Brothers and sisters, today the Church celebrates the Baptism of the Lord. Some of us may be wondering: Why was Jesus baptized by John in the Jordan River? What is the purpose of His baptism? And so on. For sure, Jesus received baptism from John the Baptist not because He needed to be cleansed of sin. In fact, Jesus was baptized so that He could become like us in all things but sin! And at His baptism, a great revelation was proclaimed by the voice from heaven: “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And that was enough for Jesus—to know that the Father loves Him, that He is God’s beloved. That was enough.
For those of us who are baptized, we are called Christians because we are baptized into the person of Christ. And in Christ, we too are God’s beloved, and God’s favor rests on us as well. And that should be enough. Yes, that should be enough. Yet, the sin of envy comes along and tells us that we need more, that we don’t have enough. This becomes more obvious when we are aware that we are lacking in something—whether materially, physically, or emotionally.
Jesus came among us, and He went about doing good and caring for all who had fallen into the power of the devil, restoring the image of God in us. Through His baptism, Jesus is also telling us, “You are God’s beloved; His favor rests on you.” Just as God loves Jesus, God also loves us, so there is nothing lacking in us. Yes, God loves us with an everlasting love, and that is enough for us—more than enough for us. And just as Jesus went about doing good and sharing God’s love with others, let us also do likewise.
Our reflection is: What does baptism mean for our journey as Catholics today? How do we walk and live with it?
Fr. Aegidius Warsito, SCJ
2025 Sunday Offertory Envelopes
Please pick up your Sunday offertory envelopes from the church foyer. If you do not find a set of envelopes, please contact the parish office(416-439-1545), or if you are a new envelope user.
Please print your name and address on your envelope to ensure correct information.
Pilgrim Virgin Statue
The Pilgrim Virgin Statue is a blessed replica of our Blessed Mother. It is a traveling sacramental offered by the Legion of Mary to be given to any home, wishing to create a prayerful, sanctifying space where family and friends are encouraged to pray the Rosary, and meditate its mysteries. All parishioners are welcome to request the statue.
If you are interested in having the Pilgrim Virgin Statue in your home, please sign your name in the binder provided at the back of the church and a Legion member will contact you.
Marriage Preparation Courses
St. Barnabas Parish will be offering Marriage in our area that are offering a Marriage Preparation courses beginning January 23, 2025.
The program will be called “Joy Filled Marriage” by Ascension Press.
For more information please contact: Sam Cummings, Lay Pastoral Associate, at St. Barnabas Parish.
Contact Number: 416-298-0989
Pilgrimage to Italy- Jubilee 2025
Oct 10-22, 2025, 13 days- $5090
Under the spiritual leadership of Fr. Antonio Resende Pereira S.C.J., Pastor, Our Lady of Rosary Parish in Scarborough, we are pleased to invite you to a very special pilgrimage to Italy.
For more information contact:
Tour Coordinator: Lin T Tel: 416-837-9306
Year of Jubilee Mass
Our Archbishop Cardinal Frank Leo has chosen St. Gregory the Great to serve as a pilgrimage church in the Eastern Region for the Jubilee of the Year 2025. Accordingly, Bishop Vincent Nguyen will be here to celebrate at a Jubilee Mass on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is cordially invited to join us at the Mass.
Prayers Needed for the Sick
We are praying for the sick of our parish: Jill Downs, Melina and Rolando Castillo, Keith Achue, Victoria Munson, Marion Blake, Reynaldo Camingal, Teresita Pascua, Jose Benjamin Mallari and Tina Lopes. May they be supported by our prayers and pastoral ministry and by the grace of God.
Is God Calling You?
The Son of God was first manifested to the world through the visit of the Magi. Today, God’s Son is brought into the world and is present to the world through His Church.
If you think that God is calling you, call Fr. Matt at 416-968-0997.
