Beloved in Christ,
​
In my homily last Sunday, I exhorted and encouraged you to let the question Jesus asked his disciples echo in your mind all week: "Who do you say that I am?" (Mt 16:15). I stressed the importance of each person being able to answer that question from their own personal life experience. The extent to which we know "who" Jesus is will determine our readiness to follow him, especially as Christ and "him crucified" (1 Cor 2: 2). In careful attention to our readings for this Sunday's mass,  we will notice that our confession of who Jesus is, the Christ, the Son of the Living God, demands of us a commitment to the way of sacrifice, suffering, and the cross if we want to put our commitment into action.

Let me rephrase the question from last Sunday: who is Jesus to you? He is the Christ, the Crucified Christ. The Jesus Christ we choose to follow is Christ crucified. He was born to save us by way of the cross. Sacred suffering is what Jesus shows and invites us to embrace as his disciples. Prophet Jeremiah's life prefigures this path of suffering for the Lord's name when he cried to God concerning his difficulty on account of doing his will: "The word of the Lord has brought me derision and reproach all the day," he says (Jer. 20: 7-9). Nevertheless, in the words of the responsorial Psalm 63, the prophet's soul must continue to thirst for the Lord, his God. In our thirst and hunger for Christ, we must continuously conduct our lives in conformity with the Cross, always willing to offer our bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God" (Rom 12: 1-2).

I would like us to make a connection this week between Christ, the Cross, and our conduct as Christians. We must endeavor to know who Christ is to us. Our call to follow Christ crucified, our response of faith, and our behavior of non-conformity with the world of self-absorbed pleasures have an end, a reward. We hope for heaven. Let us never forget heavenly rest as we deny ourselves, take up our daily crosses, and follow Christ crucified (Mt. 16:25); it is in giving our lives to Christ by way of sacrifice that we find our lives, for he promises us that "whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Let us, therefore, conduct our lives according to the example of Christ crucified. In what ways are you, along with Christ, willing this week and in the weeks ahead to offer yourself as a living sacrifice and non-conforming to this world? Think and pray about that question.

As we reflect and pray, I invite you to join the ongoing rosary novena in our parish. I encourage daily praying of the rosary to be offered as a birthday present to our Blessed Mother Mary on her birthday on Friday, September 8. I suggest you ask the Virgin Mary for your personal needs, especially the grace always, to do whatever Jesus asks of you, like denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following him.

One of the ways we offer spiritual sacrifices is through human labor.  As we celebrate Labor Day this Monday, let us pray to God to sanctify our human labor. Let us ask God to provide work for people without employment and strengthen those who work with graces to unite their labor with the sacrifice of Christ. Come to Christ In Eucharistic Adoration, all you who labor and are burdened, and He will give you rest (Mt. 11: 28).

Happy Labor Day!

In His Joy,

Fr. Alayode Bernard, OP
 

 Beloved in Christ,
  
Jesus asked his disciples a simple but fundamental question when they got into the region of Caesarea Philippi, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is? They offered answers from "outsiders": John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Next, Jesus posed the same question to the insiders, his close friends, "But who do you say that I am"? Addressing the question personally to them in Caesarea Philippi speaks volumes. Against the background of the temple dedicated to Caesar, the Roman emperor whom people generally considered Lord, a divine one, Jesus was asking a subversive question at that time. Jesus was inquiring from his followers whom they considered worthy or deserving of the title of the Lord and Savior- Jesus himself or another?
 
"You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God," Peter answered on behalf of others. Jesus is the Lord! He is the anointed one expected to lead all humankind from bondage to sin to freedom of sons and daughters of God. Jesus is not just one of the prophets. He is not an idea or a wise philosopher. Jesus is the anointed one, the expected Messiah. He, and only he, deserves worship and total human adherence. 
 
Peter came to the knowledge of who Jesus is because the Holy Spirit moved him. To come to the knowledge of who Jesus is leads to a life lived totally for him. All other things must flow from a relationship with Christ. Jesus is the one to whom we must ascribe ultimate worth, not any other person or thing. To whom do I ultimately direct my heart, mind, thought, energy, interest, time, talents, and emotions? Money, social media, sports, family, politics, or pets?  If I want to be a faithful Christian, Jesus must be the center of my life. Money, social media, sports, family, politics, and other life matters must flow from Jesus and be centered around Jesus. When we recognize Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, we must necessarily develop a living relationship with this living person and we will eventually prioritize him over other things.
 
Preaching the forty hours at St. Rose of Lima, York, this past week offered me yet another opportunity to engage with that question: Who do you say I am? Hours of meditation before the Eucharistic Lord led to a personal confession similar to Petrine's confession: Jesus Christ is my Lord! With you all, my beloved in Christ, we are the church called to profess Jesus as our Lord in deeds, words and worship. As members of one body of Christ, the mystical body of Christ, we are called and sent to proclaim Christ as the Lord to the people we meet. We must, however, daily, in prayers, continue to nourish and strengthen our relationship with Jesus if we want to endure and succeed in our call to make Christ known. May I suggest you attend our parish's "Sing to the Lord" contemporary praise and worship concert on Saturday, September 2, from 6 p.m.?  I invite all to worship Christ as our Lord.
 
In His Joy,
 
Fr. Alayode Bernard, OP
 

​Beloved in Christ,

I am writing with a heart full of gratitude and joy to express my profound appreciation for the love, prayers, and thoughtful gifts you showered me on my 55th birthday on August 12. Your generosity and kindness touched my heart in ways words can hardly describe.

Your prayers and mass on my behalf warmed my soul and reminded me of the strong bonds that tie us together as a spiritual family. Your words of encouragement and support, especially at my "double nickel" birthday party in the parish social hall, mean more to me than I can express. I am truly humbled by how you rallied around me during this special time in my life.

The gifts you gave me are not just material items but a reflection of your thoughtfulness and care. Each one will hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of the love surrounding me within our church community.

As I reflect on the past 55 years of my life, I am grateful to have shared some of those years alongside all of you. Your unwavering faith, genuine friendships, and compassionate hearts have enriched my life.

Once again, thank you for your prayers, kind gestures, warm wishes, and the love you have shown me in the almost five years I have spent with you, first as parish administrator and then as pastor. May our bond grow stronger as we journey together in faith and fellowship. E seun-thank you. May St. Bernard of Clairvaux intercede on behalf of all of you.

With heartfelt appreciation and joy,

Fr. Alayode Bernard, OP
 

​Beloved in Christ,

"Lord, save me!" Peter cried out as he became frightened and began to sink as he walked on the troubled sea (Mt 14: 30). Jesus walked on troubled water, stirred by the wind. The wind was blowing against the boat the apostles were riding. The disciples of Christ were filled with fear because they could not contend with the fearsome power of the wild wind rocking their craft to the point of capsizing. The wind against the boat symbolizes the trials and tribulations dealt upon the Church, on Christians, and the need to direct our cries for help to Jesus, who is always quietly present in our midst.

God never fails to help his friends when they call upon him. In the first reading from 1 King 19, Elijah fled for his life from a raging and vengeful Jezebel to the cave of Mt Horeb to draw strength from God, who made himself present to him in "a tiny whispering sound." God is always present with his troubled and endangered children, sometimes in simple and gentle ways. In their fright due to the threatening winds, Jesus reveals himself to his disciples and reaches out to save them. He responds to their cry for help because he is true to his identity as Iesus Hominum Salvator, a Latin abbreviation we find on our sacred lines, vestments and vessels, meaning "Jesus, Savior of Humankind."

What are the winds blowing against our Church and us at the moment? There are several forms of treacherous winds blowing against our progress to heaven, enemies of the faith: from lack of belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist to the corruption of will and morals due to the secularism and materialism sweeping across the world like a raging wildfire. The tsunami of stress, worries, and anxiety threatening to capsize our spiritual boats can be arrested and tamed when we look up to Jesus, who is always present and reaching out to save us. If we turn to Jesus in faith and confess him humbly and honestly as "the Son of God," he will step into our boat and calm down the wind of life-endangering problems. Jesus, our savior, is bigger and greater than all the winds of evil that scare and trouble us. And his promise to come to our rescue is ever dependable because he is the Son of God.

Last Monday, we had a heavy storm just before our parish's Monthly Eucharistic Adoration. It was so intense and terrifying enough to blow away my umbrella as I approached my car from the rectory. But the storm failed to deter from going forth. I was more concerned at this point about those planning to attend; I was concerned for their safety if they chose to attend Adoration despite the inclement weather. We had a decent number of adorers who braved the storm to be present to Jesus, who made himself present to us in the Blessed Sacrament. We turned to Jesus in prayers for all our parishioners. All who could not attend because of the heavy storm were represented by those in attendance, and all received a benediction from Jesus, who is always present to those who call on him. Jesus always comes to save all who cry to him for help. Sometimes, He may delay, but he never disappoints those who anchor themselves unto him in faith.

Are you in the midst of any trial at the moment? Jesus is here to the rescue. Recognize him as the Son of God, a friend and lover of your soul. In faith, look up to him. Pray constantly without wavering in faith. One of the most efficient ways of coming into the presence of Jesus is a turn to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray the Rosary of Our Blessed Mother Mary assumed into heaven. She always appeals to her Son and Savior, Jesus Christ, on behalf of all her sons and daughters who seek her intercession.

Do not forget to attend the Mass of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Monday evening and Tuesday. Please plan to participate in the mass of the Assumption, not because it is a day of obligation but because you love the Blessed Mother, and our Lord Jesus would be honored when you honor his mother. She is our best intercessor before Jesus- To Jesus through Mary.

O Mary, Assumed into Heaven, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Amen.

In His Joy,
Fr. Alayode Bernard, OP
 

 Beloved in Christ,

Jesus led three apostles up on a high mountain, "And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light." (Mt 17: 1-2). The transfiguration of the Lord points to his glory just before he enters into his passion. In celebrating this feast, we acknowledge and celebrate the revelation of Christ's divine and majestic glory, an experience of the prefiguration of the splendor of heaven. Peter, James, and his brother, John, were given the grace to experience this on the mount of transfiguration as the passion of Christ approached. The feast was inserted into the general liturgical calendar in 1457 by Pope Callistus III to celebrate the defeat, announced in Rome on 6 August, of Turks at Belgrade. Notably, this feast occurs forty days before the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, 14 September (see Ordo 2023, p.199).

When I think of transfiguration, my mind wanders to the Eucharistic term, transubstantiation. I yield to this positive deviation by placing it side by side by comparing transfiguration with transubstantiation. The glossary to the Catechism of the Catholic Church defines transfiguration as "The mysterious event in which Jesus, seen speaking with Moses and Elijah on the mountain, was transformed in appearance-in the sight of Peter, James, and John- as a moment of disclosure of his divine glory" and transubstantiation as "The scholastic term used to designate the unique change of the Eucharistic bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. 'Transubstantiation indicates that through the consecration of the bread and wine there occurs the change of the entire substance of the bread into the substance of the Body of Christ, and of the entire substance of the wine into the Blood of Christ-even though the appearances or 'species' of bread and wine remains." In the former, change occurs in the appearance (Jesus himself was substantially present in his incarnation), while in the latter, change occurs in the substance of bread and wine.

The core word here is trans; the Latin prefix means moving or carrying across, over, or beyond. Think of the words- transplant, transmission, or transfer. Through grace, something vital goes across from one state to another. This divine act of moving beyond a humanly perceived reality to another is to strengthen our faith. In both cases, the effected change points to the destiny of Christians- a foretaste of heaven in this valley of tears. We receive, even now, through grace, the privilege of participation in the glory of heaven, the promise of salvation.

At our parish monthly Eucharistic Adoration on Monday and post-mass silent adoration on Thursday, we will experience the presence of the divine splendor of Christ, similar to the incredible experience of Peter, James and John in the presence of the transfigured Christ on the holy mountain. Let us meet Christ face to face to converse with Him, and let us adore His divine presence in the transubstantiated bread, the Blessed Sacrament.

The feast of St. Dominic, the founder of the Order of Preachers, is on the 8th of August. It is a special day for Dominican friars to celebrate our brotherhood. To this effect, I will host my Dominican brothers in our parish. We shall have mass together and eat lunch afterward. Please, pray for us and pray with us.

In His Joy,

Fr. Bernard, OP
 

​Beloved in Christ,

For the third Sunday in a row, we reflect on the parables of Christ. Parables are ways Jesus points us to the unknown through the known. We are to draw lessons about the mysteries of faith through stories we can relate to. We have three parables from today's Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 13. Christ reveals the mystery of the kingdom of heaven or God to us as part of the cost of discipleship. If we want to follow Christ and embrace His kingdom, we must be ready to pay the cost.

Let us dwell briefly on one of the first of the three parables in our pericope today. "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys the field" (Mt 14 44). Treasures are hidden in fields in ancient times. Anyone working in the field can accidentally find treasures. In this story of comparison, we can argue that Jesus is saying to us that the reign or dominion of God can be found or traced in our daily tasks. Whatever human venture we engage in, we can find an opportunity to accomplish God's will. From being a businessman to being a sports person, from being a parent to being a law enforcement agent, God's will and reign can and should be cultivated in whatever is our calling or vocation.

Are we willing to pay the price of discipleship? In other words, are we willing to allow God's kingdom to have a hold in our life? If so, we must be willing to sell all that we have and obtain God's dominion in our life. We must be willing to make sacrifices of certain pleasures to obtain the highest treasure, God's will. Also, we must be willing to make these sacrifices in the spirit of pure joy and trust. God loves a cheerful giver. 
 
What are we willing to give up for us to attain the joy of the kingdom? What are we willing to put into making God's will be done in our lives? Prayerfully think of the opportunities we have in our daily routine to bear witness to God's will and ask for the grace to give up anything to accomplish that will. What we may be called to "sell" to "buy the field" of God's treasure could cost a lot, but it is worth it. With joy, let us give today to acquire the reign of God in our lives.

On a different note: do you know that the month of August is traditionally dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary? What are your plans in August to deepen your love for the Mother of Christ, our Saviour? August is not only a month of the plethora of feasts (for example, the Assumption); it is the month of my feast day and birth. I always look forward to August with JOY!

In His Joy,

Fr. Bernard, OP