Today’s gospel (Matthew 9:9-13) has Jesus responding to the interrogations of why he is hanging out with tax collectors and sinners. He then states “I desire mercy not sacrifice”. This basically means do not judge others and be kind! Why do we always look at what is lacking in others but never look inward at our own lives? Let’s all try to do better!

Wishing my American relatives and friends a happy Independence Day!

Today we honour Saint Thomas the Apostle. Chosen by Jesus and known for his doubting of the words of the other apostles (John 20:24-29), he reminds us that it is ok to question elements of our faith but we must strive to recognize Jesus when he reveals himself to us daily.

In today's gospel (Matthew 8:28-34), Jesus encounters the Gadarene demoniacs whom he exorcizes by sending the evil spirits into the swineherd. The Locals ask Jesus to leave their area. Don't judge these individuals - each time we sin or fail to live the teachings of Jesus, we too ask him to leave us as well! Let's always include him in our lives!

Today’s gospel for Canada Day (Matthew 5:1-12a) has Jesus outlining his Beatitudes in his Sermon on the Mount. These are guidelines for any nation and her people to ensure peace on earth and respect for all! Let’s strive to live these daily!

Today’s gospel (Matthew 8:18-22) has Jesus reminding us to prioritize our relationships with him. Like the unnamed disciple, we all tend to make excuses for why we couldn’t give Jesus our time right away. Let’s all strive to do better and be generous with our lives with him.

On the day after we honour the martyrdoms of Saints Peter and Paul, the church honours the numerous and nameless men, women and children who died during the persecution of the early Christian communities. The witness and blood of Christian martyrs still continues today as we seen in Nigeria last week. We need to live our faith in Jesus to the point of dying for him!

In today’s gospel (Matthew 16:13-19) on this Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul, Jesus asks a poignant question of his apostles: “…who do you say that I am?” This question is for all of us! Who is Jesus for you? Why do you follow him? Do you live like him? Do you love like him? Let us all try to improve our relationship with him every single day!

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (II Timothy 4:7)

On today’s solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, we are reminded that these two men had betrayed the Lord and that the Lord still chose them to follow him and lead his people. He chose us too despite our own sins and shortcomings. Let’s follow him and allow us to bring his message and example to others!

Today’s gospel on the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Luke 2:41-51) has Jesus responding to a question of his mother Mary: “Why were you searching for me?” (V.49). The teen Jesus reminds us what we already knew - why search when I am always with you? May we always remember that Jesus never abandons us and is always watching over us!

Today’s gospel (Luke 15:3-7) on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (Year C) has Jesus telling the “Parable of the Lost Sheep”. The Shepherd (Jesus) is the one who searches for us - no matter how we got separated or how much we have wandered off. Most importantly, he will always take us back - simply because he loves us! Let’s imitate Jesus by taking the first step to reconcile with others!

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The heart is a symbol of life and love. Jesus invites all to come to him and be embraced by his love. There are no distinctions - Jesus loves all of us - let’s follow his example (and commandment) in our lives and hearts!

Today’s psalm (Psalm 139) on the Solemnity of St John the Baptist reinforces that God has a plan for all of us and we are created in his image - so EVERY human being is inherently deserving of love and respect. Lets see all individuals as “wonderfully made” in our interactions with them!

“His name is John.” (Luke 1:63)

Today’s gospel (Luke 1:57-66, 80) on this Solemnity of the Birth of St John the Baptist retells the story of the birth of John. However every birth story (including our own) reminds us that every human person has purpose and value in our society - God uses all of us to make him known in our world! We are loved by God! Let’s love ourselves and others as well!

Today we celebrate the memorial of a young Jesuit, Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (1568-91). As a young man he availed himself to assist with the sick and dying of the plague in Rome. He caught the plague himself and died soon afterwards. He is patron of young adults and those living with HIV/AIDS. He reminds us to see the presence of God in every person and not to let fear or prejudice affect our relationships with others! #hivaids

Jesus reminds us in today’s gospel (Matthew 6:24-34) to quit worrying about the realities of our lives - God takes care of us and loves us! So don’t worry about what others say or how they feel about you - God loves you and live today (and everyday) with that in mind!

We celebrate the gifts and traditions of our First Nations, Métis and Inuit brothers and sisters and we thank them for their contributions to our society! #nationalindigenouspeoplesday

Today’s gospel (Matthew 6:7-15) has Jesus teaching his followers how to pray and ultimately teaches them his own prayer: the Our Father. Prayer is communicating with God! Be honest and humble with God - simply be yourself and keep God in your heart and mind!

Today’s gospel (Matthew 5:43-48) has Jesus inviting us to leave our comfort zone. As humans we all have people (celebrities, politicians, acquaintances, colleagues, neighbours, even family members) who we dislike or disagree with due to what they say, think or how they live their lives. But Jesus reminds us rather than be angry, vengeful or hateful - just pray for them! Be a kinder person to build a more peaceful and tolerant world!

“When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…” (John 16:13)

The gospel on today's solemnity of the Blessed Trinity (John 16:12-15) has Jesus reminding us that the Holy Spirit will guide us in the ways of God. But there are many voices in our lives competing for our attention - always listen to the voice of Jesus and allow him to direct you to be a more loving and kinder person!