to share our blessings with all of you, your families and all those you love.

No matter what our situations, our health challenges, let us take time....a long time....to be thankful, grateful and joyful that we live in Ontario, that we have the right to vote, that our homes are better than most of the world enjoys, no matter how simple. 

We are blessed and to God we give the Glory.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

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A Way Forward - Week # 4

This is the final week of our Message Series: A Way Forward. It’s all about doing what disciples do and, in the process, finding our way to more successful living

Week One invited us to be “of God”. To know that we belong to Him, that we accomplish what we do with His inspiration and that we must be people who are firmly rooted not solely in our religious tradition, but also our ability to relate to the person of Jesus.

Week Two challenged us to take the last place, to be servants. The only way we know who we are is by who He is – and that comes through service especially to the least, the last and the lost.

Week Three called forth from us the declaration that our serenity, peace and purpose comes not from outside of us, but rather from within us – a Way Forward – rooted in Mercy which comes not from an outwardly found happiness but an inwardly rooted happiness.

The recent visit of Pope Francis to the United States, in part for the World Meeting of Families, has given our Holy Father an opportunity to discuss so many issues, and I must admit that I love the issues he is talking about and how he is talking about them. Pope Francis has a profound commitment to God’s word - and a lifestyle that backs it up. He is crating conversation around important issues - poverty, justice, immigration. He call us to be part of a society that is tolerant and inclusive, but has a solid stance on the institution and definition of marriage, family and speaks about restoring hope and building peace – he asks us to treat one another with passion but compassion. In our society of today – this is a challenge and if we are a people of both passion and compassion – well we stand out. The courage to do that - stand out - is the final point in our Way Forward.

This “standing out” can overwhelms us - overtakes us - over stresses us and we feel lost and as our 2^nd Reading today - the presence of Jesus offers a hope -  “do not be ashamed”. What stops us at times in our way forward - well is fear of standing out  and yet the answers to our problems, including that of fear – is that we must have Confidence in Christ. For we are a child of God, chosen, redeemed, loved, cherished and cared for. We should stand out – for His love calls us to. Part of this call to stand out is rooted in a life of Prayer which leads us to decide and discern to do it Christ’s way, not our way forward.

Jesus says - try it my way forward:

I.                   Seek righteousness in your heart and there will be beauty in your character

II.                seek beauty in your character and there will be harmony in the home

III.             seek harmony in the home and there will be order in the nations

IV.             seek order in the nations and there will be peace in the world

It all begins by seeking Christ’s Way Forward: Being of God. Being rooted in Service to least, last, lost. Being  People who Make Every Effort to be rooted in Mercy - people who walk along with Christ standing out (living differently) – and being willing to stand out from the crowd.

At this point please use the video Message for this series – Week #4

Your group may wish to listen again to the Audio of the Lord’s Day Message