This past week as I sat in a waiting room I made conversation with a lady sitting next to me - as my best friend tells me - you talk to everybody and anybody don’t you - yep ! She asked me what I do for a living? and so I told her. "Oh" she said and then put her magazine closer to her face seeming to read; even though it was upside down. After a few minutes of akward silence she turned and asked: "So what do you when all your excuses for now persuing what you think you should are gone ?". I paused looking a bit confused and so she continued " Your kids are out of the house, your marriage is comfortable and you know there is more to life- what do you then ?"
I had no great wisdom for her - except - listen and launch. Listen and Launch. Listen - Speak Lord, Listen - I want to God, Listen - Tell me How
Launch - I will go Lord, Launch - I will Follow - Launch - Yes I will do it Jesus
- Launch - I know your there to Help me - I don’t need to do it alone
God's Word for you and me this weekend reminds us that God has a dream for each of us. I have dreams for you God tells Jonah in our First Reading (Jonah 3:1-5,10). He encourages him to dream that dream for himself and the people of Nineveh; to trust in God. "Come Follow Me" says Jesus to His Friends in our Gospel(Mark 1:14-20). James and John heard the call and followed Jesus because, even though life was comfortable with their father's business, they knew there was more if the would go and do God the Father's Business.
So often in scripture we hear it said "Be not Afraid" and in essence that message is an invitation to close the gap between a daily life to a dreamy life - a life of discovering not what the world tells you your life should be about - but what God’s plan is - because those who do are the happiest ever!
But in our humanity, we make excuses for not doing the things we know we should. We are all too busy we will say, and none of us knows the perfect place to start and so we become overwhelmed and we don’t take a single step. We thinking dreaming is for other people and we think its silly. Or, maybe, someone tells you its something you can’t be or do. Maybe a teacher, a parent or a boss told you - you can never do that - and so we beleived them. Michael Jordan was told by his dad in College - give up on this dream of basketball. He said " Son your not actually that good". O what we would have missed.
Listen to that still small voice. Listen to that constant inclination. Listen to that profound call to come and see the dream of God for you. Listen and then launch.
Two Weeks Ago, I wished you an Epiphany - that you might say - yep I made it to 2012 and you might recall those who got you here - the stars that are in your life - friends, family, faith community; and truly give thanks.
Last Week, I wished you an invitation to Come and See. Top just come & see what God has in store for you, to see wait for His invitation.
This Week, I Hope you will do some Dreaming. I hope you’ll listen to what God’s dreams for you are and that you’ll launch - without fear or faulting. This time of year - end of January - is when Resolutions go to die - I hope instead you’ll listen and launch.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
What about?
I get the following question I great deal as a result of the Liturgical Changes to the Mass.
I have been meaning to ask you about the significance of the line in the new creed we recite which refers to jesus "descending into hell". I first heard it at an anglican sermon several months ago and was shocked. I almost keeled over when I hear that WE too were reciting it.
My child asked me to explain and the best I could come up with was "well, I guess it refers to Jesus being in a place without God until he rose again..." Admittedly, I have no idea. Please shed some light on this for me.
So here is some answers...............
There is a great deal of confusion in regards to this question. This concept comes primarily from the Apostles' Creed, which states, “He descended into hell.” There are also a few Scriptures which, depending on how they are translated, describe Jesus going to “hell.” In studying this issue, it is important to first understand what the Bible teaches about the realm of the dead.
In the Hebrew Scriptures, the word used to describe the realm of the dead is sheol. It simply means the “place of the dead” or the “place of departed souls/spirits.” The New Testament Greek word that is used for hell is “hades,” which also refers to “the place of the dead.” Other Scriptures in the New Testament indicate that sheol/hades is a temporary place, where souls are kept as they await the final resurrection and judgment. Revelation 20:11-15 gives a clear distinction between the two. Hell (the lake of fire) is the permanent and final place of judgment for the lost. Hades is a temporary place. So, no, Jesus did not go to hell because hell is a future realm, only put into effect after the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15).
Sheol/hades is a realm with two divisions (Matthew 11:23, 16:18; Luke 10:15, 16:23; Acts 2:27-31), the abodes of the saved and the lost. The abode of the saved was called “paradise” and “Abraham's bosom.” The abodes of the saved and the lost are separated by a “great chasm” (Luke 16:26). When Jesus ascended to heaven, He took the occupants of paradise (believers) with Him (Ephesians 4:8-10). The lost side of sheol/hades has remained unchanged. All unbelieving dead go there awaiting their final judgment in the future. Did Jesus go to sheol/hades? Yes, according to Ephesians 4:8-10 and 1 Peter 3:18-20.
Some of the confusion has arisen from such passages as Psalm 16:10-11 as translated in the King James Version, “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption....Thou wilt show me the path of life.” “Hell” is not a correct translation of this verse. A correct reading would be “the grave” or “sheol.” Jesus said to the thief beside Him, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Jesus’ body was in the tomb; His soul/spirit went to the “paradise” side of sheol/hades. He then removed all the righteous dead from paradise and took them with Him to heaven. Unfortunately, in many translations of the Bible, translators are not consistent, or correct, in how they translate the Hebrew and Greek words for “sheol,” “hades,” and “hell.”
Some have the viewpoint that Jesus went to “hell” or the suffering side of sheol/hades in order to further be punished for our sins. This idea is completely unbiblical. It was the death of Jesus on the cross and His suffering in our place that sufficiently provided for our redemption. It was His shed blood that effected our own cleansing from sin (1 John 1:7-9). As He hung there on the cross, He took the sin burden of the whole human race upon Himself. He became sin for us: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This imputation of sin helps us understand Christ's struggle in the garden of Gethsemane with the cup of sin which would be poured out upon Him on the cross.
When Jesus cried upon the cross, “Oh, Father, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46), it was then that He was separated from the Father because of the sin poured out upon Him. As He gave up His spirit, He said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). His suffering in our place was completed. His soul/spirit went to the paradise side of hades. Jesus did not go to hell. Jesus’ suffering ended the moment He died. The payment for sin was paid. He then awaited the resurrection of His body and His return to glory in His ascension. Did Jesus go to hell? No. Did Jesus go to sheol/hades? Yes.
I have been meaning to ask you about the significance of the line in the new creed we recite which refers to jesus "descending into hell". I first heard it at an anglican sermon several months ago and was shocked. I almost keeled over when I hear that WE too were reciting it.
My child asked me to explain and the best I could come up with was "well, I guess it refers to Jesus being in a place without God until he rose again..." Admittedly, I have no idea. Please shed some light on this for me.
So here is some answers...............
There is a great deal of confusion in regards to this question. This concept comes primarily from the Apostles' Creed, which states, “He descended into hell.” There are also a few Scriptures which, depending on how they are translated, describe Jesus going to “hell.” In studying this issue, it is important to first understand what the Bible teaches about the realm of the dead.
In the Hebrew Scriptures, the word used to describe the realm of the dead is sheol. It simply means the “place of the dead” or the “place of departed souls/spirits.” The New Testament Greek word that is used for hell is “hades,” which also refers to “the place of the dead.” Other Scriptures in the New Testament indicate that sheol/hades is a temporary place, where souls are kept as they await the final resurrection and judgment. Revelation 20:11-15 gives a clear distinction between the two. Hell (the lake of fire) is the permanent and final place of judgment for the lost. Hades is a temporary place. So, no, Jesus did not go to hell because hell is a future realm, only put into effect after the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15).
Sheol/hades is a realm with two divisions (Matthew 11:23, 16:18; Luke 10:15, 16:23; Acts 2:27-31), the abodes of the saved and the lost. The abode of the saved was called “paradise” and “Abraham's bosom.” The abodes of the saved and the lost are separated by a “great chasm” (Luke 16:26). When Jesus ascended to heaven, He took the occupants of paradise (believers) with Him (Ephesians 4:8-10). The lost side of sheol/hades has remained unchanged. All unbelieving dead go there awaiting their final judgment in the future. Did Jesus go to sheol/hades? Yes, according to Ephesians 4:8-10 and 1 Peter 3:18-20.
Some of the confusion has arisen from such passages as Psalm 16:10-11 as translated in the King James Version, “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption....Thou wilt show me the path of life.” “Hell” is not a correct translation of this verse. A correct reading would be “the grave” or “sheol.” Jesus said to the thief beside Him, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Jesus’ body was in the tomb; His soul/spirit went to the “paradise” side of sheol/hades. He then removed all the righteous dead from paradise and took them with Him to heaven. Unfortunately, in many translations of the Bible, translators are not consistent, or correct, in how they translate the Hebrew and Greek words for “sheol,” “hades,” and “hell.”
Some have the viewpoint that Jesus went to “hell” or the suffering side of sheol/hades in order to further be punished for our sins. This idea is completely unbiblical. It was the death of Jesus on the cross and His suffering in our place that sufficiently provided for our redemption. It was His shed blood that effected our own cleansing from sin (1 John 1:7-9). As He hung there on the cross, He took the sin burden of the whole human race upon Himself. He became sin for us: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This imputation of sin helps us understand Christ's struggle in the garden of Gethsemane with the cup of sin which would be poured out upon Him on the cross.
When Jesus cried upon the cross, “Oh, Father, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46), it was then that He was separated from the Father because of the sin poured out upon Him. As He gave up His spirit, He said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). His suffering in our place was completed. His soul/spirit went to the paradise side of hades. Jesus did not go to hell. Jesus’ suffering ended the moment He died. The payment for sin was paid. He then awaited the resurrection of His body and His return to glory in His ascension. Did Jesus go to hell? No. Did Jesus go to sheol/hades? Yes.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
On this Solemnity of the Epiphany, the Magi follow the guidance of a star that leads them to Bethlehem. In a spirit of deep humility, they present their gifts to the One who is priest, prophet and king:
▸ Frankincense for a priest, for Jesus is the eternal high priest of the new covenant.
▸ Myrrh for the anointing of a body at the time of burial, for Jesus fulfills the prophetic word that the Saviour would give His life for the salvation of all people.
▸ Gold for a king, for Jesus is the king of all creation.
During the Christmas season, we too worship the newborn King and place our gifts before Him. The Gospel today reminds us that the Magi were humble enough to seek direction in order to find their way. On the journey of faith, we also need others to assist us, to pray for us and to encourage us to persevere.
As a parish family, may we continue to support one another on the journey of faith. May Our Lady of the Visitation continue to be our inspiration, model and guide.
▸ Frankincense for a priest, for Jesus is the eternal high priest of the new covenant.
▸ Myrrh for the anointing of a body at the time of burial, for Jesus fulfills the prophetic word that the Saviour would give His life for the salvation of all people.
▸ Gold for a king, for Jesus is the king of all creation.
During the Christmas season, we too worship the newborn King and place our gifts before Him. The Gospel today reminds us that the Magi were humble enough to seek direction in order to find their way. On the journey of faith, we also need others to assist us, to pray for us and to encourage us to persevere.
As a parish family, may we continue to support one another on the journey of faith. May Our Lady of the Visitation continue to be our inspiration, model and guide.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
On New Year’s Day, we celebrate the beginning of a new calendar year. The Church has established it as the Feast of Mary, the Mother of God. Who better than the Blessed Virgin Mary to be a model for our beginning a New Year? Our Blessed Lady was the one whose freely given consent allowed the plan of God to unfold. It was she who always centered her life on the Son to whom she had given birth.
The Blessed Virgin Mary has always had a special place in the life of the Church. She is honoured not only for the unique privileges accorded her by God Himself, but also for her personal faith response to the Lord’s Will for her. She remains Mother of God and Mother of the Church. May the pattern of her faith be an inspiration for our lives and growth as a parish.
May Our Lady of the Visitation continue to be our inspiration, model and guide.
PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR
Loving and Eternal God,
every good gift comes from You.
As we begin this New Year,
grant us unwavering faith,
constant hope, and love that endures.
Give order to our days, peace in our work,
everlasting happiness in our families,
and joy in our walk of faith.
Amen.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas Message
There is a word ever dear to our hearts, but dearer still at Christmas - Home. Like the old saying; “there is no place like home”. Home has charm, it has character, even at times we have a childlike affection for it. Our Home need not be a mansion, maybe it is even to some less than a shack, but as long as it home for us - we are there cradled in its comfort and care.
Christmas is a time when our memories and thoughts gather around home. Amid the chaos we find a quiet moment and ponder its gift. We also tenderly recall those whom distance or death momentarily separate from all being together at home; we hear their voices echo the hallway, their scent fills the air and their presence seems in its absence to seemingly touch us – we remember them all at Christmas.
This Christmas many will come Home – to our Home – St Mary’s Church. During Christmas Mass we may cast a wistful glance at one another. Our decorations may proclaim anew that the Saviour has come, our worship may well up in each of us a joy and devotion, our music and message may cause a cheery reminder of when the heavenly chorus first announced the glad tiding of peace on earth among everyone of good will. We will say; it is good to be Home.
As we come together this Christmas – as we come Home – let us pray for one another that as we are brought together in one place for this one time, we may remember the one reason, the one person, that has made this togetherness possible. May the Child of Bethlehem be born again within each of us and fill your heart and soul with peace and love. Welcome Home!
May Our Lady of the Visitation continue to be our inspiration, model and guide.
Together in the Lord’s Service
Father F. Freitas
Pastor
Christmas Mass Schedule
Christmas Eve – December 24, 2011
5:00p.m. – Mass with Pageant and Children’s Choir
7:00p.m. – Family Mass
Midnight – Solemn Mass of Christmas
(Carols begin at 11:30p.m. and Incense will be used)
Christmas Day – December 25, 2011
10:00a.m. – Solemn Mass of Christmas Day
A reminder that additional seating for 300 persons will be provide at all Masses in the Parish Centre and additional parking at the Johnson Centre has been arranged.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Fourth Sunday of Advent - Its almost here - the Adventure !
Advent means coming. It is also the first part of the word Adventure. This year’s Advent scriptures mix many strong images and emotions. We hear the challenge to Watch! Be Alert, Make Straight, and Await! But we are also assured by The Lord is With You, and We are the Clay and God is the Potter’s Hands, and Give Comfort to my People and We Rest in the Shepherding Arms of Jesus. Ultimately these images lead us to proclaim with Mary that Nothing is Impossible for God. The combination of these feelings and happenings are indeed an adventure of faith.
Our possibilities with God are most powerfully proclaimed and cele-brated in the Feast of Nativity when the Child King is given to us by a God who knows the possibilities in the divine human enterprise. When all humanity is raised up by the presence of our God in an innocent baby, our world is made holy.
As we come to the conclusion of Advent and celebrate in Christmas let us embrace the possibilities of our partnership with God and take those possibilities out to an eager world that awaits ongoing new life.
May the Adventure of this beautiful time of year be a magical one for you and your loved ones. Please share some of that magic with us here at St Mary of the Visitation Parish on Christmas.
Our possibilities with God are most powerfully proclaimed and cele-brated in the Feast of Nativity when the Child King is given to us by a God who knows the possibilities in the divine human enterprise. When all humanity is raised up by the presence of our God in an innocent baby, our world is made holy.
As we come to the conclusion of Advent and celebrate in Christmas let us embrace the possibilities of our partnership with God and take those possibilities out to an eager world that awaits ongoing new life.
May the Adventure of this beautiful time of year be a magical one for you and your loved ones. Please share some of that magic with us here at St Mary of the Visitation Parish on Christmas.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Third Sunday of Advent - Clutter, Clutter, Clutter
Having guests enter our homes for the holidays requires preparation—cleaning, decorating, and shopping. And most of us do this willingly and eagerly during the holidays in order to spend time with family and friends.
But how often do we spend time preparing our hearts for the holidays? The busyness of the season can all too easily crowd Jesus right out of Christmas. Most people would never forget one of their children’s birthdays, but the birth of the Savior of the world can get lost in the glitter and glamour of Christmas parties, presents, and activities.
Is Jesus the center of your holiday? Examine your heart this Christmas season. Maybe it’s time to do a thorough cleaning and prepare a place for Jesus to come and stay. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a great way to get rid of clutter, it helps things become clear and clean so that we can celebrate the great Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord not only in peace - but clutter free. Our Parish Reconciliation Service is Thursday, December 15th at 7:00pm - five visitng priests will be present - great way to get ride of the clutter !
In the same manner in which we clean and prepare our homes in the anticipation of welcomed guests and family members this Christmas season, let us also prepare our hearts in anticipation of the Lord's coming. Christ, our most honored and eagerly anticipated guest, desires to meet with us in a heart prepared for His arrival. So eager is He to meet with us that He offers to help us with our spiritual housecleaning, working with us; creating a resting place for Himself within our hearts.
But how often do we spend time preparing our hearts for the holidays? The busyness of the season can all too easily crowd Jesus right out of Christmas. Most people would never forget one of their children’s birthdays, but the birth of the Savior of the world can get lost in the glitter and glamour of Christmas parties, presents, and activities.
Is Jesus the center of your holiday? Examine your heart this Christmas season. Maybe it’s time to do a thorough cleaning and prepare a place for Jesus to come and stay. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a great way to get rid of clutter, it helps things become clear and clean so that we can celebrate the great Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord not only in peace - but clutter free. Our Parish Reconciliation Service is Thursday, December 15th at 7:00pm - five visitng priests will be present - great way to get ride of the clutter !
In the same manner in which we clean and prepare our homes in the anticipation of welcomed guests and family members this Christmas season, let us also prepare our hearts in anticipation of the Lord's coming. Christ, our most honored and eagerly anticipated guest, desires to meet with us in a heart prepared for His arrival. So eager is He to meet with us that He offers to help us with our spiritual housecleaning, working with us; creating a resting place for Himself within our hearts.
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