It was once said that two of the best companions for a lifetime were books. The first, of course, was the Bible. The second was a dictionary. Wisdom was to be found in the words we read in the Bible. This wisdom opened our ears and eyes to the Word made flesh, Jesus. Clarity of words (their meaning and spelling) was available in the dictionary. With this clarity we could share and communicate what we had discovered and understood about  Jesus. The Bible, or at least some of it, becomes inscribed in our hearts and on our minds. Its truth, beauty and wisdom never change. 

The dictionary remained at our side, especially while doing crosswords or playing Scrabble! But it is always incomplete and sometimes of no benefit. New words are added to our language each day. Some reflect the role of technology in the world. Other words just seem to be “made up”. They accompany fads and passing (or just plain senseless) theories about who we are and about popular culture.        

But there is comfort and familiarity in the words of today’s Mass readings. Here is language we can sink our teeth into! In seeking God’s wisdom we understand who we are, and in whose image we have been made. We begin to understand that the things and pursuits that we value in this life point us to God’s Kingdom, as long as we guard against pride, greed and selfishness!

Memorials to be celebrated on Saturday, July 25 at 4:00 pm: John & Therese O’Keefe, Pierrette Higgins, Vincent Butler, Gert Hanlon, James Logan, James & Christina Tobias, Doreen Tobias, Barbara McCutcheon, Marlene O’Brien (A)

Sunday Offertory – July 19 – $6,662
Thank you for your generosity.

The Corona virus continues to devastate individuals and countries around the world. No one really knows when it will end or what the final toll will be on human life and world economies. But we do know that in our own province of New Brunswick and our relatively small country of Canada we have made a lot of progress in combating the virus and its effects. Government programs and delivery of essential services have made a difference. That is because these have enabled, and cared for, individuals and families who have responded to the challenge. A spirit of sacrifice and compassion and attitudes of faith and hope have made difficult choices possible.

In the gospel today Jesus gives us three parables. The story of the mustard seed reminds us that no one is unimportant or insignificant when it comes to faith and building the kingdom of God. The story of the yeast and the bread reassures us that our own individual efforts, united with others, can spread everywhere and have a powerful effect in the world. And the first parable teaches us that nothing can be changed by worrying and that, ultimately, the future is best left to God’s loving Providence.

Of course the parables teach much more than that. But for today it is good to know that every person is necessary and valued in building God’s kingdom. It is good to know that even our small efforts and prayers and sacrifices, united with those of others, can bring about change in the world. And it is wonderful to know that God is still in charge and still loves us!

Memorials to be celebrated on Saturday, July 18 at 4:00 pm: Andrew Forbes (A), Murray McGowan, William & Mabel Byrne (A), Brian Walsh (A), Arthur Butler (A), Celia & Ned McKenzie, William & Marjorie Mackin, James Howlett, Agnes McCaig, Ralph Beechy

Reminder: Msgr. Henneberry will be distributing Communion in the parking lot at the following times after Mass: Saturday, 4:45 pm; Sunday, 9:45 am & 11:45 am.

Sunday Offertory – July 5 – $5,441.77
Sunday Offertory – July 12 – $5,690.77 + $969.00 Building Fund
Thank you for your generosity.

The fresh, local strawberries appearing in stores announced summer as much as any date on the calendar. And they remind us of the many farmers who work so hard. Often they are at the mercy of weather and climate as they provide us with the food we need. Many people have also turned to vegetable gardening at home. In the absence of a small plot in the backyard, a few containers or wooden boxes filled with soil provide a fertile environment. With some sun and water and a few seeds something always appears. And the nutrients from the soil combined with energy and vitamins from the sun both sustain us and delight us.

These images can teach us something about our own lives. We are told that God first fashioned human life from the soil. He created the earth long before Jesus taught the crowds with parables. Our lives often experience what feels like too much or not enough sun. We can feel “dried up” or parched and thirsting for something. Or there can be times that seem dark that leave us cold and feeling barren or alone.

But God still sows His seed, His Word, in our lives. The water of Baptism, or the moments of grace when our lives are touched by the kindness, compassion or need of another allows His Word to take root. It seeks out our spiritual strength. His Word finds human kindness and care and reasons for hope that we often think are absent or dormant within us. Perhaps we need to pray for eyes to see this and ears to hear this. Then we can discover the goodness and holiness already growing within us and others.

Reminder: Msgr. Henneberry will be distributing Communion in the parking lot at the following times after Mass: Saturday, 4:45 pm; Sunday, 9:45 am & 11:45 am.

Due to the COVID-19, we have not been able to have our Memorial Mass on Saturdays. The best option appears to be that we list all the names, together with their scheduled dates, for the month of June. They will be remembered Saturday, July 11, during our 4 pm Mass. This Mass will be available online on Sunday, July 12 any time after 9:00 am.

June 6 – Murray McGowan, Joan Brewer, Margaret Mullin (A), Gary & Troy Moore

June 13 – Josephine Murphy (A), Brian Best, Mary & Ellsworth Wilson & DMF, Dorothy & Allison Foote

June 20 – Connie O’Leary, Wylie McGinley, Harold Haggerty

June 27 – Pierrette Higgins