Love your Enemies
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a teaching about how we ought to treat our enemies. When we think about our enemies, what often comes to mind are those who bully us, those who wrong us, and those who persecute us for no reason. For some reason, we feel that we cannot get back at them; we cannot retaliate. As a result, resentment, anger, bitterness, and hatred begin to build up within us.
But just as it was for David (in the first reading, 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-25), so it will be for us. One day, we may find ourselves standing over our sleeping enemy, and all that anger, resentment, bitterness, and hatred may make us want to grab the spear and thrust it deep into their heart. But would that truly be sweet revenge?
Jesus’ teaching—“love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you”—is a very difficult teaching to follow. Yet, this difficult teaching comes with a promise from the Lord: He will be our refuge and protector. He will save us from those who bully us, who hate us, and who curse us.
Yes, the Lord will save us, just as He saved David. Let us not grab the spear and thrust it into the heart of the sleeping enemy. Let us not become hunters and persecutors, thus losing God’s protection over us.
Therefore, let us follow the teaching of Jesus and let Him fight our battles for us, so that His blessings—of a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over—will be poured into our hearts.
Our reflection is: Do we believe we can do this? What do we need to put into practice in order to follow this teaching moving forward?
Fr. Aegidius Warsito, SCJ
Faith Formation - YAC
This event is a perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and strengthen your bond with God, all while connecting with a community of young adults passionate about their faith.
All young adults ages 19 to 35 are welcome to a special evening of spiritual renewal and fellowship. A “Heart to Heart with Jesus”—a powerful event designed to deepen your relationship with Christ and strengthen your faith.
Date: Saturday, March 1st
Time: 4:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Place: St. Thomas More Church/Hall
The Holy Rosary, Mass and Eucharistic Adoration will begin the evening of prayer and devotion.
Michael Sloan, Campus Team Leader at Toronto Metropolitan University, will give an inspiring talk on faith and will share valuable insights on how to grow closer to Jesus in our daily lives.
There will be light refreshments served to enjoy and connect after the spiritual sessions.
For more information visit our parish website.
Eucharist Adoration
Join us for Adoration on Sat, March 1st, at 6:15 p.m. conducted by the Holy Trinity Community.
This is a special opportunity for prayer and reflection in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
Come spend some quiet time with the Lord and deepen your faith.
Winner!
Congratulations to the person with raffle ticket number 419642! You have won one of the prizes for the Valentine’s Dinner & Dance! Please contact the parish office to pick-up your prize. Thank you!
Prayers Needed for the Sick
We are praying for the sick of our parish: Jill Downs, Melina and Rolando Castillo, Keith Achue, Victoria Munson, Eileen MacDonald, Doug & June Smith, Jose Benjamin Mallari, Rob Dunklin, Rachel Cleveland, Arianna Lindsay, Tina Lopes, Bill and John Bailey, Winda Viterbo, Christopher Morrison, Joseph Michael Alves, Triva Steenberg, Nida Morales, Jeffrey Mo and Lito Gana.
May they be supported by our prayers and pastoral ministry and by the grace of God
Senior’s Lunch
Our monthly seniors’ Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 26th at 11:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon in the Parish Hall. All seniors are most welcome!
Mass Intentions for February 22 – March 1, 2025
Saturday 5:00 p.m.
Intentions of Sr. Mary Peter
Sunday 8:00 a.m.
Intentions of Alistair and Lorna D’Souza
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
+Marie-Josee Roussety, requested by S. Mc.Pherson
Sunday 12:00 noon
Intentions of the Parish Community
Sunday 8:00 p.m.
+Rolando Lopez, requested by the Gacad family
Monday 7:15 a.m.
Intentions of McLead Robin
Tuesday 7:15 a.m.
Intentions of The Dessailly family
Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
+Jose Ma. Ezpeleta, requested by Cora
+Joseph Mallia, requested by the family
+Sabino Fernandes
+Pierre Claver Kayumba and Beatrice Kamaraba, requested by the Kamarba and Kimanuka families
+Jeanne Mukahigiro and Richard Ndayizeye
Intentions for increase of vocations
+Gina, Luigi and Lucia Morra, requested by the family
+Efren Ferrer, requested by Leticia
Intentions of Connie B.
Wednesday 7:15 a.m.
Intentions of Marg Durer
Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
+Adoración and Eliseo Madulid, requested by E. Alon
Thursday 7:15 a.m.
Intentions of Maria Garcia and family
Thursda 7:00 p.m.
In thanksgiving, Alexander Colas
Intentions of Rose Marie Heswell
Intentions of Hy Francis
+Joesph Emmanuel Rajahratmnam, requested by the family
+Carws B. Hernandez, requested by the family
Intentions for increase of vocations
+Erlando Sr. and Merlin Untlan De Sais, requested by Judy
+Elisea Salmorin Farinas, requested by the family
+ Victor Francis
Friday 7:15 a.m.
Intentions of Hy Francis
Friday 7:00 p.m.
Intentions of Eniola Onagoruwa
Saturday 9:00 a.m.
Intentions of Antoinette Benedict
Building Fund – March 2, 2025
There will be a second collection next week for the Building Fund.
Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support for our Campaign.
Ash Wednesday Schedule
Ash Wednesday will be observed on March 5th with the following services:
- 7:00 AM – Morning Mass
- 12:30 PM – St. Thomas More School (Para liturgy)
- 7:00 PM – Evening Mass
Please join us as we begin the season of Lent in prayer and reflection. reflection.
