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Jesus was born as a man to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies. He was the Messiah, the Redeemer to free and lead his nation, the People of Israel to their Promised Land. But Jesus’ mission wasn’t restricted to the people of Israel only. He came to free all who were trapped in the slavery of the sin brought upon them by Adam and Eve. The promised Land is the lost paradise, it is our home that we all long to.
The Epiphany highlights this universal aspect of Jesus’ first coming. The manger set on display in our church was purchased as an alternative one a few years ago. I ordered the statues from eBay. They were made in China but shipped from a retailer in California. What a long trip, almost like the three wise men challenge … The statues are made of resin and nicely finished with care of every small detail. I just discovered recently that the two of the kings are … twins, they have only different garments and beard. Perhaps it is a hidden message in it, that everyone looking at them can actually find a twin among them, and identify with their longing to meet the Savior, and pay him the homage even after a long journey. Can you tell what is the third king's present for Jesus? How to bless your home with a do it yourself guide, you can find here! Saint Basil was the bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia (in today's Turkey) in the 4th century. He was one of the Church Fathers who approved the Nicene Creed that we use until today when we profess our faith during the Holy Mass. Saint Basil protected the purity of faith and was against all heresies that were common to the first centuries of Christianity. He was the defender of the faith!
Our oldest church in Brantford is dedicated to Saint Basil. It was one of the first churches in the Toronto diocese, before the Hamilton Diocese was established. Saint Basil's has been located on Palace St since 1842 (178 years ago) and the current church building was completed in 1875 after almost ten years of construction. Designed in the English Gothic Revival Style, Saint Basil's is proud of it vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows (1937) and huge pipe organ. “Love of God is not something that can be taught. We did not learn from someone else how to rejoice in light or want to live, or to love our parents or guardians. It is the same – perhaps even more so – with our love for God: it does not come by another’s teaching.” ― St. Basil the Great Theotokos it is in Greek “God bearer” (Mother of God). This is the ancient title that refers to the Mary’s role in God’s plan to redeem the humanity. We always begin every year with her name on our lips. The New Year's Day is committed to her, who brought Jesus into the world into our lives, into your life.
There are many images of Mary because she is different to each one of us. She is like a mother, and every mother is different. She comes to you in a personalized way, creating intimate mother-child relationship. We can tell her all our secrets, worries and fears and she will do everything to protect us, to ensure that we find our way to Jesus. As we embark on the New Year’s journey, with hesitant hearts, and burden of worries let us entrust our lives, our future to her powerful intercession. Look at her image and tell her how much you need her ... Below are some of the images of Mary in our church. We see her around us as Our Lady from Guadalupe, or Fatima, as the Madonna della Libera, or the Sorrowful Mother, or the Mother of Perpetual Help and other. Which is your favorite imige? … |
Fr. LukeThe closed door is not a barrier for prayer and love! Archives
June 2021
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