Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr Reflection for January 21, 2019 via @thepassionists I read a short quote from Pope Francis not long ago that might help us reflect on our readings today, “Sing to the Lord a new song. (Psalm 95:1) What is this new song? It does not consist of words, it is not a melody, it is the song of your life, it is allowing our life to be identified with that of Jesus, it is sharing his sentiments, his thoughts, his actions. And the life of Jesus is a life for others. It is a life of service.” Now read this quote from Pope Francis alongside our Gospel today from Mark, (Mark 2:18-22), in which Jesus says, “no one pours new wine into old wine skins…. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.” So, if we are singing a new song it cannot be the same old life that sings. It has got to be a new life, a new way of looking at the world. It has got to be a new way of looking at ourselves and others. Often, we are afraid of new, afraid of change, afraid of difference yet Jesus and Pope Francis and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. tell us not to be afraid, but to pour, to sing and to dream anew. Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Happy Monday – and Happy New Wine, New Song and New Dream – Everyone! Father Paul Fagan, C.P. #Catholic #Christian #Jesus #Fear #courage #StAgnes #PopeFrancis #Song #Love #Dream #Lamb #Joy #DrMartinLutherKingJrDay #Wine #Wineskins #ThePassionists #PassionistVocations #Teopoli #Gravenhurst #Muskoka #Toronto #Mississauga #Vaughan #Brampton #RIchmondHill #Oakville #Whitby #Etobicoke #Barrie #Orillia  https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs6FVhEngMy/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1esefuizz9lwo

God's marvelous deeds! Reflection for January 18, 2019 via @thepassionists Do not forget the works of the Lord. From generation to generation God’s marvelous deeds and providence has been experienced.  From parents to their children we have seen and we have heard of the goodness of the Lord.  The glorious deeds of our God have been seen and proclaimed from generation to generation.  Today our Gospel passage from St. Mark is very telling of who Jesus is and why He is here.  The one who comes with authority over unclean spirits and demons has clearly set the tone: He is here to combat evil and sin.   At the very beginning of Mark, Jesus has set the stage, a stage that will unfold through his public ministry.  The prophet who has arisen in their mist will not only cure the paralytic,  but goes to heights of blasphemy and arrogance in doing what is only possible for God to do: FORGIVE SINS.  And in almost a playful way, like two kids on a playground, it is boldly announced in advance.  I will make this basketball shoot from half court and both eyes will be closed. All the children at the playground knew the shoot could not be made and especially by this new kid in town.  Jesus knowing their thoughts, tell the paralytic “your sins are forgiven” and to the crowd, which is easier to say your sins are forgiven or standup pick up your mat and walk.  There should have been a drum roll, or a spot light on him, but no: a clear command to get up with his mat and to go home.  Like our grandparents and parents before us, we are reminded today and always not to forget the works of the Lord. This is our generation’s turn to pass on the marvels of our God, who comes in power and authority to heal the sick and to combat the forces of Evil and release those held in the bondage of Sin.  We like the people of Capernaum are amazed at what we have seen and heard and now it is our turn to Glorify God. Amen. Father Curtis Kiddy, C.P. #Catholic #Christian #Jesus #Fear #Capernaum #evil #PopeFrancis #grandparents #Love #MotherMary #Peace #Joy #Forgiveness #Sick #StMark #ThePassionists #PassionistVocations #Teopoli #Gravenhurst #Muskoka #Toronto #Mississauga #Vaughan #Brampton https://www.instagram.com/p/BsyXPjlno8k/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1r13ras3qvyqq

#TBT to our very own Fr. Claudio Piccinini, C.P. with other Passionists Priests at the 50th Provincial Chapter last year during the week of May 6 to 10, 2018.  #Catholic #Christian #Jesus #Fear #courage #ProvincialChapter #PopeFrancis #BeAPassionist #Love #MotherMary #Peace #Joy #Poverty #StPauloftheCross #Missionary #ThePassionists #PassionistVocations #Teopoli #Gravenhurst #Muskoka #Toronto #Mississauga #Vaughan #Brampton #RIchmondHill #Oakville #Whitby #Etobicoke #Barrie #Orillia  https://www.instagram.com/p/BsdwswCHSWx/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=dlz309ztbqns

Reflection for January 9, 2019 via @thepassionists Love Over Fear Pope Francis calls us to holiness. One sign of holiness, he says, is “boldness and passion”. Pope Francis continues:  “Boldness is the impulse to leave a mark in this world. To allow us to do this, Jesus himself comes and tells us once more, serenely yet firmly: ‘Do not be afraid’”. Fear can paralyze us. It did not paralyze Mary. Our Lady is a beautiful example of “perfect love casts out fear”. Her visit to Elisabeth meant a ninety mile journey. Some, in her condition, would have second thoughts. But we are told: Mary “went in haste”. Her love, her joy, her faith inspired her. Many ordinary people, not only saints, show us what “love casts out fear” really means. One such person is a Passionist by the name of Fr. Rick. He has spent over thirty years of his priesthood in Haiti. Very often that country is unsettled either because of violence or poverty or storms. It does not deter him He ministers to the people not only as a priest but also as a doctor. Fr. Rick has established a hospital as well as an orphanage. As He wrote: “I spend the lion’s share of my time in front line work”. Some might fear what the future will bring.  But for Fr. Rick “love casts out fear”. Pope Francis once wrote: “How often we are tempted to stay close to shore. The Lord calls us to put out into the deep and let down our nets. Boldness and apostolic courage are an essential part of mission”. Cardinal Henry Newman said of himself: “God has created me to do him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another. I have my mission. I shall do good. I shall do his work”. Fr. Rick has that apostolic courage, as did Cardinal Newman. Both followed the example of Mary. Fear did not hold them back “Love casts out fear”.  Fr. Theodore Walsh, C.P. #Catholic #Christian #Jesus #Fear #courage #CardinalNewman #PopeFrancis #Haiti #Love #MotherMary #Peace #Joy #Poverty #Apostolic #Missionary #ThePassionists #PassionistVocations #Teopoli #Gravenhurst #Muskoka #Toronto #Mississauga #Vaughan #Brampton #RIchmondHill #Oakville #Whitby #Etobicoke #Barrie #Orillia  https://www.instagram.com/p/BsbFNyFHvwQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1l7dpy84cop1j

"Fear not what God will do to you. Fear instead what you will do to yourself without God." - Fr. Claudio Piccinini, C.P. . . . . . . . #Catholic #CatholicTo #Quotes #FrClaudioPiccininiCP #Passionists #BeAPassionist #Fear #God #Inspiration #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #Teopoli #Pilgrimage #Reflection #Prayer #Self #Love #Jesus #God #InstaQuote #QuoteoftheDay #qotd 

God bless you all on this Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time!

Gospel MT 14:22-33

After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."

Tune into our Friday Broadcast from 3-5pm on Radio Teopoli, AM1380 3-5pm (Eastern Time) or ONLINE

3PM: Forming Faithful Families Syndicated Radio

In today’s prevalent culture the institution of the family and faith are under attack. With absolute confidence in the grace and power of God, we at Forming Faithful Families, whose primary mission is Strengthening Families and Individuals in the Faith, have been inspired to put out into the deep (see Luke 5:4) to do our part to turn this tide. Forming Faithful Families, hosted by James Littleton, is a faithful and trustworthy weekly radio program in service to the New Evangelization saturated with scripture, and containing teaching, reflections, anecdotes and encouragement pertaining to our Catholic Faith, with a substantial focus on Marriage and Family Life Faith Formation.

Today’s Topics:  

Healing Through Darkness Part 4

Healing from Oppression and Fear

Healing in Mind

4PM: “The New Evangelization” hosted by Dr. Josephine Lombardi, Ph.D. Join us as Dr. Lombardi interviews John Kuypers, an inner peace leadership coach.  He helps people resolve troubling issues at work and at home by first coming to peace and then seeing clearly what to do.

John is the author of five books.  He has spoken to thousands and appeared on television, radio and print with his message of  inner peace. He grew up on a farm, holds a business degree and built a stellar corporate career in marketing and sales. A sales vice-president at 34, he collapsed on the living room floor in a stress-induced black-out, prompting him to question his life’s purpose.

The Inner Peace Mission is a Christian-based learning and coaching organization.  John and his wife Joanne and their blended family of four live near Toronto, Canada.

Enjoy!