Learn the lesson, before it's too late

Jesus taught some pretty demanding lessons.  The thing is that he's still teaching them, and it's up to us to learn them.  Thankfully we have some really good examples in the lives of those around us, if we have the eyes to recognize them, and to be thankful for them.

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Be apostolic

This past week, our parish community bid farewell to one of our long-time parishioners.  Dr. Andrews, or Doc as he was known to so many was a dedicated part of this parish for the better part of fifty years.  Those who knew him in this world will readily recount his academic and professional accomplishments, but also his commitment to family and friends, and his love for nature, for gardening and for just a touch of humor.  Above all else, Doc was apostolic: his faith was so much a part of his life that it played a part in everything he did.

 This past week, the Archdiocese of Toronto learned the news of the death of Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic.  Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Toronto in 1955, he was known to many priests as a teacher, a companion and a friend.  For sixteen years, Cardinal Ambrozic served as the spiritual leader of that Archdiocese, and over the past five years, he has lived in that same city, continuing to pray for those who grace the pews of churches as well as those who are still finding their way.  In days to come, those who will gather for his funeral liturgy, and others who will not be able to, will recount the ways that this man too was apostolic, a man of faith and an example of compassion for so many.

The Mass of Resurrection celebrated for all Catholics when their earthly life is ended provides a moment for reflection by those of us who are left behind, a moment to recognize the many ways that our beloved have been apostolic for us, and the challenge that Jesus put before all of us to deny ourselves and take up our crosses and follow him.  We do this when we give of ourselves for the good of those we know and those we don’t.  We do this when we commit ourselves to living as those who have been enticed and even overpowered by the love of our God.  We do this when we make ourselves vulnerable and run the risk of being mocked for our faith.  When we choose to fast in solidarity with those who have nothing to eat and when we choose to come to the aid of those who are imprisoned by political regimes that seek not to serve but to be served.

When the time comes for the Mass of the Resurrection to be celebrated for us, we hope that others will speak of the ways in which we ourselves have been apostolic, but this will only happen if in this life we have striven to live apostolic lives.  Thanks to your commitment, I’m happy to report that we will be sending at least $8,146 to Development and Peace in order to help those in East Africa who need our help.  Our friends in Edmonton have reportedly surpassed $23,000 as of this past weekend.  This is indeed very good news, a witness to those around us that we are indeed apostolic people, allowing ourselves to be transformed by the gospel so that we can discern what is good and acceptable.

When you leave this place tonight (today), take with you the example of faith that has been passed on to us by so many others who have lived apostolic lives.  Go into the world and seek out opportunities and occasions to be apostolic, to be an example of faith, to lose your life for the sake of Christ, so that you might discover the joy and fulfillment of life that knows no end.