Sunday, 30 August 2026

Ordinary Encounters of Awe

The toilet paper was not stocked,

I stare at an empty shelf.

The way the morning sun caught my pens,

they sparkled.

Sitting in a pew in a not overly full church,

a peace settles in.

Three young saints gaze back at me,

I shift my weight and wonder.

Watering the flowers they devour the relief,

it seems refreshment comes in being remembered.

The sweetness of fresh fruit,

my taste buds are awakened.

Little feet in light-flashing shoes brighten up a space,

they catch my eyes and I smile.

A couple strolls down the street hand in hand,

love is strong.

Stopped at a red light,

forced reality check.

An unexpected country road,

winding its way through August beauty.

Bright dark brown eyes,

gazing at me with curiosity.

A leaping deer,

raises my eyes and my heart.

The giggles which come from deep inside,

the ones which can not be controlled.

The words of a prayer spoken to the heart,

finding words I can not find on my own.

Gentle cool morning air,

whispering in refreshment.

Friendship as a constant,

stability in the storms of life.

Someone paused in prayer,

an awareness of sacred silence.

A cup of instant coffee,

remembering someone dear.

Words of a song fill my ear,

carrying me with the melody.

Ordinary encounters in the day,

awe-filled moments of God.



Photo Credit: Suzanne Rushton




Wednesday, 5 August 2026

Good Father Frédéric - Be Brave

Today the Canadian Church celebrates a Franicscan, Blessed Frédéric Janssoone. While Frederic was born in Belgium, he is a recognized as a Canadian Saint because of his missionary heart which led him here. I have had the chance to pray at his tomb in Trois-Riviéres and see the Marian Pilgrimage site he helped develop. Both experiences remind me of the call to service, and the gift of creativity in how each of us preach the gospel. Blessed Frédéric was bold and brave. He was encouraged by the life of St. Francis as a model for sharing the good news. He was rooted in Christ, the foundation of his life, and the reason why he went forth on mission. We must ask ourselves how are we being bold and brave in preaching the gospel with our lives and claiming Christ as our foundation?

Like the mother in the gospel (Matthew 15), is our faith great? Are we brave enough to ask Christ to strengthen us so we can do small things and great things? As followers of the One who is the manifestation of the love of God which we hear the prophet Jeremiah remind us is an “everlasting love” with a continuing “faithfulness” are we willing to be missionaries in our community and parish?

Blessed Frédéric trusted the gospel was tangible and real. He wanted others to know this in their lives and if possible to experience it in real ways. He has sometimes been called “God’s Salesman” for his missionary work was really as a fundraiser for the Holy Sites in the Holy Land. Sites the Franciscans have been responsible for centuries. Regardless, if we walk the streets of Jerusalem or the streets of our towns, we are called to have great faith. May we be encouraged by Blessed Frédéric. May we trust the love of God accompanies us, our faith can be bold and brave and the Eucharist is the strength and food we need for our pilgrimage.


Good Father Frédéric

Man of great distances, tireless traveler in the steps of Jesus,

Man of great distances, messenger of the Gospel whom no obstacle stopped, 

Man of endless compassion for the sick and all the wounded by life,

Disciple of Francis of Assisi, lover of our mother earth and the Passion of Jesus,

Loving pilgrim of the Virgin Mary, full of the look that marked his life,

Believer of joyful hope, fascinated by heaven at the end of our routes,

Good Father Frédéric, pray for us!




Scripture:  Jeremiah 31.1-7, Matthew 15.21-28