True North Missionaries Journal

As early as I can remember, there was never a question as to what I would be doing the first Friday of every month. As a child and well into my teens, there was never an exception to this. No matter the excuse or sickness, I was expected to attend first Friday vigil without fail. Although there were times I resented my parents for this, I would grow to know Jesus more and understand this devotion.

However, after moving out and attending college, this devotion waned and eventually took a back seat and other priorities took place. Years passed and I would make an effort when available to attend first Friday, but never consistent enough to complete the 9 Fridays again.

Starting the first Friday of this year I was able to attend mass, on the solemnity of Mary. I made a commitment that day to complete my 9 Fridays this year and make it a priority. As of today, I’ve completed 6 thus far. In doing so, today I found myself in front of the blessed sacrament feeling at home. Through the benediction, and the familiar words of ‘O Salutaris’ I felt at peace. It brought me back to my childhood and all the Fridays I spent growing to love this devotion. That no matter the trials or oppression I experienced, that God was always there and adoration was a place I could find peace. That Christ has truly sustained me and will continue to be my source of joy and strength.

Take this mountain weight
Take these ocean tears
Hold me through the trial
Come like hope again

Even when the fight seems lost
I’ll praise You
Even when it hurts like hell
I’ll praise You
Even when it makes no sense to sing
Louder then I’ll sing Your praise

 

It’s already been a long week and the week just started. I guess I can share with you that my family will be flying to Philippines today for the funeral of my grandmother’s sister. Please pray for her soul and the safe travels of my family!

My reflection this week comes from the experience of not being able to be there with my family during this time, specifically with my grandmother.

It hurts. I’m not talking about the hurt of the passing of my grandmother’s sister because I am affirmed of God’s plans and am sure that He is in total control of everything going on.

But I am talking about the hurt of my family. That helplessness feeling especially because as a Full Time Pastoral Worker, theres ALWAYS something you can do.

But this is a reminder that through all hurt, all suffering, it is only more of a reason to trust the Lord because in these experiences of brokenness, of the doors being torn down in our hearts, comes an opportunity for God to once again be the architect, the repairman and the one who will move into our hearts which He will call His home. 

These situations is where we are humbly reminded that we should come before the Lord who is going to once again bless us, bless our families, bless those who are suffering.

Prayer counts. Have hope in the One who has given you life for the past how many years of all your life. Let the Lord be a source of joy for all and in these situations, let grace abound through communicating with the one with unlimited grace. 

#ProtectYourPrayerTime

Deo Gloria

 

“What slows us down from receiving Christ is our intense (and at times unyielding) desire to understand God’s will.  God doesn’t necessarily promise that He will reveal His will to us.  What He does promise is even better:  His promise to us is that He is constantly accomplishing it in our lives.”  -Paraphrasing Archbishop Christian Lepine at Corpus Christi Mass. 

The above message came before the Mass-goers filling the pews Mary-Queen-of-the-World Cathedral started a eucharistic procession in the Downtown Core of Montreal. At the front of the line  leading was the presence of Christ exposed through a monstrance.

All throughout the walk, I sensed profound quiet of being led in this way. It was a surreal experience to feel the solemn and warm (we had candles) eucharistic procession contrasting with the bleak and austerity of St-Catherine street.

My simple reflection was this: An act of faith such as this one is not calculated. It is silent, but powerful. It derives from truth knowing that it is the Lord that leads. 

There are so many situations in Mission that lead my heart to experience disquiet.  Nights like these remind me that so long as I follow the Lord’s steps and pacing, nothing can stop His will from being accomplished, whether in service or in my life as a Christian.  Trust in Him is a powerful Light that not only guides, but also enables us to move despite uncertainty. 

Therefore, I will now allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. – Hosea 2:14

My favorite title of Mary is easily Our Lady of Guadalupe. The simplest reasons, for one, she is the Patroness of the unborn and second, of missionaries. But for another – and looking at this picture just gives me the kiligs – she reminds me of how Christ literally… Can live within us (Galatians 2:20).

I believe the highest dignity of a woman in the mission is one who places concern on being a receiver of love. She not only prays in moments, but converses at length. She is not only protective of her heart but also trusts it, because knows it is the dwelling-place of God (CCC: 2563). It the a place where she not only brings her questions, but re-commits faithfully despite not having her questions answered. It is the place she “withdraws to” (not just her mind) especially during the toughest, busiest and even loneliest times in mission.

To not dismiss it because it really can sometimes be a burden to feel. It is her duty to not over “do”, to be able to listen to the movements of her heart. Christ lives and speaks to her there.

Our “wilderness” as women in mission – There’s always so much to do, and we see every detail of it. But in allowing ourselves to simply “be” in God’s presence can we truly receive. Here are God’s gift to me in my prayer time this week. It is a reassurance of who I am (design), and re-direction to certain life purposes (beyond the definition of a FTPW, and indelibly true regardless what I’m doing):

• My design as a woman reveals that I was meant to bear life – To ensure that everyone around me is growing in relationship with God, and with one another is the main priority
• My design as a Christian reveals that I am to yield to love – I don’t surrender to the to-do list, but to the Great Commandment (Mark 12): to love God and to love others.
• My design as missionary reveals that I am to bring light – To those who know not of God’s glory and face (2 Cor 4:6). Glory and face specifically, because there are some that know of God, that serve in community for many years, but need to re-experience a surge of love, that flows in personally knowing Christ, in their current journey. 

Quite simply… Lord, I offer my heart to you. May everything I am (not just what I do) radiate the light of your love. Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of Life, please pray for us

Yesterday evening I attended a funeral mass for my friend’s mother. She died suddenly last Thursday evening from an aneurysm at the age of 65. I’ve only met his mother on a few occasions but went to the mass out of support for my friend. The day before the mass, I was advised by another friend to wear white or pink as per the family’s request. I thought to myself that it was an odd request as usually I’ve worn black or dark clothing as per the Canadian standard.

When I arrived with my friends at the parish, it was beautiful to see a sea of white opposed to standard formal black. My friends and I decided to sit a little further back from the crowd since we assumed the majority were family members. I took a quick glance around and didn’t see anyone I recognized. However during the homily, the priest mentioned the deceased was a member of CFC. Later during a eulogy given by a Tita, it was mentioned she was a household head and loved member of the community. By the end of the mass it was apparent how involved she was in CFC and how she impacted her chapter. What struck me the most was the overwhelming support all the present CFCs gave to her family. That CFC isn’t just a faith based community, but extended family. It was another reason for myself to love the community further and continue in serving at a greater capacity.

I’ve often been reflecting on the growth of my manhood as of recently. I’ve always had this deep personal pull toward the life of St. Joseph (Ironic because there’s not much to read in the bible about him), but there is this beauty to the obedience and humility of this man.

I think that’s simply it. I’m drawn to his obedience, his humility and most especially his action in the silence that he is often associated with. Its beautiful. I feel drawn to pray for so many different things and I dream to live my life as a man to pastor, protect, and provide for all I journey with in mission, friendship, relationship and vocation.

Thank you St. Joseph. I’m even leaving this blog open to how people interpret you because there is so much beauty in your contribution to my faith.

Read about him…or I’ll just blog more about him. HAHA

Deo Gloria.