For the readings and prayer's of today's mass, please go to
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"Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, 'If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.'”
This statement of Jesus is one that is both profound and provocative. And it is a statement that still continues to fascinate me since I first heard it many, many years ago.
In many ways the first half of the statement is fairly straight-forward - to "continue in my word" strongly implies that you live out His word - not just listen to what He says, or ponders what He says, but live what He says. And anyone who lives out Jesus' teachings in the various aspects of their life is truly one of His disciples. So do so.
The second half of this statement begins by stating that if one does the first part, then one will come to know the truth. But for a long time humans have asked, "What is truth?" Even Pontius Pilate asked that question of Jesus during his with Him after His arrest (John 18: 38).
The question of truth has been grappled with by philosophers, sages, and scientists over the centuries. But no matter what truth they uncover in their field of study, it still pales in comparison to the truth of what Jesus taught, who Jesus is, and what Jesus did for us. That is the ultimate truth, my friends.
Finally, the truth will make you free. Ah, freedom. How we crave it. How it is celebrated in song and word. It is even the 2nd cornerstone of Canada's "Charter of Rights and Freedoms" which is found in our national Constitution Act of 1982. But to be free does not mean being able to do what I want, where I want, however I want. Nor does it mean to be free of worry or suffering or pain or setbacks. Rather I believe that the freedom Jesus offers us is the freedom to live out our faith even if it is in contrast to what society holds to be important and necessary. It means the freedom of having Jesus' teachings and example be the core, the foundation, of what motivates one in all aspects of one's life.
The freest people I have ever met are those who truly are people of faith. For they "ooze" a sense of contentment with what they have and who they are. There is a calmness about them that is so noticeable and attractive. And how I long to become more like them.
Today, please pray with “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” Then ask yourself: How free am I?
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During the COVID-19 crisis it is only natural that our primary focus is what is happening here in the GTA, our province and our nation. But this crisis is world-wide, and the Church has been responding to it in many different ways, depending on the location and its particular circumstances. Below is a link to how the famous "Slum Priests" of Buenos Aires, Argentina, the home city of the Pope Francis, are being called to respond to the crisis and what they see as some of the unique challenges their people are facing. Let us pray for them, and all those members of the church throughout the world who are actively responding to the crisis.