A Conversion of Heart

3 quick reflection points for today!

1. The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. Saint Paul underwent one of the most dramatic conversions of anyone in the Scriptures. He went from killing Christians, to becoming one of Christ's most influential advocates. Traditional artwork depicts his powerful moment of transformation as literally knocking him off a horse whilst he was on one of his journey's of persecution. He immediately repented and dedicated the rest of his life to preaching peace, love, and that the name of Jesus Christ was to be honoured and revered above every other name. Our own conversions may not have been so dramatic but they are still important. In fact, everyday it is good to repent and reorder our lives towards Christ, turning away from evil and turning back towards the good.

2. Constant conversion towards Christ will ultimately have the effect of uniting us with a common purpose and breaking down any barriers of division, regardless of nationality, creed, gender, etc. And this is why the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul marks the end, or the culmination of the week of prayer for Christian Unity. What a scandal it is that Christ's body here on earth is so divided. While we may not, in our lifetimes, be able to surmount the differences that keep Christian churches apart, we may at least be able to work together with each other, not focusing on our differences, to bring the love of Christ more powerfully into this world.

3. Finally, today in Canada is a national day to raise awareness for mental illness, also known popularly these days as Bell Let's Talk. I mention this because it is both an issue close to my heart but also one not entirely unrelated to my previous two points on conversion and unity. In a time when mental illness and its effects seem to be on the rise in the form of suicide, addiction, and many other tragedies, it is increasingly important to not only be aware of mental illness but be actively engaged in helping those who suffer find help. Conversion in this sense means to learn and understand what mental illness is so as to break down the stigmas that surround it. It is not a weakness or a personality defect and someone cannot simply "get over it" or "snap out of it." Unity around mental illness means that it is not about an us vs. them, healthy vs. sick, but a "we." We are all in this journey of life together and it is essential that we work together to overcome anything and everything that divides us. Division leads to loneliness, which leads to many succumbing to the disease of mental illness.

We pause today and pray: what part of our heart needs converting? With whom do we need to be more united? And how can I reach out with more compassion?

Christmas 2016

Christmas 2016

And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. Et Le Verbe s'est fait chair, il a habité parmi nous. John 1:14

This is what we celebrate at Christmas. The Word, Gods word, becoming flesh. His words are of a parent, of a Creator, of Love. At Christmas we celebrate that he spoke his word of love so powerfully that it actually took on the form of another person, the person of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us! Dieu avec nous!

Depuis septembre  j'ai été étudier français. This was not merely an academic pursuit. When you learn a language you don't learn only another form of communication but you learn how to speak with other people. In other words, you build a bridge that connects you more closely to the other.

This is why it is so significant that God spoke the word to us, he communicated himself to us, and God speaks all languages perfectly. God is the ultimate communicator. And he doesn't speak simply with mere words, but with his entire self, most especially with his heart!

We all speak a unique language , and I'm not talking English or French or German , but we all listen and communicate in a unique way. For example, friends of mine travelled to Africa to visit their daughter who became a doctor and desired to travel and aid those who have not the recourse to regular medical help. They arrived at the airport and jumped in a taxi, eager to meet their destination. It was a quiet ride and so, deciding to make small talk with the driver, they begun with a topic that all prairie folk would: so hows the weather? They were met with an icy glance and an enduring silence that lasted the remainder of their cab ride. Were they impolite? Did they use the wrong words? Nope. You see, weather, in much of Africa, does not change. It's hot, dry, and very similar from day to day. Extremely unlike Canada, there are very little fluctuations and so conversations about the weather are very dull and sterile. Hot yesterday, still hot today, that's all. It had nothing to do with a lack of linguistics, but rather a lack of understanding of a culture, of a people. In Canada, weather is livelihood, is money. Conversations about weather are conversations about the very well being of the family of the other. In other places, not so at all. One would do better speaking of kids or food or sports! 

This why, even when we can speak fluently the same language as the other, there can arise misunderstandings, hurt feelings, verbal fights, anger, unforgiveness, and all those wonderful things that can happen when families get together for Christmas haha. Because communication is so much more than the stringing together of words in order to create coherent sentences, but it is an expression of oneself, an opening up of our hearts and minds devant l'autre, making oneself vulnerable and then opening up our oreilles to recevoir les mots la coeur, the mind, and the very being of the other!

We know very well and we celebrate every year that God's greatest gift to us was himself. It is necessary though every year to remind ourselves of that and ask, are we listening? Est-ce que nous écoutons? Similarily the greatest gift we can give to each other, besides chocolate and Star Wars toys, is the gift of ourselves. This Christmas let us give to others the love of God that is inside us, and let us listen to others, not merely with our ears, but with our hearts!

Joyeux Noel! Et que Dieu vous benisse!

Homily 22nd Sunday in Ordiany Time year A

22nd ord year A

I love when I see my brother priests and they tell me I'm fat. Thanks for that helpful tip guys, haha.

Sometimes we are afraid to speak words of correction to each other, even our family. We fear that they won't like us or that we will hurt them.

Or maybe we are on the other side, maybe we love correcting people, telling them what Is wrong in their lives. This gospel may seem right up their angle!

In today's Gospel, Jesus was actually being merciful. It was the practice of the time that if anyone did anything wrong they were brought to public humiliation. It's kinda like the news media today. Can anyone explain to me how it benefits society to know that Joe smith murdered somebody?!?! Sure it's good for us to know that someone died, was murdered even, but smearing the murderers name all over the country changes nothing. This needs to be between the family, those affected and God, and that's all.

So Jesus was firstly condemning public shaming. He teaches us to quietly, and in a loving way, speak one on one to the person. He didn't say to gossip or talk behind their back, but to talk to them. Then, if they don't listen, sit down with a couple people. It's like an intervention haha. This is the year of the family. How often in our families do we sit around at the dinner table and truly talk about what's going on in our lives. This is what Jesus meant. Conversion first happens at home. And finally it says come see the pastor. Talk with each other, talk with family and friends, and finally, come see me. And I hope you can feel comfortable enough to come and speak with me. Not because I have all the wisdom and can fix everything, but for two reasons: it's good to have an outside perspective. Someone who is neutral and not involved. Second, because I'm there to represent God and the Church. And ultimately this is all about us growing together in our love relationship with god and growing closer as church.

The Gospel ends by saying that if nothing changes, let that person be to you as a sinner and tax collector. So what does that mean? Do You cast them out of your family or church? NO! How does Jesus treat sinners and tax collectors?! He loves them for who they are and doesn't try to change them. He knows that their faults will only lead them to unhappiness but he doesn't force anyone to change. He loves them, and it is love, that ultimately causes people to change.

Finally, something we don't want to face, is that often we are the one who needs to change. People tell us and we just don't listen.

Let us pray for hearts, open to God's voice of love, calling us closer to himself. And let us pray for the courage and strength to be that voice of love to others, calling them to a closer relationship with God.

Star Wars is Christian

This is a pretty cool article about Christianity and Star wars!    I’m pretty pumped. Star Wars Episode VII is in the works. I’m super excited, but I know that not everyone shares my geeky expectation. Some folks have serious theological disagreements with Star Wars. We’re going to try to rescue Star Wars today using a little Thomas Aquinas… Star Wars VII is going to be directed by JJ Abrams (new Star Treks, Super 8) and will include the original cast with the likes of Harrison Ford, Mark Hammil, Carrie Fisher, and even new faces like Andy Serkis (the actor who played Gollum in Lord of the Rings). Hopefully Andy Serkis was not cast for the part of Jar Jar Binks. Just sayin’. Christians (both Protestant and Catholic) have over the decades expressed concern that the worldview of Star Wars does not conform to the Christian worldview. I want to look at this concern, and then try to rescue Star Wars for all you Christian Star Wars fans (yes Greg Willits, I’m looking at you). The mistake that people make when getting all down on Star Wars is that they make this equation: Christians have God Star Wars has the Force But the Force does not map on the biblical doctrine of God. Therefore, Star Wars teaches a false worldview, a false theology, and must rejected as evil! Let’s take a look at this in more detail. May the Force be with you: What the heck is this Force? Let’s start with what the Force is not? The Force is not a personal God to whom one prays. The Force is not omnibenevolent or ‘all good.’ There is a ‘dark side’ to the Force. The Force is not just for good guys. Bad guys use it, and apparently use it more powerfully than the good guys. It seems that the force is really an impersonally energy source. You can seem immediately that this does not jive with a Judeo-Christian understanding of the universe…or does it? Christian Star Wars fans: Do not fear! Let’s look again at the anti-Star Wars argument: Christians have God Star Wars has the Force But the Force does not map on the biblical doctrine of God. Therefore, Star Wars teaches a false worldview and false theology, and must rejected as evil! Let’s flip this around. Let’s say that the Force stands for something other than God. Perhaps the Force is neither a spiritual entity nor a divine essence. What we need is to find in the Force an analogy to our current Christian worldview. Pause: I realize that we don’t even really need to do this. It’s a fictional movie saga that’s fun and mythical. But to appease those that want to have a philosophical justification, here goes. There is one thing in our universe that maps perfectly with the Force. I’m going to go down the Thomas Aquinas trail, so please follow me. According to Thomas Aquinas (and the Catholic tradition), humans and preternatural spiritual beings (angels and demons) have a power that stretches beyond the faculties of all other natural things and species. This special faculty shared by angels, demons, good men, and evil men is called intelligentia.This word comes from two Latin words: inter + legere inter means “between” (like interstate) and legere means to “choose, pick out, or read.” Intelligence, then, is the ability to choose between or to discern. This is a power (or might I even say force) given to us by Almighty God. Your dog, cat, fish, and cactus plant do not have it. We do have it. You guardian angels also  has it. Since we have intelligence or rationality, we can manipulate our environment, manipulate nature, manipulate objects around us, and manipulate other people. Our influence over creation through the reign of rationality can be really good, but it can also have a dark side… The Passions and the Force of the Intelligence According to Thomas Aquinas, there are eleven passions. Emotions like fear, joy, and anger. Because of original sin, these passions interfere with our rational intelligence. We eat too much ice cream, scream at other drivers, and cry over silly things. The passions twist and thwart the force of our intelligence so that we do dark things. The Dark Side of the Force We have perceived that the myth of the Force in Star Wars is not God or the Holy Spirit, but instead it is the shared experience of human and angelic rationality. This is why evil characters try to get good characters over to the dark side of this force by moving them to passionate anger, rage, covetousness, or lust. We see that the Sith Lords even overtake the entire Empire by manipulating others through this force of rationality. It happened to the Empire in Star Wars. It has happened to every human society. The only way to have the “Empire Strike Back” is to rule the passions rationally through right reason and prudential thinking. So being trained in the force is really just using the intellect to habituate virtue in ourselves and in society. The dark side of the force is like the dark side of human rationality. Rationality is a good, but it can be twisted and abused for evil – always through the corruption of the passions/emotions. Reassessing the Force as a Christian Analogy in Star Wars Someone might say, “Yeah, but Yoda can move rocks with the Force and Luke can stand on his head with the Force. What does that have to do with rational intelligence?” I answer, “Right you are. Yessss.” But there is more to it. We humans have used our minds to accomplish all sorts of impossible things like fly in airplanes, walk on the moon, split atoms, and explore the ocean floor. Battles, scientific miracles, healing – all these are accomplished through the force of right reason. The lesson is that it is intelligence rightly used that accomplishes great things. In Star Wars, we see that the Force is the power rightly used to bring a civilized society into a civilized society. Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, and Aquinas would applaud George Lucas’ depiction of “the Force” as the only power to order society – because all these philosophers realized that it was true rationality that provided humans with law, order, and civilization. Even natural law requires rationality to see it. Star Wars actually gives a pretty accurate political picture of how human intelligence can be thwarted to accomplish society evil. Evil politicians are always flexing the force of their intelligence. When men appeal to the “dark side” you have bad things happen like this: http://youtu.be/qBAZGtBfcY4 So next time somebody at donut hour after church says, “Yeah, I used to love Star Wars, but I don’t let me kids watch it. It’s so unbiblical,” brush off your philosophy skills and go to work. Remember: Force does not equal God. Force equals human rationality. And remember, next time you turn into a rage monkey and start living according to your passions, you’re becoming more and more like Darth Vader. Don’t do that! You may not have a death bed conversion where someone takes off your helmet and give you a last chance. Want to learn more about Catholic philosphy, theology, and Thomas Aquinas, join the New Saint Thomas Institute and take classes online: New Saint Thomas Institute Waiting List. Please share this post with your friends on Facebook by clicking here. Question: Okay, let’s talk about it. Do you think rationality or intelligence is the right lens through which to analyze Star Wars? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

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My Valentines Love Story

I am hopelessly, romantically, in love. With the Church. Gee, what were you thinking? And so here is my valentines story.

Once upon a time in a small humble parish there was a lady who imagined church as place where young people needed to be. But alas, there was nothing for them.
So she started a youth program with just a few friends and their kids
nothing fancy, mostly just games.

But friendships were formed and relationships built.
Quickly, some parents arose and took leadership roles.
This group of youths expanded; the meetings more regular, more structured became!

Soon, some of them were leading teachings and prayers; and the parents, planning sessions.

Memories were made and good times were had; a couple families have moved so it wont be the same. But we continue to try and to learn and to serve.

Most recently these youth hosted a Valentines supper; spaghetti and salad, and the dessert was to die for. They served and they bussed, they laughed and enjoyed. The couples there present were unusually happy; from the newly engaged, to the faithfully aged.

Thrilled as they were to be served from these kids, more thrilled were the kids to be doing such things. After the eve whittled down to a chatter, still some of the couples and families still gathered; being with each other, is all that does matter.

Our young folk were asked what they liked what they'd change; none responded with a negative. In fact, most now want to work in a restaurant; servants, for sure, is what Christ called us for.

Two stories emerged that make me so proud; of the kids and their parents, of the St. Michael's crowd.
First, one lady, as touched as she was, made mention of how much the dinner meant to her. Emotional she got as she shared with the church; its amazing, the lives that we touch.
Second, another (among many) testimonials was offered; one kid was tipped, so excited she was, she didn't even look at the bill! She could have been handed a $5 or $100, what mattered to her was that people cared. It made the mans day, that she was so earnest. They were there for service, not personal gain.
My story does end here but it also goes on. This is my love life, my church and my God.

My miracle story

A lady lost her young daughter. She coped well, relying on her faith, family and friends. However, like all mothers, she took better care of everyone else than herself. She finally broke down and lost hope that God was even there for her family anymore. She called me and asked me to come over and bring my holy oils. When I arrived we sat outside in the backyard. She said she was at wits end, that she felt like God had abandoned them. She asked me for a sign that God was still with them and that her daughter was at peace. Of course, me being the wise man I gave the best of advice. Ok not at all, I said that no sign didn't mean that God was not with them and then blabbered some nonsense. I had absolutely no answer nor an idea of what to say so I listened while she spoke; i was completely at a loss and so was she. At an appropriate time I asked if she would like to pray and got up and got my oils from my car. When I returned and sat back down I let silence prevail and took a couple deep breaths to prepare for the sacrament. We both looked up at the same time and, except for a clear blue sky, saw one, huge cloud, that was distinctly in the shape of an eagle; the head and the wings. She said its an eagle, that's my sign, and then looked at me and asked if I saw it. We just sat there, staring, for minutes, a great peace descending on us. We probably didn't need to celebrate the anointing of the sick but did anyway. A burden was lifted off her shoulder. She knew now that, not only was her daughter at peace, but was taking care of her. When a mother pours out her love for her child, it is only fitting that someday the child be able to return the love, be that on earth or in heaven.

These kinds of stories happen to me every day. I need to share them more. I get to witness God's miracles through others all the time. How blessed is that?

St. Michael School opening celebrations

St. Michael School opening celebration today. Went to St. Laurent today to Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine. Yeah it sounds exotic but really it's only 30 mins south of Prince Albert. Actually, that IS what makes it exotic! From the moment we arrived, there was a sense of peace. The kids were great. Mass was great. The choir was amazing. I hope they got my point in my homily. Peace is the theme this year. Peace is found when we humble ourselves and remove all pride. I had the privilege of escorting a couple of groups to the buffalo jump, where the early inhabitants used to run their food off a cliff. It was brutal, but it was an effective means of hunting. They wasted nothing of the buffalo, using all the bones and organs for tools, etc. It makes you appreciate Safeway and Rona

Easter Sunday Homily

This is my Easter Sunday homily notes! Blessings

All though it doesn't look like it from what we see outside, spring is a time of new life. The dead begins to grow, the farmers get read to plant to grow food for the world, gardeners have their itchy green thumb probably trying to plant in the snow. Animals and birds emerge and give rise to new life. 

Even people receive new life! I'm sure most of us were getting beyond depressed with the bleakness of winter and the sun is a welcome blessing. The brightness and length of the day giving us strength and energy.

This is what the first reading proclaims! Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit to bring new life! The new life he brings is healing and forgiveness. Oh how desperately in need of healing and forgiveness we all are. Today, through the power of Christ, we receive that! 

But it cannot stop there. If Christ heals and forgives us, so must we bring healing and forgiveness to others!

The second reading builds on this. Who would take old yeast, and try to make bread. Surely it's going to taste bad. Clean out the old yeast of malice and evil and add the new of sincerity and truth! Whatever in the past has gone bad, throw out! It is no longer good. You should have seen my fridge when I cleaned it. I think the mould had mould growing on it! It was gross. And this is what happens when we cling to unforgiveness, when we harbour grudges. It's like trying to cook with rotten food. 

But it isn't easy to get rid of the old. I get that. I bought that cheese and by Goly I'm going to cut off the mould and eat it. But it just doesn't work. 

Finally the Gospel reminds us that Jesus rose from the dead. Mary Magdelene encounters Jesus but does not recognize him! She is expecting the old Jesus and doesn't understand that he is Risen. She thinks she knows Jesus, but she doesn't. She truly sees him for who he is when He speaks her name. How many times have we thought we knew someone because of past experiences or gossip. But when we truly speak to someone and get to know them, we realize that, despite their failings, they are one of Gods children too. 

Let Easter remind us to renew our selves of love, so that we may be healed and forgiven; and renewed, may heal and forgive others.

Christ is Risen, Alleluia, Alleluia!

How's your Lent looking?

I've recently spoke with some young people who are really excited about there Lenten fast. It allows them to truly look forward to Sunday and to not take things for granted. I was really inspired by their excitement!

My own Lent has been quite fruitful as well. I gave up coffee. As an addict this was difficult. I had a migraine all of Ash Wednesday. But God has strangely given me the grace to persevere. I do drink tea now so I am getting a bit of caffeine, but all in all I feel free. I truly felt that if I didn't have coffee, my day was not right, like I was dependant on it. Fasting should make us realize that we cannot be dependant on anything or anyone besides God.

So how is your Lent going?

Remember, if you are having a difficult time giving something, make it easier on yourself. Only give it up 4 days a week, or adapt it somehow to be manageable. If you are very determined to persist but you seem to keep falling, don't despair! Even Jesus fell 3 times on his road to the Cross. Just find yourself a Simon of Cyrene to encourage you and get back up!

Happy fasting!

FT

Resignation of Papa Bene

Many of you have no doubt heard the news that, effective 12pm (Saskatime), February 28th, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI is resigning as Pope. I just wanted to take a few moments to clarify a few points for you.

First, as Catholics our first responsibility is to love the Church and the Pope. I have seen already confusion, misinformation and even anger towards the Pope and our church. Mostly, haterz gonna hate. I urge you if people challenge you or ask you about this please do not judge the person or call them names, haha. But rather respond with love, assuring them that there are good reasons the Pope has decided this.

Things to know to help your own understanding and to properly inform others.

1) No this is not typical. It has happened only 3 times before. Each time it has happened it was for the good of the Church and informed by prayer. In this case, Pope Benedict, I believe, has recognized that a modern Pope requires much more health and energy than he is capable of giving. Today's Pope (sounds like GQ mag, sorry) needs to be travelling all over the world to be with his people, where even 20 years ago this was not the case. WYD Rio this summer is a perfect example. The Pope needs to be there, and Benedict clearly could not make the trip.

Here is a short vid about the previous Pope's who resigned.

2) Pope Benedict did not resign because of scandal or anything bad or evil. He has endured, and been aquitted of a few scandals which did not cause him to resign. Why would he do so now?

3) Become informed. Please don't trust what a secular news agency; (your morning news, or however you normally hear about world and church events) read what the Pope ACTUALLY said.

4) Pray. Matthew 16:18 assures us that the church is built on Christ and that, though persecuted, nothing can prevail against it. Pope Benedict needs your prayers right now as well as he who will be named successor. But trust that the Holy Spirit is always at work, both in the church universal and the church local.

I welcome comments, questions, and feedback.

God bless!

FT

#idlenomore

There is a tremendous amount of talk and action going on now in Canada around the Idle No More movement. Idlers claim even out of country support! But like anything there is a ton of controversy, tension and anger, from both sides. My intention here is to outline the issues on both sides and offer a bit of comment. I apologize in advance but I’m a Twitter addict so I am going to use hashtags and usernames. Join the conversation!

Chief Theresa Spence @ChiefTheresa

              She has been on a hunger strike for almost a month, demanding to meet PM Harper @pmHarper. Ezra Levant @ezralevant, like many others have pointed out a few things of importance. First, her hunger strike is actually daily fish soup. Apparently, this is fairly nutritious and she doesn’t appear to be in danger of death. Second, holding the government hostage doesn’t seem to be the best of ideas. Third, she is Chief of Attawapiskat, an Ontarian First Nation reserve of about 2,000 people. You all remember the huge financial scandal last year? Millions of dollars unaccounted for? Her people living in grave poverty while she drives a Cadillac? She doesn’t seem to be the best spokeswoman for #idlenomore. Personally, I’m not sure how people can call her inspiring.

Check out http://en.video.canoe.tv/archive/the-scandals-of-chief-theresa-spence-and-attawapiskat/2070970265001

            With that said, attacking Chief Spence as if she embodies the movement is called an ad hominem logical fallacy. In other words, saying that a person is dumb and therefore their argument is dumb, is not good argumentation. Further, the #idlenomore movement actually began with Saskatchewan women, not Chief Spence. It is a grassroots movement, not an Assembly of First Nations (AFN) movement. It is tremendously unfortunate if people mistake her for the movement’s leader, as she is quite a controversial figurehead.

There are some people in particular whom I need to direct quote to add to this conversation.

 Michael Hettrick @Mickhettrick “I am not saying that these issues are unimportant or unworthy of Harper's attention. What I am saying, however, is that any leader that protests a piece of legislation designed to increase transparency of financial transactions is not worthy to lead.
My primary concern is for the average Native who suffers discrimination and poverty while their leaders join the millionaire's club.”

Waltera Van Gennip Michael, this issue is complex and does not need to be clouded by myths (e.g. the Zomboni myth). Chief Spence is not protesting financial transparency and accountability. She was already vindicated in court in that regard. Nor are there multiple chiefs on the payroll in any First Nation band. The issues at stake are environmental protection , treaty rights, and the duty to consult. All of these have a strong legal basis in Canada and are being disregarded/eroded by our government.

Michael Hettrick Waltera, with respect, if we are talking about myths (of which the Zamboni is not one, simply look at the financial statements for that), perhaps we should review the three issues you brought up, as they seem to have been greatly misconstrued by the media.

Environmental protection: primarily, the protests focus on concerns about changes to the Navigable Waters Protection Act. This act is in no way an environmental protection act. If anything, it is closer to a zoning act. It prevents any bridges, ferries, boathouses, or docks being built along "protected" waters without a federal permit. The amendments to this act places all currently "protected" waters into two categories. Category A is for all commonly used waterways, like the Saskatchewan River, and interconnected waterways, like Candle Lake. Category B is for non-connected and rarely traversed waterways, like Shannon Lake (a beautiful little lake on the side of the highway to La Ronge). Category A waterways still require a federal permit to build on, as well as any local or provincial permits required. Category B waterways no longer require federal permits, but are still subject to any local or provincial ones.

I still haven't actually been told, nor seen, what treaty rights are being abused. If it has to do with reserve land, as I've read a bit online, then it's very strange, as these changes were actually requested by a group of First Nations from British Columbia who wanted to change leasing laws to make it easier to provide on-reserve services. These changes are very simple. Instead of having a majority of the voting population (that means everyone on reserve eligible to vote, not everyone who votes), the referendums are now a simple majority of votes cast. In other words, say a reserve had 1000 eligible voters on it, and they held a referendum. Now only 600 actually voted, and 499 of the votes were "yes". Although this is a large majority, it does not hit the required 501 votes for a majority of eligible voters. C-45 changed the law to streamline aboriginal business ventures, and should have been celebrated for doing so.

Regarding the duty to consult. This, I do not disagree with, provided that the consultation is with the PEOPLE of the reserves, not the Chiefs.

And finally, sadly, Bill C-27, the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, is indeed being protested, as the website for Idle No More specifically states. This act brings First Nations financial transparency to the same levels as we enjoy on a city level. Seems more than fair to me- it shocks me that such an act was not passed 20 years ago.

I do not disagree with you, however, in that this is a complex issue worthy of a debate based on facts, and the facts are horrifying. I truly hope that Idle No More at least achieves a national conversation on changes which will benefit every Native throughout this great country.

Bill C-45

                There is much misunderstanding regarding what this is about. Some say it is a much needed update, others that it is an affront to consultation, treaty and land rights; see above.

Culture

                I recently attended a workshop on communication. Without the boring details the basic gist was you cannot assume that because you know what you are saying, the person listening understands. Also important, that all people listen and hear in varied and unique ways. As I write this it is Epiphany Sunday: The celebration of the wise men from the East pilgrimaging to adore the Christ child. This is most profoundly the revelation of Christ, not only to the Jewish people, but to the Gentiles, to All Nations!

                In other words, people worship differently, act differently, love differently, live differently, and this is not wrong. In fact, experiencing the way other cultures live and pray can enrich our understanding and love of God! This is a crucial point in the #idlenomore movement. This is a crucial point for Canada! It is not until we realize that people are different, that we will begin to respect people. We can no longer say or expect that people should assimilate to our ways before they can be taken seriously. When is the last time the European Canadian tried to learn the traditions of other cultures and way of thinking?

Environment

                Here is where I am concerned. Regardless of whether Bill C-45 is about Environmental rights, this is an issue. Pope Benedict XVI, in Caritas in Veritate, was very adamant about our care for the earth. “Nature expresses a design of love and truth. It is prior to us, and it has been given to us by God as the setting for our life” (p. 68). This is not merely an issue of recycling but of truly protecting the environment. “Questions linked to the care and preservation of the environment today need to give due consideration to the energy problem” (p. 69). In other words, building a pipeline through BC is not the answer.

Rejoice Sunday!

This past Sunday sure saw a lot of activity at St. Michael parish! What a joy to be part of such a busy place!

First, Fr. Michael Fahlman came to celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving for us! He gave a beautiful homily about our joy coming from Christ! He concluded Mass with a special blessing for all the different groups of people in the parish. He said I could receive the youth blessing because I was short enough! And what a blessing to have his parents, Dot and Hilary, there to worship with us!

Next we had a Christmas brunch. It's always so nice to come together as a faith community for food and fellowship!

After cleanup we rushed over to the curling rink for some friendly competition. We managed to form 8 teams so again, what a great turnout for such a busy time of year! I was only able to curl 3 ends, but that's probably enough since I think I only hit the broom once, haha. But when I did, man I'm good!

At 3pm back at the parish we had our second monthly Mass in the Cree tradition. Our first was in November and we had about 60 people out to pray with us. This Sunday we packed in about 140! And these people are not regular church go-ers. I could tell because there was a lot of "and also with you's" out there. There is an entire crowd of people out there whom we are not ministering too. How blessed are we to be part of this new evangelization! After Mass we gathered for soup and bannock. Thank you Jesus for multiplying because we sure were not expecting that many people!

And this was just one day!

Have a blessed Advent and please, take some time to wait.

FT

December 17 we begin the O Antiphons. Here is the one for today O Come, Thou Wisdom, from on high, and order all things far and nigh; to us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go.