Fr. Edmunds Pastoral Notes…

Unity begins with us

 We begin this weekend the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, praying for the cause of unity of all Christians and all peoples of good will from many other religions working together for the good of all humanity.

As we reflect on Christian unity, we have to address our own respective sense of unity within our own church.  We cannot really speak about unity with other Christians when we don’t appreciate and exercise our own commitment to unity among ourselves as members of our respective communities.   In turn, we can only speak about such commitment to unity in our community when we live the unity and peace that should characterize our personal relationships with our loved ones in our respective families.

In the absence of this sense of unity, some people have decided to fashion a life of aloneness and loneliness to escape the hurtful experiences in community and companionship.  In a way, we have learned to avoid relationships in order or avoid being hurt.  We avoid reaching out.  We avoid getting involved in the activities and programs because we want to be left to ourselves.   But as Christians, we have to reach out.  Spreading the Good News is possible through our personal interaction with people.  Like the original apostles who were chosen by Christ in our gospel today, we are sent to proclaim the Good News of peace, love and unity to all peoples, starting with our own families and communities.

It is ironic that the major conflicts in our world today are related to religion.  Religion, which teaches that we have to love one another, has become the cause of division and violence.  Marriage and family, which most religions consider sacred, have become the venue for unspeakable physical, psychological and sexual abuse.  Churches, which act as the guardian of sexual ethics, have become in recent years the respondent for sexual abuse crimes.

Unity, based on mere human efforts, is an illusion.  Unity has to be referred to Someone beyond ourselves.  The transforming power of Christian love is what can make our life in community bearable and even beautiful.

As we come together for the Eucharist which is the sacrament of unity, let us be reminded that Christ’s love for all of us is the source of our unity and strength as God’s people.

Healing Corner. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matt 4:19) As we are invited by Jesus to spread the Good News, so we are asked to look after those that we encounter in our daily lives. Those affected by bullying and abuse are especially in need of our help and love. Remember a time when you felt alone and helpless. Wouldn’t you have felt relieved to be given a kind word or some direction from those in your Church community? There may be someone sitting next to you right now who could use your reaching out to them.

TAX RECEIPTS for 2020 will be emailed at the end of February.  Please email Heather at secretary@stanthonyscalgary.com to update, or check, your contact information.  A current Canadian address is required for all receipts.  For assistance call the parish office at 403-252-1137.

We thank you for your continuing support for our Church through your contributions online, in-person and by mail. Please consider supporting St Anthony’s Church in the rather challenging new year.  Please be assured that our pastoral team will serve your pastoral and spiritual needs in the best and safest possible way. We continue to hope and pray for health, healing and holiness for all.

Our livestreamed Mass on Sundays at 10:30am, is available at Telus Optik TV Channel 877.

Please contact Fr. Edmund by phone (403 252-1137) or email (efvargas@shaw.ca)  or text (403 8742015) for any need or concern.