Homilies by Fr. Mark Goring, CC

We are not of this world – but we are in this world. This world cannot receive the Holy Spirit, but we can. As humans, we have an attachment to this world that we must overcome. We have a tendency for things that are bad for us. Fr. Mark reminds us that the world is not our destination – it is a ship that brings us to our destination. We need to keep that mindset during this life.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who always goes after the lost sheep. Fr. Mark reminds us that we are also called to be shepherds in this life and lead others into relationship with Him. Here at St. Mary’s, we bring people in and challenge them to the five week challenge – so that they can experience the love of God.

When we look into the wounds of Jesus, as St. Thomas did, we see the heart of God. Fr. Mark describes the unfathomable mercy of Jesus, our Lord and our God.

How do we know if Jesus rose from the dead if we did not witness it ourselves? As Fr. Mark explains at the Easter Vigil, the case for Christ’s resurrection is clear – hundreds of people witnessed it with their own eyes. Christ is truly risen!

Deciding what to do for Lent can be challenging, and sticking it can be even harder. Like a sailboat relying on the wind, we must also rely on God to strengthen our Lenten penance. Fr. Mark explains the “Daniel Fast” and how he learned to let love lead him through Lent. For more Lenten resources, visit stmarysottawa.ca/lent

Do you know your identity? Many people are lost in this world searching for the truth. We are called to share the truth with the people around us – we are all children of God and made in His image. Fr. Mark explains that at St. Mary’s, we are driven by evangelization. Join the hundreds of parishioners who have decided to pray more this Lent by visiting stmarysottawa.ca/lent.

We have a silent epidemic in our society; an epidemic of drug addiction, mental health, and poverty. As Christians, the Lord calls us again and again to serve the poor. St. Mother Teresa encouraged her followers to, “find their own Calcutta” – serve the impoverished members of their own communities. Fr. Mark explains how we can serve the poor in our neighbourhood and what St. Mary’s Parish is doing to respond to this call.

In the Guardian Angel prayer, it states that our Guardian Angels light, guard, rule, and guide. Where is our Guardian Angel meant to guide us? Maybe you’re wondering where the Lord is leading you. Often, he only reveals the next right step, illuminating the path one phase at a time. When Jesus called his Apostles, he simply told them to follow him; he didn’t tell them exactly what the next three years would look like, but gave them a simple…

Our Guardian Angels play a special role in our lives. As is outlined in the Guardian Angel prayer, they light, guard, rule, and guide. Ultimately, they reiterate God’s unique love for each of us. God provides a Guardian Angel to all of us, which speaks to the inherent dignity of each human being. As Fr. Mark explains, many Saints have had direct experiences with their Guardian Angels, and as Catholics, we are invited to do the same.