Father Gilles' English Homilies

Afraid of God or angry with God? Jesus reveals the Father's love to us in the Holy Spirit. Aug 23, 2020

Good day dear brothers and sisters! Are you and your family well? I hope that you are indeed all well in the Lord. These continue to be very strange times, and they are challenging times for everyone. Once again today our God assures us that He is very close to us and that He carries in his heart all of our needs and preoccupations. In fact, with his Son Jesus in the Holy Spirit our God and Father cares for us and our families even more than we care for ourselves.

So, what do you carry with you today as you have come into the Sunday Assembly of the living God? As you were preparing to come to church today, what preoccupations were you carrying in your mind and heart? This past week, or during the whole time since you were last here, where were you applying your efforts and energies? What are your responsibilities? What are your burdens? What things of yours are you bringing to the Lord today as your offering to put on his altar so you can make a whole hearted offering of yourself with Jesus to the Father?

Last Sunday the Lord declared that He intends for all people to be welcome in his house because He wants to show his mercy to every human being. The Lord knows that we are locked in battle with our own human weakness and with the troubles of this world, and He sympathizes with us, caring profoundly for us. God intends for every human being to experience his mercy, his great love which we could never deserve. Jesus even teased the foreign woman who begged Him to heal her daughter by using the derogatory term of “dogs” with her, but not in the way that Jews at that time did. People had contempt for foreigners, but Jesus showed her kindness and tenderness with the tone of his voice and the warmth of his eyes. He encouraged her to say what she wanted and she did; and then He granted her heart’s desire.

This is very good news, that God is kind and merciful to everyone, and that He wants all people to come to Him with trust in his divine mercy. But there’s a problem. Too many people don’t know that God is kind and merciful; so they keep their distance. People stay away from God and from his Sunday Assembly. Many people don’t pray because they are either afraid of God or they are angry with Him because their troubles in life are not being resolved. God says words of kindness to people but they have closed their ears, closed their minds, and closed their hearts. That is why our God needs messengers to declare the good news that He offers kindness and mercy to everyone. Now, who will be messengers of good news for our God?

We Catholics are known to be “allergic” to talking about God to others. We might feel close to God ourselves, but we feel too shy or reserved to talk about God to others, even to our own family members. The problem with this is that no one can get to heaven on our own, all by ourselves. This is because we are all in this life together, we are all connected to one another; we are all part of the living body into which we were initiated at Baptism. We cannot be indifferent to anyone else. All together we are the body of Christ continuing to live in this world, and Jesus is our Head. Jesus needs us to be his body living, speaking, and loving in this world. He has already done his part, his mission as a human being, and now, as the Son of God He continues his mission in us and through us.

So, Jesus is putting his questions to us today. “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Think about it. Who is Jesus for your family members, for those who don’t often come to the Sunday Assembly? Who is Jesus for your neighbours and friends, for your co-workers or fellow students?

Then, once Jesus has asked us about all the other people in our lives; then He becomes very personal and asks us the really tough question: “But who do you say that I am?” In English we don’t get it, but in their language of Aramaic, as in the more formal language of Hebrew, it was forbidden to say the expression “I am” – no one was allowed to say “I am” anything, I am tired, I am hungry, no, never “I am”, because these are the words God used when the voice of God spoke to Moses from the burning bush on the holy mountain. Moses asked what name he should use to tell the people when they would ask him who it was that spoke to him. God’s answer to the question “Who are you?” was simply: “I am. I am who I am.”

As a human being, Jesus needed those close to Him to know, to understand, and to believe who He really is, the Son of the living God. Otherwise, there’s no way that the apostles would have been willing to become Jesus’ messengers in the world, whether people wanted to listen to them or not. The same is true for us. People may or may not want to listen to us when we speak to them about God, about his kindness and mercy, about his desire to become more involved in their lives. There’s no way we will be willing to endure people’s reactions when we speak to them about God; not unless we become convinced ourselves of who Jesus really is.

God has to become more real to us than simply a mysterious being who grants wishes. God is not a “genie” in a bottle who grants 3 wishes. The living God is a Holy Trinity of divine persons in an eternal community of love which gives life: the Eternal Father, the only-begotten Son who became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, Jesus the risen Lord and the Christ, and the Holy Spirit – together from all eternity they have been the most Holy Trinity. When we see Jesus we see the Father, because as a human being, Jesus is the perfect image of who the Father really is. The Father and the Son continually pour the living water of the Holy Spirit into us, giving us inspiration, strength, vitality, peace, love, and joy even in the midst of trials and suffering.

So, Jesus’ question will not go away. “But who do you say that I am?” We won’t come up with an answer from our own minds and hearts. None of the apostles answered Jesus except Peter, and Jesus declared plainly that it was not any human power that revealed the truth about Jesus to Peter, but it was Jesus’ Father in heaven. There is no other way for us either. Only the Father can reveal Jesus to us. We will not discern the quiet voice of the Father speaking to our spirit deep within us as long as we remain afraid of silence, of interior silence.

For the past four thousand years the only people who came to know God were those who were willing to slow down, stop, and be still in order to allow themselves to enter into their own spirit inside of themselves and, there, to enter into silence. When we try to do that, when we try to pray and meditate on the words of God and the things of God, we at first encounter interior noise, lots of noise: the noise of our many thoughts and feelings, our list of things to do, of fears and preoccupations, of our suffering and disappointments, of our concerns for others, of our many duties, an on and on and on, a lot of noise, which can be intimidating….

We don’t need to be afraid, because the Holy Spirit is always with us, within us, to guide us along the way of silence, the way of meditation and contemplation, the way of prayer and listening to the Word of God. From the cross as He was dying, Jesus entrusted us along with his beloved apostle John to the care of Mary as our Mother. In the Rosary she guides us to Jesus. Mary is an expert in pondering the things of God in her heart and she is eager to help us do that. Shall we pray? Fr. Gilles prayed spontaneously for everyone

Let us now take a few minutes to reflect quietly on this Good News the Lord has spoken to us.

© 2006-2021 All rights reserved Fr. Gilles Surprenant, Associate Priest of Madonna House Apostolate & Poustinik, Montreal QC
© 2006-2021 Tous droits réservés Abbé Gilles Surprenant, Prêtre Associé de Madonna House Apostolate & Poustinik, Montréal QC

Fr. Joseph A. E. Sullivan - 1st Anniversary Memorial Mass at St. Edmund of Canterbury Beaconsfield QC

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In the "New Covenant" made by our Creator God with humanity, as reported in Jeremiah 31:31-34, every human being can know God from within - because the Holy Spirit is revealing our Creator to all who are willing to know the Lord and trust in Him. We can still help each other along the way; so please feel free to share with others these homilies and your own personal faith in God through Jesus Christ. G.S.

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Homily MP3 File

Universal Prayer

Priest’s Introduction To God the Father almighty, dear brothers and sisters, may every prayer of our heart be directed, for his will it is that all humanity should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. (The Response is) R. Lord, make us missionary disciples.

For all families during summer time – especially in the face of difficult challenges – that all may find peace in your Most Sacred Heart, we pray to You Lord…. R. Lord, make us missionary...

For indigenous peoples worldwide and in Canada as we fight against Covid-19; at all levels of Canadian society and government may we honour indigenous peoples in their dignity, be receptive to their rich heritage, and engage in Nation to Nation building, we pray to You Lord… R.

For Father Joseph Albert Earl Sullivan and all souls, that they may forever contemplate your beauty and enjoy your love, and for the intentions of their families, we pray to You Lord…. R.

In union with Pope Francis’ worldwide intention for July, we pray “that today’s families may be accompanied with love, respect and guidance, and especially, that they may be protected by the State", and for the Church in China, we pray to You, Most Holy Trinity. R. Lord, make us...

That young people may find much joy in seeking your Sacred Heart, O Jesus; by living the Gospel may they help to renew the world, we pray to You, Lord. R. Lord, make us missionary disciples.

For victims of sexual abuse or violence, for their families and communities; for all those who are hungry, thirsty, naked, elderly, lonely, sick, in trouble, in prison, refugees, abandoned, or suffering injury or loss due to calamities, we pray to You, Most Holy Trinity. R. Lord, make us missionary...

That married couples may grow closer by trusting in your love, Father; that families may support each other with their faith in You, O God; and that engaged couples preparing for marriage and family life may make room for You, we pray to You, Lord. R. Lord, make us missionary disciples.

For those who are preparing to celebrate Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, and Marriage; that they may find joy in preparing; so that their life in Christ may continue to grow, we pray to You, Lord. R. Lord, make us missionary disciples.

That men called by You, Sacred Heart of Jesus, to serve as priests may with courage and trust in You say “Yes!” to your call as Mary and Joseph did, and that the shepherds of our souls may govern generously and wisely the flock entrusted to them by You, we pray to You, Lord. R.

That our communities, as we emerge from isolation, may patiently observe the health measures and bear witness with great devotion to your Most Sacred Heart, we pray to You Lord…. R.

For our own personal intentions.... (SILENCE followed by the priest’s prayer)

Priest’s Prayer O God, our refuge and our strength, hear the prayers of your church, for you yourself are the source of all devotion, and grant, we pray, that what we ask in faith we may truly obtain, through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

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The greatest gift is Jesus Himself - what joy to notice God is making a difference - 13th Sunday 2020 - Team of Our Lady Mtl 50

Homily MP3 File Holy Communion Instruction MP3 File

Collect

O God, who through the grace of adoption chose us to be children of light, grant, we pray, that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error but always be seen to stand in the bright light of truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Reading (2 Kings 4.8-12a, 14-16)

One day Elisha was passing through Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to have a meal. So whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for a meal. She said to her husband, “Look, I am sure that this man who regularly passes our way is a holy man of God. Let us make a small roof chamber with walls, and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that he can stay there whenever he comes to us.” One day when Elisha came there, he went up to the chamber and lay down there. He said to his servant Gehazi, “What then may be done for the woman?” Gehazi answered, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.” Elisha said, “Call her.” When the servant had called her, she stood at the door. Elisha said, “At this season, in due time, you shall embrace a son.”

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 89)

R. Forever I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord.

I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, for ever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. R.

Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance; they exult in your name all day long, and extol your righteousness. R.

For you are the glory of their strength; by your favour our horn is exalted. For our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel. R.

Second Reading (Romans 6.3-4, 8-11)

Brothers and sisters: All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death. Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation (See 1 Peter 2.9)

Alleluia. Alleluia. You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. Praise God who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Alleluia.

Gospel (Matthew 10.37-42)

The Lord be with you. And with your spirit.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple — truly I tell you — that person will not lose their reward.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Universal Prayer

Priest’s Introduction To God the Father almighty, dear brothers and sisters, may every prayer of our heart be directed, for his will it is that all humanity should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

That young people may find much joy in seeking your Sacred Heart, O Jesus; by living the Gospel may they help to renew the world, we pray to You, Lord. R. Lord, make us missionary disciples.

For all families as we enter into summer – especially in the face of difficult challenges – that all may find peace in your Most Sacred Heart, we pray to You Lord…. R. Lord, make us missionary...

That married couples may grow closer through trust in your Most Sacred Heart; that families may support each other with their faith in God; and that engaged couples preparing for marriage and family life may make room for You, we pray to You, Lord. R. Lord, make us missionary disciples.

That our governments may respect parents as first educators of their children; that all children and families in trouble, and all who suffer for whatever reason, may find comfort in your Most Sacred Heart – O Jesus – Gift of the Father to all of Humanity, we pray to You, Lord…. R.

In union with Pope Francis’ worldwide intention for June, we pray “that all those who suffer may find their way in life, allowing themselves to be touched by the Heart of Jesus", and for the Church in China, we pray to You, Most Holy Trinity. R. Lord, make us missionary...

That men called by You, Lord, to serve as priests may with courage and trust in You say “Yes!” to your call as Mary and Joseph did, and that the shepherds of our souls may govern generously and wisely the flock entrusted to them by You, we pray to You, Sacred Heart of Jesus. R.

That our communities, as we emerge from isolation, may patiently observe the health measures and bear witness with great devotion to your Most Sacred Heart, we pray to You Lord…. R.

For our own personal intentions....

Troubles - God doesn't rescue but always helps - our trust invites his power - 12th Sunday 2020 - Team of Our Lady Mtl 50

Homily MP3 File

First Reading (Jeremiah 20.10-13)

Jeremiah cried out: I hear many whispering: “Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!” All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. “Perhaps he can be enticed, and we can prevail against him, and take our revenge on him.” But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they will not prevail. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonour will never be forgotten. O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous, you see the heart and the mind; let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause. Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 69)

R . Lord, in your steadfast love, answer me.

It is for your sake that I have borne reproach, that shame has covered my face. I have become a stranger to my kindred, an alien to my mother’s children. It is zeal for your house that has consumed me; the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. R .

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me. With your steadfast help, rescue me. Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is · good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me. R .

Let the oppressed see it and be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. For the Lord hears the needy, and does not despise his own that are in bonds. Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them. R .

Second Reading (Romans 5.12-15)

Brothers and sisters: Just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, so death spread to all people because all have sinned. Sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation (See John 15.26, 27)

Alleluia. Alleluia. The Spirit of truth will testify on my behalf, says the Lord, and you also are to testify. Alleluia.

Gospel (Matthew 10.26-33)

The Lord be with you. And with your spirit.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Fear no one; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. “Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before humans, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before humans, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Universal Prayer

For all indigenous peoples worldwide but especially in Canada on this National Indigenous Day; that at all levels of Canadian society and government we may honour their dignity, be receptive to their rich heritage, and engage in Nation to Nation building, we pray to You Lord… R.

For all fathers on this Fathers’ Day – especially those experiencing difficult challanges – that all may find peace in your Most Sacred Heart, we pray to You Lord…. R. Lord, make us missionary...

That married couples may grow closer through trust in your Most Sacred Heart; that families may support each other with their faith in God; and that engaged couples preparing for marriage and family life may make room for You, we pray to You, Lord. R. Lord, make us missionary disciples.

That our governments may respect parents as first educators of their children; that all children and families in trouble, and all who suffer for whatever reason, may find comfort in your Most Sacred Heart – O Jesus – Gift of the Father to all of Humanity, we pray to You, Lord…. R.

In union with Pope Francis’ worldwide intention for June, we pray “that all those who suffer may find their way in life, allowing themselves to be touched by the Heart of Jesus", and for the Church in China, we pray to You, Most Holy Trinity. R. Lord, make us missionary...

For those who are preparing to celebrate Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, and Marriage; that they may find joy in preparing; so that their life in Christ may continue to grow, we pray to You, Lord. R. Lord, make us missionary disciples.

That young people may find much joy in seeking your Sacred Heart, O Jesus; by living the Gospel may they help to renew the world, we pray to You, Lord. R. Lord, make us missionary disciples.

For all victims of sexual abuse or violence, for their families and communities; for all those who are hungry, thirsty, naked, elderly, lonely, sick, in trouble, in prison, refugees, abandoned, or suffering injury or loss due to calamities, we pray to You, Sacred Heart of Jesus. R. Lord, make us...

That men called by You, Lord, to serve as priests may with courage and trust in You say “Yes!” to your call as Mary and Joseph did, and that the shepherds of our souls may govern generously and wisely the flock entrusted to them by You, we pray to You, Sacred Heart of Jesus. R.

That our communities, as we emerge from isolation, may patiently observe the health measures and bear witness with great devotion to your Most Sacred Heart, we pray to You Lord…. R.

For our own personal intentions....

Body & Blood of Christ A 2020 - Holy Mass by Skype with our Team of Our Lady Mtl 50

Homily MP3 File

Universal Prayer

For those who, due to the Pandemic, are still preparing to celebrate Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, and Marriage; that they may find joy in preparing; so that their life in Christ may continue to grow, we pray to You, Lord. R. Lord, make us missionary disciples.

That young people may find much joy in seeking You, Jesus, Bread of Life; by living the Gospel may they help to renew the world, we pray to You, Lord. R. Lord, make us missionary disciples.

For those who are angry, violent, abusive, or in any way disturbed or making trouble for others; that your Most Holy Body & Blood may revive them in body and soul, we pray to You Lord… R.

For Humanity during this Covid-19 Pandemic – especially the unemployed or oppressed – that all may find peace in your Holy Body & Blood, we pray to You Lord…. R. Lord, make us missionary...

That married couples may grow closer through trust in your Holy Body & Blood; that families may support each other with their faith in God; and that engaged couples preparing for marriage and family life may make room for You, we pray to You, Lord. R. Lord, make us missionary disciples.

That our governments may respect parents as first educators of their children, and that all children and families in trouble, and all who suffer because of the weather, the Pandemic, or other troubles, may find comfort in your love, Father, given to all the Body & Blood of Jesus, we pray to You... R.

That our communities, as we emerge from isolation, may observe the health measures and bear witness with great devotion to the Body & Blood of Christ, we pray to You Lord…. R.

For our own personal intentions....

Holy Trinity A 2020 - Holy Mass by Skype with our Team of Our Lady Mtl 50

Homily MP3 File

Universal Prayer

That young people may find much joy in seeking You, Most Holy Trinity, and by living the Gospel may they help to renew the world, we pray to You, Lord. R. Lord, make us missionary disciples.

For those who are angry, violent, abusive, or in any way disturbed or making trouble for others; that the Most Holy Trinity may revive their mind, heart, and soul, we pray to You Lord…. R.

For Humanity during this Covid-19 Pandemic – especially the unemployed or oppressed – that all may find peace in the Most Holy Trinity, we pray to You Lord…. R. Lord, make us missionary...

That married couples may grow closer through trust in the Most Holy Trinity; that families may support each other with their faith in God; and that engaged couples preparing for marriage and family life may make room for You, we pray to You, Lord. R. Lord, make us missionary disciples.

That our governments may respect parents as first educators of their children, and that all children and families in trouble, and all who suffer because of the weather, the Pandemic, or other troubles, may find comfort in your love, O God, given to all in Jesus, we pray to You Most Holy Trinity. R.

That our communities, as we emerge from isolation, may observe the health measures and bear witness with great confidence to the Most Holy Trinity, we pray to You Lord…. R.

For our own personal intentions....

Fr. Joseph A. E. Sullivan Funeral Mass Homily 190726 and Anniversary Mass Homily 200726 at St. Edmund of Canterbury Parish, Beaconsfield QC

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Anniversary Mass by Fr. Gilles A. Surprenant - MP3 File

July 26th, 2020 (during the SARS Cov-2 / Covid-19 Pandemic)

+ + +

Funeral Homily by Fr. Gilles A. Surprenant - MP3 File - PDF File

July 26th, 2019

Father Joseph Albert Earl Sullivan is dead. He lived among us for a quarter of a century; then was ordained, and with great enthusiasm – if not always in pleasant circumstances – Fr. Joe served his God and his Church as a priest of Jesus Christ for over 36 years, and now, he is gone.

Cathie Macaulay recently visited with Fr. Joe who found consolation meditating on St. Joseph and Joseph of Arimathea who cared for Jesus at the beginning and end of his life. How do we cope with our trials, which can leave us feeling bruised, hurt, perplexed, and even revolted? Our heart goes into emotional shock when the full intensity of our feelings could very well kill us. I am grateful today for the gift of being able to pray for Fr. Joe on July 26^th, the annual Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Mary’s parents and the grandparents of Jesus.

We are here to pray for Joe, Fr. Joe, yes, but also to pray for ourselves and our loved ones. The apostles and disciples of Jesus became a close knit family that loved and supported one another. Fr. Joe found much comfort and consolation with many people of faith, but especially with his family. He cared about his siblings and their children and took to heart their concerns, troubles, and joys, and was grateful for their love now that he was no longer able to go out to them.

Father Joe firmly believed that Jesus rose from the dead on the 3^rd day and that extraordinary signs marked the days of Jesus’ passion and death, the days of shock, fear, and waiting, and the amazing days of Jesus’ appearances. Fr. Joe must be delighted that he died July 20^th, 50 years to the day after human beings first stepped onto the dust of the moon. Unlike those who see no evidence of God in space, Fr. Joe saw evidence of God’s presence and action among the stars, yes, but more simply in the ordinary events of life, as the early followers of Jesus did.

In 1983, shortly before our respective ordinations to the priesthood, I got caught up by Joe and his buddies in their enthusiasm over “Star Wars” and went with them to see “The Return of the Jedi”. I remember Joe telling us how he had counted over 3 dozen religious signs, symbols, or allusions in the Star Wars films. To put it in those terms – considering all that he went through in his life – we could say that all along the way, “the Force has been with Fr. Joe” and he waged a valiant battle against the “dark side”. So have many of us in our local Church.

Our Church’s troubles were a deep shock for Fr. Joe because of his great sensitivity and love for people in general, parishioners, the Church, God, and also those most affected. The “dark side” ever seeks to exploit human weakness and to destroy all that is true, good, and beautiful. For the sake of the innocent we must all remain ever vigilant to resist all manifestations of evil. The “dark side” attacked him in his body, but Fr. Joe remained steadfast in his resistance. Many of us felt frustrated with Fr. Joe’s lack of progress in his physical therapy and thought he should try harder. I cannot count the number of times that I felt angry or incensed at the troubles, obstacles, and delays this man had to suffer. Fr. Joe had reason to feel betrayed, hurt, angry, or depressed, but he resisted being pulled in by trusting in his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Joe also remembered Yoda: “Anger… fear… aggression. The dark side are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will, as it did Obi-Wan's apprentice.” No. Joe walked the way of grace and in prayer he tried to bring his emotions to the Holy Trinity with trust.

Joe took interest in what was going on in the world. He felt the trouble, suffering, confusion and ill will, the expansion of the dark side, but with trust in Jesus he kept turning his attention to the Father in prayer. It is daunting to feel the world’s pain. It costs us to be shocked as people of all ages, especially the young, put a premature end to their lives. It takes our breath away; we may be loath to slow down and pray because it hurts too much to look directly at all that pain.

It is a challenge for us to relax with trust and let God fashion our lives through events that come our way. We hesitate to open up completely to anyone. This is why no one knows the complete Joe Sullivan except God. Each person in Joe’s life touched different depths in him and brought out different expressions of his person. That is true for every human being. One person brings out my tenderness, another brings out my enthusiasm, yet another stimulates my interest or teaches me something new, while yet another triggers my irritation or activates my love, and a seventh unlocks my sense of humour. No one knows all of me, or all of you, except God.

God wants us to have the peace and joy to know and love our whole self. Then we may be freer and more willing to love others better and to love God back for all the love He gives us. I give thanks to God for using Fr. Joe to bring me to face parts of myself that I had been avoiding. I believe that we who are here today all have reason to thank God for the gift of Fr. Joe.

Joe struggled more valiantly than Old Testament Job this past decade. It becomes evident how little control we have over any aspect of our lives. It is quite literally true that from day to day and from moment to moment we are constantly waiting on God, waiting on divine providence to manifest itself, waiting for the Father to show us his will; so that, like Jesus, we may give thanks and let the Holy Spirit empower us to accept to live fully all that life brings our way.

John in his Gospel describes Jesus’ passion and death on the Cross as his glory. This was the shocking way the mercy of God became fully visible as He freely surrendered his life in a most terrible death in order to demonstrate how serious God is in his love for us. God loves us so much and He respects our freedom so much that He will even allow us to put him to death.

As Jesus visibly disappeared at his Ascension; so now Fr. Joe too is gone from our sight. Now Fr. Joe enters into the communion of saints. We will continue to be one in mind and heart with Fr. Joe through prayer and in all the good that we daily choose to do with him and with Jesus. Jesus won the victory over evil and death and He offers all of humanity to share in his victory. Fr. Joe wants us to continue to share fully even now in this new life introduced by Jesus.

“O my Jesus, I trust in You. O my Jesus, I…. Where You have gone we hope to follow.”

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Epiphany Blessing of our Home & Doors - “LORD, MAY THE NATIONS ADORE YOU FOR YOUR MERCY!”

Homily at St. Gabriel 2018 MP3 file Home Blessing PDF file Church Blessing PDF file

Epiphany Blessing of our Home & Doors

“LORD, MAY THE NATIONS ADORE YOU FOR YOUR MERCY!”

This is our Epiphany Family Prayer Ritual to obtain God's blessing on our Home. Before a family meal we gather at the front door, listen to an elder, and pray together.

Gathering at the Front Door – Prepare the roles and the texts.

Moment of silence

ELDER: (As soon as all are ready – Elder ask for everyone’s attention.)

At Epiphany we celebrate the manifestation of Christ to the nations of the world. We are called to show Christ to others! Whether they realize it or not, people’s greatest and most crucial need is to know Jesus, and in Him, the Father’s love and mercy. Our Christian apostolate is to gratefully receive our life from God our Father each day and be real, loving persons in the image and likeness of Jesus. Conscious of our own human condition in need of being saved by Jesus, like Him we humbly accept each person, host the pain, joy, hopes and fears of others, and make ourselves available to their needs. In this way, we live in great hope a life of faith – knowing we are doing our Father’s will – as Jesus did and continues to do in us!

ALL: “O Holy Spirit, by your flaming divine love burn away in us all that is not true love. Let us live fully in the freedom of a heart guided by You alone. Make us into living images of Jesus, and grant us the grace to accept the painful purification we must undergo in order to become like Him! Amen!”

ALL: Sing a favorite Christmas Hymn. – The Sign of the Cross

Penitential Rite

ELDER: Lord Jesus, You came to reconcile us to one another and to the Father: Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.

Lord Jesus, You heal the wounds of sin and division: Christ have mercy. Christ have mercy.

Lord Jesus, You intercede for us with your Father: Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.

ELDER: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

ELDER: Father in heaven, look upon our (this) family in your love, and give us (them) the blessing of your peace. Let your Spirit fill our hearts with joy, that we (they) may be holy and happy. May our (their) concern for others reflect your love, and bring us (them) happiness throughout this year, through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord, with your Holy Spirit, one God forever. Amen.

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ALL: “Come Holy Spirit, give your divine power to our words: God of Bethlehem and Cana, God of Jordan's leaping waters, in Baptism You make us your children and wed us to your only begotten Son. In your love may we fill this place with kindness to one another, with hospitality to guests, and with abundant care for every stranger. By the gentle light of a star, guide home all who seek You on paths of faith, hope, and love. Then we will join angels in proclaiming your praise: "Glory to God in heaven and peace to his people on earth," and with the Magi distribute your gifts generously around us for the good of others and for your glory. Father, grant us and our home and all who enter here this merciful blessing of your abundant love in Jesus’ Name. Amen!”

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After the prayer, with a piece of chalk we write above the front and back doors 20+C+M+B+_ _ (The crosses stand for the four seasons, the numbers are the year, and the letters for the name of the 3 Magi: Caspar, Melchior, Balthazar, and by tradition, and they also mean "Christus Mansionem Benedicat" or "Christ bless this house / dwelling.") We process all around the house, each family member participating, sprinkling the four corners with holy water, going into each room, and coming back to the point of departure. Everyone joins in the procession, singing a hymn or reciting prayers. All gather around the dining room or kitchen table and ask the Lord’s blessing upon their meal, and then sit down or help serve, in a spirit of joy and gratitude.

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© 2006-2021 All rights reserved Fr. Gilles Surprenant, Associate Priest of Madonna House Apostolate & Poustinik, Montreal QC © 2006-2021 Tous droits réservés Abbé Gilles Surprenant, Prêtre Associé de Madonna House Apostolate & Poustinik, Montréal QC

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