Recognizing Jesus
This Sunday’s liturgy draws our attention to the heart of our faith: recognizing and following Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29–34). In the Gospel, John the Baptist sees Jesus approaching and immediately points Him out to his disciples. John’s humility is striking; he does not cling to his own role or reputation but joyfully directs others to the One who is greater. His example challenges us to ask: do our words and actions point others toward Jesus, or toward ourselves?
The First Reading from Isaiah (Isaiah 49:3, 5–6) speaks of God’s servant, chosen from the womb, called to bring salvation not only to Israel but to all nations. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, yet it also extends to us. Through baptism, we share in His mission to be light bearers in a world that often feels overshadowed by division, fear, and indifference. Our witness may not be dramatic, but even small acts of kindness, forgiveness, and truth-telling can radiate God’s light.
In the Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:1–3), St. Paul greets the Corinthians as those “called to be saints.” Holiness is not about perfectionism or an unattainable ideal; it is about belonging to God and allowing His Spirit to transform us from within. It is lived out in daily faithfulness: in prayer, in patience with others, in courage to stand for what is right, and in love that seeks the good of all.
Therefore, like John the Baptist, we are called to recognize Jesus in our midst and to help others encounter Him. This requires attentiveness: seeing Christ in the Eucharist, in Scripture, in the poor, in the suffering, and in the ordinary moments of life. The Lamb of God has already carried our sins; our response is to live with gratitude, humility, and a readiness to share His light wherever we go.
Lord Jesus, Lamb of God, open our eyes to see You in every moment and our heart to love You above all things. Teach us to follow You with humility and joy, and to reflect Your light in our words, actions, and relationships. May our life always point others toward You, the source of true peace and salvation. Amen.
Fr. Aegidius Warsito, SCJ
St. Vincent De Paul Society
You Can Help Right Here in Our Community
Across the GTA , over 1,400 Society of St. Vincent de Paul members made 30,000 visits to our Neighbours in Need. Our St. Thomas More SSVP visits about 35 families per month. We need some help. We especially need drivers for a few hours per week between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Think about it. For more information, please see their website at: www.ssvptoronto.ca.
Parish Pilgrimage to Quebec - 2026
There will be a pilgrimage with our parish from Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 17 going to Quebec, under the spiritual leadership of our pastor, Father Aegidius Warsito, SCJ. The itinerary includes St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount-Royal, Mary—Queen of the World Cathedral, Sainte Anne-de-Beaupré and Cap de Madeline among others. For more information, please see the flyers at the entrances to the church or call the parish office.
Parish Valentine’s Dinner & Dance
Saturday, February 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Mark your calendars for our annual Parish Valentine’s Dinner and Dance which will be held on Sat., Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. in our Parish Hall.
There will be door prizes, a buffet dinner and entertainment. Tickets are $50.00 per person and are now available at the Parish Office.
Marriage Sunday
Sunday, February 8 at 2:30 p.m.
Bishop John A. Boissonneau will celebrate Mass on Sun., Feb. 8 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica for Marriage Sunday to honour married couples. Couples who are celebrating their 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 60+ anniversaries are asked to register for reserved seating at www.archtoronto.org/marriage.
Prayers for the Sick
We are praying for those who are sick in our parish: Sheila Downs, Sonali Paris, Keith Achue, Andrea E. Bernabey, Tina Lopes, Mary McKay, Robert MacLochlan, Victoria Munson, Veronica Lim-Sang, Grace Mendoza, Joan Flynn and Irene Bower. May they be supported by our prayers, pastoral ministry and the grace of God.
Mass Intentions for January 17 - 24, 2026
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
+Sabino Fernandes, requested by the family
Sunday 12:00 noon
Intentions of the Parish Community
Sunday 8:00 p.m.
+Joseph Dequette, Alexander and Serge Colas, requested by the family
Monday 7:15 a.m.
+Saliya Gunawardne and Berte Ekanayake, requested by the Bastianpillai family
Tuesday 7:15 a.m.
Intentions of Sarah Marie Francis
Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
+Souls in Purgatory especially members of FOSS
+Germain and David Chow Leong, requested by the family
+Erlinda Vistro, requested by A. and J. Angeles
+Dunstan Alexander, requested by John
+Nersebastian Cuento, requested by the family
Intentions of Adriana Kiriakou
Intentions of Diana Lobo
In thanksgiving, Anita and Nelson D’Souza
Wednesday 7:15 a.m.
+Judith and Daniel Lorza, requested by the family
Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
Intentions of Oralia Olvera
Thursday 7:15 a.m.
+Tomas Butac, requested by the family
Thursday 7:00 p.m.
+Deron Camillus, requested by the family
+Felicidad Viloria, requested by the family
In thanksgiving and intentions, Nicolas and Abraham Marzan
In thanksgiving and intentions, Ofelia and Arpad Magyari
In thanksgiving and intentions, Abby Jay and Yue
In thanksgiving and intentions, Kenneth and Jaika
In thanksgiving and intentions, Sara and Neal Espina
In thanksgiving and intentions, Merle
Intentions of Brother Henri
Friday 7:15 a.m.
+Souls in Purgatory, requested by the Bastianpillai family
Friday 7:00 p.m.
+Timothy Aseervatham, requested by R. Benedict
Saturday 9:00 a.m.
+Nirues Benildus, requested by the G. Torres family
2026 Sunday Offertory Envelopes
Your 2026 Sunday Offertory envelopes are now available in the foyer. Next week they will only be available at the Parish Office. Please indicate your full name and address for the first two months so that the proper information is on file for income tax purposes.
