To Love and Serve
In the Gospel for this Sunday, we hear that Jesus went to the mother-in-law of Peter, took her by the hand and helped her up. And the fever left her, and she began to serve them. Interestingly, if it was the fever, we would think that Jesus would have laid His hand on her head to cure her fever, yet He took her hand. Seems like the fever is just a symptom. There could probably be a fire burning within that is consuming all her joy and happiness in life. In other words, life had become like a lousy job, having to always give, give, give and being taken for granted, always having to be around the house to make sure things are provided for and yet not a word of thanks. But Jesus came to heal that. So, when Jesus took her by the hand, the fever left her.
That could also be our complaint about life. As the fire burns and consumes within, we become dissatisfied about our jobs, unhappy about our family and relationships, unsure about the present and uncertain about the future. Yes, life has become like a lousy job. But just as Jesus cured many who were suffering from diseases of one kind or another and cast out many demons, He also want to do the same for us. Jesus came to confront our suffering and pain and to cast out the demons of selfishness, greed, pride, unfaithfulness and disobedience so that we will realise that life is not like a lousy job. Jesus wants to take us by the hand so to raise us to life so that we can love and serve.
God calls us to a life of love and service. Therefore, let us first stretch out our hand and let Jesus take us by the hand to lead us to that quiet place of prayer where He will heal us and drive away those demons and turn that consuming fire within into a flame of love and service. Conversion begins by first being with God in prayer, and only then, can we be of love and service to others. God is calling us to repentance and conversion, so that He can give us a life to be lived in love and service.
Our reflection is: are we ready to do God’s will to love and serve others?
Fr. Aegidius Warsito, SCJ
Thank You!
A sincere thank you for your generous donations and Angel Tree gifts that gave many families a merry Christmas. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul tries to serve Christ through the poor with respect, love and justice. To do this, we need your help. Please consider joining the Society. More information will be coming.
40 Days for Life Campaign
Prayer vigil from February 14 to March 24
St. Charles Borromeo Church (811 Lawrence Avenue West) is holding a prayer vigil for the 40 Days for Life campaign. Anyone wishing to join can register at 40daysprayforlife@gmail.com For information, call Maria at 437-665-9816. Also, an opening event will be held at Pauline Books and Media (Daughters of St. Paul, 3022 Dufferin Street) on Thursday, February 8 at 6:00 p.m.
Healing After Abortion
Do you know someone who is carrying the grief of a past abortion? There is always hope. The pain and sorrow of abortion does not need to endure for a lifetime. A “Day of Prayer and Healing” offers the opportunity to experience the love and mercy of God and to respond to His invitation to begin the journey of healing the wound of abortion. Upcoming dates are February 10, April 20 and July 20, 2024. For more details, please contact the Sisters of Life at 416-463-2722 or at toronto@sistersoflife.org
Free Tax Clinic
The Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities is booking appointments for free tax clinics for those whose income does not exceed $40,00.00. For more information, please contact hubadmin@schcontario.ca or at 416-642-9445 ext. 7555.
Saturday 5:00 p.m. +Miguel V. Solis, requested by the Ladines family
Sunday 8:30 a.m. Intentions of Alister and Meena Yeo
Sunday 10:00 a.m. +Emilliano and Nicolata Garcia Razon, requested by the family
Sunday 11:30 a.m. Intentions of the Parish Community
Sunday 8:00 p.m. +Erlinda Vincencio, requested by the Ramos family
Monday 7:15 a.m. +Victor Stanislaus, requested by the family
Tuesday 7:15 a.m. In thanksgiving to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
+Julie Manuel, requested by the Salazar Family
Intentions of Wilma Innis
+Kenneth Lawrence, requested by the Teixeira family
+Kenneth Lawrence, requested by the Gonsalves family
Intentions of Sharon McPherson
+Mary Ann L. S. Santiago, requested by the Esmilla family
+Elizabeth Ramsbotham
+Christine Long, requested by A. & S. King
Wednesday 7:15 a.m. In thanksgiving, Hordian and Eddie Santos and family
Wednesday 7:00 p.m. +Souls in Purgatory, requested by M. Palumbo
Thursday 7:15 a.m. +James Thompson, requested by the D’Mello family
Thursday 7:00 p.m.
Intentions of Frankie Li Yan
+Margaret Dent, requested by the Bedford–James family
+Deceased members of the McKay family
+Elizabeth Ramsbotham
Intentions of our pastors and the families of the Serviam Ministry of St. Thomas More and for vocations to the priesthood and religious life
In thanksgiving, Kenrick Mohammed
+Charles Smith and Carol Telford, requested by S. and A. King
Friday 7:15 a.m. +Souls in Purgatory, Monica and Peter D’Almeida, requested by B. D’Almeida
Friday 7:00 p.m. +Ignacio Torres, requested by the family
Saturday 9:00 a.m. In thanksgiving and intentions of intercessors, K. Horton and family
Legion of Mary
Meetings every Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
The Legion of Mary is a Catholic lay movement, which aims to collaborate in the Church’s mission of evangelization. In the spiritual formation of its members the Legion places much emphasis on the doctrine of the Mystical Body of Christ, on seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and on the performance of apostolic work in union with Mary. Legionaries place themselves at the service of Mary and wish to help her in her mission as “Mother of the Church”. Please call Vijitha at 416-438-6961 for more information.
Prayers Needed for the Sick
We are praying for the sick of our parish: Thatcher Willifon, Gloria Paraan, Merglin Lewis, Victor Lim, Tina Lopes, Jason Bornstien, Kenneth Colaco, Roberto Huang, Kendrick Mohammed, Victoria Munson, Austin Rosario, Martel Gordon-Tennant, Enza Savatti, Ana Lisa Patena and Theresa Tomaschek Sr. May they be supported by our prayers and pastoral ministry and by the grace of God.
