This is our moment in time

A reflection by Fr. Robert “Buddy” Smith, S.F.M. (1933-1997) We have just ended our yearly celebrations that recall the birth of Jesus. Our belief that the Son of God has become part of human...

The New Year, The New Now

A reflection by Bishop George Marskell, S.F.M. (1935-1998) New Year’s Eve used to be a very special night for me when I was growing up in Hamilton, Ontario. My Dad and I would leave...

Our hope became flesh

A Christmas reflection by Fr. John Gault, S.F.M. (1917-1995) There is no doubt that the prophet Isaiah was extremely severe in condemning his own people: “The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its...

Advent Liturgy and Ikebana

A reflection for the Third Week of Advent, by Fr. Frank Hawkshaw, S.F.M. (1927-2009). The Japanese word Ikebana means “living flower.” In Japan, flowers are used to decorate and also to express a meaning....

I’ll be home for Christmas

A reflection by Fr. Dave Warren, S.F.M. on the Second Sunday of Advent. First Reading: Isaiah 11.1-10; Second Reading: Romans 15.4-9; Gospel: Matthew 3.1-12 There’s a lot of nostalgia at Christmas. This nostalgia finds...

The Advent Journey

A reflection for the First Sunday of Advent—First reading: Isaiah 2.1-5; Second reading: Romans 13.11-14; Gospel: Matthew 24.37-44. This is how Jesus came to be with us, to change our fear and self-centredness into...

A time of great change

A reflection by Fr. Dave Warren, S.F.M., for the Solemnity of Christ the King. First reading: 2 Samuel 5.1-3; Second reading: Colossians 1.12-20; Gospel: Luke 23.35-43 We are living in interesting times. The ancient...

The things that truly matter

A reflection on the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. First reading: Malachi 3.19-20; Second reading: 2 Thessalonians 3.7-12; Gospel: Luke 21.5-19. Adapted from a reflection by Fr. Gerald Curry, S.F.M., featured in Scarboro Missions...

A God of the living

A reflection by Fr. Joseph Young, S.F.M. (1934-2006). Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. First reading: 2 Maccabees 7.1-2, 9-14; Second reading: 2 Thessalonians 2.16-3.5; Gospel: Luke 20.27-38. The difficulties for the apostles, and for...

Seeing with the eyes of God

A reflection on the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. First reading: Wisdom 11.22-12.2; Second reading: 2 Thessalonians 1.11-2.2; Gospel: Luke 19.1-10 Jesus’ life was spent teaching us about God’s plan for all creation and...

Deep water, deep faith

A reflection by Fr. Basil Kirby, S.F.M. (1917-2002) There were times when Our Lord really amazed the apostles, but everything he did and said was intended to lead them and the rest of us...

Love is the higher law

A reflection by Fr. Justin MacInnis, S.F.M. (1933-2012) The conversion and the liberation offered by Jesus are founded on a tolerant love that does not discriminate. It is easier to live within laws and...