Society, at any
age, can never get away from the problems posed by status and
rank. It was no different in the time of Jesus. The old
controversy about who was the greatest surfaces once again
amongst the apostles. This time James and John are requesting
favoured treatment from Jesus. It was no small honour they were
demanding while over-looking the suffering involved in Christ’s
passion and death. With an eye to the future they were aiming
at being part of Christ’s inner circle, sitting beside him at
his right and left hand in glory.
After calming the
indignation of the other apostles created by James’ and John’s
naked bid for promotion over their heads, Jesus clearly spells
out a new standard of greatness and status, stating that success
in his kingdom is not measured by worldly standards. There is no
place in his community for ambitious power hungry men who are
motivated solely by self-interest. Jesus wants his followers to
think in terms of service rather than of authority to be seen at
the service of those under their guidance. Christ lived what he
preached. His whole life, from working as a carpenter in
Nazareth, to dying on the cross at Calvary set the example of
such service. At the last supper, when he got up from the table
took a towel and basin and washed the feet of the apostles, he
highlighted in dramatic form the importance of service. In so
doing he was calling on his followers to share in spreading his
gospel by giving themselves completely to his way of life.
We serve God best
by helping one another. As adults we are all involved in the
exercise of authority in some shape or form, whether at home or
in our place of work. In leading the way we should be the first
to obey the laws that we lay down. There is to be no lording it
over those in our care because authority is not for the
controlling of people but for the proper guidance of the
community. To exercise it properly, a great help is never to
lose sight of the importance of service and availability to
those under our control – for this is a reflection of the life
of Jesus in our own particular circumstances.
When Christ warned
his disciples not to set up worldly power-structures within the
Christian community, he was very much aware of our human
failings. We are all inclined to be selfish and to live for
ourselves without showing much concern for others. The attitude
of ‘What’s in it for me?’ runs deep in all our hearts. The
standard of greatness in his kingdom is the standard of the
cross. That’s why we must never lose sight of the character of
service.
MASSES FOR THE WEEK
Mon Oct
23
9:00 a.m. - +Mark Kola
+Pren Markja - Gyste Shkreli
Tue Oct
24 St. Anthony Claret, bishop
9:00
a.m. - +Mar Dacja
+Nik Selmani - Gyste Shkreli
Wed Oct
25
9:00 a.m. - +Angelo Vancell - Vancell Family
+Robin Tharakan - Frank Tharakan
Thu Oct 26
9:00 a.m. - +Eleanor Mileaf - Rudy & Esther Chan
Fri Oct 27
9:00 a.m. - +Lul Lucja
+Pashke Zefj - Gyste Shkreli
Sat Oct
28 St.Simon and St. Jude, apostles
9:00 a.m.
4:30 p.m. - Missa pro populo
Sun Oct
29 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
8:30 a.m. - +Anthony Cremona - Pauline Cremona
+Jack Pendergast - Gallant Family
10:00 a.m. - +Marguerita Deguara
Fred + Nina Muscat
+Barbara & Francesco Aspro - Maria Gaga & Family
11:30 a.m. - +Cenzo Latini - Elisa Latini
+Fam. Kekich - Mike Kekich
Pray for the sick of the parish,
especially for Deacon Bob Geisel, Patricia Kennedy, Levi
Romero, David Re, Maria Dimatteo, Joe O’Hearn, Rita Zarb, Tasha
Bishop, Joe Muscat,
Nada Dancy, Catherina Donato, Bill Tuplin, Mary
Jane
Lafleur, Rose & Henry Castelino, Tina Fiore, Violete Matar,
Lucy Vairo, Barney Gallant, Helen Briers, Alfred Vella, Bill
Kinch, Edward Glanc, Caroline Wood, Robert Masotti, Margaret
Hickey, Teresa & Michael Manzo. Binny, Mary Pennell, Peter
Braganza, Maria Ierullo, Tony Micieli, Deolinda Pereira, Reg
Mason, Jean Lojik, Rennie Richard.
Altar Servers: We
need more Altar Servers. Boys and Girls who are in Grade three
and above, who are willing to make a commitment are welcome.
Please contact the parish office.
Road Sign- Sts. Martha & Mary Church
Donations are welcome to pay towards the Cost. Thank You.
Queen of Apostles – renewal centre
Women’s Retreat Weekend – Oct 27-29
The theme for this weekend will be “Exploring the Grace of the
Cross”. The retreat includes delivered talks, private
reflection, sharing, reconciliation, Eucharist and is given by
members of the Centre team.
Marriage Encounter Weekends – Oct 27-29 And Nov 24-26:
This weekend is designed specifically for couple enrichment,
a time away to grow in love and commitment, thereby making a
good marriage better. For reservations or further more
Information call 905-278-5229
Cursillo
is a small course in Christianity to deepen your spiritual
life to know more about our faith and to find support
through likeminded friends. It is a spiritually enriching
weekend.
Weekend for men: Nov 23-26, 2006
Weekend for women: Nov 30 – Dec 3, 2006
For more information please call Jennie McRae at
905-206-1321 or Fr. Edwin D’Souza at 905-625-5670.
________________________________________
Confirmation
Preparation:
Girls – Oct 29th
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Boys – Nov 12th 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Girls – Nov 26th 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Boys – Dec 10th 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Girls – Dec 17th 12:30 –
2:00 p.m.
First Communion
Preparation:
Session 2: Sun Oct 29
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Session 3: Sun Nov 12 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Session 4: Sun Nov 26 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Catholic Cemeteries
Annual All Souls Day Mass
Catholic Cemeteries – Archdiocese of Toronto wishes to invite all
families to participate in our annual All Souls Day Mass on
Saturday Nov 4, at 2:00 pm.
Location: Assumption Cemetery
All are welcome. For more information, contact the Central
New Beginnings – Getting
Smart with Money
New Beginnings- A Ministry for the Separated, Divorced & Widowed invites
all to join in an information evening on the topic Getting
Smart with Money, given by Oscar A. Signoretti, B. Sc. CIM,
FCSI. Tuesday, Nov 7 at 8:00 pm. New Beginnings, St.
Joseph’s Morrow Park,
3377 Bayview Ave, Willowdale
For more information, please call 416-222-1101 ext. 107/258
