The Cross, Sign of Salvation
Dear brothers and sisters, the cross is a dreadful and humiliating punishment that was used from the 6th century BC to the 4th century AD. The cross is a method of executing the death penalty that involves a very long, cruel, and painful process of persecution. Crucifixion is a punishment for notorious criminals, rebels, and slaves. Therefore, the cross should be avoided by many people. Hence, Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians mentions that the cross is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles (1 Cor 1:23). However, for those called by God, the cross of Christ has a completely different meaning.
The negative meaning of the cross has now become positive by the cross of Christ. The cross, which was once seen as a symbol of humiliation, is now viewed as a sign of victory/salvation and God’s love for humanity. Through the blood of Christ shed on the cross, human sins have been forgiven, and the door of salvation is wide open for those who believe in Him. In today’s Gospel, Jesus says to Nicodemus: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:14-15). In today’s Gospel, Jesus reveals Himself, that the purpose of His mission to this world is to bring salvation to humanity, not condemnation. And in God’s plan of salvation, the Son of Man must be lifted up (on the cross) so that those who believe in Him may obtain eternal life.
Dear beloved brothers and sisters, last week many of us bought crosses and sought blessings from the priest. May these crosses and the ones we already have in our homes not just be mere decorations. May the cross of Christ always remind us of the meaning of His sacrifice, His love, and His invitation for us to emulate His love, sacrifice, and loyalty in carrying the small crosses of our daily lives. So, the question for us is: “Have we truly deeply understood the meaning of the cross of Christ, or have we just made it a decoration in our homes?”
Bro. Henri Suharyono, SCJ
ShareLife Parish Campaign 2024
Inspired by God’s love: support ShareLife’s mission
Today, as we contemplate God’s boundless generosity, may we, too, be moved by this same spirit of generosity. May this inspire us to be kind, compassionate and move us to share our blessings with our brothers and sisters in need. Please given at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website or at www.sharelife.org/donate.
Craving Mexican Food?
Sunday, March 10 after 11:30 a.m. Mass
The Hispanic Community are selling empanadas and pozole along with cake and coffee this Sun., Mar. 10th after the 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Masses as a fundraiser for the Parish Campaign. Please come to support their sale!
Youth Group Spring Fling Market
Sunday, April 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Youth Group will hold a Spring Fling Market from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with many different items to buy from various vendors. This is a fundraiser for their activities and the Parish Campaign. Please contact Emily at emilyyeo123@gmail.com by March 24th if you have products to sell and Rosie at rsiefina@gmail.com for any youth volunteers to assist at the sale.
Aid to Women
This Lent, please consider giving to Aid to Women. For over 35 years, Aid to Women has operated as a Christian, volunteer-based charity that offers pro-life options and practical help to pregnant women, enabling them to choose life for their unborn children. We provide counseling, material items, emotional, spiritual and financial support for mothers in need. We are currently in need of people to pray, volunteer, help financially or offer material donations (infant car seats, strollers, diapers, wipes and clothes for newborn to 2 years). Donations can be made online at www.aidtowomen.ca. For more information or if you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at 416-921-6016 or at info@aidtowomen.ca.
Seniors’ Mass (Note Change of Date)
Wednesday, March 20 at 11:00 a.m.
Our monthly Seniors’ Mass will be held on Wed., Mar. 20th at 11:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon in the parish hall. All seniors are most welcome!
Prayers Needed for the Sick
We are praying for the sick of our parish: Luisito Santos, Geeta Bridgebassie, Benjamin Zdesar, Gustavo Caceres, Andrea E. Bernabey, Thatcher Willifon, Gloria Paraan, Victoria Munson, Juan Philipe Dominguez, Victor Lim and Tina Lopes. May they be supported by our prayers and pastoral ministry and by the grace of God.
Mass Intentions for March 9 – 16, 2024
Saturday 5:00 p.m.
+Ben, Santiago and Florenda Mantes, requested by G. Mantes
Sunday 8:30 a.m.
+Giovanni and Maria Montisano, requested by the family
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
+James Joven, requested by the family
Sunday 11:30 a.m.
Intentions of the Parish Community
Sunday 8:00 p.m.
Intentions of our pastors and the families of the Serviam Ministry of St. Thomas More and for vocations to the priesthood and religious life
Monday 7:15 a.m.
+Geraldine and John Taylor, requested by the family
Tuesday 7:15 a.m.
+Susan Edwards and Ingrid Buehler, requested by L. Nelson
Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
+Souls in purgatory and intentions of the Marin family, requested by N. Marin
+Anton Pereira, requested by the family
+Corsina Losin, requested by the Ordona family
+Paulina Pengco, requested by the Ordona family
Intentions of Camilo and Lourdes Ordona
Intentions of Regis, Sara and Harold
Intentions of Sashan and family
+Alexander Ramirez, requested by the family
Wednesday 7:15 a.m.
+Amante Abad, requested by the family
Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
Intentions of Fr. Aegi Warsito SCJ
Thursday 7:15 a.m.
+Isaura Lopez, requested by the Rey family
Thursday 7:00 p.m.
+Tirso Manadero, requested by G. Mantes
+Emilio and Hernani Yambot, requested by the Bedford-James family
+Philomena Lopes, requested by the Alphonso family
Intentions of Elisa Alajar
For the healing of Joffre Alajar
Intentions of Mariano Alajar
+Francisco Legaspi, requested by the Santos family
Friday 7:15 a.m.
Intentions of Anna Teresa Myers
Friday 7:00 p.m.
Intentions of the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Saturday 9:00 a.m.
+Satkunam Emmanuel, requested by the family
Spiritus East Young Adult Ministry
(ages 19 – 35)
“(Re)discovering Who We Are: God’s Answer to the Question of Identity”
Talk | Adoration | Fellowship
Who am I? It’s a question that can feel at times as confusing as it is obvious, or as elusive as it is important. So many different answers seem to be out there. But what does our Creator have to say about our identity? This may in fact be the more helpful question, even the most important question of all. In this talk, we’ll look at the beautiful answer that emerges from God’s Revelation, so beautifully unfolded for us in Pope St. John Paul II’s masterpiece of identity, the Theology of the Body. In the light of this vision, we’ll then consider the limitations of so many of the assumptions behind our approach to identity today, understanding better why so often those approaches leave us feeling incomplete and unsatisfied. Join us on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024 at St Thomas More Parish (2234 Ellesmere Rd) for our next ministry night. Invite a friend and see you there!
